"He wanted to try it." Lorenzo gestured at me, and the movement looked loose despite his injury. "Who was I to say no to a man of God with a kink?"
“What the hell—”
Lorenzo elbowed me, and I grunted. “I’m trying to save your life, you idiot. Play along.
The team leader turned to me, and every muscle in his body radiated skepticism. "Father Oliviera? Is this true?"
My face burned, but I nodded. “It’s as he says.”
The sound of spurs on stone echoed through the courtyard before a man in a bolo tie and a black Stetson appeared. The team leader immediately turned to him. “What do you make of this, Judge Rhadamanthys?”
“It does seem suspicious,” the Judge named Rhadamanthys said. “The rules of neutral ground must be enforced. But…” He rubbed his chin and pulled out his phone. “Allow me to consult with my colleagues.” He pressed a button. The phone rang once, twice before a woman picked up on the other end. “Aeacus, my dear, it’s Rhadamanthys. We’re on a three-way call.”
As Rhadamanthys explained the situation over the phone, I glared at Lorenzo and reconsidered my options. Maybe death at the hands of a Pantheon judge was better than letting them all believe I’d broken my vows. I hadn’t…had I?
In Eden there was a moment where I’d wanted to. I didn’t know what madness had overtaken me, but having Lorenzo pressed against me in that sinful place had felt…right. More right than any prayer or liturgy ever had.
I shook the thought away and turned back to Rhadamanthys.
"Mr. Vasquez claims it was consensual activity," Rhadamanthys said. "Knife play that became too rough. An accident, not business."
"How wonderfully creative."
I frowned at the third voice. It sounded familiar somehow, but I couldn’t place it.
"I do admire a good story,” the third voice continued. “Though I must point out that the blood patterns, the positioning when Cerberus arrived, the weapons themselves, they all tell a rather different tale, don't they?"
"Could have been both," interjected the feminine voice. "Rough play that turned into an actual fight. Either way, we need to consider the political implications. If no business was conducted and both parties maintain this was consensual, then no violation occurred.Executing a Vatican operative over an accident? The political fallout would be catastrophic."
"Ah yes, politics." The third Judge sighed, and the sound came across almost regretful. "I do understand your concern, Aeacus. But consider what we're discussing. Mr. Vasquez killed Cardinal Azevedo. This priest has been hunting him through Rome. And now we're meant to believe they decided to engage in recreational bloodshed?" He paused, and I held my breath, waiting for him to continue. "I'm simply asking that we look at this situation with clear eyes."
"And I respect that position entirely, Minos," Aeacus said.
"How interesting that you're so invested in this particular case, Minos," Rhadamanthys said. "One might almost think these two had somehow offended you personally."
A soft laugh came through the speaker. "Offended? My dear Rhadamanthys, I'm simply advocating for consistency. Though I do appreciate your attention to my tone. You've always been perceptive."
"Of course," Rhadamanthys murmured. "Well, it seems we have a decision to make. Aeacus?"
"I vote to release them," Aeacus said. "No clear evidence of business, high political cost. Let them go."
"Minos?"
"I vote to execute," Minos said. "I truly wish I could see another path here, but the rules exist for a reason. We can't afford to appear flexible, not on something this fundamental. I'm sorry, gentlemen. I really am."
The apology made my skin crawl. Cold sweat broke out across my forehead. Rhadamanthys held my life in his hands.
"How convenient that leaves the deciding vote to me." Rhadamanthys smiled at us. "I vote to release. Two to one. Cerberus, stand down."
My shoulders slumped, and I thought I might pass out from the relief.
"Well." Minos's voice remained pleasant. "Democracy in action. I do hope this works out as well as you both seem to think it will. Though I suspect we'll be revisiting this conversation sooner rather than later." He trailed off with what sounded like a warm chuckle. "Enjoy your evening, gentlemen."
Rhadamanthys tucked his phone away. "You're very fortunate that Judge Aeacus values political stability. And that I enjoy watching Minos pretend he doesn't care about outcomes."
The Cerberus operatives lowered their weapons and melted back into the shadows around us.
Rhadamanthys studied us for a long moment. "A word of advice, Mr. Vasquez. Next time you want to engage in recreational bloodshed, do it somewhere that isn't my jurisdiction."
