Jack Reacher's Rules

“For a military cop, going into a bar is like a batter stepping up to the plate. It’s his place of business.”

Count the exits (there are usually three).

Work out which exits you can use.

Look at the crowd—where are the knots of trouble, who falls silent, who stares.

Look for weapons—antique revolvers, bottles, or—better—pool cues.

Stare everyone down.

Sit with your back to the wall, even if there are plenty of mirrors.

Call 911—the other guys are going to need an ambulance …

“It was a long, long time since he’d lost a two-on-one bar fight.”