A Conversation With Jack Reacher

“Hey, Jack, I’m so pleased to meet you. For years now I’ve been fascinated by the dangerous situations you find yourself in everywhere you go.” “Thanks, man, I've had quite an incredible life, indeed!” “I look forward to your latest adventure each year.” “Well, it takes Lee Child that long to write one up, I think. What is the most interesting, or quirky, characteristic he has given me in his books? “Off-hand, I’d say your ability to take on five or six bad guys at the same time. But your uncanny ability to tell what time it is down to the minute is mind-boggling. You are your own alarm clock!” “You know, it might be hard to believe, but many people possess the ability to do that, and if you practice it, you’ll find you probably can do it, too.” “So, what brings you to this god-forsaken place?” “Just passin’ through, my friend, but I can assure you I won’t get out of here without someone trying to kill me…. Or maybe you! Or maybe both of us! Don’t know, but we’ll soon see. Right now, I need to get a change of clothes. Where can a fellow pick up a pair of jeans and a shirt dirt cheap?” “Uh, there’s a big men’s store in the next block. You Take it easy now!” “You, too!” [Jack Reacher is the hero of Lee Child’s novels. Mr. Child writes a new one every year, for which his readers can hardly wait.] THIRD PLACE WINNER Written January 30, 2022 For “A Conversation with a Fictional Character” Poetry Contest Sponsored by Natasha L. Scragg