"The Coptic Secret" - читать интересную книгу автора (Loomis Gregg)

IV.

Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta

Aventine Hill

Rome

Two Hours Later

Gravel crunched as the two men walked side by side along the path. Twin lines of cypress trees pointed like an arrow to the Vatican a mile or so away, creating one of Rome's most famous optical illusions: the trees excluded any lateral view, making the basilica appear to retreat as the observer moved forward.

The piazza had not been open to the public for years. Neither man was remotely interested in the view, mirage or not.

"Who is this man who cost us one of our brothers?" the elder of the two asked in Italian.

The other man replied in the same language. His accent made it clear it was not his first tongue. "From the guest list, we found it to be an American lawyer named Reilly. He also heads a charitable foundation apparently named after his deceased sister and nephew. He joined the military right out of college and there is nothing but routine payroll records until he entered in law school six years later."

The older man gave a derisive snort. "I doubt he learned how to use a spear in such a lethal manner in the regular military. Or in law school"

The younger man nodded. "Our council brothers who saw him say he moved like someone familiar with combat, a professional. Fortunately, our brother in charge assigned someone to follow this Reilly person. He went south from London to Rye, where we discovered his foundation has facilities. Apparently he has found some evidence of Brother Lucci's recent journey to Rhodes, the stub of a boarding pass. He was discussing it in a hotel dining room."

The older man's head snapped up. "What else could he deduce from a boarding pass?"

"The reservations were made under an alias, all contact points untraceable "

"But Reilly has the assets to ascertain such a trip was made. Such a man could be a danger. If he discovers our ancient relationship with the island, it could lead him to us."

"We will watch him closely, Grand Master."

The senior thought for a moment. "And what did he have to do with Weatherston-Wilby?"

"As far as we can tell, they only knew each other through their charitable works. I regret I do not have more precise answers to your questions."

The older man gave a chilly smile. "Considering the little time you have had to gather information, you have done well."

"Our brothers are worldwide and cooperative. What are your wishes?"

His companion thought for perhaps fifteen seconds. "This man Reilly could be dangerous. See to it."