Page 14 of Sacred Hearts

“A bold move,” Chen replies. “And one that will face resistance.”

“From those who benefit from secrecy.” I turn back to him. “I’ll need allies, Archbishop. Not just in Rome, but throughout the global Church.”

He nods slowly. “The Asian Cardinals have long advocated for greater transparency. You will have our support.”

After Archbishop Chen departs, Father Tomás approaches with a folder. “Your Holiness, we’ve received a report from the Vatican Police about Monsignor Adessi’s recent activities.”

I open the folder, scanning the contents. One detail immediately catches my attention.

“He met with Italian government investigators twice in the week before his death?”

“Yes, Your Holiness. Apparently related to Prime Minister Valentini’s anti-corruption initiative.”

I close the folder, my decision immediate. “Contact the Prime Minister’s office. Request an urgent meeting—private, not a formal state visit.”

“The Cardinals will expect to be informed—”

“They will be, after the meeting is arranged.” I meet his concerned gaze. “Sometimes, Tomás, we must seek truth outside our walls to understand what’s happening within them.”

He nods, though uncertainty clouds his expression. “I’ll make the arrangements immediately.”

Left alone, I withdraw Adessi’s note from my desk drawer where I’ve kept it.The untouchable accounts must remain so, or everything collapses.

What had he discovered that made death preferable to revelation? And who else might be implicated if these accounts were exposed?

I think of Matteo Valentini, who survived an assassination attempt yet returned to the podium to continue his anti-corruption speech. Perhaps we are fighting the same enemies from different directions.

I place the note back in the drawer and lock it. Whatever forces drove Monsignor Adessi to his death—whether by his own hand or another’s—they will soon discover that the new Pope will not be so easily silenced.

5

Coalition Fracturing

Matteo

The morning cabinet meeting turns into exactly what I expect—a political bloodbath. My coalition partners glare at me across the polished conference table like I’ve suggested we switch to a monarchy with me as king.

“This isn’t what we agreed to, Prime Minister,” Senator Bianchi slams his palm against the table. “The financial disclosure requirements for party officials go beyond reasonable oversight.”

I lean forward. “Reasonable oversight is precisely what allowed billions in corruption to flourish under previous administrations.”

Carlos sits at my right, nodding along with practised conviction. My Deputy Prime Minister has perfected the art of appearing supportive while giving absolutely nothing away. I’ve known Carlos since university—we’ve built this party together, but I harbour no illusions about his ultimate ambitions.

“The Prime Minister’s anti-corruption package represents the mandate we were elected on,” Carlos offers smoothly. “The people expect action.”

“The people expect competent governance,” Minister Falcone counters. “Not witch hunts that paralyze the administration.”

I stand, bracing my hands on the table. “When fifty-four percent of Italians believe politicians are corrupt by default, we don’t have the luxury of half-measures. The legislation moves forward as written.”

The room erupts in overlapping arguments. I catch Carlos’s eye, noticing the subtle tightening at the corners of his mouth. He’ll voice his real thoughts later, away from the others.

“Enough,” I cut through the noise. “We’ll reconvene tomorrow. Review the provisions and come prepared with specific concerns, not generalized complaints.”

As the room clears, Gabriella Esposito remains seated, her silver-streaked hair pulled into a severe bun that matches her expression. My Justice Minister has been fighting corruption cases since before I finished secondary school.

“You’re making enemies faster than friends, Matteo,” she says once we’re alone.

I loosen my tie. “Tell me something I don’t know.”

---