Robert Langdon, #2
The Da Vinci Code
by Dan Brown
Contents
CHAPTER 80
Overview
Teabing’s plane reaches England, bringing Langdon, Sophie, Rémy, and the captive Silas closer to the next Grail clue. Their plan to slip through customs collapses when the airport redirects the plane under suspicious circumstances, suggesting that authorities may be waiting.
With surrender or diversion both too risky, Teabing takes control and prepares to bribe or persuade the pilot into a bold maneuver. The chapter raises the stakes by making the Grail pursuit a direct confrontation with law enforcement in Britain.
Summary
As Teabing’s Hawker descends toward Biggin Hill in rainy Kent, Teabing feels triumphant to be returning to England with the keystone. Although Teabing does not yet know where in the United Kingdom the clue will lead, Teabing believes the Grail is now within reach.
Teabing opens a hidden safe in the cabin and retrieves passports for Teabing and Rémy, along with a large stack of cash for Langdon and Sophie. When Sophie questions whether the money is a bribe, Teabing calls it “creative diplomacy” and explains that a familiar customs official can likely be persuaded not to board the plane by accepting a discreet payment.
Rémy asks for instructions while holding the pistol, and Teabing orders Rémy to remain onboard with the bound monk because they cannot bring their prisoner through London. Sophie warns that the French police may find the plane, but Teabing dismisses the danger, arguing that Silas attacked Teabing first and that Teabing’s lawyers can frame the illegal transport as a rash but understandable reaction.
The pilot reports that the tower has ordered the plane to land at the terminal rather than Teabing’s private hangar because of an alleged maintenance issue near the hangar. Teabing and Rémy find the explanation suspicious, and Teabing concludes that police or other authorities may be waiting for them.
Langdon considers surrendering himself to spare the others, but Teabing insists they are all already implicated: Langdon is wanted, Sophie helped Langdon escape, Teabing transported Langdon illegally, and Silas is tied up in the rear of the plane. Sophie suggests diverting to another airport, but Teabing says that would only worsen the authorities’ response. Determined not to lose the chance to pursue the Grail, Teabing heads to the cockpit for a “sales meeting,” implying that Teabing will try to pay the pilot to perform an irregular maneuver.
Who Appears
- Leigh TeabingReturns to England with the keystone and seeks a bold way past authorities.
- Robert LangdonConsiders surrendering to protect the others but remains tied to their escape.
- Sophie NeveuChallenges Teabing’s risks and worries about police discovering the plane and hostage.
- RémyArmed servant instructed to remain onboard guarding the bound Silas.
- SilasBound captive in the rear of the plane after attacking Teabing.
- Teabing’s pilotReports the suspicious terminal redirection that threatens the group’s plan.