Realm of the Beast

When an Atlanta journalist comes face to face with an inmate in an Italian prison to record his life story, he has no idea what disclosures will be made to him that will affect him personally. He begins to hear the narrative of a Colombian youth who years earlier had left his home to become a halcone in a cartel. Marco Montoya starts an unbelievable journey to leading a double life, one shrouded in the darkness of the drug trade and the other hidden under the cover of the...
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When an Atlanta journalist comes face to face with an inmate in an Italian prison to record his life story, he has no idea what disclosures will be made to him that will affect him personally. He begins to hear the narrative of a Colombian youth who years earlier had left his home to become a halcone in a cartel. Marco Montoya starts an unbelievable journey to leading a double life, one shrouded in the darkness of the drug trade and the other hidden under the cover of the Church.Marco's mentor and capo, Father Alfredo, is revered to be a pious and respected priest. When aspects of his life unravel, his uncontrolled rage forces a Machiavellian plot to murder a female lawyer, Anna Ralston. When Anna's friend and interpreter is killed, the Roman Carabinieri conduct a wide-sweeping investigation that involves Interpol and the FBI. A connection between Mexican and Italian cartels is uncovered. Marco is arrested and brought to trial during which he shockingly reveals that he is the illegitimate son of Father Alfredo.His narrative at the Iles d'Arda Prison concludes with a startling revelation. The despondent journalist leaves Italy and returns home to Atlanta where he contacts Father Ted O'Driscoll, one of the men who first brought charges against Alfredo. From all that the journalist has recorded of Marco's life, there are parts that are missing which he believes only Father Ted can fill in.