The Frenzy War (50 page)

Only two more years until retirement,
he thought.

Sitting in the backseat of the town car, Father Tudoro watched JFK International Airport come into view. After everything that had happened the last few days, he had switched airports for his return to Rome. The last place on earth he wanted to be right now was Newark.

The elimination of the terrorist cell known as the Brotherhood of Torquemada had made front-page news around the world. Combined with the interview Cheryl Mace had conducted with Rodrigo Gomez and Michael's foolish abduction of her that same night, he knew there was no chance the Brotherhood would ever rise again, at least not in connection with the church. He felt bad about the Brotherhood members—especially Valeria—but they had known the risks when he enlisted them. At least he had provided their lives with direction.

Tudoro had devoted his life to the cause, and now he was through with werewolves, covert operations, and church politics. As soon as he returned to Rome, he intended to
apply for a position at some remote church in a warm climate.

The town car pulled over to his airline, and the chauffeur removed his luggage from the trunk and helped him out. He paid the man, who wished him a good day, and collected his receipt. He did not notice the woman and five men in black suits and dark sunglasses until they intercepted him.

“Father Jonas Tudoro?” the woman said.

“Yes?” He hoped he didn't sound too surprised.

The woman showed him a federal badge. “I'm Special Agent Norton with the FBI, and these are my associates from the bureau, Homeland Security, and the CIA. We'd like you to come with us to answer some questions.”

“What is this? I've done nothing wrong.”

The woman smiled. “Really, Father? My late partner, Special Agent Shelly, would disagree with you if he was still alive. So would Detective Diega from NYPD and countless others.”

“Who? I don't know what you're talking about.”

Leaning close to him, the woman raised her sunglasses. “Michael kept records on his laptop, and we have that. We've checked your travel history against his notes on your meetings. You're the last living member of a very special, very secret organization, which we're very anxious to learn all about.”

Tudoro gasped. “Am I under arrest?”

“Oh no, Father. We don't arrest enemy combatants of the United States. We just make them disappear.”

“But you can't. I'm a priest.”

Two of the men seized his arms, while another took custody of his luggage.

“I have friends in the Vatican!” “Not anymore,” Norton said.

Sipping his coffee, Mace watched the feds load Tudoro into a large black SUV with tinted windows and drive away. An identical SUV idled at the curb, waiting for Norton, who walked over to him.

Norton nodded at the Styrofoam cup in Mace's hand. “Is that coffee? I thought your doctor told you to cut out caffeine.”

“Don't tell my wife.”

“Your secret is safe with me, but you're getting up there. You have to start taking better care of yourself.”

“I appreciate the concern.” He sipped the coffee. “What will happen to Tudoro?”

“Aw, Tony. You know that's classified.”

Mace thought about Willy. “Good. Sometimes it's better not to know.”

“See you at the office tomorrow?”

Mace gave it some thought. He still hadn't given Jim Mint his answer. “Yeah. See you there.” “Good.”

He watched her walk to her SUV, and then he walked to his. He had a unit to assemble.

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