The Secret Of The Cathars (2011) Read Online Free PDF Page B

badly bent. But between the hollow cheeks and beneath the nearly-bald scalp with its ridiculous single wisp of silver hair, the dark eyes still glinted ferociously.
    To his left sat Marcus Heilburg, the Grand Treasurer. Heilburg was a man whom it was easy to overlook and even easier to forget when the eyes had passed on to the president. However, with the advancing years of the man in charge, the main reins of power now rested in his hands. He was the only full-time member of the Council of Preceptories and all information passed through his small office on the floor above. He was on first-name terms with most of the rulers of Europe. His seldom-stated views were listened to with care by most of those with real power. The great wealth of the council which he was able to instantly wield gave him immense influence with Europe’s decision makers.
    Charles did not personally know the third man, seated opposite the president at the foot of the table. He was young and slight of build. From this he guessed the fellow to be the agent who had been referred to by Marcus as Armand - one of the facilitators used by the council when it was necessary for their presence to take a physical form, underlining their influence with action. He was rumoured to be the son of one of the council members, fanatically loyal and trained to be deadly when required. However his withdrawn yet pleasant personality made it possible for him to melt into the background when necessary. Nevertheless Robert was surprised that such a man had been admitted to the council chamber. It underlined the urgency of the meeting.
    “ Sit down, Charles.” The president’s voice was barely above a whisper.
    Robert sat in his usual place, three down on the side facing the window. He looked at the old man and prepared for his condemnation.
    “ We are here to discuss the Blontard situation,” said the president unnecessarily. “We are disappointed that it took nearly three weeks to become aware of what is happening.”
    Robert cleared his throat. “The decision to grant the licence was taken with some haste by the Chief Secretary. Unusually he did it alone without consulting me. I had been seconded to Brussels for a month. My assistant, who would normally have alerted me to any new developments, was accompanying me. I regret that I took a weekend’s holiday before I returned to the office. Of course I alerted you to the problem this morning as soon as the relevance of this decision became clear.”
    “ Hmm.” No further condemnation was necessary. It would be a black mark on Robert’s record, possibly barring his elevation to the highest positions on the council in the years to come. “Meanwhile the lady in question is already on location.”
    Robert bowed his head in acquiescence.
    “ This Blontard woman - is she related to the late Albert Blontard?”
    “ She is his niece.”
    “ What is her attitude to his suicide?”
    “ That is unknown. She has said nothing about it in public. However it is notable that, now she has gained some influence with her successful television series, she should decide to stray on to the same territory in which he used to be so interested.” Robert dared to expand his thoughts. “She probably has access to the information her uncle built up during his life of investigating our organisation. She will almost certainly be motivated to expose anything related to his death. All our careful repairs to our reputation over the last five years may be at risk.”
    There was a long silence while those round the table digested the import of his comments. Robert wondered whether he had gone too far in mentioning his fears in front of young Armand, who was not a council member. However a glance at the other faces reassured him that his imprudence was not seen as a problem by his superiors.
    Marcus Heilburg spoke for the first time. “It is important that we understand her motivation.”
    “ That is why young Sejour is here,” said the