Page 80 of No Plan B

“It wasn’t Danny’s fault. He uncovered a crime, apparently. He didn’t commit one.”

“Someone did. Someone at Minerva. The same people who set all those goons on us. We need to sink their ship. We need this blockbuster evidence. Whatever it is. Assuming this Alan guy checks out.”

Hannah pulled out her phone and started tapping and swiping. A couple of minutes later she held it up so that Reacher could see the screen.

She said, “OK. Well, the company’s real. It exists. The address, website, social media, logo, everything matches. There’s a list of partners. There’s one called Alan. Alan McInnes. And get this. They mention Minerva as one of their top clients. What do you think?”

Reacher said, “Dial the number.”

Hannah entered the digits and hit Call plus the button for the speaker. A man answered after three rings.

He said, “McInnes. Who’s this?”

Reacher said, “Danny Peel. I got your note. I’ll see you at Coal Creek, 11:30.”

“Wait. I’m not sure it’s safe.”

“Want to pick another venue? Name it.”

“Not the venue. You. How do I know you’re Danny?”

“How else would I know your number?”

“I don’t know. OK. What’s your middle name?”

Reacher looked at Hannah. She shook her head. He said, “I don’t have one.”

“Where did you live before you moved to Winson?”

“Gerrardsville, Colorado.”

“Name of your last boss before you went to work at Minerva?”

“Sam Roth.”

“OK.” There was a moment’s silence. “I’ll meet you. But come alone. And don’t be late.”

—

Bruno Hix endedthe call. He was sitting in his kitchen, in his pajamas. He didn’t like to be at the prison too early on release days. There was always some kind of last minute logistical snafu and he couldn’t risk encountering anything that would put him in a bad mood before his speech. He took a sip of coffee, switched to his regular phone, and called Brockman.

“No Plan B,” he said. “It’s confirmed. Reacher will be nowhere near the ceremony.”

Brockman said, “Fantastic news. But, Bruno—you’re sure?”

“Positive. I got it straight from the horse’s mouth.”

—

Hannah tried topull a U-turn in the street but the old VW’s steering was so heavy and slow to respond she bumped up onto the opposite sidewalk and almost clipped Danny Peel’s mailbox. She backed up a couple of yards, hauled on the wheel with all her strength, dropped down onto the street, and started to build a little speed. The bus mustered all the acceleration of a slug.

Reacher looked back at the mailbox. He said, “Stop.”

Hannah coasted to the side of the road. Reacher climbed out, walked back, and opened the mailbox lid. The junk was still there. Four envelopes, all loose. Also in the box was an elastic band. The kind mail carriers use to hold all the correspondence for the sameaddress together. Someone had removed it and set the separate letters free.

Reacher cut across the muddy lot toward the garage. He let himself in and picked up the maintenance log Danny had kept for the Stingray. He flicked through until he found a number of specific characters. Two capitals. The rest lower case. Then he walked back to the VW, climbed in, and said, “We’re not going to Hattiesburg.”

Chapter40

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