Chapter 60 Summary

Just before noon in San Francisco, Mark calls Dr. Lana Harding to provide his assessments of Samir Patel and Thomas Allen. Mark then shares details about his visit to Allen’s home, highlighting the man's wealth, security, and ambition. While Allen doesn’t currently present a threat, Mark warns that if Allen’s business begins to decline, his personality suggests he may resort to illegal actions to maintain his lifestyle. Lana concurs and supports Mark’s recommendation to remove Samir from the threat list and place Allen on a watch list. They also briefly discuss Dr. Robert Jackson, with Lana noting his kind but sometimes sorrowful demeanor. Mark promises to keep her posted after he meets Jackson in Los Angeles.

After the call, Mark heads to ByteForge Security to meet Samir for lunch. They drive to a Vietnamese restaurant nearby, known for offering a single set lunch menu for two. During their meal, Mark checks how Samir’s job is going. Mark then reveals that he’ll be leaving for Los Angeles the next day. Samir is disappointed but understands and expresses his hope that they’ll stay in touch and attend another baseball game together if Mark returns.

As they eat, their conversation turns reflective and emotional. Samir, typically reserved, tells Mark that he truly considers him a friend—something rare in his life. Mark reciprocates the sentiment, calling Samir a “brother from another mother.” The warmth between them deepens, cementing a genuine bond. Their meal concludes on a high note, filled with good food, heartfelt conversation, and a strong sense of camaraderie.