Chapter 24 – Summary

Colonel Daniel Weaver visits the detention center to confront a furious and disoriented Mark Peltier, who has just begun recovering from the effects of sedation. Mark unleashes a scathing verbal assault over his drugged abduction. Weaver, composed and unshaken, allows Mark to vent before presenting the real reason for the encounter: a Top Secret mission authorized by the President. Weaver warns that Mark’s refusal could be construed as treason.

To increase the pressure, Weaver brings up Mark’s $900,000 cash purchase of his island property—an amount inconsistent with his military income. With no record of a gift or inheritance, Weaver implies legal trouble is inevitable unless Mark cooperates.

Mark, still enraged but pragmatic, agrees to the mission—on the condition that Weaver provides a signed, witnessed letter guaranteeing immunity from any investigation related to his property. Weaver consents.

Before the meeting ends, Mark lays out additional demands: notify his friends Tim and Lisa Walsh of his well-being, confirm Samantha’s status, return his phone and wallet, and deliver a proper gourmet meal—steak, potato, asparagus, and real bacon bits, complete with cold beer. Weaver agrees, for now ceding the upper hand to Mark, who has successfully leveraged the situation to his advantage.