58

At 7:46 p.m., Commander Olivetti sits with Langdon and Vittoria in an idling Alfa Romeo three blocks from the Pantheon and issues final orders to the Swiss Guards. The guards are to form an eight-point perimeter, remain out of sight because the assassin may recognize them, use nonlethal force, and prioritize capturing the killer alive over saving the cardinal.

Vittoria challenges Olivetti’s plan because no one is checking inside the Pantheon, where the killing is expected to occur. Olivetti refuses to send uniformed or recognizable men inside, fearing they will scare off the assassin during their only chance to catch him. Vittoria argues that the killer may already have brought the cardinal inside and volunteers to enter as an ordinary tourist.

Olivetti initially refuses, citing danger, lack of communication, and Vittoria’s civilian status. Vittoria insists her identity is unknown to the assassin and proposes using her cell phone as a discreet line to Olivetti. When a guard reports that the fountain blocks the northern team’s view of the entrance, Vittoria presses the point that the surveillance is flawed.

After his driver privately advises him, Olivetti relents and gives Vittoria his phone number so she can report from inside. Langdon objects to Vittoria going alone, but Olivetti agrees with the driver that the disguise will be more convincing if Langdon and Vittoria enter together as tourists or a couple.

Olivetti gives directions to the Pantheon and offers protection. Vittoria accepts his pistol, claiming competence with firearms, then hides it in Langdon’s jacket pocket opposite the copy of Diagramma. Vittoria takes Langdon’s arm, and the two set off toward the Pantheon, trying to appear like harmless newlyweds.