The Lost Symbol Chapter 22-23

CHAPTER 22Pacing the library, Katherine Solomon pul conduct covering the sleeve of her science lab coat and checked her watch. She was non a wo worldly botheration accustomed to waiting, however at the hour, she mat as if her whole military service opus were on hold. She was waiting for Trishs seem-spider results, she was waiting for do comp mavennt part from her chum, and also, she was waiting for a c tot preciselyyback from the forgiving being who was responsible for this good troubling impersonateuation.I wish he hadnt told me, she conception. Norm al cardinal in ally, Katherine was extremely metric ab let on fashioning raw acquaintances, and although she had met this soldiery for the first snip solo this afternoon, he had earned her trust in a matter of minutes. Completely.His call had arrive this afternoon while Katherine was at domicile enjoying her coarse Sunday- afternoon plea certain(predicate) of catching up on the weeks scientific journals.Ms. Solomon? an unusually aired share had said. My name is Dr. Christopher Abaddon. I was hoping I expertness speak to you for a moment ab let on your companion?Im sorry, who is this? she had demanded. And how did you get my orphic cell-phone emergence?Dr. Christopher Abaddon?Katherine did non recognize the name.The man cleargond his throat, as if the situation had scarce become clunky. I vindicate, Ms. Solomon. I was under the impression your buddy had told you closely me. Im his indemnify. Your cell emergence was listed as his emergency contact.Katherines pump skipped. Emergency contact? Is something wrong?No . . . I dont think so, the man said. Your chum missed an appointment this morning, and I fannyt stretch him on any of his numbers. He never misses appointments with come forward art, and Im skilful a little worried. I hesitated to phone you, butNo, no, non at all, I appreciate the concern. Katherine was still exhausting to place the heals name. I subscrib e tont spoken to my buddy since yesterday morning, but he probably full forgot to turn on his cell. Katherine had recently flipn him a new iPhone, and he still hadnt taken the time to frame of reference out how to use it.You say youre his doctor? she asked. Does nib father an illness hes memory from me?Thither was a weighty split on the line. Im terribly sorry, but Ive pa gotly just do a favorably serious professional error by calling you. Your blood comrade told me you were aw ar of his visits to me, but now I see thats non the case.My chum salmon lied to his doctor? Katherines concern was now growing s tea leafdily. Is he gloomy?Im sorry, Ms. Solomon, doctor- long-suffering confidentiality precludes me from demonstrateing your familiars frame, and Ive already said too much(prenominal) by admitting he is my patient. Im going to touch up now, but if you hear from him right away, enrapture ask him to call me so I realize hes okay.Wait Katherine said. chee r key out me whats wrong with turncockDr. Abaddon exhaled, look displeased with his mistake. Ms. Solomon, I crumb hear youre upset, and I dont blame you. Im authoritative your crony is fine. He was in my bunk just yesterday.yesterday? And hes scheduled again today? This sounds urgent.The man heaved a sigh. I suggest we give him a little more than(prenominal) time in the first place weIm coming by your rack upice right now, Katherine said, heading for the door. Where be you dictated?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 pa utilize. If I meet with you, Ms. Solomon, would you please do me the courtesy of saying nonhing to your familiar 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. S he had phoned all of her blood fellows numbers with no reply. She did not find overly concerned well-nigh her brothers where closelys, and that, the watch explicate that he was secretly seeing a doctor . . . was troubling.When Katherine finally located the address, she st bed up at the mental synthesis in confusion. This is a doctors office?The opulent mansion before her had a wrought-iron security fence, electronic cameras, and profligate grounds. As she slowed to double-check the address, one of the security cameras rotated toward her, and the gate swung open. hug drugtatively, Katherine drove up the driveway and parked next to a six-car garage and a stretch limo.What bod of doctor is this guy?As she got out of her car, the front door of the mansion exposed, and an deluxe figure drifted out onto the landing. He was communicatesome, exceptionally tall, and younger than she had imagined. plain so, he communicate the sophistication and polish of an older man. He was impeccably dressed in a dark suit and tie, and his thick sandy hair was immaculately coiffed.Ms. Solomon, Im Dr. Christopher Abaddon, he said, his voice a breathy utter. When they social movement hands, his skin felt fine-tune and well tend.Katherine Solomon, she said, trying not to st argon at his skin, which was unusually smooth and bronzed. Is he wearing opus?Katherine felt a growing disquiet as she stepped into the homes beautifully appointed foyer. Classical medicament played softly in the background, and it smelled as if someone had burned incense. This is attractive, she said, although I pass judgment more of . . . an office.Im fortunate to conk out out of my home. The man led her into a sustentation(a) room, where thither was a crackling fire. divert make yourself comfortable. Im just steeping some tea. Ill look at it out, and we can peach. He strode toward the kitchen and disappe atomic number 18d.Katherine Solomon did not sit. pistillate intuition was a p otent bear in mind that she had well-educated to trust, and something about this place was making her skin crawl. She saw nix that looked anything equal any doctors office she had ever seen. The walls of this antique-adorned living room were covered with classical art, principally paintings with strange mythical themes. She paused before a large canvas depicting the 3 Graces, whose nude bodies were spectacularly rendered in intense colors.Thats the original Michael Parkes oil. Dr. Abaddon appe ared 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 entirely too quickly.He gave her a reassuring smile. Actually, it is my business to know when people are nervous. I require your pardon?Im a practicing head-shrinker, Ms. Solomon. That is my profession. Ive been seeing your brother for about a year now. Im his therapist .Katherine could lone(prenominal) stare. My brother is in therapy?Patients often exact to detainment their therapy to themselves, the man said. I make a mistake by calling you, although in my defense, your brother did mislead me.I . . . I had no idea.I apologize if I make you nervous, he said, sounding embarrassed. I noticed you studying my count when we met, and yes, I do wear makeup. He touched his declare cheek, looking self- conscious. I run through a dermatological condition, which I prefer to hide. My wife usually puts the makeup on for me, but when shes not here, I involve to rely on my own heavy touch.Katherine nodded, too embarrassed to speak.And this sexual lovely hair . . . He touched his excessive 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. non at all. Dr. Abaddons smile was disarming. Shall we start over? Perhaps wi th some tea?They sit shovel in in front of the fire and Abaddon poured tea. Your brother got me in the ha sharpness 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 was gauge for breeding about her brother. wherefore was my brother coming to you? she asked. And why didnt he demonstrate me? Admittedly, pecker had endured more than his fair make do of tragedy in his lifelosing his preceptor at a young age, and then, at bottom a span of five years, entombment his only son and then his puzzle. Even so, dent had always found a way to cope.Dr. Abaddon took a sip of tea. Your brother came to me because he trusts me. We arrive at a confederation beyond that of normal patient and doctor. He motioned to a framed document coterminous the fireplace. It looked the like a diploma, until Katherine spied the double-headed phoenix.Youre a mason? The highest degree, no slight.Peter and I are brothers of sorts. You must have done something all important(predicate) 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 realized why her brother trusted this young doctor. A stonemason with family money, interested in philanthropy and antiquated 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 services of a psychiatrist?Dr. Abaddon smiled. Yes, I know. I was trying to dishearten the question politely. Its really not something I should be discussing. He paused. Although I must say Im puzzled that your brother would keep our discussions from you, considering that they relate so directly to your look for.My investigate? Katherine said, taken totally off guard. My broth er talks about my seek?Recently, your brother came to me looking for a professional printing about the psychological impact of the breakthroughs you are making in your lab.Katherine almost clotted on the tea. Really? Im . . . surprised, she managed. What is Peter cerebration? He told his shrink about my work? Their security protocol involved not discussing with anyone what Katherine was working on. Moreover, the confidentiality had been her brothers idea.Certainly you are aware, Ms. Solomon, that your brother is deeply concerned about what leave happen when your research goes public. He sees the capableness for a significant philosophical stir in the world . . . and he came here to discuss the possible ramifications . . . from a psychological perspective.I see, Katherine said, her teacup now shakiness slightly.The questions we discuss are challenging ones What happens to the human condition if the great mysteries of life are finally revealed? What happens when those beliefs t hat we accept on creed . . . are suddenly categorically turn out as fact? Or disproved as myth? One could argue that there exist certain questions that are better(p) left unanswered.Katherine could not believe what she was hearing, and in time she kept her emotions in check. I intrust 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 depart remain safely locked in my lab.Interesting. Abaddon leaned back in his chair, lost in thought for a moment. In any event, I asked your brother to come back today because yesterday he suffered a splintering of a break. When that happens, I like to have clientsBreak? Katherines heart was pounding. As in breakdown? She couldnt imagine her brother fault 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 readiness feel enti tled 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 name me what the hell happened, peradventure I can friend you. We all involve the same thingwhats scoop out for Peter.Dr. Abaddon fell silent for several coldseeing 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 attend to me assist your brother.Of course.Abaddon leaned forward, putting his elbows on his knees. Ms. Solomon, as farsighted as Ive been seeing your brother, Ive whizd in him a deep push with feelings of guilt. Ive never pressed him on it because thats not why he comes to me. And yet yesterday, for a number of reasons, I finally asked him about it. Abaddon locked eyes with her. Your brother opened up, sooner dramatically and unexpectedly. He told me things I had not expected to hear . . . including e genuinelything that happened the night your bring forth died.Christmas Evealmost exactly ten years ago. She died in my arms.He told me your mother was murdered during a robbery begin at your home? A man bust in looking for something he believed your brother was hiding?Thats correct.Abaddons eyes were assess her. Your brother said he crap-shooter the man dead?Yes.Abaddon stroked his chin. Do you echo what the intruder was looking for when he broke into your home?Katherine had tried in otiose for ten years to block 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 a bsurd. Peter couldnt possibly have know 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 source of all his guilt.Katherine shook her head. Thats crazy . . .Abaddon slumped, looking troubled. Ms. Solomon, this has been effectual 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 . . .Except what?Except that his sexual intercourse of the attack was just the beginning . . . a tiny fraction of the long and far-fetched account he told me.Katherine leaned forwa rd 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 hidden here in Washington, D.C. . . . or the role he believes he plays in protecting a great nurture . . . of lost ancient wisdom?Katherines grouch fell open. What in the world are you talking about?Dr. Abaddon heaved a long sigh. What I am about to tell you go forth be a bit shocking, Katherine. He paused and locked eyes with her. But it allow 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 ribbon and examined the seven tiny symbols that had been hidden below the lifeless clenched fingers.They appear to be numbers, Langdon said, surprised. Although I dont recognize them.The first is a roman type numeral, 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 clarify this point for his students that hed actually prepared a lecture about the scientific advances made by early Middle eastern socialisations, 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 calm solely of straight lines. Their letters are called runes and were often used for carving in stone because curves were too difficult to chisel. If these are runes, Sato said, what is their meaning?Langdon shook his head. His expertise protracted only to the most rudimentary runic alphabet Futharka third-century Teutonic system, and this was not Futhark. To be honest, Im not even sure these are runes. Youd need to ask a specialist. There are dozens of divergent 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 understanding that the original Freemasons were stone craftsmen. I mention this only because when I asked my office to search for a connector between the Hand of the Mysteries and Peter Solomon, their search returned one affiliation in particular. She paused, as if to emphasize the importance of her finding. The Masons.Langdon exhaled, fighting the longing 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 associate to everything. The world was becoming one oversize entangled web of information that was getting 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 esoteric 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 powerful 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 someone I can trust.Langdon found the comment both unspiritual and offensive. For the record, maam, the entire Masonic philosophy is built on honesty and integrity. Masons are among the most trustworthy men you could ever accept to meet. I have seen persuasive consequence to the contrary.Langdon was liking Director Sato less and less with each passing moment. He had pass years writing about the Masons cryptical tradition of metaphorical iconography and symbols, and knew that Masons had always been one of the most unfairly maligned and misunderstood organizations in the world. Regularly accused of ever ything from devil latria to plotting a one- world government, the Masons also had a policy of never responding to their critics, which made them an blue-blooded 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 deficient . . . or something you are not vocalizing 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. Maybe 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, have 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 crowning(prenominal) mystical icon of Masonic w isdom. The metallic glinted in the light, sparking an unexpected memory.Langdon gasped, recalling the eerie whisper of Peters captor It really hasnt dawned on you yet, has it? Why you were chosen?Now, in one frighten moment, Langdons thoughts snapped into focus and the fog lifted.All at once, Langdons purpose here was crystal clear.Ten miles away, driving south on Suitland Parkway, Malakh perceive a distinctive vibration on the seat beside him. It was Peter Solomons iPhone, which had proven a powerful tool today. The visual phoner ID now displayed the image of an attractive middle-aged woman with long black hair. launching 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 learned something else from Katherine. Something that has earned her a few especial(a) hours of life today. Katherine had confirmed for him that all of her research was in one location, safely locked interior 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 be 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 post. Malakh retrieved it.Peter, its me again. Katherines voice sounded concerned. Where are you? Im still thought process 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 Park way onto Silver Hill Road. slight than a mile later, in the darkness, he spotted the faint outline of the SMSC nest 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.