The Brotherhood »

Gregory jerked from surprise. "How did you get in here?" John held up his hands. "I mean you no harm, Holy Father, but I must speak with you."Gregory moved his hand to the front of one of the little panic alarm buttons concealed next to his desk, then hesitated. Gregory, newly installed as pope one week earlier, eyed the man in a humble monk's tunic with both suspicion and curiosity. "Tell me, brother, what is so urgent it could not wait for a morning audience?"The monk smiled. "It is an audience I most wish to avoid, Holy Father. Tell me, father, will you hear my confession?" John asked.The new pope sighed. "A confession he wants?"The tale I must tell can only be given as confession," John insisted.Gregory leaned back in the rocker. "It must be a dark secret indeed."Indeed."