Chapter 69 Summary

Mark Peltier arrives at the Los Angeles FBI office for a scheduled meeting with Special Agent Oliver Franklin, unsure how to approach the situation or gain access to Dr. Robert Jackson. Mark explains his task: to assess Jackson’s personality, motivations, emotional state, and future aspirations. Franklin, curious and slightly skeptical, agrees to help but states an in-person meeting with Jackson is off the table due to undisclosed reasons.

When Mark presses, Franklin offers a compromise: a videoconference. Mark agrees, albeit reluctantly, and Franklin arranges for the FBI’s technical department to assist with setup. Mark leaves to retrieve his laptop from his car, planning to return shortly for a tutorial and to await the call’s scheduling.

Afterward, Franklin contacts Jackson directly. Jackson is suspicious of Mark’s request, especially upon learning Conner may be building a legal case against him and the others. Jackson sees the interview as a potential trap.

Franklin assures him that a short videoconference would be less risky than being subpoenaed. He convinces Jackson that by engaging voluntarily, he can control the narrative and avoid further escalation. Jackson, though bitter about being suspended, agrees to the video call. Franklin warns Jackson that Mark seems highly competent and sharp—a subtle nudge for Jackson to be cautious during the interview.