The Order Read Online Free PDF Page A

prosthetic eye. “The rise of a man like Saviano was inevitable. Our people
     have lost faith with fanciful notions like liberal democracy, the European Union, and the Western alliance. And why not? Between
     globalization and automation, most young Italians can’t start a proper career. If they want a well-paying job, they have to
     go to Britain. And if they stay here . . .” The general glanced at the young man behind the bar. “They serve coffee to tourists.”
     He lowered his voice. “Or Israeli intelligence officers.”
    â€œSaviano isn’t going to change any of that.”
    â€œProbably not. But in the meantime, he projects strength and confidence.”
    â€œHow about competence?”
    â€œAs long as he keeps the immigrants out, his supporters don’t care if he can’t put two words together.”
    â€œWhat if there’s a crisis? A real crisis. Not one that’s invented by a right-wing website.”
    â€œLike what?”
    â€œIt could be another financial crisis that wipes out the banking system.” Gabriel paused. “Or something much worse.”
    â€œWhat could be worse than my life’s savings going up in smoke?”
    â€œHow about a global pandemic? A novel strain of influenza for which we humans have no natural defense.”
    â€œA plague?”
    â€œDon’t laugh, Cesare. It’s only a matter of time.”
    â€œAnd where will this plague of yours come from?”
    â€œIt will make the jump from animals to humans in a place where sanitary conditions leave something to be desired. A Chinese
     wet market, for example. It will start slowly, a cluster of local cases. But because we are so interconnected, it will spread
     around the globe like wildfire. Chinese tourists will bring it to Western Europe in the early stages of the outbreak, even
     before the virus has been identified. Within a few weeks, half of Italy’s population will be infected, perhaps more. What
     happens then, Cesare?”
    â€œYou tell me.”
    â€œThe entire country will have to be quarantined to prevent further spread. Hospitals will be so overwhelmed they’ll be forced
     to turn away everyone but the youngest and the healthiest. Hundreds will die every day, perhaps thousands. The military will
     have to resort to mass cremation to prevent further spread. It will be—”
    â€œA holocaust.”
    Gabriel nodded slowly. “And how do you suppose an incompetent subliterate like Saviano will react under those conditions? Will he listen to medical experts, or will he think he knows better? Will he tell his people the truth, or will he promise that a vaccine and lifesaving treatments are just around the corner?”
    â€œHe’ll blame the Chinese and the immigrants and emerge stronger than ever.” Ferrari looked at Gabriel seriously. “Is there
     something you know that you’re not telling me?”
    â€œAnyone with half a brain knows we’re long overdue for something on the scale of the Great Influenza of 1918. I’ve told my
     prime minister that of all the threats facing Israel, a pandemic is by far the worst.”
    â€œI’m thankful that my only responsibility is to find stolen paintings.” The general watched as the television camera panned
     across a sea of red vestments. “There sits the next pontiff.”
    â€œThey say it’s going to be Cardinal Navarro.”
    â€œThat’s the rumor.”
    â€œDo you have any insight?”
    General Ferrari answered as though addressing a roomful of reporters. “The carabinieri make no effort to monitor the papal
     succession process. Nor do the other agencies of Italian security and intelligence.”
    â€œSpare me.”
    The general laughed quietly. “And what about you?”
    â€œThe identity of the next pope is of no concern to the State of Israel.”
    â€œIt is now.”
    â€œWhat are you talking