EXCLUSIVE 2007 INTERVIEW WITH JACK REACHER:
Q: You always travel with your folding toothbrush, but what do you do about shaving?
A: When I feel the need I stop by a drug store and buy a three-pack of disposable razors and a small can of foam. Use once, throw away. Wastes a few bucks, but saves buying a bag. Comes out equal, I guess.
Q: Blind Blake is the musician who memorably caused you to get off the bus in Margrave, in Killing Floor. Who is he?
A: A blind guy called Blake. Really the first guitar hero. Amazing. You can hear him on 78s, or CDs, if you're into new technology.
Q: You never seem to have a problem with pulling the ladies. What's your secret? Do you have a good chat-up line?
A: It's a secret to me too. I'm usually the last to know. I don't have chat-up lines. I just act like myself. I guess some like it, and some don't.
Q: Whats your favorite blend of coffee?
A: Caffeinated. Anything will do. The places I go, there isn't a lot of difference. No flavors, though.
Q: Did you ever smoke?
A: Occasionally, in the service. Not since then. I don't like to carry stuff.
Q: Have you ever thought about settling down and having kids?
A: I like kids. And dogs. Wouldn't mind having some. I'd need help settling down. Haven't found anyone willing to undertake that project yet, and I guess that's an essential component of the process.
Q: I don't think you've ever been heard to swear, in spite of your military background. What's your attitude to bad language?
A: It's because of, not in spite of. Officers don't swear. Part of the code. I dont mind it from other people.
Q: How many people have you killed? Any regrets?
A: No regrets. And most of them were suicides-by-Reacher, anyway. They could have stayed home. As for the number, I don't know. Lost count, I guess.
Q: Why don't you carry a cell phone?
A: Who would I want to call? Who would want to call me?
Q: Are you still in touch with Jodie?
A: I haven't heard from her in a long time.
Q: Memory of your best-ever romantic date?
A: Jodie, maybe, dinner one time in St. Louis.
Q: What's your favorite weapon?
A: The human brain.
Q: Favorite album?
A: I never had records. My father had an LP record of the speeches of Winston S. Churchill. That was pretty good. My brother had a couple I liked, by the old blues guys.
Q: Do you play an instrument? Can you sing? How important is music to you?
A: I don't know if I can play an instrument. I never tried. I sing all the time. Not very well, but hey. I like music. Snatches on other people's radios cheer me up.
Q: In the next election, who would get your vote?
A: Whoever sucks up least to the big smug guys who run everything.
Q: Do you have any scars?
A: A few. Some big, some small. Nothing that wasn't survivable, obviously.
Q: Do you ever work out?
A: No. No point. I let my body look after itself, and I have no desire to live for ever.
Q: Your ideal woman?
A: Self-confident, and therefore unlikely to put up with me. It's a zero-sum game.
Q: Do you support a baseball team?
A: We chose up sides as kids overseas. I latched onto the New York Yankees. I still follow them, distantly.
Q: What do you know about soccer?
A: I served extensively in Europe and got to know the game pretty well. I like it. I saw the 1982 European Cup Final in Holland. Some HQ guy gave me a ticket.
Q: Have you ever been in love?
A: On a regular basis.
Q: Do you believe in love at first sight?
A: Yes.
Q: You don't own a car - but if you did, what would it be?
A: A big sedan, battered on the outside but looked after underneath.
Q: Tell me about the first time you killed.
A: I better not. Opinions are subjective, and theres no statute of limitations on homicide.
Q: What is Frances Neagley's problem? Why doesn't she like to be touched?
A: I don't know. She never told me. We can all speculate, I guess.
Q: The best movie you ever saw?
A: I liked a thing called "Seven."
Q: Shorts or briefs?
A: Whatever the supermarket carries. Or neither.
Q: Your perfect meal?
A: Soup, steak, bottled beer, pie, coffee.
Q: Significant date?
A: I was born October 29th. Didn't ask to be, but that's what started it all.
