Chapter 11 Summary
At the Renaissance Inn in Austin, two men, Bravo and Larry, wait uneasily for further instructions tied to their mysterious assignment. Bravo grows restless, frustrated at being told to sit idle while Larry insists they remain ready to move at a moment's notice. Against his partner’s advice, Bravo takes a walk outside. As he wanders in the stifling Texas heat, he reflects on his life of crime, the high risks he’s taken, and his hope that this current job will finally pay off. He resents working with Larry, whom he sees as incompetent, and questions why the “Director” placed him in charge of communication. Bravo silently resolves to raise his concerns once the next phase of the operation begins.
Meanwhile, Tony returns to the Embassy Suites after running errands and receives a promising call from Sam Ellis, the mechanic repairing his aircraft. The engine trouble proves less serious than feared, and the plane should be ready by the following day. Relieved, Tony checks in with Steven Schroeder, his young colleague handling post-conference logistics. Steven updates him on shipping equipment, managing a damaged display case, and compiling hundreds of new contacts. Their conversation shifts when Tony reveals he had to make an emergency landing in Charleston and may delay his trip to St. Louis, especially after the news of Walter Jenkins’ apparent kidnapping. Steven, shocked by the report, agrees that while GenaSeed has many critics, abducting a scientist crosses an alarming line. The two part ways with mutual concern, both for Jenkins’ safety and for Tony’s uncertain travel plans.
