Page 78 of Exit Strategy

Gilmour was carrying Strickland’s go bag. He hoisted it up and said, ‘You left this.’

Reacher said, ‘I know. I left it for you.’

‘Do you know what’s inside?’

‘A bunch of cash.’

‘Did you count it?’

‘I didn’t see the point.’

‘There’s half a million dollars.’

Reacher said nothing.

Gilmour said, ‘You can’t give that kind of money to a gambler. It’s irresponsible.’

‘Did I give it to a gambler?’

Gilmour was silent for a moment. ‘I don’t know. I hope not.’

‘You’ll find something good to do with it.’

‘Like what?’

‘If you’re asking me for investment advice, you’ve got bigger problems than gambling. But I hear there’s a bar in Harbor East coming on the market. The Butcher’s Dog. And maybe a cab company.’

‘Me, an entrepreneur?’ Gilmour turned and strutted up and down like he was trying a new persona on for size. ‘A small business owner? Nah. I don’t see it. But you know what? I could reach out to the guy at the card club. Tell him, any vets who get in too deep, don’t send the leg breakers. Let me take care of it for them, quietly. And with no strings attached. No shipments to report on. No robberies to get involved in. Just a clean exit strategy for anyone who needs one.’