Exit Strategy

Jack Reacher will make three stops today. Not all of them were planned for. First – a Baltimore coffee shop.

A seat in the corner, facing the door. Black coffee, two refills, no messing about. A minor interruption from two of the customers, but nothing he can’t deal with swiftly.

As he leaves, a young guy brushes against him in the doorway. Instinctively Reacher checks the pocket holding his cash and passport. There's no problem.

Nothing is missing. Second – a store to buy a coat. Nothing fancy.

Something he can ditch when he heads to warmer climes. Large enough to fit a man the size of a bank vault. As he pulls out his cash, he finds something new in his pocket.

A handwritten note. A desperate plea for help. Third – wherever this bend in the road takes him.

Impressed by the guy's technique and intrigued by the message, Reacher makes it his mission to find out more . . .