Page 114 of The Order


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“It’s time for a Spanish-speaking pope, don’t you think?”

“If only he were a Jesuit.”

Laughing, Father Agular withdrew.

Donati pulled out a chair between Gabriel and Raphael and sat down. He scarcely acknowledged Veronica’s presence. Beneath his breath he asked, “How is she doing?”

“As well as can be expected.”

“I have to say, she looks wonderful.”

“You should have seen her after Metzler killed Father Graf.”

“He covered it up quite well. Even Alessandro Ricci is in the dark.”

“How did you manage to convince him not to publish his story about the plot against the conclave?”

“By promising to give him everything he needs to write a blockbuster sequel toThe Order.”

“Tell him to keep my name out of it.”

“You deserve a little credit. After all, you saved the Catholic Church.”

“Not yet,” said Gabriel.

Donati looked up at the television. “We’ll know by tomorrow night. Monday at the latest.”

“Why not tonight?”

“This afternoon’s vote is largely symbolic. Most of the cardinals will cast ballots for friends or benefactors. If we have anew pope tonight, it means that something extraordinary has taken place inside the Sistine Chapel.” Donati looked at Raphael. “It’s uncanny. If he had gray temples . . .”

“I know, I know.”

“Can he paint?”

“Quite well, actually.”

“And Irene?”

“A writer, I’m afraid.”

Donati looked at Veronica, who was sharing a private joke with Chiara. “What do you suppose they’re talking about?”

“You, I imagine.”

Donati frowned. “You haven’t been meddling in my personal life, have you?”

“A little.” Gabriel lowered his voice. “She has something she wants to discuss with you.”

“Really? And what’s that?”

“She’d like to ask you a question before it’s too late.”

“It already is too late. Rome has spoken, my friend. The case is closed.” Donati drank from Gabriel’s wineglass and made a face. “Is there anything worse than room-temperature Frascati?”

Shortly after three o’clock, the cardinal-electors processed into the Sistine Chapel. With the cameras watching, each placed a hand on the Gospel of Matthew and pledged, among other things, that he would not take part in any attempt by outside forces to intervene in the election of the Roman pontiff. Domenico Albanese repeated the oath with exaggerated solemnity, a sainted expression on his face. The television commentators praised his performance during the period of theinterregnum. One went so far as to suggest he stood an outside chance of emerging from the conclave as the next pope.

“Heaven help us,” murmured Donati.