Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli
1876
Mario exhaled a sigh of relief—the journal was merely a relic from the nineteenth century. The warning, at first so menacing, now seemed less threatening as it stared back at him from the aged wrapping.
With a sense of anticipation, he carefully opened the book to a random page and began to read:
5 December 1923
Rudolf Hess is becoming an invaluable subject, obeying my every direction.
In the aftermath of the botched Beer Hall Putsch, Rudolf and Adolf have been arrested. I have arranged for them to be retained in the same jail cell.
Hess is taking dictation from Hitler about his current struggles. This manifesto will become the foundation o3f Hitler’s rise to power.
Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli
Mario was shocked by these words. How could such a document exist within the sacred confines of the Vatican Secret Archives? The name Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli sounded in his mind.
With a trembling hand, he turned the page.
14 March 1924
The Council is concerned about Hitler’s temperament. He organizes street brawls and promotes mass meetings. He threatens to kill at the slightest provocation. His training must be swift. I can use his weakness to manipulate him. I will bait him with the spoils of power.
Once he finishes his manuscript, I will have him and Rudolph released from prison. This will mark the beginning of their rise to power through the National Socialist German Workers’ Party.
Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli
Mario hastily shut the journal, the warning penned on the wrapping flashing across his vision even when he closed his eyes. He quickly rewrapped the journal with the brown paper, pressing the wax seal into place, and knotted the twine as accurately as he could recall. He returned the journal to its hiding place on the shelf, eager to put distance between himself and the accursed thing. Seizing another book, he pressed on with his duties, trying to forget the disturbing find he’d stumbled upon.
Chapter 10
Throughout the course of the afternoon, Mario found himself enticed by the irresistible allure of the ancient journal; despite his concerns, his thoughts were persistently drawn back to its confusing content. The mundane task of scanning documents served only to fuel his curiosity, his mind frequently straying from his tedium to the cryptic pages of the journal. Thoughts of Roberto’s conspiracy theories added fuel to the fire, making it increasingly difficult to maintain focus. Mario found himself constantly having to reel those thoughts back in; otherwise they would run amok with his own wild theories. He had to keep reminding himself it was merely an old journal, a relic from the nineteenth century.
As he lifted the latest book from the scanner, he handled the page with the utmost care, turning it gently before scanning the next. The scanner hummed softly, its glacial pace capturing the highest resolution, securing every detail within its timeless image.
He couldn’t take it anymore.
As the scanner worked its magic, he navigated the aisle to where the accursed journal hid. Removing the four books serving as a facade, he placed them on the empty shelf below then reached up to remove the peculiar book once more.
Journal in hand, he made his way to the worktable, his heart pounding in his chest. He took a moment to compose himself, drawing in a deep breath and releasing it slowly. With trembling hands, he untied the twine and peeled back the brown wrapper. The warning inscribed within seemed to leap out at him and bounce around in his head, its message clear and ominous.
Knock it off! Mario commanded his thoughts.
With a sense of trepidation, he began to read the first entry.
3 March 1888
Grandfather gave me a special book for my birthday yesterday:
The Art of War
by Sun Tzu
We spoke privately for an hour about the Council’s decision. I’d been looking forward to this private meeting; he has it with each of us upon reaching our twelfth birthday.
He told me he has an especially important mission for me. I didn’t understand everything he told me, but he said I will in time. The Council will guide me.
I do not know what wisdom this book holds, but I will cherish it for the rest of my life.
Thank you, Grandfather. I will not let you down.
Eugenio Pacelli
Chapter 11
2 March 1888
Pacelli Residence
Rome, Kingdom of Italy
“Happy birthday, mio nipote!” Marcantonio Pacelli called out, his voice full of a profound warmth as he bestowed his birthday blessings upon his grandson, Eugenio Pacelli.
“Thank you, Grandfather,” Eugenio responded, his face lighting up upon hearing the deep, resonant voice of his respected patriarch drawing near.
Today marked his twelfth birthday, a day of significant importance in the Pacelli family. It was the day when a boy was ushered into the realm of manhood through a sacred conversation with his grandfather. This was a rite of passage Eugenio’s older brother and cousins had experienced; to the man they’d emerged from the cloistered meeting with their faces glowing with newfound maturity and pride. Such was the power of a private meeting with the revered patriarch of the Pacelli family.
