Chapter 78 Summary

Thomas Allen visits the police station to follow up on the cash given to him by Esmond Robbins. Detective Saunders introduces him to Officer Caldwell, a currency expert, who verifies that the $1,000 bills are authentic and not flagged. Caldwell tells Allen he can legally keep or donate the money. Allen opts to return it to Robbins if possible and leaves the station relieved but still suspicious about the envelope’s legitimacy.

Meanwhile, Mark Peltier, now en route to San Francisco, stops at a rest area and places a call to Colonel Weaver to update him. He informs Weaver that Dr. Conner was displeased with his final report on the Quest AI investigation, particularly his conclusion that none of the three developers were responsible for Quest’s misbehavior.

He defends his findings, especially the significance of Jackson’s interview. Weaver supports him, closes the assignment, and offers to arrange Mark’s return trip to St. John. Mark declines, preferring to spend a few days in San Francisco. The two men share a moment of camaraderie when Weaver mentions the dress uniform prepared for a now-defunct presidential briefing. Mark admits that it stirred strong, proud emotions. Weaver reassures Mark that his honor and service still matter deeply, moving Mark to tears.

Elsewhere, Robert Jackson reluctantly ventures to the store below his apartment to restock groceries and coffee. Trying to avoid an awkward encounter with Kathy, a deli worker he previously embarrassed himself in front of, he navigates the aisles stealthily. Just as he grabs his coffee and tries to leave, he runs straight into her.

“Hello, Robert,” Kathy says, blocking his path.