Page 61 of Monster in Disguise

"Or it's a setup," I say.

"Yes. To make us turn our focus on the Irish. Honestly, at this point we can't discount any option."

"But who would benefit from this? I mean, sure, many would stand to win from an all-out war."

"If Jimenez were alive, I'd say it's his M.O. But now... I need more information for this. I'm trying to get a hold of Quinn, with no bloodshed that is. I'll let you know what that yields."

The heavy wooden door of the study crashes open, causing me to startle and lower the phone from my ear. Catalina bursts in, her usually composed demeanor replaced by pure panic.

"What..." I begin, trying to process the sudden intrusion.

"It's Sisi," she blurts out, her words coming out in a jumble. "Something happened at the convent."

My mind immediately jumps to the worst possibilities, but I force myself to calm down and ask, "What happened?"

"A murder," she says, her eyes wide with terror. "One of the nuns was killed in the chapel." She shakes her head as if trying to rid herself of the gruesome image.

My heart sinks at the news, and I can feel my hands trembling as I try to wrap my head around it. "Who would do something like that?" I mutter aloud.

"Sisi said..." Catalina cuts off, her voice cracking, "She had a C carved on her forehead..."

"When?" I demand, trying to keep my composure despite the chaos swirling inside me.

"They just found her," Catalina replies, and I immediately stand up from my desk.

"You heard that?" I bring the phone back to my ear as Vlad's voice comes through on the other end with a chuckle.

"Oh dear. Another murder in such a holy place? It seems almost poetic."

"I don't have time for your sarcasm, Vlad," I snap, ready to end the call, but he interrupts me.

"I'll meet you there." And just like that, the line goes dead. Typical Vlad.

"Don't worry. I'm going straight there," I assure Catalina, who looks like she's about to break down any moment.

"I'm coming too," she declares firmly.

"Catalina..." I hesitate, knowing how dangerous things could be.

"I'm going," she insists, meeting my gaze with determination. "Sisi is my friend. And if someone got hurt because of me..." She trails off, and I can see the anguish on her face.

I let out a resigned sigh and nod, but make it clear, "You don't leave my side at any moment. Understand?"

"Yes, yes! Thank you!" She nods vigorously, and I motion for her to follow me as we head towards the car.

Pushingthe car to its limit, I speed towards Sacre Coeur with Catalina sitting silently beside me. Worry etches deep lines into her face, and I can't help but think about Assisi and the danger she may have been in.

After what happened with Father Guerra, I had begged Mother Superior for extra protection for Assisi within the convent, but my request was swiftly denied. Even my suggestion of hiring a female bodyguard, since men were not allowed inside, fell on deaf ears.

It has only been a few days since the incident, and yet here we are again, rushing to the scene of another possible attack. Vlad's words ring in my head—he had been right, in his own twisted way. It is highly suspicious that two incidents would occur at a holy place like Sacre Coeur, and so close together. Something is not right.

I pull up to the entrance of the convent, parking the car quickly before both Catalina and I exit and make our way towards the security checkpoint. Just before we reach it, I spot Vlad lurking nearby, a sly grin on his face.

With a regal tilt of his head, he greets me, "Marcello," then turns his attention to Catalina. She regards him with curiosity, and I reluctantly introduce them.

"Catalina, this is Vlad," I say, my voice tight with restraint as he takes her hand in his own and shakes it.

"I've heard many things about you," Vlad says smoothly, a small smirk playing on his lips. My fists clench at my sides, barely containing my rage. Just the sight of his hand on hers is enough to make my vision turn red. He notices this and holds it a second longer than necessary, likely to bait me.

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