Page 2 of Bulletproof Jack: Hunting Lee Child's Jack Reacher

“Any luck?”

“On track, so far,” Lucas replied. “You?”

“Your brother is still missing, if that’s what you’re asking.”

Lucas heard the frustration in his voice. Nothing he could do about it. “Right.”

“You haven’t heard from him.”

“Not yet.” He saw Otto and her companion as they exited the dining room. “I’ll need to call you back.”

Lucas disconnected and dropped the phone into his pocket as they strolled casually past him.

Otto’s eyes met his briefly. He stood and stepped into the light to give her a clear view of his face.

Lucas wanted her to recognize him when he approached her. His goal was to talk with her alone and gain her confidence. Reacher said she’d help him. Maybe she would. But not if he provoked her into defensive action.

Lucas smiled and nodded toward her.

Otto nodded in return, but she didn’t stop to chat.

Lucas followed the two women discreetly all the way to the valet stand where the companion collected her car. Lucas overheard her.

“Are you sure I can’t give you a lift home?”

The two chatted back and forth, briefly debating Otto’s desire for a pleasant evening walk or a quick, safe ride.

Lucas held his breath awaiting Otto’s decision. He crossed his fingers by his side, as if the childish gesture would make a difference.

If she rejected the ride, he could still approach her outside the club, where people socialized easily with strangers.

If she accepted the ride, he’d be required to risk approaching her at home. Her apartment building was a fortress. It would be more difficult to get in and get out.

All of which was why he’d chosen to meet her at the club.

Lucas preferred the easy way. Plan A was always easier than plan B.

“Dammit,” he said, under his breath a moment later, when his crossed fingers failed to produce the desired result.

Otto accepted the ride and slid easily into the woman’s midnight blue BMW sedan. They pulled away from the curb, leaving Lucas behind on foot.

He memorized the BMW’s license plate number. He’d check ownership later, should it become necessary.

Lucas stood for a moment on the sidewalk. He was in good physical condition. He could hurry along to Otto’s apartment and arrive in less than twenty minutes, but rushing would draw attention he wanted to avoid.

Oh, well. It was a lovely night for a walk, after all.

He slid his hands into his front pockets and sauntered along the sidewalk as the BMW increased the distance between them.

The cell phone in his right front pocket bounced against his leg. He carried only one other item.

Lucas hit the redial button on the phone.

He answered right away, slightly breathless, as if he were hustling somewhere. “I’ve got a lead. It’s not solid. But promising.”

“Okay. What is it?” Lucas asked.

“Let me check it out first. If it pans out, you can join and maybe even bring Otto with you,” he said.

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