CHAPTER 84

CHAPTER 84

AFTER A SHORT CLIMB, the invader nimbly overcame the steep barrier offered by the wall on the south side. Although it was about eleven meters high, that obstacle did not offer great difficulties to someone who had already climbed the highest mountains in Europe. In June he would leave on an expedition to climb Kilimanjaro in Africa.

Still, on top of the wall, he observed the camera, which rotated, carried out surveillance on the perimeter. Before the cycle was completed and the camera focused on that point on the wall again, he quickly descended. He was now directly opposite the famous gardens. He knew precisely where the video cameras were located.

The Swiss Guards, who once formed a veritable army under the direct command of the Pope, being responsible for the papal state; now, they represented only a military body with more decorative functions than exactly surveillance. This, the real surveillance, was carried out by private companies that had the most modern electronic security techniques.

He wore a ninja outfit, giving him lightness and flexibility. Then, subtly, he cut through the trees that made up the garden, avoiding two other cameras, which were strategically placed, observing the walk.

Crossing the Belvedere Courtyard, behind the Central Post Office, the invader approached the Governorate building.

Next to the building, he reached the side where there was a balcony with a permanent view of the Borgias courtyard. Using the same equipment with which he had climbed the outer wall, he climbed the balcony. The hall was empty. The only sounds came from the ground floor where the Swiss Guard would remain, as per tradition, on a decorative watch, but armed with the sharpest halberds.

The intruder, with extra care, quickly walked down the corridor, stopping in front of the door where an inscription in Latin indicated that there was the office of the second man in the Church's hierarchy. The door was not locked, as the intruder had known, although Joseph Messina was in the habit of working in his office until late at night. The intruder had been informed that the Cardinal would not be in his office.

He subtly opened the door and headed towards the wall where he knew the safe was, when he realized that something was wrong. The Cardinal was sitting with his back at his desk. Perplexed, the invader prepared to retreat.

The Cardinal turned towards him. The invader immediately noticed everything...

I had fallen into a trap...

A smile disconcerted him. His green eyes only had time to move away from the Cardinal, to notice the silenced pistol pointed towards his head.

A dry report caused the body to be thrown to the side. Part of the back of the neck was shattered.

Joseph Messina approached, bent down, removed what was left of the ninja cap. His eyes clouded over as he gazed into the invader's face.

— What shall I do with the body, Your Eminence? asked the man with the pistol.

— Throw it around, who cares...