Chapter 29-30 Summary

Patrick O'Brien is about to dive out of an airplane into the Pine Barrens and spend the night in meditation. This Sunday evening ritual is his favorite personal tradition, and he enjoys the solitude of the jump into a deserted forest. This time, however, Thorpe has snuck on board, telling the pilot that O'Brien will be pleased to have some company, then knocking the pilot unconscious and engaging the autopilot. Thorpe confesses to O'Brien that he is working for the Russians, not for political reasons but for personal satisfaction. Thorpe shoots O'Brien with a truth serum capsule, but before he can be interrogated, O'Brien leaps out of the airplane. Thorpe follows, and observes the old man pass out on the way down.

Thorpe quickly returns to the city, where he calls Nicholas West and asks him to meet for a drink...