Page 37 of Sacred Hearts

“You’re proposing to restrict my movements within the Vatican?” I ask, keeping my voice level despite the anger building inside me.

“For your safety, Holy Father,” Antonelli says smoothly. “All visitors to your private office would require advance security clearance. Your schedule would be managed through the Secretariat of State to minimize exposure—”

“To minimize my ability to continue my investigation into the Vatican Bank,” I finish for him.

The room falls silent. Lombardi and Visconti exchange glances.

“Your Holiness misunderstands,” Antonelli says finally. “These measures are solely for your protection.”

“And yet they effectively isolate me from anyone not approved by your office, Cardinal.” I close the folder. “They restrict my access to Vatican records and limit my ability to meet privately with anyone outside of a pre-approved list.”

“Security requires sacrifice, Holy Father,” Lombardi says withpracticed sympathy. “After the tragic murder of Monsignor Adessi, we cannot risk—”

“Monsignor Adessi was murdered because he discovered financial irregularities,” I say bluntly. “Irregularities that implicate several foundations with ties to this very room.”

The temperature seems to drop several degrees. Visconti’s face flushes red.

“That is a serious accusation, Your Holiness,” Antonelli says, his voice dangerously soft.

“It is not an accusation, Cardinal. It is a fact I intend to prove.” I meet his gaze steadily. “Now, regarding these security measures—”

“They have already been implemented,” Visconti interrupts. “For your immediate protection.”

I feel James stiffen beside me. “Without papal approval?” he asks.

“With the authority of the Secretariat of State in matters of security,” Antonelli replies smoothly. “The Swiss Guard has been briefed. Additional security personnel have been assigned to your residence.”

“To protect me? Or to monitor me?” I ask quietly.

Antonelli spreads his hands. “Your Holiness, we serve the Church. Everything we do is to protect the institution and its leader.”

I glance toward Sister Lucia, whose face remains carefully neutral, though I can see the concern in her eyes. She gives me the slightest nod—a reminder that I’m not alone, that there are still those within these walls I can trust.

“I see I have little choice but to accept these measures,” I say finally. “For now.”

“A wise decision, Holy Father,” Lombardi says, unable to completely hide his satisfaction.

“However,” I continue, “I will require Cardinal Sullivan’s presence at all security briefings. And Sister Lucia will continue to serve as my theological advisor, with unrestricted access to my office.”

I can see Antonelli calculating whether to object. “Of course,” he says finally. “Though all visitors will need to be logged for security purposes.”

“Naturally,” I agree, knowing that this gives them a record of everyone I meet with. “And I assume these restrictions apply equally to all Cardinals? Including yourselves?”

A moment of uncomfortable silence follows.

“The threat is specifically directed at Your Holiness,” Antonelli says carefully. “Our movements don’t require the same level of scrutiny.”

“How convenient,” James murmurs, just loudly enough to be heard.

I rise from my chair, signalling the end of the discussion. “I appreciate your concern for my safety, Cardinals. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have papal duties to attend to—unless those have also been restricted for my protection?”

The sarcasm isn’t lost on them, but they maintain their facade of deference as they stand.

“We serve at the pleasure of His Holiness,” Antonelli says with a slight bow.

As I leave the room, Sullivan and Sister Lucia falling in step beside me, I’m acutely aware of what just happened. They’ve created a gilded cage, using my own security as pretense to isolate me from allies and information.

“They’re moving faster than we anticipated,” James whispers as we walk down the corridor.

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