Pop! Pop!
Oh, what sadists! They are opening the champagne before bumping us off! thought Vittorio, outraged and conscious that this was one of his last thoughts.
They heard footsteps behind them.
They are going to shoot us in the head, champagne flutes in hand!
Vittorio was no longer afraid. Albino was already somewhere else.
"Your kidnappers are dead. Don't be afraid", said a male voice. "Don't move. I'm going to release your arms, your ankles and your mouth. Keep still, don't run off. I'm your friend said the man unchaining them."
Once freed, Albino knelt down and thanked the Lord.
Vittorio walked awkwardly to the car, took a sports bag from the back seat and went to get changed a bit further away.
The man asked Albino to go back to their car and wait for him. Then he picked up both bodies, lifted them up and into the bathtub, opened the containers and poured the contents on the bodies. He moved away quickly. Toxic fumes rose in the dusk.
The tall man came back after a long while.
Albino Luciani thanked him warmly for saving their lives.
He asked formally:
"To whom do I have the honor", he asked, in a ceremonious tone that sounded strange in the context?
"Abbot Dubois. Yves Dubois, Your Holiness"
"I'm no longer pope, replied Luciani, smiling. But how did you manage to rescue us at the very last minute", he exclaimed?
"Oh", said Father Dubois, "today I'm only a hitman. Giving a hand to my American colleague. She's behind the wheel, in the car over there. We help each other out from time to time.
And just as suddenly as he had appeared, he cut short, leaving Luciani no time to elaborate.
"Goodbye gentlemen, happy to have met you." And without ado, he climbed into the car of the dead, followed by the other vehicle. At the wheel, Vittorio identified an elusive silhouette evoking Nancy.
Back in town, Father Dubois, by pure provocation, left the car fifty meters from a quilt and blanket factory; Calò's coverage in Rome for the Palermo boss. Dubois thought joyfully: Calò will think it's the Roman godfather who had his two soldati killed, for territorial reasons!
Both survivors left the wasteland in the hire car. Vittorio was shaking. His teeth were chattering. They stopped. Albino, who had already gotten over the shock of a papal election, was doing better. He gave Vittorio a bar of chocolate and a drink. He took over the driving and drove to Rome station. He asked Vittorio, with kindness:
"How are you feeling?"
They were sitting in the car, with the engine off. They had plenty of time before the train's departure.
"I'm going to be OK. You're a great character! What a pity you can't remain pope, you would have done a wonderful job."
"I had a choice to make and neither was good. It was about survival. I don't regret it. Do you think you could do one more thing for me?"
"Of course."
"It's upsetting that Nina, Ettore and your sister think I am dead. We couldn't tell them anything beforehand, it was too dangerous. But I think we can risk it now. When you feel better, could you go and see your mom and dad and tell them I am safe? Just those three, no one else. They mustn't let anyone know about the sham. After they saw what the killer was about the other day, they'll understand they have to keep quiet. What do you think?"
"That bothered me too. They'll be sad for a few days. Nothing to be done. They'll come to Rome for your funeral. I'll tell them then."
"God willing! It'll be the same lapse of time as between Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. It is not without irony, said the ex-pope with a smile. Nina has a naive belief in God, she won't let us down. Her heart will have to keep going. You'll be gentle, won't you?"
"Yes, Uncle, don't worry. Go with peace in mind; take care! Thanks for the adventure!"
The station was full of life, noise, smells, rumors. The crowd was buzzing to and from the different destinations. The hubbub made them feel secure after their ordeal. They felt better. Normal life was taking over again.
Vittorio and Albino shared an emotional hug on the platform. They knew they could never see each other again. Then, Albino stepped into the night train to Bari. Without looking back.
YOU ARE READING
The Octopus at the Vatican
Historical FictionItaly 1978, years of lead. Alessa, the young journalist, investigates frequent crimes at her own risk. The Vatican is laundering money for the mafia. Against all odds, Albino becomes pope. He will clean up the mess. But Cosa nostra wants him dead an...