Page 22 of Ciao Bella
Baptiste nodded, handing the passports through the windows as Raphael did the same in the vehicle behind him. Twenty minutes later, the guard gave them the all-clear and directed them to a group of parking spaces. When they opened the doors to get out, a dozen guards were ready to meet them.
“Welcome to Vatican City,” said one of the men. “My name is Captain Henri Pietro. I will be taking you to meet with His Holiness.”
“Thank you,” said Gaspar. “Is there anything we should know before meeting him? Should we shake his hand? Should we touch him or not? Does he speak English?” The man smiled at him, nodding.
“Yes, he speaks English quite well. If he reaches out his hand, you will take it, and should you wish to, you may kiss his ring. You are not required to do so. In fact, his Holiness is uncomfortable with it. He sees himself as just another man.”
“But he’s not,” said Nine. Captain Pietro looked at him. “No offense, but he’s not just another man. He is as powerful, if not more so, than any world leader.”
“He might disagree with that,” smiled the man leading them into one of the vast buildings. It was simply breathtaking. The marble floors, sculptures, paintings, and ceilings couldn’t be absorbed in a million years. It would take much, much longer to appreciate the beauty of what they were being exposed to.
Led into a large room with chairs, they were instructed to take a seat, and the captain would return shortly. They all stared at their surroundings in absolute awe of the privilege they’d been given. A few moments later, the door opened once again, and a feeble, small man walked in, leaning on his cane. The entire group stood, and he shook his head.
“Please do not stand,” he smiled. “I do not intend to. We’re all tired and could use a rest.” The men and women chuckled, nodding at the elderly man.
“Your Holiness, we are honored that you’ve given us this privilege,” said Ian. The old man smiled at him, then looked at the faces.
“Such beautiful men and women,” he smiled. “Men and women who have been the heroes of many nations. Unseen. Unheard. Unheralded.”
“Sir,” started Gaspar. He held up his hands, shaking his head.
“I know of what you’ve done for this planet,” he said quietly. “I have known for many years as did my predecessor and his predecessor and his. I cannot explain to you how we knew, but rest assured, we are aware of the contributions you have made in an attempt for peace.”
“Your Holiness, we are soldiers,” said Ghost. “We carried weapons, and weapons often required killing.”
“I understand,” he nodded. “In service to others, sometimes, the sacrifice of life is necessary. You will be forgiven for that when your time comes. You carry no burden in my mind.”
“Excuse me, Your Holiness. My name is Marie.”
“Yes. Marie Robicheaux Lock. Eldest daughter of Matthew and Irene Robicheaux,” he nodded.
“Y-yes,” she whispered. “I was just curious how you know my parents. How they knew your predecessors. This seems unfathomable.”
“Does it?” he chuckled. “Does it seem strange that two of the most devoted, loving, and giving people should have the ear of the men in charge of their faith? I wish more of my clergy brethren would have those connections. If I were a younger man, I would travel this earth and meet more people like your parents, although I strongly suspect that there are few like them.”
“I believe you are correct, sir,” smirked Gaspar.
“Gaspar Robicheaux. The oldest,” he laughed. “How is that zoo coming along?”
“Well, sir, I do believe my mother brought on two grizzly bears as we were departing. I think it’s building up just fine.”
“Wonderful. That is wonderful,” he said, chuckling to himself. “If you will indulge me, I wish to give you each a gift. From me to you.” The Swiss Guards handed out the small velvet cases. Inside each one was a rosary.
“This is unnecessary, sir,” said Ian.
“Perhaps. I have blessed each myself. I will continue to pray for your safekeeping. That your bravery and good deeds keep the world safe, and that others will follow in your footsteps. And one day, perhaps in my lifetime, perhaps not, the world will find a way to have peace without violence. For now, I am grateful for men like you and those who guard my safety every day.”
Captain Pietro and the other guards offered their arms to the women in the group, walking them up to the pope one-by-one. They lowered their heads as he prayed over them, then his hands touched their foreheads, making the sign of the cross. When they were seated, the men were asked to do the same.
As he neared Gabriel, he forced him to look into his eyes, and he smiled at him, chuckling under his breath. Gabriel offered him a big smile in return as he blessed him. The last in line was Trak. He bent lower so that the elderly man could reach his head, as all the others had done. Slowly, he lifted Trak’s chin to stare at him.
“Such a warrior the world has never known,” he whispered.
When he was done, he left the room without a word, and the captain walked them out of the building. He gave them a brief tour of Vatican City and then walked them back to their vehicles.
“It’s been a great honor to meet you all,” he said. He handed a card to Nine and Gaspar. “If you find yourself in need of anything while you are in Italy, please call me. It would be a great privilege to help you.”
“Do you know why we were brought here?” asked Gaspar. “I mean, I know my mother arranged this, but why?”