The Last Roman (The Praetorian Series - Book I)

  ***

  As the elevator doors opened, I noticed it was connected to the Vatican’s normal elevator system and was accessible to the general public. I assumed that only someone with their thumbprint or other security measure cleared by the Vatican could reach the level we had just left. Father Vincent and I emerged on the first floor near St. Peter’s Basilica, exiting quickly before a swarm of eager tourists entered the cab. I had to jump to the side when a small boy rushed passed me, dragging his young mother behind him as he feverishly sought out the random object of interest that must have caught his eye. She gave me an apologetic smile, but quickly moved on, trying to keep up with her son.

  “That was odd,” I commented, smiling in their direction, thinking about how nice it was that people could still enjoy the comfort of Vatican City despite the war.

  Father Vincent smirked. “To this day, I still find it strange emerging into the public after having just returned from a secret rendezvous through an elevator that doesn’t exist.”

  I looked at him, recollecting my earlier thoughts of secrets within secrets. “I take it this isn’t the first time you’ve escorted someone in this manner?”

  “Of course not. You are not the first to come to us. In fact, with your arrival, we have completed recruitment for the time being.”

  “And I suppose more information on that will have to wait?”

  “You assume correctly. Do not worry. We are almost there.”