Chapter 59 Summary
Mark Peltier, using his alias Tyler Winslow, arrives at Thomas Allen’s luxurious Hillsborough estate for dinner. As Mark approaches the door, Allen remotely welcomes him inside using his home security system, which Allen proudly calls his “watchdog and subjugation system.” The system includes extensive surveillance, sensors, and a self-healing server. Mark immediately realizes that infiltrating Allen’s home undetected would be nearly impossible.
Allen gives Mark a full tour of the property. The estate’s design and security sophistication confirm Allen’s intense desire for control and self-sufficiency. As Allen grills steaks and prepares dinner, the two share drinks and talk casually. Mark tests the waters by inquiring about Allen’s security vulnerabilities, subtly suggesting he could run a simulated break-in to assess the system. Allen dismisses the idea, confident in his setup.
Their conversation shifts to Allen’s earlier job offer for Mark to train his staff in martial arts. Mark politely declines, citing plans to job-hunt seriously the following week, though he offers to give Allen private lessons at home.
Mark steers the conversation toward Allen’s business success, subtly probing for signs of desperation or unethical ambition. Allen speaks proudly of his company’s growth and plans to upgrade its location, downplaying any serious competition risks. Mark concludes that Allen’s current success likely keeps him on a straight path, but makes a mental note to alert Dr. Harding that Allen may warrant closer observation if his business falters.
