Chapter 6 #2
"Could have been both," interjected the feminine voice.
"Rough play that turned into an actual fight.
Either way, we need to consider the political implications.
If no business was conducted and both parties maintain this was consensual, then no violation occurred.
Executing a Vatican operative over an accident?
The political fallout would be catastrophic. "
"Ah yes, politics." The third Judge sighed, and the sound came across almost regretful.
"I do understand your concern, Aeacus. But consider what we're discussing.
Mr. Vasquez killed Cardinal Azevedo. This priest has been hunting him through Rome.
And now we're meant to believe they decided to engage in recreational bloodshed?
" He paused, and I held my breath, waiting for him to continue.
"I'm simply asking that we look at this situation with clear eyes. "
"And I respect that position entirely, Minos," Aeacus said.
"How interesting that you're so invested in this particular case, Minos," Rhadamanthys said. "One might almost think these two had somehow offended you personally."
A soft laugh came through the speaker. "Offended? My dear Rhadamanthys, I'm simply advocating for consistency. Though I do appreciate your attention to my tone. You've always been perceptive."
"Of course," Rhadamanthys murmured. "Well, it seems we have a decision to make. Aeacus?"
"I vote to release them," Aeacus said. "No clear evidence of business, high political cost. Let them go."
"Minos?"
"I vote to execute," Minos said. "I truly wish I could see another path here, but the rules exist for a reason. We can't afford to appear flexible, not on something this fundamental. I'm sorry, gentlemen. I really am."
The apology made my skin crawl. Cold sweat broke out across my forehead. Rhadamanthys held my life in his hands.
"How convenient that leaves the deciding vote to me." Rhadamanthys smiled at us. "I vote to release. Two to one. Cerberus, stand down."
My shoulders slumped, and I thought I might pass out from the relief.
"Well." Minos's voice remained pleasant. "Democracy in action. I do hope this works out as well as you both seem to think it will. Though I suspect we'll be revisiting this conversation sooner rather than later." He trailed off with what sounded like a warm chuckle. "Enjoy your evening, gentlemen."
Rhadamanthys tucked his phone away. "You're very fortunate that Judge Aeacus values political stability. And that I enjoy watching Minos pretend he doesn't care about outcomes."
The Cerberus operatives lowered their weapons and melted back into the shadows around us.
Rhadamanthys studied us for a long moment. "A word of advice, Mr. Vasquez. Next time you want to engage in recreational bloodshed, do it somewhere that isn't my jurisdiction."
"Noted," Lorenzo said, and his voice stayed steady despite the blood still seeping through his shirt.
"And Father Oliviera." His gaze fixed on me, and heat crawled up my neck under his scrutiny. "The Church teaches that the body is a temple. Perhaps you should consider treating it as such, rather than a playground for your baser urges."
I kept my mouth shut. What could I say? The lie had saved my life, but it had also painted me as exactly the kind of priest the Church hierarchy already suspected I might be. My face burned, and I couldn't make myself meet Rhadamanthys's gaze.
Rhadamanthys nodded to us both, then turned and walked away.
Awkward silence filled the courtyard. It took me a minute to realize Lorenzo was staring at me.
I adjusted my cassock and turned away. “If you’re expecting a thank you, you’ll be waiting until Hell freezes over.”
“He called you Father Oliviera,” Lorenzo said, and I froze. He pushed off the wall. “Show me your left arm.”
“What? No!” He reached for my arm, but I pulled away.
He grabbed it anyway and yanked my sleeve up. I let him stare at the bite mark scar for a long moment before I jerked my arm free.
“You’re him,” he said, recoiling almost as if I’d burned him. “You’re Dionysus’ son.”
"Go to hell."
He frowned. “You don’t remember me.”
“Of course I remember you,” I spat. “You bit me. But it doesn’t matter who we were. What matters now is who we are. You’re an assassin, and you’re going to pay for what you did to Azevedo.”
But Lorenzo suddenly seemed less interested in my vengeance for some reason. He looked at me like I’d slapped him. “Rafael, I…” He glanced around, fingers flexing into fists. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. Not about Azevedo. He deserved it. About…” He swallowed "About what comes next.”
Then he turned, and he ran into the night as fast as his feet could carry him.
What the hell was that about? He was sorry about what comes after? After what? This?
I shook my head to clear it. Whatever he was talking about, it could wait. I needed to speak to the council about Azevedo, because if there was even a slim chance that what Lorenzo said about Azevedo trafficking children was true, I needed to make it right.
I touched my lips and still tasted blood and lies.
This isn’t over, Lorenzo. And the next time I see you, I’ll finish this.