He arrived in the small town of Mother's Rest, Mississippi, a place he had visited a few years ago while investigating a string of mysterious disappearances. The memories of that case still lingered, but Jack had hoped to leave them behind.

The more Holly talked, the more Jack realized that he was being pulled back into a world he thought he'd left behind. His skills as a military policeman were still sharp, and his instincts screamed that this was a fight he couldn't ignore.

The words echoed in his mind like a threat. Who could be looking for him, and why? Jack's instincts told him to keep moving, but his curiosity got the better of him.

It turned out that Holly had been involved in a shady deal with some powerful people in town. They had promised her a share of the profits, but now they were threatening to cut her out. Jack recognized the players: corrupt businessmen, crooked cops, and a few shady characters with ties to organized crime.

Reacher sighed, rubbing his temples. He knew that look. He knew that tone. He was going back in.

"I'm not getting involved, Holly," Jack said, trying to sound firm.