As soon as Priest returned to Vienna, he called Alana.
“Benedetta Incisa,” began Priest, “she helped us with the research in the Vatican Apostolic Library.”
“Is she young?” asked Alana.
“Yes, and very pretty,” he said, fighting taunt with taunt. They had not had time to talk about Alana’s concerns, but Priest didn’t want it to hang like a cloud over them. He thought that humor might be a defense; then again, it might not.
“She’s a direct descendant of Lucretia Borgia and a pope,” he said for effect.
Alana was silent, probably still absorbing the “very pretty” comment.
“What did you find out?” she asked. Her voice was a bit flat but at least they were communicating.
“Lots of popes involved. Lots of killing and skullduggery,” he said. “How are you?”
He offered that as a plea for calm
