Chapter 1

Robert Landon awoke suddenly.

His head hurt as he had sat up quickly, bumping it against his bed post. He rubbed his head furtively. He cursed the phone for barging into his slumber. Still in a stupor, Langdon picked up the receiver and placed it to his ear.

"Robert Langdon Speaking…" He grumbled. While checking his digital clock. 2:00 AM.

"Mr. Langdon, I need your help." Someone on the other end was speaking very quickly her voice accented with Italian.

"Sorry, miss-"

"Akaracorovski…"

"Yes well, not to be rude," even though he intended to be very rude at this hour. He had a lot of marking to do that day, and there were suddenly a growth spurt of students that had applied to his lesson after his book on the Illuminati and the Code. "But, do you have ANY idea what time it is?"

"Yes, my apology but I really need your help on a victim in Athens…"

"Athens?" Langdon thought that this was one of those prank calls from one of his students with nothing better to do. Of course…he thought, I knew I shouldn't have switched to Greek mythology all of a sudden… "Look Miss er-A. I do not intend to fly all the way to Athens for a death case…I am very busy and," he didn't know what else to say. He didn't find it right to tell a complete stranger in Athens that he was half dressed in bed, where he was VERY comfortable.

"It was a murder case, and a symbol on the victim's chest is very unique, I have read it on your website that it's the original symbol for a man. I think that you could help me." The other end was using her full strength to keep her voice calm and level.

"Well, I-I can't. Even if I take a plane, it's going to take a…"

"It's already arranged, a speed jet it coming to pick you up, I'll meet you in four hours…gracias." Then there was silence.

Damn I really need to take that debating class…

Four hours later, Robert Langdon was still sick from the ride. He remembered looking at the enclosed cockpit, his minor claustrophobia acting up.

"We're going to Athens in that?" He spluttered.

"It's going to be fast. Didn't Miss Akaracorovski tell you you would be arriving in Athens flying?"

"Yes, in a plane, not a jet!" He said as the pilot laughed.

Why can't people learn to stay on their feet? He thought, though already knowing the answer. They do things that they normally wouldn't be able to do, like flying. He remembered saying to one of his classes.

He swung his tweed jacket over his shoulder, trying his best not to make a mess on the runway.

"Mr. Langdon!" The same voice he recognized on the receiver four hours before.

"Miss-" Langdon scrutinized the female walking quickly towards him.

She was beautiful, her dark hazel hair straight then wavy and curled at the edges. She had a dazzling pair of blue eyes, light like a sapphire. Her rouge lips were tight, but were full. She wore a cargo white t-shirt and long tweed black pants, like the ones lawyers would where to court cases.

She held a folio in her left arm tucked tightly to her slender torso.

"Laura is fine…" she said giving him a quick smile.

Langdon, sensing that she couldn't pronounce her last name flushed embarrassed.

She handed him the folio as she led him into the forensic office. The room was dim, the curtains were drawn and the blinds pulled, paper was everywhere. Magnify glasses hung in the corner, and pens; felt tip, ball point and UV were everywhere. Even in the dim light, Langdon could see the pink in Laura's eyes. She was crying? He thought a little confused.

The image of the corpse shocked Langdon. The nude of the female made him even more embarrassed. But it was the symbol on her chest that made him look closer.

"That is the original male symbol is it not?" Laura asked.

"It is…but why it's carved into this body I am not sure…" He flipped the photo upside down trying to see if there was anything he missed.

"I think this is just a sick murder case…"Langdon concluded.

"Are you sure?" Laura's voice was strong, she crossed her arms as she sniffed.

She sighed as she put on her reading glasses. "Then why would anyone would want to waste time carving the male symbol on her?"

Langdon thought this as well. If a killer wanted to murder someone, why waste time carving the male symbol on the body. Yes it was a simple two lines, but still…why?

"I'm sorry Laura…but I really don't think I can help on this murder case…" Langdon handed the folio back to Laura.

Laura handed it back.

"Please Mr. Langdon…that's my sister…"