Chapter 50 Summary
Mark Peltier confronts the hotel staff about the missing DCS parcel. The young clerk at the front desk can't find it in their system, prompting her to call the Assistant Manager, who also comes up empty. Mark presses further, revealing his CIA affiliation, which unnerves the assistant manager enough to override hotel policy and allow Mark to accompany him to the loading dock—an area typically off-limits to guests.
There, among the day's deliveries, they discover a larger box that hadn't been logged yet. Mark had expected an envelope and is surprised by the size and weight. Back in his room, Mark opens the outer box to reveal a second sealed container, which holds the envelope he'd been waiting for—alongside a full Army Dress Blue uniform. Mark is stunned and conflicted—unsure whether the uniform’s inclusion is a sincere gesture or some kind of manipulation by Colonel Weaver.
Putting aside his emotions, he carefully reads the notarized statement and confirms all necessary details are included. He immediately arranges for DCS pickup, instructing them to retrieve it directly from his hotel room. After the call, Mark sits silently, pondering the symbolism and intentions behind the uniform—grappling with a mix of anger, confusion, nostalgia, and pride.
