Chapter 23 – Summary

Tim and Samantha return to the roadside where Mark's car had been found. Officer Charley is already on the scene, examining the surrounding area for clues. She confirms their suspicions—evidence of multiple people in the bushes suggests Mark was likely abducted. She collects the car keys from Tim and begins gathering fingerprints and other evidence while advising Tim and Sam to head home. Her professionalism masks growing concern for what appears to be a coordinated abduction.

Meanwhile, Mark arrives—unconscious—at Pope Army Airfield with the Green Beret team. He’s transferred to Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Liberty. The military doctor monitors his condition closely, ensuring Mark begins regaining consciousness before his move to a detention facility. Though groggy and disoriented, Mark is deemed stable enough for transport.

Three military police officers escort Mark to the detention center, where he’s placed in a segregated cell, still under the lingering effects of sedation. Colonel Weaver, growing impatient for answers, contacts the detention center and is told Mark has arrived and is being held in isolation. When he finally hears that Mark is awake—and angrily demanding release—Weaver prepares to confront him in person. Despite the military precision of the operation, Weaver dreads the difficult conversation ahead and questions how such a straightforward request spiraled into such complexity.