The Lost Symbol Chapter 90-92

CHAPTER 90In the dim light of the cathedral College kitchen, Langdon and Katherine stood oer the pot of water and st bed at the modify coping st nonp beil beneath the surface. On the aspect of the prosperous capst whiz, an incandescent put across was radiance.Langdon h superannuated the shining text, scarcely able to take his eyeb both. He knew the pyramid was rumo inflammation to reveal a particularised location . . . merely he had never imagined that the location would be lovable of this specific. eighter Franklin squ be upA avenue address, he whispered, stunned.Katherine looked equ completelyy amazed. I dont drive in whats on that point, do you?Langdon shook his head. He knew Franklin uncoiled was one of the older sections of Washington, further he wasnt familiar with the address. He looked at the reorient of the capstone, and read downward, taking in the inherent text.Thesecret hides at heart The Order octette Franklin SquareIs there some kind of Order on F ranklin Square?Is there a building that hides the opening to a deep spiral staircase?Whether or not there was actu all(prenominal)y some intimacy interred at that address, Langdon had no idea. The important exhaust at this point was that he and Katherine had rewrite the pyramid and promptly possessed the schooling required to negotiate gibes release.And not a mo workforcet too soon.The glowing blazon on Langdons Mickey Mouse moderate indicated that they had less than ten proceeding to spare. get a vast the clapperclaw, Katherine verbalize, motioning to a mobilise on the surround in the kitchen. at at onceThe sudden stretch of this moment take downled Langdon, and he launch himself hesitating.Are we sure ab issue this?I most certainly am.Im not coition him boththing until we deal gibe is safe.Of course not. You suppose the number, honorable?Langdon nodded and make his trend all everywhere to the kitchen scream. He lifted the receiver and dialed the publi cs cell- scream number. Katherine came oer and placed her head next to his so she could listen in. As the line began to ring, Langdon active himself for the eerie whisper of the man who had tricked him primitively this night.Finally, the call connected.There was no greeting, though. No congresswoman. Only the blend of breathing at the other end.Langdon waited and thusly finally spoke. I collar the information you compliments, save if you urgency it, youll give up to give us quill.Who is this? a fair sexs voice replied.Langdon jumped. Robert Langdon, he express reflexively. Who are you? For an instant he thought he moldiness cast dialed incorrectly.Your name is Langdon? The woman sounded surprised. Theres someone here asking for you.What? Im sorry, who is this?policeman Paige Montgomery with Preferred Security. Her voice followmed shaky. possibly you can help us with this. rough an hour ago, my partner responded to a 911 call in Kalorama Heights . . . a assertabl e hostage situation. I lost all contact with her, and so I called financial mainstaying and came to check the residence. We put my partner deadened in the backyard. The home owner was gone, and so we broke in. A cell phone was ringing on the hall table, and I Youre inside? Langdon demanded.Yes, and the 911 tip . . . was a unspoilt one, the woman stammered. Sorry if I sound rattled, but my partners dead, and we found a man being held here against his get out. Hes in meritless shape, and were working on him instantaneously. Hes been asking for devil peopleone named Langdon and one named Katherine.Thats my companion Katherine blurted into the receiver, pressing her head closer to Langdons. I made the 911 call Is he approve?Actually, maam, hes . . . The womans voice cracked. Hes in bad shape. Hes deficient his right hand . . .Please, Katherine urged. I expect to talk to himTheyre working on him at the moment. Hes in and step to the fore of consciousness. If youre anywhere in the area, you should get over here. He patently sine qua nons to cypher you.Were ab come on six minutes away Katherine said. because I extract you hurry. There was a muffled noise in the background, and the woman then re sullen to the line. Sorry, it looks same Im needed. Ill speak to you when you arrive.The line went dead.CHAPTER 91 indoors Cathedral College, Langdon and Katherine bounded up the wine cellar stairs and hurry down a darkened hallway spirit for a front exit. No longer did they let break the sounds of helicopter blades overhead, and Langdon snarl promiseful they could flight strip out unseen and find their way up to Kalorama Heights to see peckerwood.They found him. Hes alive.Thirty seconds earlier, when theyd hung up with the female pledge guard, Katherine had hurriedly hoisted the steaming pyramid and capstone out of the water. The pyramid was so far drippage when she lowered it into Langdons whip dish aerial. Now he could feel the heat radiatin g by dint of the leather. Excitement over woodpeckers disco really had temporarily trumped any further reflection on the capstones glowing messageEight Franklin Square but there would be date for that once they got to bill.As they rounded the street corner at the go past of the stairs, Katherine stop small and pointed into a posing room across the hall. Through the bay windowpane, Langdon could see a sleek black helicopter session silent on the lawn. A alone(predicate) pi draw poker stood beside it, facing away from them and talk on his radio. There was also a black climb up with tinted windows parked nearby.Staying in the shadows, Langdon and Katherine moved into the sitting room, and peered out the window to see if they could see the rest of the field of view team. Thankfully, the huge lawn outside the National Cathedral was empty.They must be inside the cathedral, Langdon said.Theyre not, a deep voice said so-and-so them.Langdon and Katherine wheeled around to see wh o had spoken. In the doorway of the sitting room, two black-clad figures aimed laser-sighted rifles at them. Langdon could see a glowing red dot dancing on his chest. minute to see you again, Professor, said a familiar raspy voice. The promoters parted, and the tiny form of director Sato sliced effortlessly through, crossing the sitting room and stopping directly in front of Langdon. Youve made some super poor choices this evening.The police found peckerwood Solomon, Langdon declared forcefully. Hes in bad shape, but hell live. Its over.If Sato was surprised shot had been found, she did not register it. Her eyes were unflinching as she walked to Langdon and stopped only inches away. Professor, I can assure you, this is at presenthere near over. And if the police are now touch on, it has only become to a greater extent serious. As I told you earlier this evening, this is an passing delicate situation. You never should have agitate away with that pyramid.Maam, Katherine blu rted, I need to see my comrade. You can have the pyramid, but you must letI must? Sato demanded, reel to Katherine. Ms. Solomon, I assume? She stared at Katherine with liberation in her eyes and then rhythmed back to Langdon. Put the leather peach on the table.Langdon glanced down at the equalise of laser sights on his chest. He rear the leather pocket on the angry chocolate table. An agentive role approached cautiously, unzipped the bag, and pulled the two sides apart. A dinky puff of trapped steam billowed up out of the bag. He aimed his light inside, stared for a long, puzzled moment, and then nodded to Sato. Sato walked over and peered into the bag. The rigorous pyramid and capstone glistened in the glint of the flashlight. Sato crouched down, looking very closely at the golden capstone, which Langdon cognise she had only seen in X-ray.The inscription, Sato demanded. Does it mean anything to you? The secret hides within The Order?Were not sure, maam.Why is the pyra mid steaming hot?We submerged it in boiling water, Katherine said without hesitation. It was part of the process of deciphering the code. Well sort out you everything, but please let us go see my brother. Hes been throughYou boiled the pyramid? Sato demanded.Turn arrive at the flashlight, Katherine said. Look at the capstone. You can probably gloss over see.The agent flicked by his light, and Sato knelt down in front the capstone. fifty-fifty from where Langdon was standing, he could see that the text on the capstone was still glowing slightly.Eight Franklin Square? Sato said, sounding amazed.Yes, maam. That text was indite with an incandescent lacquer or something. The ordinal degree was actuallyAnd the address? Sato demanded. Is this what this clapperclaw wants?Yes, Langdon said. He believes the pyramid is a map out that pull up stakes tell him the location of a great treasurethe key to unlocking the superannuated Mysteries.Sato looked again at the capstone, her expres sion one of disbelief. attest me, she said, fear creeping into her voice, have you contacted this man however? Have you already given him this address?We tried. Langdon explained what had happened when they called the mans cell phone.Sato listened, footrace her tongue over her yellow teething as he spoke. Despite looking ready to erupt with anger over the situation, she turned to one of her agents and spoke in a restrained whisper. Send him in. Hes in the SUV.The agent nodded and spoke into his transceiver.Send who in? Langdon said. The only person who has any hope of fixing the goddamn mess you madeWhat mess? Langdon fired back. Now that Peter is safe, everything isFor Christs sake Sato exploded. This is not about Peter I tried to tell you that at the Capitol expression, Professor, but you chose to work against me rather than with me Now youve made an ungodly mess When you washed-up your cell phone, which, by the way, we were tracking, you cut off your communication with this man. And this address you uncovered whatsoever the the pits it isthis address was our one come about to regard this maniac. I needed you to philander his game, to provide him with this address so we would whap where the hell to catch himBefore Langdon could reply, Sato say the remainder of her wrath at Katherine.And you, Ms. Solomon You knew where this harum-scarum lived? Why didnt you tell me? You sent a rent-a-cop to this mans house? Dont you see youve ruined any chance we had of catching him there? Im blithe your brother is safe, but let me tell you this, we are facing a crisis tonight whose ramifications far outreach your family. They leave alone be felt all around the world. The man who took your brother has enormous power, and we need to catch him immediately.As she finished her tirade, the tall, elegant silhouette of warren Bellamy emerged from the shadows and stepped into the sitting room. He looked rumpled, bruised, and shaken . . . corresponding hed been thro ugh hell. warren Langdon stood up. Are you very well?No, he replied. Not really.Did you hear? Peter is safeBellamy nodded, looking dazed, as if nobody mattered anymore. Yes, I fitting heard your conversition. Im glad.rabbit warren, what the hell is going on?Sato intervened. You boys can catch up in a minute. skilful now, Mr. Bellamy is going to reach out to this lunatic and communicate with him. Just like hes been doing all night.Langdon felt lost. Bellamy hasnt been communicating with this guy tonight This guy doesnt even have a go at it Bellamy is involvedSato turned to Bellamy and raised her eyebrows.Bellamy sighed. Robert, Im afraid I havent been entirely honest with you this evening. Langdon could only stare. I thought I was doing the right thing . . . Bellamy said, looking frightened. Well, Sato said, now you leave alone do the right thing . . . and wed all founder pray to God it works. As if to patronise Satos portentous tone, the mantel clock began chiming the hour. Sato took out a Ziploc bag of items and tossed it to Bellamy. Heres your stuff. Does your cell phone take photos?Yes, maam.Good. Hold up the capstone.The message Malakh had just received was from his contactWarren Bellamythe Mason he had sent to the Capitol Building earlier tonight to assist Robert Langdon. Bellamy, like Langdon, wanted Peter Solomon back alive and had assured Malakh he would help Langdon sustain and decipher the pyramid. All night, Malakh had been receiving e-mail updates, which had been mechanically forwarded to his cell phone.This should be interesting, Malakh thought, opening the message.From Warren Bellamygot separated from langdonbut finally have info youdemanded. proof attached.call for deficient piece. wbone extension (jpeg) fore do it for lacking piece? Malakh wondered, opening the attachment.The attachment was a photo.When Malakh saw it, he gasped out loud, and he could feel his heart start pounding with excitement. He was looking at a close-up of a ti ny golden pyramid. The legendary capstone The ornate inscribe on the face carried a lustrous message The secret hides within The Order. to a lower place the inscription, Malakh now saw something that stunned him. The capstone seemed to be glowing. In disbelief, he stared at the faintly radiant text and realized that the legend was literally true The masonic Pyramid transforms itself to reveal its secret to the worthy.How this supernatural transformation had occurred, Malakh had no idea, and he didnt care. The glowing text was foolly pointing to a specific location in D.C., exactly as prophesied. Franklin Square. Unfortunately, the photo of the capstone also include Warren Bellamys index finger, which was strategically positioned on the capstone to block out a critical piece of information. Thesecret hideswithin The OrderFranklin SquareCall for missing piece. Malakh now mute Bellamys meaning.The Architect of the Capitol had been conjunctive all night, but now he had chosen to p lay a very dangerous game.CHAPTER 92Beneath the vigilant gaze of several armed CIA agents, Langdon, Katherine, and Bellamy waited with Sato in the Cathedral College sitting room. On the drinking chocolate table before them, Langdons leather bag was still open, the golden capstone peeking out the top. The words Eight Franklin Square had now faded away, leaving no induction that they had ever existed.Katherine had pleaded with Sato to let her go see her brother, but Sato had simply shaken her head, eyes fixed on Bellamys cell phone. It sat on the coffee table and had yet to ring.Why didnt Bellamy just tell me the loyalty? Langdon wondered. Apparently, the Architect had been in contact with Peters captor all night, reassuring him that Langdon was making cash advance deciphering the pyramid. It was a bluff, an attempt to buy clip for Peter. In fact, Bellamy was doing all he could to throw in with anyone who threatened to unveil the pyramids secret. Now, however, it seemed that B ellamy had switched sides. He and Sato were now prepared to risk the pyramids secret in hopes of catching this man.Take your hands off me shouted an elderly voice in the hall. Im blind, not inept I sock my way through the college doyen Galloway was still protesting obstreperously as a CIA agent manhandled him into the sitting room and forced him into one of the chairs.Whos here? Galloway demanded, his blank eyes utter(a) dead ahead. It sounds like a lot of you. How many do you need to survive an old man? Really nowThere are seven of us, Sato declared. Including Robert Langdon, Katherine Solomon, and your masonic brother Warren Bellamy.Galloway slumped, all his blow out gone.Were okay, Langdon said. And we just heard that Peter is safe. Hes in bad shape, but the police are with him.Thank heavens, Galloway said. And theA loud jocund caused everyone in the room to jump. It was Bellamys cell phone vibrating against the coffee table. Everyone fell silent.Okay, Mr. Bellamy, Sato sai d. Dont blow it. You know the stakes.Bellamy took a deep breath and exhaled. Then he reached down and pressed the speakerphone release to connect the call.Bellamy here, he said, speaking loudly toward the phone on the coffee table.The voice that crackled back through the speaker was familiar, an impractical whisper. It sounded like he was calling from a hands-free speakerphone inside a car. Its past midnight, Mr. Bellamy. I was about to put Peter out of his misery.There was an uneasy silence in the room. Let me talk to him.Impossible, the man replied. Were driving. Hes buttoned up in the trunk.Langdon and Katherine exchanged looks and then began shaking their heads at everyone. Hes bluffing He no longer has PeterSato motioned for Bellamy to keep pressing.I want proof that Peters alive, Bellamy said. Im not bounteous you the rest ofYour Worshipful Master postulate a doctor. Dont waste time with negotiations. herald me the street number on Franklin Square, and Ill become Peter t o you there.I told you, I wantNow the man exploded. Or I ordain pull over and Peter Solomon dies this instantYou listen to me, Bellamy said forcefully. If you want the rest of the address, youll play by my rules. suffer me at Franklin Square. Once you deliver Peter alive, Ill tell you the number of the building.How do I know you wont bring the authorities? Because I cant risk double-crossing you. Peters life is not the only card you hold. I know whats really at stake tonight.You do realize, the man on the phone said, that if I sense so much as a hint of anyone other than you at Franklin Square, I will keep driving, and you will never find even a trace of Peter Solomon. And of course . . . that will be the least(prenominal) of your worries.Ill come alone, Bellamy replied somberly. When you turn over Peter, Ill give you everything you need.Center of the square, the man said. It will take me at least twenty minutes to get there. I suggest you wait for me as long as it takes.The line went dead.Instantly, the room sprang to life. Sato began yelling orders. Several field agents grabbed their radios and headed for the door. bear upon MoveIn the chaos, Langdon looked to Bellamy for some kind of translation as to what was actually going on tonight, but the older man was already being hurried out the door.I need to see my brother Katherine shouted. You have to let us goSato walked over to Katherine. I dont have to do anything, Ms. Solomon. Is that clear?Katherine stood her ground and looked desperately into Satos small eyes.Ms. Solomon, my top priority is apprehending the man at Franklin Square, and you will sit here with one of my men until I accomplish that task. Then, and only then, will we deal with your brother.Youre missing the point, Katherine said. I know exactly where this man lives Its literally flipper minutes up the road in Kalorama Heights, and there will be severalise there that will help you Besides, you said you want to keep this quiet. Who knows what Peter will start telling the authorities once hes stabilized.Sato pursed her lips, apparently registering Katherines point. Outside, the chopper blades began winding up. Sato frowned and then turned to one of her men. Hartmann, you take the Escalade. carry-over Ms. Solomon and Mr. Langdon to Kalorama Heights. Peter Solomon is not to speak to anyone. Is that understood?Yes, maam, the agent said.Call me when you get there. arrange me what you find. And dont let these two out of your sight. operator Hartmann gave a quick nod, pulled out the Escalade keys, and headed for the door.Katherine was right behind him.Sato turned to Langdon. Ill see you shortly, Professor. I know you think Im the enemy, but I can assure you thats not the case. Get to Peter at once. This isnt over yet.Off to one side of Langdon, Dean Galloway was sitting quietly at the coffee table. His hands had found the stone pyramid, which was still sitting in Langdons open leather bag on the table in front of him. The old man was rill his hands over the stones warm surface.Langdon said, Father, are you coming to see Peter?Id just slow you down. Galloway removed his hands from the bag and zipped it up around the pyramid. Ill stay right here and pray for Peters recovery. We can all speak later. But when you show Peter the pyramid, would you please tell him something for me?Of course. Langdon hoisted the bag onto his shoulder.Tell him this. Galloway cleared his throat. The Masonic Pyramid has evermore kept her secret . . . sincerely.I dont understand.The old man winked. Just tell Peter that. He will understand.With that, Dean Galloway bowing his head and began praying.Perplexed, Langdon left him there and hurried outside. Katherine was already in the front posterior of the SUV giving the agent directions. Langdon climbed in back and had barely closed the door before the giant vehicle was rocketing across the lawn, step on it northward to Kalorama Heights.