Chapter 43 Summary
Lana Harding is recovering at home from her recent plane crash. Though sore and bruised, she plans to return to work, but University President Paul Barker insists she take more time off. While making lunch, Lana receives a call from Dr. Alexandra Conner, who informs her that she may be eligible for government funds due to the incident occurring during official travel. Lana declines the offer, explaining her university benefits are sufficient. The conversation is cordial but leaves Lana unsettled. She continues to harbor resentment toward Conner, still wounded by her public humiliation in front of Mark Peltier, and wishes she’d never been part of the Quest team.
Meanwhile, Mark and Samir’s flight lands safely in San Francisco. During the journey, they converse more openly. Samir expresses frustration over the end of the NASA contract and his mixed feelings about a new opportunity arranged by Thomas Allen. Mark senses Samir’s loneliness but sees no signs of volatility or danger. Reflecting on his own emotional trauma — the loss of his teenage love, Rosey, in a tragic train accident — Mark feels a deepening connection to Samir. He credits his healing to Becky, who helped him rediscover joy after years of numbness.
At the baggage carousel, Mark proposes they exchange numbers and attend a baseball game later in the week — Samir's first. When Allen arrives to pick Samir up, Mark seizes the opportunity to meet his investigative target face to face. Disguised as “Tyler Winslow,” a professional bodyguard, Mark impresses Allen by casually revealing his elite military and martial arts background. Allen, initially dismissive, quickly warms to Mark and agrees to join them for the game, offering VIP company seats.
Though Samir initially tries to bow out, Mark firmly but kindly convinces him to come, emphasizing their growing friendship and promising to look out for him.
