Chapter 45 Chapter Forty-Three

Andrei, President of the Paris branch of Zurich Savings Bank.Vernet lived in a luxurious apartment on the top floor of the bank.Although his house was stately, he had always dreamed of owning a residence on the St. Louis River.There he can sit down and chat with people, instead of facing the rich people who are full of copper stench here every day. When I retire, Weil thought, I'll fill my cellar with good Bordeaux, decorate my living room with Fragonard or Boucher, and spend my days scrounging antique furniture and Latin valuable books in the area. Vernet hurried through the bank's underpass six minutes after waking up.He still looks fresh, as if his personal tailor and hairstylist have groomed him to perfection.He was wearing a smart silk suit, and as he walked, he sprayed some breath freshener into his mouth and tightened his tie.Often woken abruptly at night to attend to foreign clients from other time zones, Vernet had adopted the sleeping habits of Massa soldiers, those African tribes known for waking up and being ready for battle within seconds.

The battle begins.Vernet thought, but felt that this metaphor might not be the right one to describe what happened tonight.While the visit of every golden key client requires a little extra attention, the arrival of a wanted client is truly something out of the ordinary.Banks have repeatedly sparred with law enforcement over customers' privacy rights without evidence that customers are criminals. give me five minutes.Weil thought to himself, I want these people to get out of the bank before the police come. If he acts fast enough, his bank can neatly avoid the disaster in front of it.Vernet could tell the police that the two fugitives who were being pursued had indeed entered the bank, but because they were not customers of the bank and they did not have an account, they were kicked out.He wished the damn guard hadn't called Interpol.A guard who only gets fifteen euros an hour obviously doesn't know the word judgment.

He stopped at the door, took a deep breath, and relaxed all the muscles in his body.Then, he opened the door with a big smile on his face, and the two of them drifted away like a warm breeze. Good evening.he said, his eyes searching for his client.I am Andre.Vernet, I can help you The second part got stuck in my throat.The woman in front of him was the most unexpected visitor he had ever had in his life. Excuse me, have we met before?asked Sophie.She didn't know this person at all, but his expression just now seemed like he saw a ghost. No President stammered, I don't think so.Our business is all anonymous.He let out a long breath, squeezed out a calm smile, and said: My assistant told me that you have a golden key but no account, right?So, may I know how you got this key?

It was given to me by my grandfather.Sophie replied, her eyes fixed on him. He looked even more disturbed.Really?Your grandfather gave you this key but didn't tell you the account number? I don't think he had time, said Sophie, he was murdered tonight. Hearing this, the man took a few steps back.Jack.Sonje is dead?he asked aloud, fear in his eyes.But what's the matter? Sophie was taken aback, and also took a few steps back, trembling all over.you know my grandfather Andre.Vernet was also shocked.He stood up against the corner of the table and said: Jake and I are good friends.when did he die

earlier tonight.In the Louvre. Vernet walked to a wide leather chair and sank into it.He looked at Langdon, then at Sophie, and asked: I have a very important question for you.Did any of you have anything to do with his death? No!cried Sophie, absolutely not. Vernet's face was serious, he paused for a moment, and said thoughtfully: Your photos have been posted by Interpol.That's why I recognized you just now.You are wanted for murder. Sophie's heart sank.Has Fache notified Interpol?He seemed to work harder than Sophie expected.She briefly explained to Vernet who Langdon was and what happened at the Louvre tonight.

Vernet was astonished.When your grandfather was dying, he left a signal for you to go to Mr. Langdon? Yes.And this key.Sophie placed the golden key on the coffee table in front of Vernet, purposely facing down with the emblem of the Society of Zion. Vernet glanced at the key, but did not touch it.He left you only this key?nothing else?No note or something? Sophie knew she was in a hurry at the Louvre, but she was sure there was nothing behind the Madonna of the Grotto but this key. No.Only this key. Vernet sighed helplessly: I'm sorry.Each key is matched with a ten-digit account number that acts as a password.Without an account, your keys are worthless.

ten digits!Sophie reluctantly calculated the possibility of cracking that code.There are more than ten billion possibilities.Even if she brought the most powerful parallel computer in the police station, it would take several weeks to crack the code.Of course, sir, in view of the current situation, you will help us. sorry.I really can't help you.Customers choose their account number through a safe and secure computer, which means that only the computer and the customer themselves know the account number.This is one way we ensure our clients can conduct business anonymously.In addition, this is done for the safety of our employees.

Sophie totally understood.Convenience stores do the same.Staff cannot take the key to the safe!The bank obviously wouldn't allow anyone to take advantage of the key-stealer and hold an employee hostage to claim the account number. Sitting next to Langdon, Sophie looked down at the key and up at Vernet.What do you think my grandfather would have put in your bank? Know nothing.This is called anonymous banking. Mr. Vernet, she insisted, our time here tonight is limited.Then I'll get straight to the point.She took the golden key and turned it over, revealing the emblem of the Order of Zion.She looked into Vernet's eyes and asked: Does the marking on this key mean anything to you?

Vernet looked down at the French lily without responding.nothing.However, many of our customers have their club's logo or initials engraved on their keys. Sophie sighed, but she kept her eyes on Vernet.This seal is the mark of a secret society called the Order of Zion. Still Vernet didn't respond.I don't know anything about it.Your grandfather and I were indeed good friends, but we spent most of our time discussing business matters.He straightened his tie, showing a hint of uneasiness. Monsieur Vernet, insisted Sophie, my grandfather called me tonight to say that he and I were in extreme danger.He said he had to give me something.It turned out he gave me a key to your bank.Now he is dead.Any clues you can provide will be helpful.

Breaking out in a cold sweat, Vernet said: We have to leave the building.I'm afraid the police will come soon.The guards were loyal to their duties and reported to Interpol. Sophie was indeed afraid, but she made one last effort.Grandpa said he was going to tell me the truth about the family.do you know something Miss, your family died in a car accident when you were a child.I'm very sorry.I know your grandfather loved you very much.He mentioned to me many times how painful it was for him that your relationship broke up. Sophie didn't know how to answer. Langdon asked: Are the things saved with this account related to the Holy Grail?

Vernet gave him a curious look.I don't know what that is.Just then, Vernet's cell phone rang.He took the phone off his belt.Hello?He looked a little surprised, and then became very concerned.police?So fast?He cursed a few words, gave a few quick orders in French, and then told the other party that he would be in the hall shortly. He hung up, turned to Sophie and said: The police are moving faster than usual.While we're here talking, they're coming. Sophie didn't want to leave here empty-handed.Tell them we've come and we've gone.If they want to search the bank, ask them for a search warrant.It will take some time for them to get a search warrant. Look, Vernet said, Jacques is my friend, and my bank doesn't allow the police to do that.I will not allow them to arrest you in my building.Give me a minute, and I'll find a way to get you out of here quietly.Other than that, sorry I can't help you.He stood up and walked quickly to the door.stay here.I'm going to make some arrangements and be right back. But what about the safe?cried Sophie, we can't just go. There's nothing I can do about it, sorry.Vernet said as he hurried out of the door. Sophie watched his back disappear from the door, thinking that the account number might be in the countless letters and packages that her grandfather sent her over the years, but she never opened any of them! Langdon stood up abruptly.Sophie felt an inexplicably happy gleam in his eyes. Robert!why are you laughing? Your grandfather was a genius. I'm sorry, what did you say? Tens? Sophie had no idea what he was talking about. He grinned to one side, revealing a familiar smile, account number!I'm pretty sure he left us the account number. Where? Langdon took out the computer printout of the crime scene and spread it on the coffee table.It took Sophie just one look to tell that Langdon was right. 13︱3︱2︱21︱1︱1︱8︱5 O cruel devil! O lame saint! P． S． : Find Robb.Landon.