A massive act of terrorism against the Vatican destroys St Peter's and kills the new pope elect. Rome's Carabinieri anti-terror chief faces an enigmatic mix of the criminal underworld and ostensibly legitimate groups driven by ruthless greed, historical feuds and delusions of heavenly glory. The Collineau Covenant, with its origins dating back to the 14th century, is the Holy Grail inspiring the collaborators, but what does it mean? Is there a hereditary connection and vendetta mandating the current Pope's assassination? Can the billionaire American fundamentalist, prepared to risk everything he possesses, take control of the New Catholic Church - its doctrines and its riches - like Richelieu succeeded in doing centuries before him? Rome's anti-terror chief soon learns that powerful enemies have him in their sights. His adversaries are immensely wealthy and widely influential. Are some high in the Church, or those he has long trusted, among them? The Collineau Covenant reveals the outgrowth of hateful retribution, rooted in centuries past, that festers into grandiose crime.