Vernet orders Langdon to hand over the box, arguing he has a duty to protect Sauniére’s assets. The police now believe that Langdon and Sophie are responsible for the murder of all four sénéchaux, a claim being broadcast over the news media. Vernet believes the reports and doesn’t want his clients’ property to become police evidence. He plans to return the box to the bank and turn the fugitives over to the police. He fires a shot into the back of the truck to prove he’s serious. Having no other choice, Langdon lays the box at the edge of the truck’s cargo bay. He discreetly edges the spent bullet shell on to the truck’s door sill, preventing the rear doors from closing. Vernet takes the box and tries to close the doors, but they do not align. As Vernet struggles to push the door closed, Langdon hurls himself against the door from the inside, flinging it outward into Vernet’s face. Stunned, Vernet falls to the ground and drops the gun. Langdon grabs the box, and he and Sophie speed away in the armored truck.