Page 15 of Sacred Hearts

“You need to understand something.” She closes her portfolio with deliberate care. “This legislation isn’t just about cleaning house. It’s about dismantling power structures that have operated unchecked for generations.”

“That’s exactly the point.”

“No.” Gabriella fixes me with the stare that has broken hardened criminals in court. “The point is that these aren’t abstract entities you’re challenging. They’re people with names and addresses who believe they’re entitled to their power. People who attempted to have you killed last week.”

The memory of glass shattering above my head flashes through my mind. “All the more reason to press forward.”

“I agree. But don’t mistake Carlos’s public support for private loyalty.”

I sigh. “I’ve known Carlos for ten years.”

“And I’ve prosecuted men who betrayed friendships of fifty.” Gabriella stands. “Just watch your back. Some will oppose you openly. Others will smile while they sharpen their knives.”

After she leaves, I find myself staring at the ceiling, my thoughts drifting unexpectedly to the Vatican Library and the young Pope’s earnest eyes. Something about Marco Ricci’s quiet intensity has lingered with me in a way I can’t quite explain.

A knock interrupts my thoughts.

“Enter.”

Carlos walks in, closing the door with deliberate care.

“That went well,” he says, voice dripping with sarcasm.

I laugh despite myself. “Could’ve been worse.”

“It will be.” Carlos drops into a chair. “The Agriculture Minister is threatening to resign. Transportation and Energy are coordinating their opposition. And I’ve got three party officials demanding emergency meetings.”

“Let them demand, nothing changes.”

Carlos studies me. “You know I support the broad strokes of what we’re doing. But the implementation timeline is political suicide. We need to phase these requirements in gradually.”

“We’ve been phasing in anti-corruption measures for decades. That approach gave the corrupt time to adapt.”

“It also gave governments time to survive.” Carlos leans forward. “You’re asking lifelong politicians to suddenly expose financial connections they’ve spent careers obscuring. They’ll burn the government down before allowing that.”

“Let them try.”

“This isn’t just about courage, Matteo. It’s about strategy.” Carlos’s tone softens. “Your approval ratings jumped twelve points after the assassination attempt. Use that political capital wisely.”

I turn to the window, gazing across Rome’s skyline toward theVatican’s dome in the distance.

“I met with the new Pope,” I say, changing subjects.

Carlos raises an eyebrow. “And?”

“He’s… not what I expected.”

“How so?”

I hesitate, unsure how to describe the unexpected connection I felt. “He seems genuine. Interested in actual reform.”

“A reformist Pope?” Carlos laughs. “Give him time. The Vatican machinery will grind him down like all the others. The bureaucracy wins, always.”

“Maybe.” I remember Marco’s words about love being divine will, not human interpretation. “Maybe not.”

“Speaking of the Vatican,” Carlos shifts forward, “there are rumours about investigations into the Vatican Bank. Please tell me you’re not picking that fight simultaneously.”

Before I can answer, my chief of staff Riccardo bursts through the door without knocking, his usually immaculate appearance dishevelled.

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