Chapter 39 Summary
Mark contacts Colonel Weaver to warn him about the CID and FBI complaint filed by Officer Charley. Weaver explodes in fury, demanding Mark get the report retracted immediately, warning him of severe consequences if the investigation proceeds. Feeling the weight of this threat, Mark briefly contemplates disappearing for good, recalling his offshore accounts and how easily he could vanish. But his emotional bond to Becky keeps him grounded—he can't leave her without explanation.
He calls Officer Charley, who is surprised when she learns why he's calling. Mark pleads with her to withdraw the complaint, citing national security and the risk to innocent people, including Samantha, Becky, Tim, and Lisa. Charley hesitates, having already submitted compelling evidence, but ultimately agrees to try to have the files pulled, though she makes no promises.
Just as Mark is settling down, his government-issued phone rings. It’s Dr. Alexandra Conner, informing him that Samir Patel is confirmed on a morning flight to San Francisco, and Mark has been booked on the same flight under the alias Tyler Winslow. She advises him to try to sit near Patel to gauge his mental state during the trip. Mark agrees, hopeful he can engage Patel meaningfully during the flight.
He then informs Conner about Dr. Lana Harding’s crash in Chicago. Surprised and concerned, Conner thanks him and says she’ll check in with Lana the following day.
After the call, Mark pulls out Patel’s file, preparing mentally for the encounter ahead.
