Book excerpt: For centuries, the Order of St. Vertinez has used whatever means necessary to protect Catholic interests around the world. The autonomous order reports to no one, not even the Pope, for its deeds would leave blood on the soul of any man. Years ago, while investigating an ancient artifact in the American West, the Order inadvertently released the fallen archangel Temozarela from centuries of imprisonment. Now the Order has returned to clean up its mess, and this time, no one will live to tell the tale.