Book Three: Double Feature — 21.

In the days before Easter, Van watches waves of armed reinforcements stream past his window: young, disciplined men carrying M4 carbines, sidearms, and the confidence of a force expecting action. Their presence underscores the facility’s rapid militarization and the expectation of a violent confrontation.

One night, Van wakes to find Mr. Francis in his dark room, a cigar ember the brightest point. Francis casually inventories the incoming firepower—RPGs, assault helicopters, even a tank—framing Easter as an inevitable spectacle. Van challenges the force’s usefulness against what they face.

Francis explains the deception: most foot soldiers were told Van and Daphne are Serbian operatives loyal to Milorad Luković, with a sleeper cell in the U.S.; only a higher-cleared few have seen the Greenland video and understand King Sorrow is real. The cover story is meant to keep the rank and file in line and focused.

Francis then delivers his purpose: he is being pulled out and can no longer protect Van. He urges Van to tell Barclay whatever he asks, warning that if interrogation escalates again—“the bucket of ice water”—Van will not survive it. The exchange flares into an argument over citizenship, rights, and loyalties, with Francis accusing Van of belonging to the Long Dark and serving a king rather than a constitution.

Before leaving, Francis predicts that after Sunday the operation will have to shift to his preferred approach and advises Van simply to stay alive until then. He knocks once on the door and disappears back into the corridor thick with soldiers.