64

Langdon and Vittoria race by taxi to Piazza del Popolo just before eight o’clock, still shaken by the Pantheon mistake. As they arrive, Langdon notices that the square itself seems rich with Illuminati symbolism: an elliptical layout, a central Egyptian obelisk, and a carving on the Porta del Popolo that resembles a source of illumination over a pyramid.

They identify Santa Maria del Popolo at the edge of the piazza, but the church is closed for renovation and blocked by scaffolding. Langdon realizes the closure would give the assassin privacy, while Vittoria immediately pushes past the barriers to test the main door. When it is locked, Langdon urges waiting for Olivetti, but Vittoria insists they must cover every possible entrance and exit before the killer escapes.

Langdon and Vittoria search the dark side alley beside the church and find a clergy entrance with an annular handle, but Langdon cannot open it. Believing any other access would likely be hidden at the rear, they continue around the building as the eight o’clock bell begins ringing.

At the back of the church, Vittoria discovers a narrow passage cut into the foundation. Langdon goes first into the dark tunnel, following the wall until they reach a dim alcove and find a heavy wooden door. The door has already been forced open, with a wrecking bar still lodged in its splintered hinges, confirming that someone has entered before them.

Vittoria takes the gun from Langdon as they prepare for possible danger inside. Meanwhile, in the Vatican Museums, Swiss Guards search with infrared goggles and magnetic-field detectors for the stolen antimatter canister, but their sweep produces no readings.