Something Blue

During an FBI training exercise, Mitch breaks protocol by pursuing a fleeing suspect without backup and sprains his ankle. His instructor warns that the International Law Enforcement Academy in Budapest will not tolerate reckless independence. Mitch has applied to its demanding antiterrorism program despite his lack of field experience, and he insists that he is willing to make the sacrifices the work requires.

At the Bourlands' home, everyone waits for Peter and Mitch at a pretend Hawaiian vacation dinner. Janelle explains to Connie that an FBI agent's wife must accept long hours, danger, disrupted plans, and frequent apologies. The work is difficult for the entire family, but Janelle respects Peter's calling to protect others and has learned to treasure its smaller comforts, including his apologetic bouquets of flowers.

Mitch finally arrives on his injured ankle but cannot stay for the meal because he has an exam the next day. Connie worries that their relationship will always be crowded out by work. Mitch assures her that a new agent generally receives an ordinary desk schedule, though he admits that an antiterrorism assignment would mean travel and unpredictable hours.

At the Smithsonian, an expert named Mr. Gossamar studies Joanne's compass. Its materials and needle resemble an eighteenth-century instrument, but an S-shaped maker's mark identifies it as a twentieth-century replica by Dominic Soliani. He estimates that it may be worth only about one hundred dollars. Joanne's hope of financing the Sri Lankan church collapses.

Janelle offers to seek another opinion. While she does so, Connie comforts Joanne by reminding her of the ministries she and Jack already support in Odyssey. Joanne concludes that her present calling may be quieter than the international missions work she once did, yet helping Jack serve others still has real purpose.

Connie applies Joanne's conclusion to her own uncertain future. Since Mitch has a clear vision for his life and she does not, she begins to think her purpose may be to support his calling. She decides to prove that she can become the capable wife of an FBI agent.

Connie secretly enters Mitch's apartment, prepares an elaborate rhyming-theme dinner, washes his clothes, and turns his bedroom into an indoor mountain scene. Her effort goes comically wrong. The meal has grown cold, a forgotten blender lid has sprayed food across the ceiling, a flaming bean burns Mitch's mouth, and water spills over his forensic report.

The next morning, Janelle introduces Joanne to Philip Bernstein, who claims to be a traveling antique dealer. He dismisses the Smithsonian's judgment and says a wealthy Portuguese collector wants the compass. Without conducting a careful examination, he offers twelve thousand dollars in cash. Joanne accepts, delighted that the church will receive enough to rebuild.

Peter soon announces that a vacancy has opened in the Budapest academy and that Mitch has been invited, provided his remaining exams go well. Connie initially thinks he will be gone for sixteen weeks, then learns that the program lasts two years. The news makes her fear that their difficult separation has only begun.

Mitch is thrilled by the opportunity. Since the FBI will allow a spouse to accompany him, he proposes that he and Connie marry before his departure the following Tuesday. With only three days to prepare and many questions still unexamined, Connie accepts. They plan to marry that weekend.