The well-versed detective sat in his squad car as the sergeant started the engine.

“You know sergeant, that Latini was lying.”

“I know sir. It was written all over his face.”

“Why would he lie to me?”

“To keep you from finding out the truth perhaps?”

“Almost certain. Okay, I’ll pull rank for a change. Take me to see the commissioner.”

The car set off towards the government buildings. To the right stood the proud headquarters of their supreme boss.

After convincing his secretary that it was important, they were ushered inside the business like office.

“You have something to report detective?”

“Yes I have sir. I believe that Lutini is lying to me.”

“That’s a very serious charge.”

“He was being evasive in his answers sir.”

“What was your line of questioning?”

The detective remained calm.

“I’m convinced that these killings are linked to a book called the Neo Clasico sir. I need your authority to examine it.”

“I’ve never heard of it.”

“It is really important sir?”

The commissioner nodded and tapped his intercom.

“Get me Lutini would you.”

The new head of security was sitting at his desk thinking when his phone rang.

“Hello commissioner. Yes, I know of that title. Your detective thinks it’s important? I really don’t know much about it sir. I’ll put you through to the Bishop sir. Yes of course. Bye.”

As he put the phone down, he smiled happily.

Bishop Brentburg was back in his office when the call came through. As he listened, he cheered up.

“Detective Salini could take a look at it commissioner if this book was still in existence. We had the builders in last year and sadly it was destroyed in an accidental fire.”

He paused for the reply.

“I’m sorry too sir.”

As he replaced the receiver, he grimaced to himself.

“That detective is becoming a nuisance.”

The commissioner replaced the handset and stared at his loyal officer.

“The book was destroyed in some kind of fire Salini.”

“That’s rather convenient.”

“I agree but perhaps it gives us an edge.”

“I don’t understand sir.”

“Obviously the killer thinks that it still exists. If you issue a
statement to the contrary, the slaughter could stop.”

The detective nodded.

“I’ll try that sir.”

Within the hour, the detective was reading a press release as the pack jostled just feet away.

“As you know, my department is investigating three murders. We continue to follow leads but one lead has come to a dead end. A certain book was destroyed last year that may have solved this case for me.”

Judith sat in her dingy home watching the conference on her television. A garish red wig now adorned her head, and the black dress had been replaced with a nice blue one.

“You really didn’t fall for that crap? The buggers still have it detective. There is only one more killing to carry out then I’ll grab the Vatican by the balls!”

As night fell, a lonely Rome policeman strolled his beat rather impatiently.

“Another hour to go.”

He knew about the APB of course. Despite keeping an eye out, he had not seen the suspect. What he had seen were the posters.

Upon those was an artist’s impression of the killer. A quite nice looking one too. Below that, the pictures of the victims.

As he crossed the busy street, he noticed a tall woman with red hair gazing at him.

“Perhaps she is a lost tourist.”

He walked towards her and saw that she was smiling sweetly.

“Are you lost mam?”

She nodded.

“I need to find my way to my flat officer. I’m damn sure that it’s round about here.”

The officer smiled.

“What’s the address?”

“The Via Tablo sir.”

The officer smiled.

“That’s across the city mam. Just north of the Coliseum actually.”

She took his arm and asked, “Across there? I would feel far safer with you at my side.”

“It would be my pleasure.”

As they approached the ancient arena, the woman seemed to become a little agitated.

“Sorry about this but I’m desperate for a pee.”

He saw her dash into a dark alcove and soon after heard the soft trickle of running water. When she did not emerge however, he decided to check.

The lost tourist was leaning against the old stone wall stark naked.

“I need you to screw me.”

The officer smiled and unzipped himself as she splayed her thighs wide. As he drew between them she whispered, “Then you can take me home.”

Salini and his sidekick were back at the station in deep discussion.

“There has been no response to the posters sir.”

“So I see. At least the press are treating us with a little sympathy for a change.”

The sergeant had a sudden thought.

“I don’t suppose we are dealing with some religious nutters?”

“What makes you think that?”

“The crucified altar boy sir.”

“Obviously the book was religious. I just hope the killer gets my message.”

The desk sergeant poked his head through.

“Sorry sir but you need to reach the Coliseum. One of our officers is down.”

When they arrived, the street had been sealed off with yellow tape. As everyone know of course, this historic building was now located at the centre of a deadly roundabout. Cars now took the place of racing chariots.

“Where is he?” the detective demanded.

The shocked officer pointed to the alcove.

“He's in there sir.”

When they entered, the doc was retching.

Salini saw the carved up body. The head had been settled upon a small stone shelve whilst the torso stood against the far wall.

“I’ve never seen anything like it Salini. You’ll find urine near the entrance.”

The detective stared.

“I want it tested. What do you think happened?”

The doc recovered and wandered over.

“He was lured in here and butchered. We’ll get the DNA and pin this bastard!”

“Any witness’s doc?” the sergeant asked.

“None at all. Everyone seems to have gone stark blind.”

As the detective stared at the severed head he whispered, “Our killer did this sergeant. He and she are sending us a clear signal.”

“What kind of signal?”

“I don’t know yet. That is the problem. They must know by now that the book has been destroyed.”

“So this is a reply?”

“I think so. It’s telling me that they don’t believe it.”

He left the alcove and pulled his sergeant to him.

“I don’t either. A priceless book destroyed in a fire? The commissioner needs his head testing.”

“So what do we do sir?”

“We check the internet of course. Perhaps it mentions this book. Despite what the Vatican wants us to believe.”

Throughout that long night, the officers checked every search engine they could think of but with no result. As dawn rose, the detective yawned.

“Damn hopeless sir.”

“It would seem that nobody knows about it. Not even that so-called expert. The bishops must be pleased.”

He glanced at his watch.

“It’s just gone five mate. Check back at noon eh. I’m off to bed.”

Earlier that night, as the officers conducted their search, a twenty-year-old man got a rather surprising visit.

When he opened the door, a tall, red haired female stood outside.

“I wasn’t expecting anyone.”

The woman smiled.

“Edwardo, remember me?”

He looked intently and shook his head.

“We used to be at school together. May I come in?”

“It’s really a bad time.”

“I’ll make it worth your while.”

He stepped outside and she entered the happy home. A bright carpet covered the floor and expensive ornaments were dotted around upon wooden stands.

“You have done well for yourself.”

The young man smiled.

“You really cannot stay long.”

The woman turned and smiled.

“I don’t intend to Edwardo.”

“Would you like a drink?”

She shook her head.

“This is far too important. I understand that you are the partner of a rather important bishop?”

The young man grew rather nervous.

“How did you find out?”

“I have my ways.”

As she said this, she opened the Velcro and removed a dagger from between her soft breasts.

“Now do as you are told and you might just live.”

The young man staggered back in shock.

“What do you want?”

She advanced upon him and said, “Just a phone call. Nothing too complicated.”

Edwardo grabbed the mobile and waited.

“Now call your lover!”

Bishop Brentburg was about to leave when his desk phone activated. When he answered, he was rather annoyed.

“I told you never to call me here. What do you mean by emergency? Okay, I’ll pop over.”

He put the phone down and cursed.

The Bishop had ordered his driver to drop him off three blocks away, and made the rest of the way on foot. When the nervous young man answered he said, “You had better have a damn good reason for this.”

When the bishop answered, a strong arm hauled him inside. Turning sharply he was confronted by the cold killer.

“Who the hell are you?”

“Judith,” she said calmly. “You have something that I really want.”

The bishop saw the blade and waited.

“What could that be?”

“I want the Neo Clasico.”

The bishop laughed.

“You are a bit late. It was destroyed last year.”

The woman shook his head.

“Don’t try that one with me. Not if you don’t want your partner diced.”

“What’s it to you?”

She smiled back.

“I’m an avid collector shall we say.”

The bishop thought this over.

“You will never be able to sell it you know.”

“That sir is not my intention. You will bring it here tonight or else. Any attempt to contact the police will have unfortunate consequences for Edwardo.”

The defeated bishop nodded.

“You’ll get it.”

She shoved him toward the door and warned, “If he dies, you will soon follow.”