CHAPTER 68

In New York, editor Jonas Faukman is awakened by a collect call from Robert Langdon. Langdon urgently asks whether Faukman sent out copies of Langdon’s manuscript on goddess worship for endorsements, especially to Jacques Saunière at the Louvre.

Faukman admits that he sent sections to ten prominent art-world figures, including Saunière, about a month earlier. Faukman also told Saunière that Langdon would soon be in Paris and suggested that the two meet. Langdon realizes this explains why Saunière knew of him and abruptly ends the call.

Back in the Range Rover, Leigh Teabing jokes that Langdon’s editor sent a manuscript about a secret society to a member of that secret society. Langdon explains that the manuscript discussed the Priory of Sion, the Sangreal documents, and the supposed keystone. Sophie concludes that this likely explains Saunière’s message, P.S. Find Robert Langdon, but also notes that it makes Langdon look suspicious to Captain Fache if the police believe Langdon contacted Saunière directly.

The group reaches Le Bourget Airfield, where Rémy drives to a hangar containing Teabing’s private jet, Elizabeth. Teabing orders his pilot, Richard, to prepare immediate departure for London, revealing the group’s plan to flee France by air rather than by train or tunnel.

Richard objects because Teabing’s diplomatic flight allowance covers only Teabing and his manservant, not Langdon, Sophie, or the unconscious man in the vehicle. Teabing responds by offering Richard two thousand pounds and pointing out the loaded gun, making clear that the pilot will carry everyone despite the rules.