The Lost Symbol Chapter 22-23

CHAPTER 22Pacing the library, Katherine Solomon pulled back the sleeve of her lab coat and checked her watch. She was non a woman accustomed to waiting, but at the mo ment, she felt as if her whole sphere were on hold. She was waiting for Trishs search-spider results, she was waiting for word from her chum, and also, she was waiting for a c altogetherback from the man who was responsible for this entire distressful situation.I wish he hadnt told me, she thought. Normally, Katherine was extremely c arful intimately making new acquaintances, and although she had met this man for the first time only if this afternoon, he had earned her want in a matter of minutes. Completely.His call had come this afternoon while Katherine was at home enjoying her usual Sunday- afternoon pleasure of catching up on the weeks scientific journals.Ms. Solomon? an unusually airy voice had said. My name is Dr. Christopher Abaddon. I was hoping I might speak to you for a moment closely your blood brot her?Im sorry, who is this? she had demanded. And how did you get my undercover cell-ph whizz number?Dr. Christopher Abaddon?Katherine did non recognize the name.The man cle ard his throat, as if the situation had just become awkward. I apologize, Ms. Solomon. I was under the impression your brother had told you just more or less me. Im his doctor. Your cell number was listed as his emergency contact.Katherines attendt skipped. Emergency contact? Is something wrong?No . . . I dont cogitate so, the man said. Your brother missed an fitting this morning, and I cant reach him on each of his numbers. He never misses appointments without calling, and Im just a little worried. I hesitated to phone you, butNo, no, not at all, I appreciate the concern. Katherine was still trying to place the doctors name. I featurent spoken to my brother since yesterday morning, but he probably just forgot to turn on his cell. Katherine had tardily given him a new iPhone, and he still hadnt taken t he time to figure out how to use it.You say youre his doctor? she asked. Does beam have an unhealthiness hes keeping from me?There was a weighty pause on the line. Im terribly sorry, but Ive obviously just made a rather serious victor error by calling you. Your brother told me you were aware of his visits to me, but in a flash I see 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 in any case much by admitting he is my patient. Im going to hang up now, but if you hear from him today, occupy ask him to call me so I know hes okay.Wait Katherine said. Please tell me whats wrong with PeterDr. Abaddon exhaled, seem displeased with his mistake. Ms. Solomon, I can hear youre upset, and I dont blame you. Im sure your brother is fine. He was in my move outice just yesterday.Yesterday? And hes schedule d again today? This sounds urgent.The man heaved a sigh. I suggest we give him a little to a dandyer extent time before weIm coming by your office right now, Katherine said, heading for the door. Where are you located?Silence.Dr. Christopher Abaddon? Katherine said. I can work out 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 saying 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 direful streets of Kalorama Heights. She had phoned all of her brothers numbers with no reply. She did not feel overly concerned about her brothers whereabouts, and yet, the news that he was crypticly seeing a doctor . . . was troubling.When Katherine last located the address, she stared 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 lush grounds. As she slowed to double-check the address, one of the security cameras rotated toward her, and the gate swung bluff. Tentatively, Katherine drove up the driveway and parked next to a six-car garage and a stretch limo.What sorting of doctor is this guy?As she got out of her car, the front door of the mansion distributeed, 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 older man. He was impeccably dressed in a dark suit and tie, and his thick blond blur 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 wearing makeup?Katherine felt a growing disquiet as she stepped into the homes beautifully appointed foyer. Classical music played softly in the background, and it smelled as if someone had burned incense. This is lovely, she said, although I expected more of . . . an office.Im fortunate to work out of my home. The man led her into a living room, where there was a rattle 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 learned to trust, and something about 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 with classical art, primarily paintings with unsung novelical themes. She paused before a large canvas depicting the Three Graces, whose nude bodies were spectacularly render ed in vivid colors.Thats the original 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 entirely likewise quickly.He gave her a reassuring smile. Actually, it is my business to know when people are nervous. I beg your pardon?Im a practicing psychiatrist, Ms. Solomon. That is my profession. Ive been seeing your brother for almost a year now. Im his therapist.Katherine could only stare. My brother is in therapy?Patients often 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 his own cheek, looking self- conscious. I have a de rmatologic condition, which I prefer to hide. My wife usually puts the makeup on for me, but when shes not here, I have 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(p) 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 sit 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 base talk for a a few(prenominal) minutes, but Katherine was eager for information about her brother. Why was my brother coming to you? she asked. And why didnt he tell me? Admittedly, Peter had endured more than his fair share of t ragedy in his lifelosing his father at a young age, and then, within a span of five geezerhood, burying his only son and then his mother. Even so, Peter had always found a way to cope.Dr. Abaddon took a sip of tea. Your brother came to me because he trusts me. We have a adhesion beyond that of normal patient and doctor. He motioned to a framed 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 must have done something important to be invited into the thirty-third degree.Not really, he said. I have family money, and I give a big money of money to Masonic charities.Katherine now realized why her brother trusted this young doctor. A Mason with family money, interested 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 services of a psychiatrist?Dr. Abaddon smiled. Yes, I know. I was trying to sidestep 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 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 intellection? 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 will happen when your r esearch goes public. He sees the potential for a significant philosophical shift in the world . . . 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 finally revealed? What happens when those beliefs that we accept on faith . . . are suddenly categorically proven as fact? Or disproved as myth? One could argue that there exist certain questions that are best left unanswered.Katherine could not believe what she was hearing, and yet she kept her emotions in check. I trust 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, lost 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 break passel? 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 hell happened, maybe I can stand by you. We all want the same 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 assistance your brother.Of course.Abaddon leaned forward, putting his elbows on his knees. Ms. Solomon, as long as Ive been seeing your brother, Ive sensed in him a deep struggle 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 look with her. Your brother opened up, rather dramatically and unexpectedly. He told me things I had not expected to hear . . . including everything 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 broke in looking for something he believed your brother was hiding?Thats correct.Abaddons eyes were appraising 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 unserviceable for ten years to block out the memory. Yes, his demand was very specific. Unfortuna tely, none of us knew what he was talking 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 possibly have known what the man wanted. His demands made no senseInteresting. Dr. Abaddon paused and took a few notes. As I citationed, 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 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 delusi onal 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 recounting of the attack was just the beginning . . . a tiny 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 hidden 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 world are you talking about?Dr. Abaddon 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 23 other stain.Langdon crouched anxiously be side 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 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 clarifying this point for his students that hed actually prepared a lecture about the scientific advances made by early Middle Eastern cultures, one of them being our modern numbering system, whose advantages over Roman numerals included positional notation and the ruse 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 favorit e 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 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 extended 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 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 w oman.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 connection between the wad of the Mysteries and Peter Solomon, their search re morose one link in particular. She paused, as if to emphasize the importance of her finding. The Masons.Langdon exhaled, fighting the impulse to tell Sato the same thing he eer 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 entangled 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 esoteric topics.Yes, Sato said, which is another reason I have been surprised this evening tha t 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 ignorant 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 hope to meet. I have seen persuasive evidence to the contrary.Langdon was liking Director Sato less and less with eac h passing moment. He had spent years writing about the Masons rich 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 everything from devil idolise 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 telling 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, combined with the mention of Masons, had hit La ngdon 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 net mystical icon of Masonic wisdom. The gold 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 terrifying 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 heard a characteristic vibration on the seat beside him. It was Peter Solomons iPhone, which had proven a powerful tool today. The visual caller ID now displayed the image of an attractive middle-aged 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 f or one reason onlyto determine if she had information that could assist him . . . possibly 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 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 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 mail. 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.