The Vatican Children

Garfield receives Frieda's call pulling him off Wendigo hunt to rescue Arthur. Internal conflict about priorities and his complicated feelings about Arthur. Drives to facility, scouts perimeter, prepares for infiltration.

Arthur drives to the water treatment facility while theorizing about the bishop's endgame: building operational assets from gifted children to manipulate world leaders. They infiltrate the facility, discover underground tunnels, and walk into a trap with armed guards.

Arthur and Niccolo visit the Afterlife nightclub to extract information from Elgin about Naomi Develon's location, leveraging Arthur's investigation into shell companies and property records. Niccolo reveals the secret of the Vatican Children after Arthur manipulates him into drinking.

Niccolo talks with Desiree about her abuse by Bishop Glasser, grappling with the Church's complicity. After target practice, Desiree reveals the bishop worked with someone called 'the collector,' whom Arthur identifies as Naomi Develon—a thief connected to the Church.

Arthur reviews his dossier on Bishop Glasser while reflecting on the Sacramento children case that drives him. Trains Niccolo and Desiree with tranquilizer guns. Over lunch, discusses Desiree's psychology and plans for Niccolo to build trust with her.

Niccolo Paladina arrives at Arthur's remote cabin after a frustrating drive. Arthur reveals he has kidnapped Desiree Portman, a woman who reported abuse by Bishop Glasser to the Church only to be ignored.

Arthur's hideout in the Colorado forests is visited unexpectedly by Frieda and Abigail. Arthur has secretly imprisoned Desiree Portman, a victim of Bishop Glasser, in his basement to test priest Niccolo's commitment to the dangerous mission ahead.