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Commandant…«
    »GET YOUR ASS OUT OF HERE!« Bühler yelled into his face. »And close the fucking door behind you.«
    He needed a few minutes to regain his composure. To come to grips with the fact that he could not run away from his responsibilities towards his sister and his oath, as irreconcilable as they appeared. In comparison, his own life seemed completely insignificant. And neither his death nor his voluntary resignation could change this. He could not take anyone into his confidence, neither Steiner, whom he almost regarded as a friend, nor Menendez or anybody else. Bühler was convinced that the people who were holding his sister captive were keeping him under constant surveillance. He could not trust anyone any more.
    Except, perhaps, one person. But he was not even sure about that.
    »Steiner, I apologize,« Bühler said, as he came out of his office. »Won’t happen again. I’m just so pissed about these two days that I wasted.«
    Steiner nodded. This settled the matter for him.
    Bühler glanced at the surveillance monitors on the wall and looked for the screen that showed the former gardener’s house.
    »What about the surveillance of the Padre?«
    »No special incidents, Colonel Commandant.«
    »Okay, but keep going. Briefing in ten minutes in the conference room.«
    The briefing was shorter than usual and Bühler listened only with half an ear. Afterwards he informed the office of Cardinal Menendez that he was on his way to meet with the Cardinal. Menendez greeted the head of the Swiss Guards with a barrage of reproaches.
    »For the love of God, Colonel, where have you been? This is outrageous behavior. The Vatican is faced with the greatest threat in over two hundred years and the Commander of the Swiss Guards enjoys a two-day getaway to the Venice Lido!«
    »With all due respect, Your Eminence, this was an investigation. It was an urgent matter.«
    »Well, then tell me all about it, Colonel.«
    »It is still too early for a conclusive assessment. But according to my information, the threat has increased.«
    »What do you mean by that, Colonel?«
    »You need to evacuate the College of Cardinals,« Bühler blurted out.
    »What are you talking about? You want me to call off the conclave?«
    »No, not that. Arrange for a change of venue. To a secret location. To a monastery outside Rome, for instance. Such a place would have the additional advantage that the Guards could protect it much more efficiently.«
    »Have you lost your mind, Bühler? Are you drunk? The conclave has to take place in the Vatican! And now I want to know from you, in detail, what the threat is that you are talking about.«
    »Your Eminence, I cannot comment on this at this time.«
    Cardinal Menendez stepped closer to him, fixing him with his eyes.
    »You are not looking well, Bühler. Ashen skin, dark circles under your eyes. You are sweating. I’ve known you for quite some time, but if I didn’t know you, I would have to rate your behavior as highly suspicious.«
    »Please, Your Eminence, at this point, I cannot comment on this any further. My information might even be wrong. Nevertheless, I would deem it safer to conduct the conclave in a different venue.«
    »You know what, Bühler?« the Cardinal hissed into Bühler’s face. »I won’t do a damn thing unless you put all your cards on the table. Who do you think you are? You are a soldier! And right now, I am your commander-in-chief! Have I made myself clear?«
    »Absolutely clear, Your Eminence.«
    »So let’s try this again: Is there anything you want to tell me, Colonel?«
    »No, Your Eminence.«
    Menendez thought for a while. Then he said, »The conclave will take place in the Sistine Chapel as planned. And it will begin in three days, as planned! Until then… should I get the slightest hint of suspicion that you are no longer up to your job, I will have you replaced immediately. Nobody is indispensable, Colonel. Not even you.«
    Bühler began to panic. If Menendez had him