Contents
Chapter 10
Overview
Reacher confirms the suited outsider in room 203 is extracted by an unplated Cadillac at dawn, signaling organized support and caution. Michelle Chang verifies room 215 as Keever’s and that 213 is empty. With Keever absent from the train, they commit to entering 215, aiming to leverage the maid’s access.
Summary
Before dawn, Jack Reacher keeps watch from his darkened motel room, tracking the one-eyed clerk outside and the lighted window of room 203, occupied by the suited outsider from the train. The night passes quietly, and Reacher notes the man’s small brown leather bag and the clerk’s anxious tidy-up at first light.
In the morning, a clean, older white Cadillac with dark windows and no license plates arrives and reverses into the slot beneath 203. The suited man emerges, does a deliberate scan of the air and scene, and is greeted by a new driver. The driver ceremonially stows the small bag in the trunk, and they depart, suggesting coordination and caution.
Reacher showers and meets Michelle Chang at the diner. Chang reports Keever did not arrive on the morning train, and confirms that room 215 is Keever’s—she saw a large shirt on the closet door—while 213 is empty. Together they decide to enter 215 later, preferably when the maid is working, but first they follow Reacher’s rule to eat when they can as the waitress brings coffee.
Who Appears
- Jack ReacherWatches the motel overnight, observes the suited man’s pickup, and plans to enter room 215 with Chang.
- Michelle ChangConfirms 215 is Keever’s, 213 is empty; reports Keever missed the train; plans covert entry.
- One-eyed motel clerkKeeps watch outside, tidies the grounds nervously at dawn, suggesting heightened alertness.
- Suited outsider (room 203)Leaves at dawn with a small bag, collected by an unplated Cadillac, implying organized backing.
- Cadillac driverNew arrival who greets the suited man and departs with him; drives car with no plates.
- WaitressServes coffee as Reacher and Chang set plans to access room 215.