Contents
Chapter 36
Overview
Reacher and Chang secure Hackett, realize McCann’s gun was fired, and evacuate McCann’s neighbor, Mrs. Eleanor Hopkins, to question her. She confirms McCann’s six‑month obsession with the Deep Web. Live news shows McCann found shot in Lincoln Park and anti‑terror police raiding his building, triggered by her 911 call. She agrees to keep quiet about Reacher and reveals McCann has a sister.
Summary
After knocking out Keith Hackett in Peter McCann’s hallway, Reacher and Chang stage a cover story for a suspicious neighbor, then drag Hackett into McCann’s room. Noting severe facial injuries, they debate time and risk. Reacher discovers McCann’s Ruger has been fired, implying someone reached McCann first to stop any contact.
Fearing reinforcements, they search Hackett and take his phone, cash, and H&K P7. Reacher infers McCann’s true focus wasn’t organic living but the internet, and proposes interviewing the neighbor off-site. They persuade Mrs. Eleanor Hopkins to leave with them by flashing Chang’s FBI credentials and drive to a discreet coffee shop.
Over coffee and cake, Hopkins describes a long acquaintance with McCann and says he’d been obsessed for six months. On TV, live coverage shows a body found in Lincoln Park. Hopkins explains McCann’s questions about why some sites can’t be found, leading her to outline search engines, optimization, and the Deep Web—sites designed to avoid discovery, accessed only with exact addresses spread by word of mouth.
The broadcast then shows McCann’s brownstone swarming with police. Hopkins admits she called 911 after closing her door on them, reporting “armed terrorists” to ensure a rapid response. Reacher and Chang stay, watch EMTs remove a heavily bandaged man—likely Hackett—and see detectives connect the park homicide with the raid.
Reacher asks Hopkins to keep their involvement from Chicago PD; she agrees. Pressed for personal insight, Hopkins says she doesn’t know details but adds a crucial lead: McCann has a sister and they are close, implying she may hold his secrets.
Who Appears
- Jack ReacherKnocks out Hackett, discovers McCann’s gun was fired, extracts the neighbor for questioning, steers the interview, and secures her silence.
- Michelle ChangAssists disarming Hackett, plays the FBI card to move the neighbor, questions Hopkins about McCann and the Deep Web.
- Mrs. Eleanor HopkinsMcCann’s neighbor; technically literate; explains Deep Web concepts, admits calling 911, and reveals McCann has a sister.
- Keith HackettTail and attacker; left unconscious, later removed by EMTs from McCann’s building.
- Peter McCannSubject of the search; revealed on TV as the Lincoln Park homicide victim; had a six-month Deep Web obsession.