Robert Langdon, #2
The Da Vinci Code
by Dan Brown
Contents
CHAPTER 96
Overview
Silas’s hiding place at the Opus Dei residence is raided by police, forcing him into a violent escape. Wounded and convinced he has been betrayed, Silas shoots at pursuing officers and accidentally wounds Bishop Aringarosa when the bishop tries to stop him.
The chapter sharply escalates Silas’s tragedy by turning his loyalty and fear into irreversible violence, tying Aringarosa directly into the fallout of the Teacher’s manipulation.
Summary
Silas wakes suddenly in the Opus Dei residence hall, unsure what disturbed him. The familiar sounds of the building fail to calm him, and his instincts tell him something is wrong. Looking out, Silas notices a car with a police siren hidden beyond the hedge.
When police officers enter Silas’s room, Silas reacts before they can arrest him. Silas disables the first two officers and flees nearly naked through the residence, convinced he has been betrayed but not knowing by whom.
Silas runs toward the women’s entrance, using his knowledge of Opus Dei buildings to find an escape route. He passes frightened workers, reaches a rear exit, and bursts into the rain, only to collide with another officer outside.
After the collision, Silas grabs the fallen officer’s gun. When more officers arrive and one shot wounds Silas below the ribs, Silas fires back in rage and hits the officers.
Suddenly Bishop Aringarosa appears and tries to stop Silas, shouting his name. In panic and fury, Silas turns and fires before recognizing him; as their eyes meet, Silas realizes in horror that he has shot Aringarosa.
Who Appears
- SilasWakes at the Opus Dei residence, fights police, is wounded, and accidentally shoots Aringarosa.
- Bishop AringarosaArrives during Silas’s escape and is shot while trying to stop him.
- Police officersRaid the Opus Dei residence to capture Silas and exchange gunfire during his escape.