Roscoe quickly spoke, "My adoptive father, Gray Conklin, was the former police chief of Margrave. He must have noticed something was wrong and investigated privately."
"I remember him mentioning that the Kleiner family's ranch consumed water and livestock feed sufficient for tens of thousands of animals, but they only had fewer than 200 cows."
Her face darkened. "I didn't pay attention to his words back then. If only I had..."
Jack Reacher comforted her, "Gray obviously realized the danger and protected you well. You shouldn't blame yourself."
"Livestock feed?" A light bulb went off in Jack's mind, and he quickly Googled something on his phone.
"Some livestock feed contains large amounts of diatomaceous earth to aid digestion, but diatomaceous earth is also an absorbent coagulating agent."
Both Jacks spoke simultaneously, "They used livestock feed to filter waste from the sewage, then buried it underground on the ranch."
"Alright, the clues are clear. Now let's start assigning tasks."
Jack clapped his hands to get everyone's attention and began distributing roles.
"First, we need to ensure the safety of Joey's colleague. Given Joey's incident, we can't be sure there aren't issues within the Secret Service. I suggest we have her change her flight to Florida immediately, and we send two people to meet her."
He glanced at the couple nearby. "Chris, can you move?"
In the original storyline, Joey's colleague's death seemed scripted—an unalert Secret Service agent, even if administrative, getting tailed and assassinated so easily was implausible.
Chris had only been shot in the leg. He could manage with Dana's help, even in a wheelchair if necessary.
Jack had no choice. Trusted manpower was scarce.
"No problem, leave it to me and Dana. Ray King will arrive with a team tomorrow, just in time for the handover."
Chris eagerly nodded, annoyed that Braxton was still hanging around. Even a simple task like this was a rare opportunity for alone time with Dana.
"Roscoe and Big Jack, head back to the Margrave barbershop tomorrow and retrieve the files Gray left. Then, meet up with Dana and Chris to organize and analyze the data."
Both nodded in agreement.
"Zoe, use your contacts to check on 'The Viking.' We need to know how many helpers Kleiner has outside. Also, work with Charlie to locate Paul Hubble. He's the only one who's been inside the Kleiner estate. We'll need him for the final operation."
Zoe nodded, indicating she understood.
"As for Hannah and me, we'll find Finlay tomorrow and look into the murdered truck driver. Meanwhile, we'll bait Kleiner, who undoubtedly plans to erase his tracks and leave Georgia, just like ten years ago."
After hearing Jack's plan, Joey reminded, "Before they leave, they'll definitely want a big score. Those cash-strapped Venezuelans won't let them go otherwise. I estimate they have at least twenty billion in counterfeit bills in their warehouse."
Jack thought for a moment. "Is there any way to get the Coast Guard to ease their patrols and make them think they have a chance?"
Joey smiled bitterly. "You overestimate Congress. The funding ran out last month. There won't be more. That's why I came here in such a hurry, and it turned out like this."
By chance, Kleiner would likely see this as good news. Jack was somewhat speechless.
Just as they finished discussing, Braxton returned from handling the two captives.
"I rented a warehouse in the suburbs with cash and locked them up there. They're former soldiers from several South American countries, working for a Venezuelan drug cartel. Over thirty of them are hiding at the Kleiner ranch."
"Did they commit the Morrison couple's murder and break into my house?" Roscoe asked, frowning.
Braxton nodded. "They said Junior Kleiner and his cousin Dawson led the attack. The two Venezuelan helpers died in the first Mercedes. It caused a big fight between Kleiner senior and junior."
"Junior Kleiner was also the one who shot at us under the overpass. I want to kill that bastard myself," Braxton said, touching his bandaged shoulder, filled with killing intent.
Roscoe, unfamiliar with Braxton, didn't argue. She looked to Jack Reacher for support, who nodded slightly, indicating he understood her thoughts.
Leaving Braxton as a guard in the hospital room, the group headed to the Hunters' hotel.
They each booked a room to rest, and Jack escorted Charlie Hubble to the Hunters' room.
Hannah had booked them a luxury suite with two bedrooms and a living room. When they arrived, the Hubble girls were already asleep in the inner room. Old Hunter was watching TV, while DeeDee knitted beside him.
"Thank you," Charlie said after checking on her daughters.
DeeDee set aside her half-knitted sweater and Walther PPK/S, stood up, and hugged Charlie with a kind smile.
"You're too polite. Your little angels are very well-behaved, truly enviable."
Charlie held back tears and thanked her again softly.
Jack reassured her, "The Hunters are legends at LAPD. You'll be safe here. Once we find Paul, we'll reunite you."
Seeing Old Hunter signaling him, Jack followed him to a corner by the window.
Old Hunter's expression was serious. "The Anderson girl told us everything. I know times have changed, and I can't give you much advice..."
Jack cut in with a smile, "But this country hasn't changed much. Your stories still benefit me greatly."
Old Hunter sighed. "The law can't replace justice, but I want you to know we old folks have your back. As long as you don't cross the line... we'll help you as much as we can."
"Thank you, Uncle Hunter." Jack's gratitude was genuine. Though adulthood often revolves around interests, not everything is black and white. He had moved past that age.
At least now, he was sure that besides a few close friends, these elders genuinely cared for him.
Bidding farewell to the Hunters, Jack knocked on Hannah's door, looking genuinely tired. Although half of it was an act, the other half was real.
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