Chapitre 169: Chapter 169: He's a Gentleman
The old black barber threw the hot towel into a bamboo basket nearby. "That's because you haven't crossed her. There aren't many pretty girls in this town, and Roscoe is the only one Little Kleiner can't get. Why do you think that is?"
"It sounds like Mr. Mosley knows the Conklin family well?" Jack casually began to probe.
"Before that fool Morrison became the police chief here, Roscoe's foster father, Gray Conklin, was the guardian of this place. When he was around, the Kleiner brats at most dared to speed."
Mosley's expression was filled with regret as he spoke.
"Conklin was a good man. I can't understand why someone like him would choose to end his life in his garage."
Jack vaguely remembered that Roscoe's foster father's death wasn't simple. He couldn't recall the details, but he was sure it was connected to the Kleiner Foundation.
The two chatted while watching Reacher and the two young men confront each other through the window. After a moment, Reacher returned, and the two Kleiner brats drove off.
"They threatened you?" Seeing Reacher's grim expression, Jack asked directly.
"Sort of. They dug up some of my military background." Although Reacher's face remained expressionless, the anger in his eyes was evident.
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"Thank you for your service, Mr. Mosley. See you next time." Jack paid for both of them and walked out of the barbershop with Reacher.
"So, are you going to tell me who you really are now? Who exactly are you?" Reacher finally asked the question.
"I'm an off-duty LAPD officer, also a temporary IRS investigator."
Jack didn't hide it anymore and revealed his identity, frankly admitting that he came here to avenge his girlfriend. The IRS investigator role was just temporary.
Of course, he didn't mention anything about the Kleiner Foundation's counterfeiting operations or the matters in Atlanta. Joey Reacher was still in a coma, and everything had to wait until he woke up and could speak. Otherwise, Jack would seem like a clairvoyant.
After hearing about what happened to Hannah's family more than ten years ago, Reacher was somewhat shocked. Being backed by a congressman and acting so ruthlessly was not the work of an ordinary criminal organization.
"What exactly is the Kleiner family up to?"
Jack shook his head. "I don't know. They cover their tracks well. I've only found some traces, and then I met you. I thought that as someone who once led the '110th MP Special Investigations Unit,' you'd have some exceptional skills."
"So, you were in the room next door at the meeting?" Reacher logically pieced together the sequence of events.
"Yes. Unlike Finley, I need a partner, and you happen to be targeted by some people."
"Uh, actually, I can leave anytime. This town isn't the only place with cars." Reacher showed a cunning smile, inconsistent with his rugged appearance.
Jack smiled back. "So, you're not planning to have dinner with that pretty police officer tonight?"
"Maybe I'll think about it. Let's decide tomorrow."
Seeing Reacher's hesitation, Jack understood. This sounded like a deep and dangerous mess, not something every uninvolved person would willingly dive into. The big guy's willingness to consider it already spoke volumes about his character.
But Jack wasn't worried. He held a trump card and wasn't concerned about Reacher running away.
"Take this phone. It has my number. Even if you don't agree, you can catch a ride with me tomorrow. I'm planning to go to Atlanta."
Jack handed him a prepaid phone. He had bought a dozen of these untraceable devices on his way here.
After parting ways with Reacher, Jack went straight back to the inn and called Hannah. He learned that the other big guy was still in a coma, but the doctor said he was recovering well and should wake up within 24 hours.
Assured that no strangers had been asking about them at the hospital, Jack felt relieved. It meant the Kleiner family hadn't found their trail. He briefly recounted his experiences over the past day to Hannah, particularly complaining about Justin's prank.
Hannah laughed heartily over the phone and made a bunch of promises about various positions, which cheered Jack up. Then she passed the phone to the Wolf brothers, and Jack thanked Chris and Braxton. These brothers had risked their lives to save Joey Reacher at his request.
Finally, Jack contacted Justin, who had finally calmed down. He asked her to investigate two people: Paul Herborg and Roscoe's foster father, Gray Conklin.
The next morning, Jack unexpectedly received a call from Finley, whose voice trembled slightly.
"There was another murder. Chief Morrison and his wife were killed last night. Was that guy with you?"
"Give me the address. I'll come over with him. Don't worry about Reacher. I believe he has a solid alibi."
Jack's and Reacher's rooms weren't adjacent, not even on the same floor. To avoid any awkward situations, Jack didn't bother knocking and directly called the number he had given Reacher yesterday.
"Big Jack, something's happened. Meet me downstairs, and bring the girl you're with."
"What happened? What girl?" Reacher's voice sounded puzzled, with background noise indicating he was in a car, not in his room.
"Eh?" Jack was surprised. Did he guess wrong?
"You didn't go on the date last night?"
Reacher, still sounding sleepy, replied, "Roscoe drove me to a bar outside town last night. When we were coming back, a heavy rainstorm washed out the road, so..."
"So, you didn't come back last night? I guess the nearby motel was full because of the road closure, and there was only one room left?"
Jack laughed wickedly.
There was a long silence on the other end, then an angry female voice burst out. "Damn it, nothing happened! He's a gentleman. He slept on the floor all night. We're on our way back now."
Jack nearly burst out laughing. He had guessed almost right.
"Alright, no more jokes. Something serious happened. I just got a call from Finley. There was another murder. Police Chief Morrison and his wife were killed last night."
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