A Vampire in the Vatican 'Brotherhood of the Sword'

By Linda Arditto

Luciano Martinelli is fifty-two years old and an Inspector in the Vatican City Police. It’s been an easy life for him until one day he investigates five murders, all taking place inside the Vatican. This starts his journey into a world of evil and deceit, of pagan rituals and murder. Martinelli secures the help of a young priest who works inside the Vatican, Father Graeco, who always tries to ‘help where he can’. The Holy Father is on Martinellis side but there are others within the Vatican that would like to see him dead. Who will he trust? Martinelli learns a hard lesson when he makes a mistake, an error in judgement that comes with a high price. Killing vampires is difficult for the experienced, and Martinelli has to use his wits to stay alive. When he is at his lowest, help comes from an unexpected source. As luck or divine intervention has it, an ancient parchment guides him to the final solution.....but one piece of information is missing. Will Martinelli be able to work it out to end the threat of Armageddon?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clover Digital Media
• Release date: Oct 31, 2013
• ISBN: 9781311290885

Linda Arditto

I am a mystery woman. Older and therefore wiser I hope.

Book preview

A VAMPIRE IN THE VATICAN

Brotherhood of the Sword

The Unusual Cases of Inspector Martinelli Series

BY

LINDA ARDITTO

Copyright 2013 LindaArditto

Book 1

Published by

Clover Digital Media

Cover by

Clover Digital Media

Thank you to

Sue Landsberg

For her editing skills

SMASHWORDS EDITION

License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. If you would like to share this ebook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please go and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously. No offence was intended when referring to the Roman Catholic Church and any of its associates.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

*Chapter 1*

It was a cold winter morning; snow covered the ground, and everyone walking down the streets wore coats, hats and scarves to keep them warm. No one wanted to be out today, but there was so much going on in the Vatican City at the moment. Pope Alexander XII was gravely ill and the church was worried; he had been in perfect health only two weeks ago before going to the papal library below the Casa Santa Marta.

There had been several violent deaths in the last few weeks, all occurring at the apartments in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican. Bloody deaths; where not one person could have entered without someone seeing them and no one could leave without the Swiss Guards knowing their identity. Most of the deaths were unknown to the public and the Vatican wanted these cases solved quickly.

The Vaticans' residential exorcist had performed his duty before each body had been removed; this was unusual unless the deaths were of a supernatural nature. It hadn’t worked, the murders continued.

The press office at the Vatican found themselves constantly bombarded with phone calls day and night from different press agencies around the world. They could give no news as they themselves had no idea what was happening.

People were gathering in St. Peters’ Square even though it had started to snow again; they were there to pray for Pope Alexander, not for his life but his soul.There wasn’t any hope for Alexander XII; the doctors at the Vatican had not found anything physically wrong with him; an age-related illness was not the cause as the pontiff was only fifty-six years old. His ranting and ravings were dismissed as that of an ill man and only heard by two cardinals and his doctors who were privy to his bedroom.

Cardinals were arriving from around the globe, and that wasn’t a good sign. The Italian news channels were showing footage of Cardinal Fredricco arriving at the Vatican City as the car took him to the Casa Santa Marta. Fredricco was the fourteenth to arrive, and that told the world the pope would soon die.

One hundred and fifteen cardinals would be arriving at the Casa Santa Marta over the next few days. Cardinals that arrived in larger numbers found themselves transported by special bus, but that came with its own headaches.

Casa Santa Marta was the large hotel where the cardinals would remain during this time and.....it was obvious there was going to be a conclave.

Tradesmen had started installing a metal detector at the entrance to scan everyone entering the building. This included nuns that looked after the cardinals during their stay; while a sound scrambling device would be their next task in the Sistine Chapel where the papal voting would take place. Security for the cardinals would have to be tight; the media was also arriving in great numbers. These murders needed solving quickly before a conclave began if the church was going to survive.

Pope Alexander XII was the two hundred and ninety-ninth pontiff, and some people saw this as a sign. The next would be number three hundred, a long way from when St. Peter first led the church. It was interesting that only one pontiff had visited the tomb of St. Peter in over seventy years since excavations had taken place below the city. These excavations had revealed a necropolis of ancient burial sites, a street of tombs both pagan and early Christian before reaching the tomb of St. Peter.

The Vaticans' special police force had started their investigation as soon as they were informed of the first murder; Central office had been unable to find the killer as the murders continued. Chief Inspector Fermi had then handed the file to the divisional office for further investigation.

Inspector Martinelli of the Vatican City Police had the daunting task of solving these murders. He would lead a small task force that would move unnoticed through every part of the city. Martinelli wasn’t happy about only having four men to work with; he had to find out what the victims had in common apart from working in the Vatican. His early inquiries told him they didn’t socialise together, so it had to be something else, somewhere they’d been or someone each knew.

Martinelli and his men had access to every part of the city with no limits to their power, but that didn’t guarantee a speedy solution, five murders had to be solved. Murders that the inspector would soon discover to be very unusual; murders that were more ferocious than he’d ever seen before.

The afternoon was cold, just as it had been in the morning when Martinelli met with his men. Franco Caputo was the first to arrive followed by Angelo Basile.

Here is a list of the victims’ names, Martinelli said as he placed the reports on the table.

Franco picked them up and read the surnames out loud, Salinas, Fuchs, Pawlak, Fournier and Jenkins. They’re not even the same nationality he added.

They didn’t know each another either except to say hello in the corridors of the Vatican Martinelli replied.

It was then that Paulo Santini arrived with Carlos Asneto and Franco handed over the reports.

First thing in the morning, Martinelli began I want you find out where these men have been and who they’ve met.

How far back do you want us to go? Franco asked.

A week before their deaths, if we don’t find anything we’ll never solve these murders he answered.

Each of Martinellis’ men took a name and headed off. As usual they would meet again at four o’clock tomorrow which was always the ‘check in’ time in the afternoon. Martinelli looked at the reports; he had to investigate Jenkins, the last on the list, a secretary in the Vatican who worked for a Bishop Constantine.

He headed home, an early night and a fresh start in the morning at the coroners’ office was his plan. He wanted to see Jenkins’ body and read the coroners’ report.

*Chapter 2*

Martinelli arrived at the morgue at 6am. It was still dark outside as he entered through the double glass doors. He hadn’t known it to be this cold before in the Vatican City, but he didn’t think any more about it as he walked into the heated building. He removed his overcoat and carried it over his arm as he headed to the front desk, his badge in full display clipped to his belt.

Inspector, the guard at the desk said as he stood up.

I’m here to see the coroner Martinelli told the guard.

He’s just arrived, I’ll get him for you the guard responded as he picked up the phone.

A few minutes later Dr Viglione could be heard walking down the hallway beside the desk.

Here he comes, the guard said to Martinelli as he tilted his head in that direction.

Martinelli walked down the hallway to meet him.

Luciano, I haven’t seen you for so long, Dr Viglione said as he greeted Martinelli.

I wish it were under better circumstances Martinelli replied.

Yes, these murders are terrible.

"Any murder is terrible" Martinelli added, before following the doctor to the room where the deceased lay in individual drawers.

I want to see Jenkins, he said to Viglione.

The doctor opened a drawer and uncovered a body. Martinelli felt horrified at what he saw; he hadn’t realised the attacks had been so brutal.

Were they all like this? he asked the doctor.

Yes; I’m not a detective like you Luciano, but I’d say there’s a single madman out there, the doctor said.

A madman that has access to the Vatican at night Martinelli whispered.

Martinelli realised that something was wrong. There had been no photos taken at the crime scene, and that was suspicious in itself. In fact, there weren’t any photos taken in the Apostolic Palace apartments were all the murders had taken place.

Can I see your report? he asked the doctor.

Dr Viglione walked to the filing cabinet and removed papers from the top drawer. Turning, he handed them to Martinelli.

As he read down the page, it became clear to him that he had to find this killer.

The victim had lost part of his neck and right shoulder, and Martinellis’ eyes moved further down the page. Teeth marks were around the wounds, and there had been no lumps of flesh found at the scene.

Where did the rest of him go? Martinelli asked.

There was nothing there when I arrived the doctor answered.

Martinelli photocopied the report before leaving the morgue; he decided to head to the Vatican and speak to Bishop Constantine. He needed to know what kind of employee Jenkins had been and if he’d let the Bishop know of anything bothering him. As he was putting on his overcoat before leaving the building, Franco came in.

Read this, Martinelli said to Franco as he handed him the report.

Francos’ expression said it all as his eyes followed each line, nothing like this had ever happened before in the Vatican City. Franco had been in the force for twenty-five years, dealing with petty crimes and the occasional murder, but this was beyond what he ever expected to solve.

This is Jenkins report, he said to Martinelli, What about Salinas?

They’re all the same! Martinelli answered as he took the report and rolled it up, placing it in the inside pocket of his overcoat.

Well, there’s no need for me to see the coroner Franco said, I’ll follow the only lead I have at the moment. Salina met with a Father Pena two days before he died at the Casa Santa Marta so I’ll head over there now.

Martinelli left the building and jumped in his car. It wasn’t far to the Vatican, and he hoped the Bishop was available for an interview. On arriving, the Swiss Guards at the clergy entrance let him pass easily; everyone knew of this investigation.

Martinelli walked across the Basilica before reaching the staircase to the upper floors. Climbing the stairs to Constantines’ office he noticed no one looked at him as he walked down the hall, all eyes were looking at the floor when he passed. On reaching the bishops office, a well-dressed man about thirty-five years old asked him to take a seat.

Did you know Jenkins? Martinelli asked.

No I didn’t he replied before leaving the room.

After twenty minutes Martinelli was becoming impatient, he was aware that everyone in the Vatican was busy, but he didn’t like the long delay in speaking with Constantine. Getting up from his seat and walking to the window; Martinelli could see the square. Several hundred people were moving around on this cold winters day, and he knew before long there would be thousands. Martinelli turned as the door opened, I’m sorry to have kept you waiting Bishop Constantine said as he closed the door behind him.

Constantine was a fat man, somewhere in his sixties with a ruddy complexion; he was out of breath as he hurried across the room to his desk carrying several folders under his arm.

I’m Inspector Martinelli, he said reaching out his hand to the bishop.

Yes, yes I know who you are answered the bishop as he sat behind his desk ignoring Martinellis hand. What can I do for you?

I need to know what type of man Jenkins was, he asked.

He was a secretary the bishop answered as if the inspector had asked a stupid question.

Did he ever seem worried about anything or ask your advice at all? Martinelli asked.

No, he was a good secretary, and I was sorry to lose him Constantine answered with no emotion in his voice.

It’s then Martinelli realised how quickly someone could be replaced, the man that showed him into the room was the new secretary while Jenkins had only been dead for two days.

Martinelli had been in the office for over half an hour; he had no answers, and he wasn’t happy. Thanking the bishop for his time, Martinelli left.

While still in the Vatican he decided to look at Jenkins' apartment. There may be something there that would point to the killer; after all there’d been no investigation at the scene. He took out his notebook, turning the pages to Jenkins' address, he needed to find someone to point the way to the Apostolic Palace. Guards were everywhere and after making his enquiry, he climbed another set of stairs to the apartments. This is where the Pope lay ill and dying; Martinelli was going to be close to the papal bedroom during this investigation.

Passing a priest heading down he asked, Excuse me, father, can you tell me where I might find the apartment of Jenkins?

Martinelli showed him his badge and the priest pointed to the right.

Just along there two doors, he said before continuing down the stairs.

Martinelli was horrified when he reached the door; it was open and painters were finishing the walls. There was no carpet on the floor; it had been removed earlier, and with it all the evidence. At that moment he heard a horrific scream; Martinelli left the room and ran down the hall. It sounded like another murder was taking place, and he wanted to be there. Several clergy blocked his path as Martinelli tried to push past them.

It's alright my son, a cardinal said as he took his arm, It's the Holy Father.

Martinelli felt shaken; he’d never heard anything like that before and it unsettled him. The pontiff was obviously in agony and Martinelli wondered what the doctors were doing to relieve his pain. Realising that he was wasting his time at the Vatican, he headed back to his car. It was almost lunchtime, but there would be no time to eat, he’d decided to head over to the Casa Santa Marta hoping to catch Franco before he left. Hopefully, he’d found something out that would be helpful, these were tough cases and they needed a break.

Taxis and buses were everywhere as so many people were entering the city and it had taken Martinelli forty minutes to get there. While waiting in the foyer he decided to speak to Father Pena himself, if Franco was still with him it didn’t matter, he wasn’t going to waste a trip.

I’d like to speak to Father Pena, he said to a man at the front desk showing him his badge.

Father Pena left with one of your officers over an hour ago the man replied, he sounded surprised that Martinelli didn’t know this.

Martinelli pulled out his cell phone; it was about time he spoke to Franco and find out where he was. He called the number twice, but there was only static on the line which didn’t mean anything; reception was bad in the city at the moment. He returned to his car and unlocked the door.

As he opened it a bishop approached him, Inspector Martinelli? the bishop asked.

Martinelli looked at him and nodded.

I’m Agusto Ortega from the Vatican. It is important I speak with you in private he whispered.

Get in the car, Martinelli said but the bishop was reluctant.

It's better I meet with you this evening the bishop added.

Martinelli could see the worried look on the bishops’ face as he looked around. He realised that Ortega didn’t want anyone to see him speaking with Martinelli.

Ok, where would you like to meet? Martinelli asked.

He was hoping this was about the murders; maybe the bishop had witnessed something.

Meet me outside the Vatican Museum tonight at 10pm, there’s something I want to show you, he said before rushing away.

Martinelli got