Chapter 38 Summary
Mark, upon seeing the news of Lana’s plane crash, calls her. She answers groggily, under the effects of painkillers, but reassures him that she's physically okay, suffering only bruises and soreness. Grateful for his concern, Lana appreciates the call, and they agree to check in again in a few days. Mark, confused by the intensity of his emotional response, begins questioning his feelings toward her.
Meanwhile, Samir Patel receives confirmation for his early morning flight to San Francisco via Charlotte. Despite nagging doubts about the trip, he proceeds to pack and arranges for a cab pickup at 5:00 a.m. With everything set, he distracts himself with television in an attempt to suppress his anxiety.
Back in Westwood Village, Robert Jackson wraps up his workday, reassured that the earlier server outage was resolved. Feeling hungry, he ventures down to the grocery store deli, where he meets Kathy, a warm, friendly woman working the late shift. Jackson orders some food, enjoying the brief human connection and charm of the local store.
Mark returns to the restaurant after his call with Lana. His original order had been given away, but the bartender ensures he gets a fresh burger and beer. Later, back in his hotel room, Mark uses a secure phone to call Samantha. Their conversation takes a sharp turn when she mentions that Charley plans to file a report with the Army CID and the FBI regarding Mark’s abduction and mistreatment.
Mark is alarmed, knowing this could provoke retaliation from Colonel Weaver, who would likely claim he was conducting a routine interrogation. He scolds Samantha for disclosing what he had told her in confidence, though he ultimately admits he should have warned her not to share it. She breaks down in tears, feeling remorseful, and Mark ends the call abruptly to start damage control.
