Chapter 56 Summary

Mark, Samir, and Thomas Allen walk from Allen’s office to the San Francisco ballpark, where Allen’s Club-level seats—eight rows from home plate—impress both guests. Samir, attending his first live game, is delighted. They buy food, with Mark insisting Samir try a traditional ballpark hot dog, which he does (though without much enthusiasm). As they eat and wait for the game to begin, Allen inquires about Mark’s background, and Mark offers a fabricated story about moving frequently and not having a permanent home. Allen encourages Samir to invite Jordan to a future game to strengthen their working relationship—an idea Samir agrees to.

The game is exciting, with the home team winning by two runs, and the men begin walking back to Allen’s office afterward. As they pass South Park Street, Mark senses they are being followed. Two men are approaching rapidly. He discreetly warns Allen and Samir, then stops to “tie his shoe,” allowing the others to walk ahead.

When the first man lunges at him, Mark acts with stunning precision and force. He knocks the first attacker unconscious with a forearm strike and subdues the second with a series of brutal moves, breaking both his wrists and cutting off his air supply until the man is incapacitated. Mark calls 911 and calmly reports the attack while holding the remaining assailant pinned to the ground.