Chapter 70 Summary

The videoconference between Mark Peltier and Robert Jackson begins. Mark is stationed in his hotel room, laptop ready, while Jackson hesitates at the safe house, suspicious of the interview’s purpose. Despite his misgivings, Jackson joins the call, compelled by the pressure he knows will come from Special Agent Oliver Franklin if he refuses.

Mark introduces himself and explains the vague assignment given by Dr. Alexandra Conner—to profile the three Quest developers. Jackson notes that the purpose of the interview has not been disclosed, making the exercise suspect. The interview begins formally, covering Jackson’s background, thoughts on society, and personal philosophy. Midway, Jackson asks for a bathroom break.

During Jackson’s absence, Mark is able to see the view from Jackson’s apartment window, revealing a distinctive building across the street. Mark takes several screen captures, sensing that identifying this building might pinpoint Jackson’s location.

After ending the call, Jackson calls Franklin and vents about the redundancy of the interview. Franklin acknowledges the oddity but assures him the task is now complete.

Mark analyzes the screenshots from the video call. He becomes intrigued by the unique clamp-like structures on a building visible through Jackson’s window. Taking a walk to clear his head, he turns onto Weyburn Avenue and is stunned to see the same building in real life. Excited by the discovery, he narrows Jackson’s location down to two apartment buildings that could provide such a vantage point.

Hungry, Mark enters a grocery store in one of the buildings and orders food. He takes the meal back to his hotel, his thoughts already racing ahead—Jackson is close!