Chapter 36 Summary
Jackson (Robert) starts his morning in his secure apartment with a strong espresso and breakfast from a nearby coffee shop. Despite the new accommodations, his sleep had been disrupted by the unfamiliar setting. He uses secure protocols, including a One-Time Passcode device, to log in to the FBI network. While this access makes him slightly uneasy about exposure, he quickly checks in with his team via their internal chat system.
Tracy Cummins, one of his teammates, informs him about a server failure from the previous night. Jackson uses a cover story for his absence, joking that he’s in Delaware “counting chickens,” which Tracy understands to mean he’s on a classified assignment. The exchange reassures Jackson that his absence has not raised suspicion, for now.
Meanwhile, Dr. Lana Harding waits in her hotel lobby, feeling a whirlwind of emotions—humiliation, anger, and sorrow—after her abrupt dismissal by Dr. Conner. A curt message informs her that Officer O’Neill will be picking her up for transport to the airport. Lana is especially shaken by having been reprimanded in Mark’s presence, which deeply bruised her professional pride.
At the private terminal, Lana is met by the same pilot who had flown her in. He jokes about returning her safely, though he warns of possible thunderstorms in Chicago. Lana boards the plane, helping herself to a couple of mini rye bottles and Coke, intending to “drown her sorrows” on the flight home.
As the plane takes off, Lana stares out the window, reflecting on the harsh end to her involvement and the emotional aftermath of being judged and dismissed in such a cold and public way.
