Veil - 02 - The Hammer of God Read Online Free PDF Page B

and…”
    “That hardly qualifies you as law enforcement.”
    “We’re more than qualified,” shot Thorne, her eyes burning red. “In fact, we’ve successfully tracked down several kidnapped victims, and more than our share of kidnappers. We used to work for the government, and we’ve been successful on our own for quite some time.”
    “Excellent,” said the cardinal. “Then I’m sure you’re working with the FBI, and have the Napier’s blessing.”
    “We have a long standing relationship with the FBI, and I’ve known Donavon Napier for over two decades,” shot Robert.
    Cardinal Polletto’s eyes shifted from Robert to Thorne, and back.
    “You’ll forgive my trepidation. The Church has strict rules when it comes to these matters. I hope you understand.” This is bullshit, thought Robert. That’s what I understand. “Thank you, Cardinal. We understand just fine.” Robert forced a smile, his best facade. “Is there a time available for us to come back and interview Father Tolbert? He worked directly with Samuel most of the time, so if anybody has seen anything, it would be him.”
    “I agree,” said Cardinal Polletto. “He was the first person I spoke to about it.”
    “Is there a chance we can talk to him? We don’t doubt you, Cardinal, we just want to be thorough.”
    “I’d love nothing short of that, but you see it’s impossible at this time.”
    “Impossible?” asked Robert.
    “Yes. Father Tolbert was reassigned yesterday, and has left Chicago on special assignment.”
    Robert exploded out of his chair. Thorne grabbed his arm. “You could’ve told us that at the beginning,” he growled.
    Cardinal Polletto looked taken aback. “I’m sorry, but the affairs of the Church are not always public business. I didn’t think it necessary until now.”
    Robert, his chest heaving, gathered himself as best he could. “Fine, we understand, but it’s important that we talk to him anyway. Just tell us where he is, and we’ll go to him.”
    “Rome.”
    “Excuse me?” said Thorne.
    The cardinal leaned back in his chair. “Father Tolbert is on special assignment at the Vatican. An assignment that will keep him occupied for at least the next two to three months. The nature of which will render him unavailable to you or anyone else I’m afraid.” Robert couldn’t believe what he was hearing, and apparently from the scowl on her face, neither could Thorne. The cardinal stared at them for a moment, then stood. The office door opened, and a stout, muscular priest walked inside.
    “I’m afraid I don’t have anymore time today,” added Cardinal Polletto, blunt and firm, making his way to the door. “But like I promised, if anything comes up, you’ll be the first I call.” He stopped at the door and turned to them. “I’m sorry about young Samuel’s misfortune. We’ll help in any way we can. Feel free to call again if you need anything. Father Ortega, please show them the way out.” The bulky priest, Father Ortega, looked more wrestler-like, than cleric. Robert guessed his arms must have been at least eighteen inches.
    He escorted them to the street, and without so much as a nod, walked back inside the church, slamming the door behind him. They headed for Thorne’s car.
    “What the hell is going on?” asked Robert. “They act like they’re the ones who took Samuel.”
    “No shit,” said Thorne. “But you know how the Catholic Church operates. They don’t get involved unless it’s one of their own, and getting information out of them is like squeezing blood from a penny.”
    “It’s a child for Christ’s sake!” Robert bellowed, stopping next to the Monte Carlo. “You’d think they’d do everything they could.” He leaned on the car and tried to gather his thoughts.
    “What about Father Tolbert?” asked Thorne. “He’s still numero uno on the list that we should talk to.”
    “Yeah, but unless we’re going to Italy, we’d better think up something else. We’ll