Robert Langdon, #2
The Da Vinci Code
by Dan Brown
Contents
CHAPTER 86
Overview
Silas and Rémy seize control of the confrontation in Temple Church, turning Langdon's threat to destroy the cryptex into a hostage crisis. Rémy reveals his betrayal, his connection to the mysterious Teacher, and the crucial fact that the tomb is not in Temple Church.
The keystone falls into Silas's hands, while Teabing is abducted as leverage. This shifts the search away from the failed Temple Church clue and exposes that Langdon and Sophie are being manipulated by enemies who know more than they do.
Summary
Silas silently ambushes Sophie Neveu inside Temple Church, pressing a gun into her back and searching her sweater pockets for the keystone. Robert Langdon reveals that he has the black cryptex and uses it as leverage, threatening to smash it and destroy the vial inside unless Silas lets Sophie and Leigh Teabing leave.
From the annex, Rémy Legaludec watches the standoff deteriorate. He fears Silas might shoot Langdon and cause the cryptex to fall, ruining Rémy's chance at the money promised by the Teacher. Rémy recalls that the Teacher ordered him to remain hidden, explained that the tomb is not in Temple Church, and warned that the keystone must be taken before Langdon and Sophie discover the true location.
Driven by greed and fear of losing his reward, Rémy disobeys the order to remain anonymous. Rémy steps into the chamber with a small revolver taken from Teabing's limousine and aims it at Teabing, revealing himself as an accomplice. Teabing is stunned by his servant's betrayal.
Rémy uses Teabing as a hostage and demands that Langdon surrender the cryptex. Langdon argues that Rémy cannot open it, but Rémy reveals that he has been listening to their discussions and passing information to others who know more than they do. Rémy also claims that the tomb they seek is in a different location.
When Langdon still resists, Rémy fires a warning shot into the ceiling and threatens to shoot Teabing next. Langdon reluctantly gives the cryptex to Silas, who takes it and keeps Langdon and Sophie at gunpoint. Rémy drags Teabing toward the exit, warning that Teabing will die if Langdon or Sophie contact the police or interfere, and he hints that his employer's identity would surprise Sophie.
Who Appears
- Robert LangdonUses the cryptex as leverage, but surrenders it to save Teabing.
- Rémy LegaludecReveals his betrayal, acts for the Teacher, steals the keystone, and abducts Teabing.
- SilasAmbushes Sophie at gunpoint and takes the cryptex from Langdon.
- Leigh TeabingShocked by Rémy's betrayal and taken hostage during the theft.
- Sophie NeveuSeized by Silas, then questions Rémy about his hidden employer.
- The TeacherUnseen mastermind directing Rémy and Silas; knows the tomb is elsewhere.