Free Echoes Through the Vatican: A Paranormal Mystery (The Echoes Quartet Book 2) by K. Francis Ryan Page B

went so far as to speculate the treasure was used to fund the fledgling church. That seemed like a reasonable conclusion when compared to where the trail of evidence was leading.”
    The professor continued. “An organization operating in parallel, whose rise to power mirrored that of the Catholic Church, was a thing I could not credit. That it could be more secretive than the Church was a thing unbelievable. In the end though, I was forced to accept what I tried so desperately to reject.
    “You, Mr. Blessing, have shamed an eminent professor.” Agostini smiled and inclined his head in acknowledgement. “Bravo.”
    “Professor, please understand, I am not shackled by the research. You presented the evidence your research validated. I jumped ahead. Nothing more,” Julian said.
    “A further question, if I may,” Julian said and the professor nodded and looked interested. “Throughout, you have not really mentioned Professor Bragonier.” Julian left the rest unsaid.
    Julian’s host arched an eyebrow, thought, then said, “Because you are an excellent student and come to me recommended by my friend, I will take no offense.
    “In fact, you are correct. I have made little mention of my colleague. We approached this subject in as scientific a manner as possible. He provided me with the sources of his research, but not with his conclusions. I have done the same.
    “We will be meeting in Paris next week to, rather literally, compare notes. For now, he knows the early history of this while I took it from that point forward. Until next week, neither of us knows the inner thoughts of the other,” the professor concluded and threw a questioning look at Julian.
    “Now it is time for you to educate me about something you said. I have of course, heard the term money laundering. I have heard the term ‘speed of light’ in the same way. The first is decidedly bad while the other is decidedly interesting if not always good. Beyond that, I confess my ignorance,” the professor concluded.
    Julian relaxed slightly. His face said he needed to gain control of emotions and thoughts in full riot. “Well, professor, that is a lecture best given over lunch. Would you join me? I know of a perfect trattoria only a quick cab ride away.” Julian dangled the bait.
    “Hmmmm,” the professor intoned. “Perhaps it is a subject best suited for such a place. We must be in haste though. I have another class in three hours.” He said it as though a three-hour meal was a bare minimum requirement.
    The men locked the professor’s office and proceeded to the street where Julian hailed a cab. He tried at least. All of them darted by without paying any attention.
    “Allow me, Mr. Blessing. This is Rome and so a subtle Roman touch is required.” The professor stepped two feet into the street and locked his eyes on the face of the next cab coming up the broad avenue. The professor snarled and the driver stood on his brakes and slid to a stop.
    “Professore, good to see you,” the driver said, leaning across the front seat as Agostini slid in.
    “It is nothing of the sort, Lorenzini. You despise seeing me as much as I loathe seeing you. This is what you do with the antiquities degree I gave you? You certainly didn’t earn it,” the professor said and the driver sputtered an explanation.
    Julian could feel a familiar signature. He turned and greeted Gio Silvestri. Julian asked the young man to join them for lunch. Gio was genuinely pleased. Free food for a student was proof of the existence of God. And there may be wine. Evidence that God is good.
    “That would be perfect, Mr. Blessing. Again I will have the chance to practice my,” the words died on his lips and he visibly paled and Julian smiled a mischievous smile.
    “Oh, signore, I had forgotten. I have a class starting in a few moments and…” Gio stammered.
    “Oh, this lunch promises to be more educational than any class you might have. Please, you can ride in front,” Julian