Chapter 86

           Likeaghost,Silasdriftedsilentlybehindhistarget.SophieNeveusensedhimtoolate.Beforeshecouldturn,Silaspressedthegunbarrelintoherspineandwrappedapowerfularmacrossherchest,pullingherbackagainsthishulkingbody.Sheyelledinsurprise.TeabingandLangdonbothturnednow,theirexpressionsastonishedandfearful.

           «What…?»Teabingchokedout.«WhatdidyoudotoRémy!»

           «Youronlyconcern,»Silassaidcalmly,»isthatIleaveherewiththekeystone.»Thisrecoverymission,asRémyhaddescribedit,wastobecleanandsimple:Enterthechurch,takethekeystone,andwalkout;nokilling,nostruggle.

           HoldingSophiefirm,Silasdroppedhishandfromherchest,downtoherwaist,slippingitinsideherdeepsweaterpockets,searching.Hecouldsmellthesoftfragranceofherhairthroughhisownalcohol-lacedbreath.«Whereisit?»hewhispered.Thekeystonewasinhersweaterpocketearlier.Sowhereisitnow?

           «It’soverhere,»Langdon’sdeepvoiceresonatedfromacrosstheroom.

           SilasturnedtoseeLangdonholdingtheblackcryptexbeforehim,wavingitbackandforthlikeamatadortemptingadumbanimal.

           «Setitdown,»Silasdemanded.

           «LetSophieandLeighleavethechurch,»Langdonreplied.«YouandIcansettlethis.»

           SilaspushedSophieawayfromhimandaimedthegunatLangdon,movingtowardhim.«Notastepcloser,»Langdonsaid.«Notuntiltheyleavethebuilding.»«Youareinnopositiontomakedemands.»

           «Idisagree.»Langdonraisedthecryptexhighoverhishead.«Iwillnothesitatetosmashthisonthefloorandbreakthevialinside.