Page 71 of Sacred Hearts

“It doesn’t. But your security does concern me.” Carlos stands, straightening his suit jacket. “There are rumours about your movements last weekend. Away from your security detail.”

My blood runs cold, but I keep my expression neutral. “My personal time is my own.”

“Is it?” Carlos walks to the door, then pauses. “Just be careful, Matteo. In our world, vulnerability is fatal.”

After he leaves, I sit motionless, my mind racing. I reach for my secure phone—the one only Marco and I have access to—then stop myself. If Carlos knows something about last weekend, our communications might be compromised too.

I buzz my assistant. “Cancel my afternoon. I need to visit the Vatican on urgent business.”

* * *

The papal apartments feel different today—colder, more formal. Marco sits behind his desk rather than beside me on the sofa as he usually does. Sister Lucia stands nearby, sorting through documents.

“Thank you for seeing me on such short notice, Your Holiness,” I say, the formality strange on my tongue after the intimacy we’ve shared.

“Of course, Prime Minister.” Marco’s eyes tell a different story than his words. He knows something’s wrong. “Sister Lucia, would you give us privacy?”

She nods, gathering her papers. “I’ll be in the archive if you need anything, Holy Father.”

When the door closes, Marco immediately rises. “What’s happened?”

“We’re being watched.” I keep my voice low, despite the room being swept for bugs daily. “My deputy prime minister confronted me about our meetings, about the getaway at the beach villa.”

Marco’s face pales. “Cardinal Sullivan intercepted photographs of us at the beach. I thought we’d contained it.”

“Apparently not entirely.” I pace the room. “Carlos implied there are people tracking my movements, looking for ways to discredit me—to stop the investigation.”

“The same is happening here,” Marco says. “The Cardinals are questioning my judgment, my fitness to lead.”

I stop pacing. “They’re trying to separate us.”

“Is that what you want?” Marco asks, his eyes searching mine.

“You know it isn’t.” I step closer despite myself. “But I won’t be the reason you lose everything.”

“And I won’t be the scandal that brings down your government.” Marco moves to his desk, writing something on a small card. “Captain Lombardi has identified secure locations within the Vatican where we can meet. Places without windows, with limited access.”

He hands me the card. “Memorize this and destroy it.”

I read the information—a series of codes and times—then tuck it into my pocket. “We continue, then.”

“We continue the investigation, the reforms.” Marco’s eyes meet mine. “And we continue us, however we can.”

The knock at the door startles us both. We step apart as Sister Lucia enters.

“Forgive the interruption, Holy Father, but Cardinal Antonelli insists on seeing you immediately.”

Marco nods. “Show him in.” To me, he adds, “Thank you for your visit, Prime Minister. I’ll consider your proposals carefully.”

I bow slightly. “Thank you for your time, Your Holiness.”

As I leave, passing Cardinal Antonelli in the doorway, I feel his suspicious gaze following me. The card in my pocket feels like it’s burning through the fabric.

* **

Back at my office, I find Sophia waiting. She rises when I enter, her expression concerned.

“You look terrible,” she says by way of greeting.

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