Free James Acton 04 - The Templar's Relic by J Robert Kennedy Page A

ultimately toward the Secret Archives, that vast storage area that preserved history not only from the elements, but from those that would destroy or steal it. It was secure. Any treasures that made it inside, would be saved.
    But that was the problem.
    Most of the basilica’s treasures couldn’t be moved. The building itself was a treasure. The frescos, the altars, the architecture. Even the doors held significance.
    And underneath were the tombs, in the grottoes, and under that, the necropolis, where even the bones of Saint Peter himself rested. The outer entrance to the grottoes and necropolis had been sealed off by a massive metal security door, that only an incredible blast could open, and the inner entrances were sealed now as well with metal security doors built into the floors a decade ago at his predecessor’s insistence. He had feared Islamic reprisals after the response to 9/11, and his fears now appeared prescient.
    The tombs were secure.
    Giasson allowed himself a moment to gaze at the ceiling of the dome topping the largest church in Christendom. It was breathtaking, the architecture and the artwork by masters like Michelangelo and Bernini, the statues of the saints by sculptors as reverent as Marchionni and Duquesnoy. Statues too heavy to move in time. He felt a lump in his throat, a tightness in his chest. Could we few in this room, now, be the last to see these treasures intact?
    Things could be repaired, but they were never the same. Even if you couldn’t see the difference, you knew they weren’t as the sculptor had delivered them. They weren’t the original brushstrokes of the painter. They weren’t the original carvings of the mason. It was a restoration, but worse.
    His phone vibrated.
    Flipping it open, he sighed. “Giasson.”
    “Sir, the helicopter with Professors Acton and Palmer is inbound. ETA two minutes.”
    “Okay, have them met at the heliport, and brought to my office immediately.”
    “Yes, sir!”
    Giasson flipped the phone shut and took one final look around.
    If they get in, they’ll destroy this place. Out of ignorance, and hate.
     

 
     
     
    Over Vatican City
     
    Acton pictured the fall of Saigon. Dozens of helicopters, landing and taking off, filled the airspace around the Vatican. News choppers, as well as police and military, competed for airspace at their designated altitudes. As they flew over Saint Peter’s Square, and over the basilica, toward the heliport at the opposite end of the tiny country, Acton could hear the roar of the massive crowd below, its undulating sea of human flesh, fused together in a sea of hate, filled the massive square, and poured out into the streets surrounding the city.
    It was terrifying.
    The flicker of police lights indicated blocked off streets, cutting off reinforcements from joining the occupiers, but it was too late as far as Acton could tell. There was no way they were going to be able to take back the square, not without either force, or a protracted siege, forcing them out with thirst and hunger over days.
    But during that time they could wreak havoc. Acton’s heart ached at the treasures that could be lost to humanity forever, simply due to the ignorance and hatred of others.
    All because someone had let word slip of an artifact that belonged to a ‘rival’ religion, and that Acton was positive would have been handed over to Islamic scholars at the earliest possible moment, now that what it was had been confirmed.
    “Hang on! As soon as we touch down, get out, get down, get clear!” yelled the pilot.
    Everyone in the back gave a thumbs up. Acton leaned against the window, and watched as a helicopter lifted off the pad, making way for their rapid descent. Acton reached up and grabbed a handhold, smiling at Laura, who at the moment had her eyes closed, white knuckle-gripping a support with both hands.
    The skids hit and the helicopter bounced slightly. The door was pulled open by Boileau, and Acton jumped out, turning around