Devil at the Vatican (BL)

Chapter 41

The Cursed Exorcists gathered the next day to review their findings from the day before. Ambrose spoke of his and Theotimus's investigation of the cell. 

"The hair of St. Peter that protected the bones of King Herod's hand was cut and all of its holy significance was gone. The only thing that can do that is the bone-knife of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque of the 12 Promises. The bone-knife is now missing. We are checking into who had it last, but the records are also missing."

Marcel placed a hand on his heart, remembering his own severed pact with Jonah to spare Elio. This was beyond strange. High ranking priests could check out a relic if needed, but it was always documented meticulously. 

"Does the archivist remember who it might have been that checked it out last?" Marcel asked.

"He doesn't remember," Ambrose answered as he leaned back in his chair. "I believe him."

Nazaret scribbled something down and Marcel noted that it was the name of the archivist with question marks. He treated everyone as suspects and Marcel didn't blame him for it.

"As for the relic," Marcel started, "I assume we all know of King Herod the Great and the Massacre of the Innocents. Well, the relic was the bone of a fingertip. I believe there is a message behind this attack as we all know that the Finger of God carries great significance. God inscribed the Covenant Law with his finger. And during the plague of lice in Exodus, the Egyptians recognized that the Finger of God employed the divine interference into their world, which they could not replicate with magicians."

"Or someone is trying to point us towards something," Theotimus interjected. "It could be simpler, brother."

Marcel considered this. "It doesn't feel simple. To go through such trouble as to steal not one but two relics, only to point? The Holy Father suffered visions. I believe those visions might hold the answer. Julius, tell us of what you and Cassian discovered through the staff."

"Cabrini Sisters have taken up residence here," Cassian said abruptly. He stood for his presentation, but avoided direct eye contact with Marcel, instead electing to glance at everyone else. "They have been serving the Holy Father's meals for the past year and have taken up the duties of cleaning the Apostolic Palace, as well as praying for the Pope's good health."

"They are missionaries, so it's a bit uncommon for such a long residency at the Vatican," Julius added.

"And for missionaries, they are rather quiet, so a bit strange. We called for a meeting with the Mother Superior this afternoon. They have something to discuss with us, privately."

"Did they say what it is about?"

"One of the nuns is pregnant," Theotimus said.

The room went silent. Everyone stared at Theotimus while he traced a water stain on the table. When he noticed they were watching him, he straightened up and said, "None of you noticed? She's probably six months along now."

"Naz?" Marcel asked, looking at his friend. 

Nazaret cleared his throat and placed his pen down beside his notebook. "Nothing has been shared with me about this matter."

"So clearly the baby's the AntiChrist," Cassian said, finally taking a seat. He flourished his arms dramatically when he spoke. 

"We should investigate before jumping to conclusions," Nazaret said, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. "Figure out how she came to be pregnant."

"You mean, in case it is the Pope who is the father?" Theotimus asked. 

"That's blasphemy!" 

"It wouldn't be the first time, now would it?"