UNEXPECTED RESULTS III: Requiescat in Memoria
an excerpt

“What do you mean, she’s gone?!”
It had been less than an hour since Caterina and the AX members with her had returned to the Vatican after receiving William’s message. During their flight from Cartago, the Cardinal had made arrangements for Ion Fortuna to remain on board the Iron Maiden, given that his life might still be at risk. The young Imperial Messenger had agreed to return to Rome with her as a gesture of good faith and, in all truth, to spend a little more time with Sister Esther.
But no sooner had the Iron Maiden landed than Caterina was striding across the tarmac, ignoring the Vatican Guards saluting her as she walked, heading straight for her office.
Now she sat behind her desk, staring at William as though hardly able to believe what she was hearing.
“Why in heaven’s name would Johanna just disappear? It makes no sense, Professor - the Vatican is the only safe place for her in this world.”
William looked more uncomfortable than she had ever seen him, and she leaned back in her chair.
“There’s something you haven’t told me, isn’t there?”
He nodded, and Caterina saw his eyes glance over at Abel. It was only for a moment, but there was knowledge in that glance... and accusation.