The late-summer heat was starting to suffocate the cottage. A heavy, humid blanket had fallen in the Midlands, tightening the air oppressively. Sweat soaked Jan"s clothes until he could bear the dirty feeling no longer and retreated upstairs to change. As he made his way up the stairs he could hear a voice coming from behind the closed door to the master bedroom. It was Marie, presumably speaking on the phone. Jan pressed his ear up against the door, eager to make out the words. Since the other Reacher had left them, Marie had kept to herself, watching him from afar, impossible to read.
“No, I"m fine on my own. It"s just… when they come… you"re sure I"ll be okay. I know you did…. Of course I trust you, Sol…. You"re right, you"re right.”
Jan felt the other tugging at him, clawing at the b
