The Sentinel (Jack Reacher #25) - Lee Child Page 0,34

‘Who uses paper directories these days, anyway?’

Reacher paused. He used them. The same way he’d used military radio and the regular phone network and the United States Postal Service. Things he understood. He’d sent and received telexes and faxes back in the day, too. But he’d never involved himself with cell phones. Not to any major extent. He’d never needed to. Not even when all they did was make and receive calls.

‘Could you do that for me?’ Reacher pulled out his bundle of cash. ‘Look Rutherford’s address up on your phone? How much does that sort of thing cost?’

The waitress waved the money away and pulled her phone out of her apron pocket. ‘I have unlimited data. I’m grandfathered in to my ex-husband’s contract, through his work. Don’t knock it. It’s the only good thing to come out of our marriage.’ She prodded at the front of the phone for a few seconds, then shook her head. ‘Sorry. No record. Although that’s probably a good thing if you think about it, given how unpopular he is right now.’

Reacher squeezed back into Marty’s car, fired it up, and pulled a tight U-turn. He blasted through the intersection. Narrowly missed an ancient Chevy pickup. Took the next two lefts. Parked in a hatched-off area at the end of the courthouse lot. And hurried around to the main entrance.

Officer Rule was on desk duty when Reacher approached the reception area in the basement. He used the public stairs, which she didn’t object to. And she didn’t seem surprised to see him, which made Reacher happy.

‘What can I help you with, Mr Reacher?’

‘I need some information.’

‘Regarding?’

‘Rusty Rutherford. Have any reports been made about him? Since last night? About him going missing, or being dragged into any other vehicles?’

‘Mr Reacher, behave yourself. I heard you were an MP. Which means you know that even if we had received any reports …’ Officer Rule paused for a moment, ‘I wouldn’t be able to tell you anything about them.’

‘Thank you. How about his address, then? Do you know where he lives?’

‘I do. But you know I can’t share that kind of information.’

‘Please. This is important. I’m worried about him.’

‘Why are you worried?’

‘He’s disappeared. I need to find him.’

‘I’m sure there’s nothing to be concerned about. If Rutherford’s not around he probably just left town. He was probably scared after yesterday. He’s not exactly the physical type, and almost getting into two fights in one day was probably too much. I bet he went to visit relatives somewhere. That would be the smart move for him to make.’

‘I tried to convince him to leave town. He refused. He was adamant about staying.’

‘In that case he’s probably just holed up again. He went home after he got fired and didn’t come out for a week.’

‘That’s why I need his address. To check he’s OK.’

‘Why wouldn’t he be? Is there something you’re not telling me?’

‘The guy I spoke to this morning before getting a ride with Detective Goodyear’s friend. Is he still around?’

‘No. He left right after you did. Why?’

‘Did he leave any instructions about watching out for Rutherford?’

‘Not that I know of. Should he have?’

‘I need that address.’ Reacher paused. ‘What if I’d received an anonymous tip?’

‘Specifically threatening violence? Against Rutherford?’

‘Not specifically. Call it an old investigator’s hunch.’

‘I’d need more than that. And I’d have to go myself. Make it official. Would he want that, given all the unwelcome attention he’s been getting?’

‘At least point me in the right direction. You know I’m not trying to hurt him. I’m the one who saved his ass yesterday.’

‘You seemed to. That’s true. But maybe two groups are after Rutherford and you were just keeping your rivals at bay until reinforcements arrive.’

‘Say I did want to snatch a guy like Rutherford. Do I look like I’d need reinforcements?’

‘Well, no. But you could be following orders.’

‘I used to follow orders. Most of the time. Do I look like someone who does now?’

Officer Rule didn’t reply.

‘OK,’ Reacher said. ‘I get it. Don’t give me Rutherford’s address. Just tell me this. If I was an old friend wanting to pay him a surprise visit, what kind of place should I look for? A cottage in the countryside? A converted loft in the centre of town? A single family home near the place where he worked?’

‘You’re not credible. Rusty Rutherford’s hardly the kind of guy who has truckloads of friends showing up unannounced.’

‘Even so. Humour me.’

Officer Rule was silent for a moment. ‘There’s one thing I