Chapter 1 Summary

The novel opens talking about how knowledge is power. The author refers to various types of knowledge and how if someone possesses this knowledge, it can help them achieve anything from winning the lottery to committing the perfect murder.

Reacher is sitting in a new Italian restaurant, Mastrano's, in New York City. His girlfriend, Jodie, who is a lawyer, is working late so he is there to eat. Reacher is occupying one table and a couple dressed in business attire is occupying one other table. The only other "patrons" are two guys at the bar talking to the owner. Reacher senses that the two men are threatening the owner—asking him to pay them money on a weekly basis so that the crime boss of the neighborhood offers protection to the restaurant.

After the two men leave, Reacher confirms that the two men were threatening the...