Sorry if it took me a while to update, but this chapters longer than usual! And thanks again for all the reviews! Plus there's a surprise at the end of the chapter, do you think you can figure it out?
Disclaimer- I do not own The Da Vinci Code or any of the characters.
Robert Langdon fiddled with his fingers anxiously, as he sat in the luxurious living room of Mrs. Abelló's suite. He had received a call from her, shortly after his confrontation with Sophie. To say the least she seemed rather sharp and unpleasant on the phone, which worried Robert as to why they needed to speak. Already having sensed something odd about the elderly woman, he wondered if a truth was about to be revealed to him. A good or bad truth was the question that puzzled him.
The soft 'click' of the doorknob resonated from behind him, as another stepped into the room silently.
"Mr. Langdon," the voice greeted, "So good of you to come." The richly accented Italian commented, as she stepped into his view.
"Mrs. Abelló," he nodded in greeting, and stood politely, "As much of a pleasure as it to see you, is there anything need?" he questioned, sitting back down on the floral couch as she took a seat across the coffee table on another couch.
"Why yes, Mr. Langdon," she spoke with a canny smile, "Tea?" she asked, gesturing to the neatly arranged tea set placed on the small table.
"Uh, no thank you," he dismissed her offer, apprehensive to get to the topic of this conversation.
Langdon could have sworn he heard the old lady mutter, "suit yourself," under her breath as she poured herself a quaint cup of tea. But then again with the uncontrollable manner that his hands were shaking and his mind was running, focus on much at the moment was difficult.
The experienced Italian seemed to notice his distress, "Are you nervous, my dear?"
"No," he lied, "But I'm guessing you invited me over for something bigger than tea,"
"Correct," she answered sipping her cup, "Were you familiar with my husband?"
"I'm sorry," Langdon said honestly, "I can't say that I was…"
"That's quite alright," he responded mechanically, "Most people were blind to his work, unlike others in his field."
Robert just nodded respectfully, still wondering what this had to do with him and why she couldn't just tell him.
"Mr. Langdon," she said placing her tea cup atop the table, "In this marriage you are not only given my goddaughter's heart, but when I leave this world your family inherits something even greater…"
"Your fortune?" Robert guessed, wondering what in the world could be more precious to this woman than Vittoria's future.
"No," Mrs. Abelló said flatly, "my business."
"Oil?" he asked, still pondering what could be that important to this woman.
The elderly woman rose and walked towards the fireplace talking, "My husband's heritage had been the head of a major Italian mob family for decades," she gazed deeply into the bright flames, "To honor my late husband's memory after he died, I took over his business."
Robert just sat there, with his mouth hanging open in shock, Sweet little godmother and tough Italian mob boss?
She sensed his questioning and raised a challenging eyebrow, "Despite my age, you should know I pack a powerful punch if I have to, Mr. Langdon." The comment seemed very funny coming from her, but the fact that she was dead serious scared him into silence.
"Now since I have no children," Mrs. Abelló trailed off almost sadly, "And no living relatives, Vittoria being my goddaughter will inherit my entire property and funds…"
Everything! Langdon's eyebrows shot up; he could very well become a millionaire within the next few weeks, "Including the family business." He winced as she finished her sentence, As well as a criminal.
"Is that a problem?" she dared, "Because if you have any disagreement, it would be best to tell me now."
Robert took a shaky breath, replaying everything he had just heard in his head, "Does Vittoria know?"
"No," the woman shook her head, "But she's family she'll do what she has to, you on the other hand can back out now if you believe this to be a problem."
It was then that Robert realized for the first time how huge of a pack would be on his back if this marriage happened. Not only would he be responsible for running a large criminal organization, but put himself and his future family in danger. A felon, a criminal, probably even a murderer at times, considering the line of work. But he loved Vittoria, and he would marry Vittoria, he was hands down sure of that. This business though, he would not accept, he could not accept.
"I love Vittoria, " he began looking her in the eye, "But your line of work I cannot accept."
"So you will not marry her?"
"I will marry Vittoria," he stated firmly, "Though let me tell you now, I will never let your business into my family."
The woman across from him slit her eyes menacingly, "When you love someone you put their needs first."
Langdon stood up now looking just as enraged, " I know what Vittoria needs," he ground his teeth, " I love her."
"Are you sure about that?" she advanced on him, "Is they're another in your heart, perhaps?" she led him towards the answer she wanted, the confession she needed.
"I am sure," he replied, "Why would you ask that?" he inquired.
"Just want to assure you that marriage is permanent," she paused, "No sneaking off into the night…"
"I know." He defended.
Liar.
"Good." She said simply.
There was a pregnant pause where Mrs. Abelló would try to catch Langdon's eye, but he would quickly avert his gaze to the floor or the ceiling. The air in the room was tense, and Robert was having trouble breathing with the way the women was sizing him up from head to toe. His head was cocked slightly to the left, and eyes clouded over slightly. Any physiatrist could easily tell the signs of a lie.
"I should leave," he said suddenly, making a swift move for the door.
"Wait," she said calmly, "Will you not reconsider my proposal?"
"No," he said firmly, "I've decided, please take your business elsewhere…"
"I have more power and sources then you can even begin to imagine," she lifted her head up slightly, "Does that scare you, Mr. Langdon?" she took a step towards him.
Robert gulped nervously; she could definitely be intimidating, though he shook his head, "No." And with that he strode out, ready to confront Vittoria.
Mrs. Abelló shook her head and tsked in disappointment, like a scorn mother, "Too bad, " she began making her way towards the study, "He was such a smart boy too…"
"My, My," Bodine remarked, as he opened the door to reveal the sight of Sophie Neveu, "Don't you look gorgeous tonight." His low voice mumbled.
Sophie let out an exasperated sigh, knowing she would be hearing obnoxious remarks like that all night. And plastered a fake smile on her face, turning on the 'Barbie doll' charm immediately, "Why thank you…" she quipped, letting herself into his large apartment.
Within seconds of entering his abode and setting her purse on the nearby table, Sophie could feel a cold pair of hands, blindly groping her waist. She gasped in surprise, "A little early isn't it?" Sophie chuckled awkwardly, and attempted to remove his hands using hers.
A loud intake of breath was heard from behind her, "Of course," he quickly removed his hands, Bodine seemed almost afraid to scare her off, "I'll get the wine…" his hurried footsteps echoed down the hall as he made his way to the kitchen
Sophie released a nervous breath she didn't realize she had been holding.
Back to work, a voice reminded in her head.
The Captain had told her to locate any files or incriminating material, something that could link Bodine to various groups of organized crime, or mob activity.
That's not vague at all…Sophie thought sarcastically, Just search the apartment… where would I hide something I didn't want people to see, but needed to find quickly…?
Sophie's eyes scanned the apartment layout, contemplating which room would be best hidden but the most organized. As far as Sophie could tell she was standing in the main living room, to her left there was a hallway that extended down, with two doors on both the right and the left. Bodine had just walked into the first door on the right so that must be the kitchen, leaving three possible rooms for the files to be hidden in because the living room was far to accessible to everyone and the kitchen was too messy for important documents.
There's also another option, she thought grimly, But that is completely last resort…Sophie blushed slightly even at the thought.
During Sophie's musings Bodine had returned from the kitchen and now held an elegant glass of fed wine before her, as he sipped his own, "I hope you like red."
"Yes," she purred, slipping into her best seductive voice, "Thank you, but you still haven't given me the grand tour of this place," she gestured to the apartment and slowly slipped her arm around his.
"It would be my pleasure," he whispered softly, obviously enjoying the fact that Sophie is suddenly warming up to him.
Another loud growl was emitted from the Captain's throat, "We can't see a thing," he gazed at the window through his binoculars once more, "Didn't we tell her to stay by the window?" he asked his major angrily.
The only response from Collet was a hearty chuckle, and the shake of his head.
"What's so funny?" Bezu snapped, getting very frustrated with his subordinate's antics.
"Nothing," he responded with the shrug of his shoulders, "Besides you," he added as a quick afterthought.
If it was any other officer in the entire department, Fache would have certainly fired them by now or at least lose his temper. But this was Jerome Collet, his lifelong partner and friend, so instead he asked curiously, "What does that mean?"
"It means exactly what I said," he pointed out, "We have been sitting here for less than ten minutes and the whole time you have been frantic and worrying, to a level that I have never seen you."
"So," he fired back, "It's an important mission."
"I think," Collet pointed to the apartment complex, "That there is something more important to you in that building, than the mission."
Bezu just gave him a look, "I think you're becoming senile, old man."
Collet just laughed playfully, knowing how his old friend kids, "Well I think you are in love."
Completely surprised to hear those words come out of his partner's mouth, Fache started choking violently, "With who!" he gasped, regaining his bearings and voice.
"Sophie Neveu." Collet put simply.
At this the Captain did not gasp or choke, but merely threw his head back in laughter, "I think all you're thinking has made you ill!"
The Major just gave a smug smirk and answered, "Laugh now," Collet warned "But I see the way you dote on her, and question her assignments."
Bezu rolled his eyes, and continued his visual through the device, "Because she is a loose canon," he turned back to Collet, "And as brilliant of an agent as Sophie is, she is also stubborn, bull headed, and too instinctive for her own good."
Fache was on a roll, and not even the major next to him dare stop him when he is hooked on a topic like this, "Ignoring my orders, running off with possible suspects, everything she does undermines my authority completely," The large had gestures came in around now, "And what's even more frustrating, is that she is so dam good at her job, that when ever she does ignore me she is usually right!"
Bezu took a calming breath before continuing, "No other woman, no other person stands up to me and challenges me like she does." He stated his next words clearly for Collet, like a fact, "I can't stand Sophie Neveu."
"But that's why you love her." Collet said with a knowing smile.
Bezu just groaned and rested his head against the cool glass of the window, "Impossible."
"And this is the study." Florent said escorting her to the last room of the apartment, with her arm still securely wrapped around his.
"How advanced," Sophie cooed, breaking away from him and pretending to be impressed with the gadgetry in the room, "Can you show me some things?" she pleaded, running her hand over the smooth surface of the monitor.
The other rooms had been plain and simple, no chance any information could be there, but Sophie's eyes lit up when she laid eyes on the study.
Jackpot, she gloated with glee.
The study had three computers attached to three flat screen monitors, plies of paper stacked up from one side of the room to the other, a fax machine, an overflowing bookcase and a few printers. Something was bound to show up in this mess, all she needed was Collet and Fache to check it over.
"Nah," he waved her idea off, "How about we get to dinner…" he began walking towards her, but she kept backing further and further into the office, and as she did she saw some form of panic growing deeper and deeper in his eyes.
Suddenly Sophie felt her lower back hit the edge of a desk, and trying a different approach she lifted herself on to the desk, knocking a few papers over in the process.
"Please," Sophie whispered seductively as he neared closer. Soon his muscular form toward over her near the desk.
"Your right," he leaned in, "We should skip dinner and go strait to dessert…" his lips were inches from hers. His hot breath reeked of commercial mints and toothpastes, and his cologne resembled the odor of a rotting skunk.
"Wait." She stopped him finally, mission or no mission, she could not subject herself to this. And besides the papers she was sitting on probably got her closer to the information she needed, than making out with Bodine.
"What!" he spat angrily
"Maybe were going a little too fast…" she answered unsure.
Florent gave a loud growl and suddenly put his weight on top of her pinning her down to the desk, he quickly grabbed her wrists putting them over her head with one hand and put the other over her mouth, "You know Sophie," he whispered huskily in her ear, "I'm growing very impatient with your teasing and flirting."
It had all happened so fast Sophie didn't know what hit her, and forgot to struggle until it was too late. Squirming under his weight, as her wrists burned under the pressure of his grip, Sophie remembered why it would have been good to take the gun out of her purse.
Sophie felt bile climbing up her throat as he slowly kissed her cheeks, "I'm a pretty dangerous guy you know…"
This feeling Sophie could not stand this helplessness, this fear, this vulnerability; nothing hurt her as much as it did.
With a sudden rush of determination and strong will, Sophie got an idea. Her upper body may be completely useless under him, but her legs were flailing about wildly. And with one good upward kick to his crotch, he was off her and huddled on the floor in seconds.
While her attacker was busy groaning in pain Sophie took this opportunity to jump off the desk, and begin a full out sprint to the living room. But running in three-inch heels was no easy feat, and soon Bodine was on his feet and yelling after her, "Get back here!"
Sophie grabbed her red purse; her shaking hands struggled to hold the zipper. Florent's footsteps not too far behind her, she finally opened the bag and pulled out the small black pistol. The lights glared against the nozzle, as Sophie turned pointing it strait at Bodine.
"Stop!" she cried, the gun shaking violently in her hand.
For a moment Sophie could have sworn she saw fear erupt in those bright blue orbs. But her predator continued his run, and in a matter of seconds was lunging at her full force. The moment froze in Sophie's eyes, with Bodine floating in midair, her fingers tightening on the trigger, and everything seemed to be spinning in the split second she closed her eyes and fully enclosed her fingers.
Bang!
A miss by mere centimeters.
Sophie cursed her wrenched aim, as Florent landed right on top of her. The force of the impact sent them both crashing to the ground, and the gun being thrown out of Sophie's hand.
"No escaping now, princess." Bodine snarled, as he straddled her form.
Sophie fingered her surroundings in a panic, in search of the discarded weapon.
"Looking for this," he picked up the nearby gun to his left and waved it in her face, "I don't think you even know how to use one of these," he said mockingly, and cocked it threateningly.
"You wouldn't…" Sophie dared.
"I think I would," he pointed the gun at her, "Because I believe you know something you shouldn't, darling." Sophie could smell the smoke of the recent shot, and the cool metal as he roughly placed the head against her cheek.
Before he could take his shot a slamming in of the door could be heard, and another was taken.
Bang!
Bezu Fache's still smoking gun clattered loudly as it collided with the wooden floor, falling out of his trembling hands.
Sophie screamed at the top of her lungs as warm droplets of red liquid splattered against her face, and the hulking form of Florent Bodine lay dead on top of her.
"We need to talk." Langdon uttered the four infamous words, stepping into his and Vittoria's top floor suite.
Vittoria now wore an expression of confusion and fear, as any woman would upon hearing those words, "What is it, honey?" she set down her tea and walked over from the couch.
"It's just…" Robert wondered how in the world he was going to start this conversation.
You godmother is a mobster, just thought you should know, he thought sarcastically.
"Are you nervous about the wedding?" she asked bringing her hand up to stroke his face comfortingly, "Me too." She admitted, answering her own question.
"Really?" Langdon's eyebrows shot up in surprise, Vittoria hadn't seemed apprehensive at all, in fact she seemed exciting from day one.
"Well, yes," she elaborated, "I mean it was only decided a few weeks ago, and the world will not only be watching the whole ceremony but our every move as well."
Vittoria sighed and sat on the arm of the couch, "A lot of people are counting on us, on our marriage," she looked him in the eye, "It's just a lot of pressure, and I'm still confused on almost everything about the wedding…" she huffed.
Vittoria took one of her long yoga breaths and said, "Except the fact that I love you, and nothing can change that."
Langdon smiled and walked over to her pulling her into a warm hug, "Everything will work out, don't worry…"
"I hope so…"
I can't put this on her now, Robert realized, But I'll definitely tell her sometime before the wedding…
Fache glanced one more time at the white body bag, as the medical examiners wheeled it out of the apartment on a gurney.
He had killed Florent Bodine, Head of Intelligence at the DCPJ, contributing member of French society, one of the department's best agents, with his own gun, with his own bullet, and without solid evidence against him so far. If they found nothing in Bodine's apartment, Bezu's head would surely roll tomorrow.
And even if they did, the department would question if he really were so much of a danger at the time that Fache had to kill him. Picky politicians will want someone to blame for this.
In fact Fache had been asking himself the same question, Why did I shoot him?
And another voice would always answer back, Sophie.
It's true when Collet and Fache did enter the apartment Sophie was in a possibly fatal situation, and Fache did panic at first, but his police instinct should have kicked in. He should have fired a shot that incapacitated him, not killed him. Not like the headshot he did take.
Sophie was below by the ambulance getting her wounds wrapped up, he'd have to ask her a few questions later.
"Sir," a voice behind him interrupted him from his musings, "A document just came in from the fax machine, and I think you should have a look at it."
"Thank you." Fache mumbled as the young officer handed him the piece of paper. But what Bezu saw on the paper only bewildered him more; there in a simple row were a combination of letters, forming not legible word to his knowledge.
Looks like we're going to need Sophie's help again, he thought, because on the white piece of paper written in code was:
R R N N O T G M. B L D S. E A O A.
Now it's getting interesting!
I wanted to try and show the more sentimental side of Vittoria in this chapter…did it work?
So, do you think you can crack the code!
Review me back with your answers or comments!