The pope is dead. A conclave to select his replacement is about to begin. Cardinals are beginning to arrive at the Vatican, but one has fled Rome for Malta in search of a document that dates back to the 4th century and Constantine the Great. Former Justice Department operative Cotton Malone is at Lake Como, Italy, on the trail of legendary letters between Winston Churchill and Benito Mussolini that disappeared in 1945 and could re-write history. When Malone obtains-- then loses-- them, he's plunged into a hunt that draws the attention of the legendary Knights of Malta. The Secreti-- an ancient sect within the Knights is intent on affecting the coming papal conclave. -- adapted from publisher info