The Pontifical Swiss Guard have been the Pope's military force ever since 1506. Known to tourists for their medieval-inspired uniforms, armor, and halberds, the Swiss Guard have a real mission to protect the Pontiff and Vatican City. Yet of the world's militaries, they remain the least understood. Now, an incident has occurred in Vatican City that threatens to expose secrets that some wish to keep hidden. Controversial American journalist Alexandra Worthington and the Commandant of the Pontifical Swiss Guard are found murdered in the barracks. The archbishop in charge of the Holy See's investigation claims the suspect is a frustrated Swiss Guardsman who then turned his weapon upon himself. But is the official story what really happened? Mac is a Marine veteran and member of the CIA's elite Special Activities Division. After nearly being killed in a controversial ambush in Pakistan, he is sent to Rome to take over a troubled CIA Station plagued by a rendition scandal. There, Langley hopes the gruff and undiplomatic CIA officer will be out of sight and out of mind... With the murder of Alex Worthington, Mac must join the American investigation led by the FBI Legal Attache-who happens to be his ex-wife. Together, they must navigate the tangled politics of Vatican City as well as their own agencies' rivalry and personal history to discover a truth that could shake the Vatican to its very foundations."