The Lost Symbol Chapter 22-23

CHAPTER 22Pacing the library, Katherine Solomon pulled anchor the sleeve of her lab coat and checked her watch. She was non a char accustomed to waiting, provided at the moment, she felt as if her whole k forthwithledge domain were on hold. She was waiting for Trishs hunt club-spider results, she was waiting for word from her sidekick, and also, she was waiting for a rec either from the adult male who was responsible for this entire troubling spot.I wish he hadnt told me, she thought. Norm every(prenominal)y, Katherine was extremely c arful nearly making brand-new acquaintances, and although she had met this man for the set-back time exclusively this afternoon, he had earned her trust in a matter of minutes. Completely.His call had go into this afternoon while Katherine was at mob enjoying her usual Sunday- afternoon pleasure of catching up on the weeks scientific journals.Ms. Solomon? an unusually airy voice had state. My name is Dr. Christopher Abaddon. I was hoping I might speak to you for a moment ab extinct your buddy?Im sorry, who is this? she had demanded. And how did you get my clannish cell-ph nonpareil number?Dr. Christopher Abaddon?Katherine did non substantiate the name.The man cle atomic number 18d his throat, as if the layuation had just become awkward. I apologize, Ms. Solomon. I was under the impression your familiar had told you slightly me. Im his doctor. Your cell number was listed as his emergency contact.Katherines upliftt skipped. indispensability contact? Is something wrong?No . . . I dont think so, the man verbalize. Your pal missed an appointment this morning, and I cant reach him on any of his poetry. He n for incessantly misses appointments without calling, and Im just a teeny-weeny worried. I hesitated to phone you, yetNo, no, non at all, I appreciate the concern. Katherine was still trying to air the doctors name. I turn outnt spoken to my comrade since yesterday morning, but he be equal just for got to turn on his cell. Katherine had recently inclined him a new iPhone, and he still hadnt taken the time to figure out how to aim it.You say youre his doctor? she get hold ofed. Does gumshoe contrive an illness hes keeping from me? at that place was a weighty pause on the line. Im terribly sorry, but Ive simply just made a rather serious professional flaw by calling you. Your chum told me you were aware of his visits to me, but now I agree thats not the case.My brother lied to his doctor? Katherines concern was now growing steadily. Is he sick?Im sorry, Ms. Solomon, doctor-patient confidentiality precludes me from discussing your brothers condition, and Ive already said too much(prenominal) by admitting he is my patient. Im going to hang up now, but if you hear from him like a shot, please ask him to call me so I know hes okay. bear Katherine said. Please describe me whats wrong with whoresonDr. Abaddon exhaled, appear displeased with his fall away. Ms. Solomon, I can hear youre upset, and I dont blame you. Im sure your brother is fine. He was in my bureau just yesterday.Yesterday? And hes scheduled again today? This sounds urgent.The man heaved a sigh. I suggest we give him a little more time before weIm overture by your sanction the right way now, Katherine said, heading for the ingress. Where are you go downd?Silence.Dr. Christopher Abaddon? Katherine said. I can look up your address myself, or you can simply give it to me. Either way, Im coming over.The doctor paused. If I meet with you, Ms. Solomon, would you please do me the courtesy of look nothing to your brother until Ive had a chance to explain my misstep?Thats fine.thank you. My office is in Kalorama Heights. He gave her an address.Twenty minutes later, Katherine Solomon was navigating the stately streets of Kalorama Heights. She had phoned all of her brothers numbers with no reply. She did not live overly concerned virtually her brothers where slightlys, and yet, the ne ws that he was secretly seeing a doctor . . . was troubling.When Katherine ultimately located the address, she surveyd up at the building in confusion. This is a doctors office?The opulent mansion before her had a wrought-iron security fence, electronic cameras, and d testifypour grounds. As she slowed to double-check the address, one of the security cameras rotated toward her, and the gate swung open. Tentatively, Katherine flock up the driveway and parked next to a six-car garage and a stretch limo.What kind of doctor is this guy?As she got out of her car, the bm door of the mansion opened, and an elegant figure drifted out onto the landing. He was handsome, exceptionally tall, and younger than she had imagined. even so, he projected the sophistication and polish of an aged(a) man. He was impeccably dressed in a dark causa and tie, and his thick blond hair was immaculately coiffed.Ms. Solomon, Im Dr. Christopher Abaddon, he said, his voice a breathy whisper. When they shook hands, his skin felt smooth and well tended.Katherine Solomon, she said, trying not to stare at his skin, which was unusually smooth and bronzed. Is he give birthing piece?Katherine felt a growing disquiet as she stepped into the homes beautifully decreed foyer. Classical music played softly in the background, and it smelled as if somebody had burned incense. This is copely, she said, although I expected more of . . . an office.Im fortunate to work out of my home. The man led her into a living mode, where there was a crackleware fire. Please make yourself comfortable. Im just steeping some tea. Ill bring it out, and we can talk. He strode toward the kitchen and disappeared.Katherine Solomon did not sit. Female intuition was a potent instinct that she had lettered to trust, and something somewhat this place was making her skin crawl. She saw nothing that looked anything like any doctors office she had ever seen. The walls of this antique-adorned living room were covered wit h guileless art, primarily paintings with strange mythical themes. She paused before a large take depicting the Three Graces, whose nude bodies were spectacularly rendered in vivid colors.Thats the pilot film Michael Parkes oil. Dr. Abaddon appeared without warning beside her, holding a tray of steaming tea. I thought wed sit by the fire? He led her over to the living room and offered her a seat. Theres no reason to be nervous.Im not nervous, Katherine said altogether too quickly.He gave her a reassuring s mi. Actually, it is my business to know when plenty are nervous. I beg your pardon?Im a practicing psychiatrist, Ms. Solomon. That is my profession. Ive been seeing your brother for al nigh a year now. Im his therapist.Katherine could only stare. My brother is in therapy?Patients ofttimes choose to keep their therapy to themselves, the man said. I made a mistake by calling you, although in my defense, your brother did mislead me.I . . . I had no idea.I apologize if I made you nervous, he said, sounding embarrassed. I noticed you studying my face when we met, and yes, I do wear makeup. He touched(p) his own cheek, looking self- conscious. I sop up a dermatological condition, which I prefer to hide. My wife usually puts the makeup on for me, but when shes not here, I get bug out to rely on my own heavy touch.Katherine nodded, too embarrassed to speak.And this lovely hair . . . He touched his lush blond mane. A wig. My skin condition affected my scalp follicles as well, and all my hair jumped ship. He shrugged. Im afraid my one sin is vanity.Apparently mine is rudeness, Katherine said.Not at all. Dr. Abaddons smile was disarming. Shall we start over? Perhaps with some tea?They sat in front of the fire and Abaddon poured tea. Your brother got me in the habit of serving tea during our sessions. He said the Solomons are tea drinkers.Family tradition, Katherine said. Black, please.They sipped their tea and made small talk for a few minutes, but Katherine w as eager for instruction slightly her brother. Why was my brother coming to you? she asked. And wherefore didnt he regularise me? Admittedly, spear had endured more than his graceful share of tragedy in his lifelosing his father at a young age, and accordingly, within a span of five geezerhood, burying his only son and then his render. Even so, bastard had evermore effect a way to cope.Dr. Abaddon took a sip of tea. Your brother came to me because he trusts me. We have a bond beyond that of normal patient and doctor. He motioned to a inclose document near the fireplace. It looked like a diploma, until Katherine spied the double-headed phoenix.Youre a Mason? The highest degree, no less.Peter and I are brothers of sorts. You essentialiness have done something valuable to be invited into the thirty-third degree.Not really, he said. I have family money, and I give a lot of money to Masonic charities.Katherine now realised why her brother trusted this young doctor. A Mas on with family money, kindle in philanthropy and ancient mythology?Dr. Abaddon had more in common with her brother than she had initially imagined.When I asked why my brother came to you, she said, I didnt mean why did he choose you. I meant, why is he seeking the go of a psychiatrist?Dr. Abaddon smiled. Yes, I know. I was trying to sidestep the head politely. Its really not something I should be discussing. He paused. Although I must(prenominal) say Im puzzled that your brother would keep our discussions from you, considering that they relate so without delay to your research.My research? Katherine said, taken totally off guard. My brother talks about my research?Recently, your brother came to me looking for a professional opinion about the psychological impact of the breakthroughs you are making in your lab.Katherine almost choked on the tea. Really? Im . . . surprised, she managed. What is Peter thinking? He told his shrink about my work? Their security protocol involved no t discussing with anyone what Katherine was working on. Moreover, the confidentiality had been her brothers idea. sure enough you are aware, Ms. Solomon, that your brother is deeply concerned about what will perish when your research goes public. He sees the potential for a significant philosophical pause in the field . . . and he came here to discuss the possible ramifications . . . from a psychological perspective.I see, Katherine said, her teacup now shaking slightly.The questions we discuss are challenging ones What happens to the human condition if the great mysteries of life are ultimately revealed? What happens when those beliefs that we accept on faith . . . are suddenly categorically turn up as fact? Or disproved as myth? One could vie that there exist certain questions that are best leftfield unanswered.Katherine could not believe what she was hearing, and yet she kept her emotions in check. I hope you dont mind, Dr. Abaddon, but Id prefer not to discuss the details of my work. I have no immediate plans to make anything public. For the time being, my discoveries will remain safely locked in my lab.Interesting. Abaddon leaned back in his chair, wooly in thought for a moment. In any event, I asked your brother to come back today because yesterday he suffered a bit of a break. When that happens, I like to have clientsBreak? Katherines heart was pounding. As in breakdown? She couldnt imagine her brother breaking down over anything. Abaddon reached out kindly. Please, I can see Ive upset you. Im sorry. Considering these awkward circumstances, I can understand how you might feel entitled to answers.Whether Im entitled or not, Katherine said, my brother is all I have left of my family. Nobody knows him better than I do, so if you tell me what the cuckoos nest happened, whitethornbe I can help you. We all sine qua non the same(p) thingwhats best for Peter.Dr. Abaddon fell silent for several long moments and then began slowly nodding as if Katherine might have a point. Finally, he spoke. For the record, Ms. Solomon, if I decide to share this information with you, I would do so only because I think your insights might help me assist your brother.Of course.Abaddon leaned forward, displace his elbows on his knees. Ms. Solomon, as long as Ive been seeing your brother, Ive sensationd in him a deep struggle with public opinions of guilt. Ive neer pressed him on it because thats not why he comes to me. And yet yesterday, for a number of reasons, I at last asked him about it. Abaddon locked look with her. Your brother opened up, rather dramatically and unexpectedly. He told me things I had not expected to hear . . . including e precisething that happened the night your mother died.Christmas Evealmost exactly ten years ago. She died in my arms.He told me your mother was murdered during a robbery attempt at your home? A man bust in looking for something he believed your brother was screen?Thats correct.Abaddons eyes were apprais ing her. Your brother said he shot the man dead?Yes.Abaddon stroked his chin. Do you recall what the intruder was looking for when he broke into your home?Katherine had tried in vain for ten years to discontinue out the memory. Yes, his demand was very specific. Unfortunately, none of us knew what he was talk about. His demand never made sense to any of us.Well, it made sense to your brother. What? Katherine sat up.At least according to the story he told me yesterday, Peter knew exactly what the intruder was looking for. And yet your brother did not want to hand it over, so he pretended not to understand.Thats absurd. Peter couldnt perhaps have known what the man wanted. His demands made no senseInteresting. Dr. Abaddon paused and took a few notes. As I mentioned, however, Peter told me he did know. Your brother believes if he had only cooperated with the intruder, maybe your mother would be alive today. This decision is the get-go of all his guilt.Katherine shook her head. That s crazy . . .Abaddon slumped, looking troubled. Ms. Solomon, this has been useful feedback. As I feared, your brother seems to have had a little break with reality. I must admit, I was afraid this might be the case. Thats why I asked him to come back today. These delusional episodes are not uncommon when they relate to traumatic memories.Katherine shook her head again. Peter is far from delusional, Dr. Abaddon.I would agree, except . . . overleap what?Except that his recounting of the attack was just the beginning . . . a cave inicular fraction of the long and far-fetched tale he told me.Katherine leaned forward in her seat. What did Peter tell you?Abaddon gave a sad smile. Ms. Solomon, let me ask you this. Has your brother ever discussed with you what he believes is unfathomed here in Washington, D.C. . . . or the role he believes he plays in protecting a great treasure . . . of lost ancient wisdom?Katherines jaw fell open. What in the human beings are you talk about?Dr. Abadd on heaved a long sigh. What I am about to tell you will be a bit shocking, Katherine. He paused and locked eyes with her. But it will be immeasurably helpful if you can tell me anything you may know about it. He reached for her cup. More tea?CHAPTER 23Another tattoo.Langdon crouched anxiously beside Peters open palm and examined the seven tiny symbols that had been hidden beneath the lifeless clenched fingers.They appear to be numbers, Langdon said, surprised. Although I dont recognize them.The first is a Roman numeric, Anderson said.Actually, I dont think so, Langdon corrected. The Roman numeral I-I-I-X doesnt exist. It would be written V-I-I.How about the rest of it? Sato asked.Im not sure. It looks like eight-eight-five in Arabic numbers.Arabic? Anderson asked. They look like normal numbers.Our normal numbers are Arabic. Langdon had become so accustomed to clarifying this point for his students that hed genuinely prepared a lecture about the scientific advances made by early Mi ddle Eastern cultures, one of them being our modern numeration system, whose advantages over Roman numerals included positional notation and the invention of the number zero. Of course, Langdon always ended this lecture with a reminder that Arab culture had also given mankind the word al-kuhlthe favorite beverage of Harvard freshmenknown as alcohol.Langdon scrutinized the tattoo, feeling puzzled. And Im not even sure about the eight-eight- five. The rectilinear writing looks unusual. Those may not be numbers.Then what are they? Sato asked.Im not sure. The whole tattoo looks almost . . . runic.Meaning? Sato asked.Runic alphabets are composed solely of square(p) lines. Their letters are called runes and were often used for carving in careen because curves were too difficult to chisel. If these are runes, Sato said, what is their meaning?Langdon shook his head. His expertise elongated only to the most rudimentary runic alphabet Futharka third-century Germanic system, and this was not Futhark. To be honest, Im not even sure these are runes. Youd invite to ask a specialist. There are dozens of different forms Hlsinge, Manx, the dotted StungnarPeter Solomon is a Mason, is he not?Langdon did a double take. Yes, but what does that have to do with this? He stood up now, towering over the tiny woman.You tell me. You just said that runic alphabets are used for stone carvings, and it is my sympathy that the original Freemasons were stone craftsmen. I mention this only because when I asked my office to search for a connection between the Hand of the Mysteries and Peter Solomon, their search re sullen one link in particular. She paused, as if to emphasize the importance of her finding. The Masons.Langdon exhaled, contend the impulse to tell Sato the same thing he constantly told his students Google is not a synonym for research. In these days of massive, worldwide keyword searches, it seemed everything was linked to everything. The world was becoming one big entangle d web of information that was acquire denser every day.Langdon maintained a patient tone. Im not surprised the Masons appeared in your staffs search. Masons are a very obvious link between Peter Solomon and any number of mystical topics.Yes, Sato said, which is another reason I have been surprised this evening that you have not yet mentioned the Masons. After all, youve been talking about secret wisdom protected by an enlightened few. That sounds very Masonic, does it not?It does . . . and it also sounds very Rosicrucian, Kabbalistic, Alumbradian, and any number of other esoteric groups.But Peter Solomon is a Masona very right Mason, at that. It seems the Masons would come to mind if we were talking about secrets. Heaven knows the Masons love their secrets.Langdon could hear the distrust in her voice, and he wanted no part of it. If you want to know anything about the Masons, you would be far better served to ask a Mason.Actually, Sato said, Id prefer to ask psyche I can trust.L angdon found the comment both ignorant and offensive. For the record, maam, the entire Masonic philosophy is create on honesty and integrity. Masons are among the most trustworthy men you could ever hope to meet. I have seen persuasive evidence to the contrary.Langdon was liking theatre director Sato less and less with each passing moment. He had spent years writing about the Masons rich tradition of metaphorical photoography and symbols, and knew that Masons had always been one of the most unfairly maligned and misunderstood organizations in the world. Regularly accused of everything from lambaste worship to plotting a one- world government, the Masons also had a policy of never responding to their critics, which made them an easy target.Regardless, Sato said, her tone biting, we are again at an impasse, Mr. Langdon. It seems to me there is either something you are missing . . . or something you are not recounting me. The man were dealing with said that Peter Solomon chose you specifically. She leveled a cold stare at Langdon. I think its time we move this conversation to CIA headquarters. by chance well have more luck there.Satos threat barely registered with Langdon. She had just said something that had lodged in his mind. Peter Solomon chose you. The comment, combined with the mention of Masons, had hit Langdon strangely. He looked down at the Masonic ring on Peters finger. The ring was one of Peters most prized possessionsa Solomon family heirloom that bore the symbol of the double- headed phoenixthe ultimate mystical icon of Masonic wisdom. The gold glinted in the light, sparking an unexpected memory.Langdon gasped, recalling the eerie whisper of Peters capturer It really hasnt dawned on you yet, has it? Why you were chosen?Now, in one wondrous moment, Langdons thoughts snapped into focus and the fog lifted.All at once, Langdons purpose here was watch glass clear.Ten miles away, driving south on Suitland Parkway, Malakh heard a characteristic vib ration on the seat beside him. It was Peter Solomons iPhone, which had proven a mesomorphic tool today. The visual caller ID now displayed the image of an attractive old woman with long black hair.INCOMING CALLKATHERINE SOLOMONMalakh smiled, ignoring the call. Destiny pulls me closer.He had lured Katherine Solomon to his home this afternoon for one reason onlyto determine if she had information that could assist him . . . perhaps a family secret that might help Malakh locate what he sought. Clearly, however, Katherines brother had told her nothing of what he had been guarding all these years.Even so, Malakh had lettered something else from Katherine. Something that has earned her a few extra hours of life today. Katherine had confirmed for him that all of her research was in one location, safely locked inside her lab.I must destroy it.Katherines research was poised to open a new door of understanding, and once the door was opened even a crack, others would follow. It would just b e a matter of time before everything changed. I cannot let that happen. The world must stay as it is . . . adrift in ignorant darkness.The iPhone beeped, indicating Katherine had left a voice get off. Malakh retrieved it.Peter, its me again. Katherines voice sounded concerned. Where are you? Im still thinking about my conversation with Dr. Abaddon . . . and Im worried. Is everything okay? Please call me. Im at the lab.The voice mail ended.Malakh smiled. Katherine should worry less about her brother, and more about herself. He turned off Suitland Parkway onto Silver Hill Road. Less than a mile later, in the darkness, he spotted the faint outline of the SMSC nestled in the trees off the highway to his right. The entire complex was surrounded by a high razor-wire fence.A secure building? Malakh chuckled to himself. I know someone who will open the door for me.