It was just after 8:00 PM when Robert McCall closed the book in front of him.
He shook his neck, which was stiff from sitting still for so long. It had been a while since he read for such an extended period.
But because he had only a few dozen pages left after yesterday's session, he decided to stay a bit longer at Lautner's diner tonight.
"Lautner, give me another coffee."
Robert put the book away and smiled, waving at the owner.
He had been living in seclusion in Boston for several years since his retirement.
Back in the day, Robert—a former Special Forces operative—was a legend.
Near the end of his military service, due to his outstanding performance, he was recruited by a US intelligence agency.
For the next decade or so, he served the agency faithfully.
During that time, Robert dismantled numerous drug cartels and criminal organizations, and assassinated many foreign dignitaries and enemies of the state.
However, at the peak of his career and physical prime, Robert chose to retire abruptly.
The reason was his wife of many years. She was diagnosed with cancer, and by the time they found it, it was terminal.
To care for her, Robert called in many favors and completely burned bridges with his superiors.
Ultimately, he got his wish and retired early.
He and his wife moved to Boston, where she had lived for a long time during her childhood, and started a quiet life.
Sadly, his wife passed away not long after.
Robert fell into a deep depression for a long time.
Until he remembered one of the regrets she had mentioned before she died.
She regretted not finishing the list of 100 classic novels she wanted to read—to experience the insights of literary giants on life, fate, and humanity.
To fulfill his wife's wish...
Robert, who had dropped out of high school to join the army and spent his life surrounded by guns and violence, picked up books in his forties.
In the past few years, Robert went from struggling to read a page or two...
To sitting quietly for hours, absorbed in the text.
He had spent years finishing over ninety of the classics his wife had selected.
During this process, Robert discovered something.
Not only had he fallen in love with reading, but he—who previously had little concept of good and evil beyond orders—began to reflect on his past actions.
He started to enjoy life and treat his friends, neighbors, and even strangers with kindness.
Hearing the call, Lautner looked up at Robert sitting in the corner.
He knew Robert well. The man was a regular.
Although he didn't come every day, he was there at least three or four times a week.
This had been going on for over six months.
"Coming right up," Lautner replied with a smile.
After 8:00 PM, the diner was usually empty. Lautner could relax a bit. He didn't need to stand behind the counter constantly prepping food.
"Here. A latte."
"Drinking too much black coffee at night isn't good for sleep."
Robert paused, looking at the genuine smile and concern on the owner's face as he personally delivered the cup.
He squeezed out a smile and nodded. "Thanks, Lautner."
He took a sip and raised the cup. "Tastes great."
Lautner laughed heartily at the praise. He looked older than Robert and patted him on the shoulder.
"Alright, old friend."
"Let me know if you need anything else."
"Will do."
Lautner walked back behind the counter in a good mood.
Seeing there were two other tables occupied besides Robert's, he decided to treat those regulars to a free coffee as well.
But just then...
Screeching brakes were heard outside.
Moments later, a group of six or seven burly men with beards and fierce faces stormed into the diner.
"Wel... Welcome."
Lautner recognized instantly that these men were trouble.
But as the owner, he had to try. He forced a smile to greet them.
The leader was Slavi's henchman, Vishniak.
As soon as he entered, he looked around.
After scanning the few customers, Vishniak walked straight to the counter where Lautner stood.
Bang!
He kicked over a nearby chair and sat down heavily.
The sound of the chair hitting the floor startled Robert.
He frowned at Vishniak and his crew but didn't react further.
Lautner flinched at Vishniak's violence. He looked at the menacing thugs with fear, wondering how he had offended them.
"Hey!"
Vishniak stared Lautner down until the older white man was trembling.
Seemingly satisfied with the fear he caused, he asked, "Did that hooker, Teri, come here tonight?"
"Teri?!"
Lautner knew who Teri was. A poor teenage girl...
She was about the same age as his eldest granddaughter.
So, even knowing her profession, Lautner had never judged her or treated her differently.
Realizing these men were here to cause trouble for her, Lautner shook his head quickly.
"Teri? She hasn't been here for days."
"Really?"
Vishniak didn't believe him. He knew she hadn't come the previous days.
But today, she had specifically requested time out to eat here.
Lautner, stared down by the thugs behind Vishniak, stammered, "Really. She really hasn't been here for days."
Vishniak glanced around the shop and frowned.
There were no surveillance cameras, so he couldn't verify anything with footage.
He snorted coldly and signaled his men.
Instantly, two thugs vaulted over the counter.
"You..."
"What are you doing?"
The two thugs grabbed Lautner from both sides, dragging him out.
Pots, pans, and cups behind the counter crashed to the floor.
The few remaining customers, who had been watching nervously, panicked.
One table got up and ran out the door immediately.
The other table was more honest; they threw a $20 bill on the table before fleeing.
Only Robert remained in the corner. He watched with a frown, neither fleeing nor interfering.
"Behave yourself. Come back with us. We have some questions for you."
"If you can't answer them, you're going to regret it."
"No!"
"Please, I really don't know anything!"
Ignoring Lautner's struggles, they dragged him out by force.
Vishniak stood up. Seeing that someone in the corner hadn't run away, he sneered.
He looked at Robert, who stared back expressionless.
Vishniak snorted and drew a finger across his throat in a threatening gesture.
Then, he turned and walked out of the diner.
Left alone in the shop, Robert watched the group leave, his brow furrowed in silence.
No one knew that a dormant, top-tier special agent was watching.
After witnessing the brutality of the mob...
This time, not for a teenage girl, but for a middle-aged diner owner...
The Equalizer was preparing to come out of retirement to deliver justice.
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