The Chimera Sanction Read Online Free PDF

and the van entered into the gaping hole. The stocky man led Bruscetti out of the van, through a doorway into the house, then along a narrow corridor. The man stopped before a small room, its door ajar.
    ‘You stay here,’ he said, shoving Bruscetti into the windowless room.
    ‘For God’s sake, the Pope’s had a heart attack. We must get him to a hospital immediately. Otherwise you’ll kill him.’
    The stocky man gave a raucous, sinister laugh then closed the door.
The Vatican, 5.15 a.m.
    Colonel Romer and Guadagni had remained in Legnano’s office with the five Cardinals, trying to instill calmness to the anxious prelates.
    ‘What can we do?’ asked Cardinal Signorelli to Guadagni.
    Before he could reply, Sforza interjected. ‘We don’t even know who’s behind this and where they’ve taken them.’
    ‘With that heart attack, he could be dead by now,’ said Brentano.
    ‘Gentlemen, please. Panic is our worst enemy,’ said Guadagni. ‘We must—’
    Suddenly, one of the Swiss Guards burst into the room and took Romer privately aside. A moment later, an embarrassed-looking Romer turned to Legnano: ‘We’ve found the pilot and co-pilot of the helicopter . They were gagged and bound late last night, in the garden, near theLourdes grotto.’
    ‘Incredible,’ said Legnano, feeling the anger rise within him. ‘Tell me, colonel. How did these kidnappers get past your Swiss Guards?’
    ‘We’re looking into that, your Eminence,’ said Romer.
    ‘Did they get a description of the men?’ asked Guadagni to the Swiss Guard. ‘No, they were hooded.’
    ‘Did they see or hear anything that could help us identify them?’
    ‘Apparently, they knew exactly where to go,’ said the Swiss Guard. ‘As if they were familiar with the layout of the gardens. Oh, and they spoke French.’
    ‘Great,’ replied Guadagni.
    Legnano threw an inquisitive glance at the policeman. ‘Any news from the Italian armed forces?’
    ‘We’re waiting to hear from the Air Force and Coast Guard. Your Eminences, there is no use for you to stay here and worry,’ said Guadagni. ‘The constabulary forces are doing all they can to locate the helicopter. Meanwhile our forensics people are combing the papal apartments and grounds for any traces left by the kidnappers. Colonel Romer and I will contact you immediately once we have any developments.’
    ‘I suppose you’re right,’ replied Legnano. ‘Your Eminences, we should let the police do their work. Let’s reconvene here once they give us news.’
    ‘But surely, there is something we can do,’ said Brentano.
    ‘Yes,’ replied Legnano. ‘We can pray.’
    The other cardinals, Romer and Guadagni, left Legnano’s office and, exhausted, Legnano retired to his bedroom. Later, unable to sleep, Legnano returned to his office and tried to busy himself in his work. The specter of the Pope’s death kept creeping into his thoughts. At 9:30 a.m., his phone rang.
    ‘Yes?’
    ‘Inspector Guadagni, your Eminence.’
    ‘You have news?’
    ‘Your Eminence, we have an initial report from forensics. They’ve found traces of dobutamine mixed with arbutamine in the Pope’s water glass.’
    Legnano waited in silence.
    ‘They’re used in cardiac research. They induce heart attack symptoms.’
    Legnano slowly put the receiver down, and sat transfixed, staring blankly at the wall across the room. After a moment, he crossed himself slowly. Regaining his composure, he walked over towards the full length window and looked outside to the gardens below. It was raining slightly. The morning light was beginning to fade, invaded by an ominous, low-flying thunderstorm cloud.
     
    That evening, as Cardinal Legnano’s limousine twisted through Rome on its way to the Vatican, Dulac turned to Harris. ‘I’m curious. Why me?’
    Before he could reply, Cardinal Legnano interrupted. ‘I’m the one responsible for your presence here, Mr Dulac. Your false modesty is out of place. I need hardly remind you