Tony Stackhouse’s secure “box phone” finally buzzed after a long silence. Expecting Julia Sigsby, Stackhouse instead heard Luke Ellis announce that Luke’s group had captured Sigsby. The revelation rattled Stackhouse, who briefly considered fleeing using prepared passports, but he stayed on the line, sensing the callers wanted something.

Luke confirmed Sigsby had unlocked her secure phone for them. When Stackhouse asked to speak to Julia, a man identifying himself as Tim took over, pushing for a fast deal and dismissing details of how Sigsby was captured. Julia briefly confirmed she was alive but that “it didn’t work out.” Meanwhile, Stackhouse monitored Institute cameras, seeing the gorked children wandering and babbling while the tunnel kids, including Kalisha Dixon’s group, appeared to be asleep.

Tim stated he possessed a flash drive created by Maureen Alvorson containing Luke’s account and video from Ward A (Gorky Park). He said only he and Wendy were alive to vouch for it after a deadly clash with Sigsby’s forces, and that he also held Sigsby and Dr. James Evans, both wounded but alive. Tim framed the Institute’s remaining children as hostages and proposed a trade: Sigsby and Evans, plus the flash drive leverage, for the children’s release.

Stackhouse said any deal depended on keeping the facility secret. Pressed for logistics, he revealed the mercenaries’ Challenger jet was waiting near Alcolu, with Sigsby able to direct the callers from Beaufort. He then insisted on speaking directly with Luke, aiming to ensure Luke’s inclusion in any arrangement.

Addressing Luke, Stackhouse confirmed knowledge of the kids’ location in the tunnel between Back Half and Front Half. He warned that if a deal excluded Luke, he would order chlorine gas into the tunnel, killing the children, and then flee immediately. Luke acknowledged the threat and agreed to come with Tim, keeping himself central to negotiations.

Luke asked if Sigsby’s phone would work from the plane; Sigsby affirmed it would. Luke then warned Stackhouse not to run, threatening to trigger Homeland Security involvement through a policewoman with them, which would expose Stackhouse nationwide and negate his escape plan. Shaken and furious, Stackhouse agreed to remain reachable, though he inwardly vowed to reassert control.