Free The Secret of Fatima by Peter J; Tanous Page B

Secret.”
    Alameda nodded respectfully.
    â€œThere is much at stake,” Visitor continued. “Operation Delorgio begins in one week.” He gazed again at the altar. “You will be met by the customary personnel. Pray for guidance.”
    Visitor crossed himself and left.
    Alameda prayed for a few moments, crossed himself, then got up to leave. On his way out of the cathedral, Alameda made his habitual stop at the tomb of Christopher Columbus. The explorer who’d discovered America had been a resident of Seville. His remains were first interred in Santo Domingo, then in Cuba. After Cuba broke from Spain in 1898, his remains were transferred to a mausoleum in the Seville cathedral in 1902. Alameda was aware that Christopher Columbus would play a role in the cataclysmic events Opus Mundi saw coming. In a gesture of allegiance, he’d adopted the code name “Columbo” as his alternate identity, a tribute to Columbus.
    He gazed reverently at Columbus’s coffin, held aloft by four massive bronze statues, kings in arms representing the four original kingdoms of Spain: Castile, Leon, Aragon, and Navarre. We know what mysteries you hold , Alameda said to him in his mind.
    Visitor had just confided to Alameda that Operation Delorgio, named for the founder of Opus Mundi, would launch in two weeks. The excitement within him was explosive.

Chapter Nine
    Rome, Italy
    Entering the lobby of the Hotel Hassler where Katie was staying, Kevin admired the gilded architecture and design. This hotel had earned its reputation as the finest in Rome. The antique furnishings, crowned by a dazzling crystal chandelier from a doge’s palace in Venice, complemented a staff of attendants graciously greeting guests. As Kevin was dressed in his clerical suit and collar, they welcomed him with a small bow. Kevin thought how blessed it was that Katie was doing so well she could stay in such a hotel.
    Lovely Katie was waiting in the lobby. The sight of her stirred feelings that Kevin continued to find hard to manage. She looked statuesque, with the most au courant accessories: Hermes scarf, kitten heels, Prada purse. And what a dazzling smile!
    After a warm hug, he said, “A nice flight?”
    â€œYes,” Katie said. “Although first class isn’t what it used to be.”
    â€œBe grateful. Better than the alternative.”
    â€œRight.” She smiled up at him coyly, flashing her eyes.
    Taking her arm, they walked out side by side onto the Spanish Steps.
    â€œI wasn’t sure what to wear. You didn’t tell me where we were going,” she said, while Kevin admired her style. She was wearing an unadorned black dress with a fitted linen jacket. On her earlobes were big, playful bauble earrings.
    â€œYou look terrific,” he said. “And you’re wonderfully overdressed for where we’re going tonight.”
    â€œThanks. Are you going to tell me or surprise me?”
    â€œYour choice.”
    â€œThen tell me,” she said with a forced smile. “I’ve had my fill of surprises from you.”
    Ouch! Kevin let the comment pass. “We’re dining in Trastevere, the oldest part of Rome,” he said, mustering up as much enthusiasm as he could.
    â€œSounds adventurous.” Again she smiled, just happy to be with him.
    They hailed a cab and crossed a bridge into what seemed like a bygone era. Narrow, windy streets paved with cobblestones were barely wide enough for a single car. The area encompassed the Jewish quarter. Colorful awnings shaded small outdoor restaurants. As Kevin wasn’t sure of the restaurant’s address, they stopped, paid the driver, and started out on foot. Strong aromas of garlic and herbs wafted through the air.
    â€œI love it!” said Katie. “Feels like we’ve been transported back in time.”
    â€œI thought you’d like it,” Kevin said.
    They wandered the streets until Kevin spotted strings of lights