"I need to understand."

[Psyche]

"A pulse," said the EMT, "It's faint, but it's there." The ambulence rushed Jackson Rippner to the Emergency Room. Upon arrival, they hurried him immediately into surgery. The doctors spent seven hours extracting the bullets from his chest and abdomen. Finally, the last stitch was sewn. "He's going to make it," the surgeon said. The next morning, a nurse entered Jackson's hospital room to check his IV. She found nothing but an empty bed.

~~~~~

Lisa Reisert entered her dark, empty home and flipped on the light switch. She had just finished her shift at the Lux Atlantic. The frantic pace of her day still surged through her like raw energy scraping to make its escape. The day replayed in her mind. She could still hear the humming voices that filled the lobby. Mr. Reynolds wants to change his reservation from the 23rd to the 25th. Keep smiling. The faucet in 4382 needs to be fixed. Keep smiling. Ms. Wharton is requesting a room change. Keep smiling. Lisa sighed, taking off her jacket and tossing it over the back of the chair. She stood still for a moment and stared about the room. Her home was such a harsh contrast from the hotel. Here everything was still. Everything was quiet. In that moment, the energy she had retained from the day dissipated from her body leaving a dull aching and a tinge of desolation.

Ring. Ring. Lisa jumped at the sound the phone. Ring. "Hello?"
"Tell me about the rape."
"Jackson!" Lisa gasped under her breath, shoving the phone back down into the receiver. Ring. Lisa's body jolted, then started convulsing. Ring.
"Hello..?" Lisa's voice quaked.
"Please," the voice said forcefully.
"L-Leave me alone," Lisa cried, tears forming at the rims of her eyes. She pushed the phone back down into the receiver once more. Then there was only silence and more silence. "Ok," she thought, "It's ok."

She should call her father. She will call her father, but first she needed a glass of water. Lisa walked into her kitchen and flipped on the light switch.
"I need to understand."
Lisa turned towards the direction of the voice. Two blue eyes tore into her own with such intensity that for a moment she lost her breath. Jackson stood in front of the back door that opened to the side of the house.
"Get out," she managed to whisper, her voice quivering.
"I will," he replied, "but first I want you to tell me about the rape--your rape."

Hearing those words aloud made it all seem so real; too real. They ripped through her heart reopening wounds she had only begun to mend. "F*** you," she said.
"Look," he said, "the sooner you start talking, the sooner I'm gone, out of your life--this time forever."
Lisa looked directly into his eyes, "Why? Why are you here? Why do you want to know? Why should I tell you anything?"
Jackson sighed, "Leese, it's my job to read people--to understand people. It's what I do best or atleast it was until I met you."
"I don't understand where you're going with this," she replied, "It's over. What use would it be to try to understand me now?"
"You of all people should know the sheer terror of losing control." Jackson's voice was cold and steady. "I need to know why I lost control on that flight to Miami. I need to know why I failed. Everything was going fine until--" His voice trailed off.

Lisa gave him no reply but simply stood there with her arms crossed over her chest, her eyes searching the room for a safe haven. Jackson walked over to her and lifted her chin with his fingers, forcing her to meet his gaze. "I refuse to lose control like that again," he said.
"I already told you what happened," Lisa said, averting her eyes from his.
"Not the entire thing," he retorted, "I need to hear the entire thing."
"I-I can't," she answered. Jackson released her face from his grip and let out a sigh.
"Alright," he said mockingly, "Let's start slow. Why is it, Lisa, that you can't tell me? Or--wait--let me guess. Is it because it's too distressing for you? Poor Lisa."
"Bastard," she uttered just audible enough for him to hear, "You could never understand."
"Yeah?" he said growing impatient, "Well the sooner you start talking, the sooner I'm gone, so make me understand."

Lisa's stomach started to cave in and she let out a sigh. Tears welled in her eyes as she drew in a breath, looked up at him, and said, "Because if I say it--it makes it real."
"It is real, Leese," Jackson replied, "Accept it. Move on." Jackson thought for a moment, and added, "You have to have told this to someone before?"
"Yes," she answered quietly, "and everytime it was--awful."
"Why?" he asked.
"You know when you tell someone something horrible? You know how their face just--"
Recognition flashed in Jackson's eyes, "Darkens," he said, completing her thought, "Oh."

Lisa looked down at the floor. Why was she telling him this? Why was she opening herself up? She hated being vulnerable, and that's how she felt. That's how he was making her feel. She knew she couldn't hold back the tears much longer.
"Tell me how it happened."
"I already have."
"Damnit, Lisa! Tell me again. Tell me all of it."
Something inside Lisa broke. "It wasn't supposed to happen!" she cried, tears streaming down her face, "Why didn't anybody hear me scream? Why?"
Jackson was thrown off balance by her sudden outburst, "I-I don't know-"
"I screamed no! It's my body! I screamed no! Why did this happen? I didn't deserve this! I screamed no!" Lisa was sobbing now uncontrollably. "I can never get back what he took from me! I will never be the same! I screamed no! Why did this happen?"

At that moment, an epiphany flickered across Jackson's face. "You wouldn't be the same person. If it had never happened, how would you have survived that flight to Miami? How would you have saved the Keeffe's? Saved your father?"
Lisa took in his words and her sobbing ceased. Maybe it did happen for a reason. She closed her eyes and drew in a breath so pure that it seemed to cleanse her from the inside out. "You understand," she said. Lisa opened her eyes and found herself alone in the kitchen, the door leading outside left slightly ajar.

[cgoddess]

ooh, a surprise fic! It was great; my only complaint is that it was too brief. XD But then, that's how I usually feel about fics that I like. Jackson's reaction of 'wha--huh?' to her sudden outburst was a nice touch.

[Psyche]

Thanks. This was actually the first fanfic I've ever written , so yeah, I'm a little nervous about the responses haha.

[Rania]

That was really good.
I've noticed that One-shot stories leave you with a strange feeling afterwards.
I really liked the ending.
Good job. <3

[Pukkina]

Sigh...it made me cry.

[Psyche]

I've been thinking about expanding this. I have kind of an idea for a plot, but I need to develop it more. We shall see.

[paddykitten]

ooh, please do, its really interesting
*throws encouragement*

[Psyche]

It was true. Jackson had needed to understand Lisa. He needed to learn from his mistakes. Jackson had been assigned to a new job now, trailing Jeane Cleaver, the Assistant Secretary for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Jeane Cleaver was the quintessential American work-oholic. She spent ten hours a day at her office, and then would go home, fire up her computer, and spend practically all night completing the work she apparently hadn't been able to finish that day. Then there was the weekly trip to the psychiatrist. "Why do I always get stuck with the women with mental issues?" Jackson had thought to himself. This job wasn't going to turn out like his last one, though. No, this time Jackson Rippner was prepared.

Jackson had been staked outside Jeane's house for the past three weeks just observing her. There was no need to rush these things. It was time, however, to start taking a closer look. Jeane was attending a business conference downtown when Jackson snuck into her house and began perusing the files she kept in her desk. Once seated at her desk, he opened the bottom drawer, pulled out a stack of files, and set them on his lap. About a quarter of the way through the pile, one of the papers caught his interest. Jackson's eyes widened as he snatched the paper in his hands. He abruptly jumped to his feet, causing the stack of files to fall and scatter about the floor. "Oh sh**!!"

Jackson stood there in a state of shock, holding the paper in his trembling hands. Suddenly, he heard his cell phone ringing from his jacket pocket.
"Hello?"
"Rippner. I have the info you wanted about those psychiatrist visits."
"Tell me."
"Aggression and anger management."
Jackson snapped his cell phone shut and returned it to his jacket pocket. Things were not going as planned.


Lisa Reisert stood at the front desk of the Lux Atlantic, humming to herself as she glanced at some papers. Over the past few weeks, Lisa had gained what to others seemed like an inexplicable new air of self-confidence. Finally, Lisa was able to look forward. She felt a readiness to meet whatever challenges lay ahead of her. For the first time in a long time, Lisa was happy.
"Lisa!" greeted Cynthia, walking over to Lisa and resting her arms on top of the desk, "Still up for that double date tonight?"
"Definitely," Lisa replied broadening her smile. Cynthia was engaged to a chemical engineer named George. Intent on finding her friend a romantic interest as well, Cynthia had suggested a double date with George, herself, Lisa, and George's fellow engineering friend.
"Great!" Cynthia said, "I thought, if you want, you could come over to my place and we can all go together."
"Sounds fine," Lisa answered.
"Oh! You and Kevin are going to hit it off! I know it! I just know it!" Cynthia squeeled.
Lisa laughed at Cynthia's enthusiasm, but couldn't help feeling a kind of excitement and hope building inside her.

The phone beside Lisa rang. Lisa picked up the receiver and held it to her ear. "Hello. Lux Atlantic. Lisa Reisert speaking."
"Hello, Lisa. This is Jeane Cleaver."

[paddykitten]

duhduhduhhh
whats gonna happen, who are these people... cant wait for more

[Psyche]

"Hello Ms. Cleaver," said Lisa, "What can I do for you?"
Jeane Cleaver spoke in a deep, monotone voice. "I apologize for the short notice. I need to change my arrival time from 7AM tomorrow to 7PM tonight. Security reasons, I'm sure you understand."
"Of course," Lisa replied cheerfully, despite the disappointment she felt sinking in her stomach, "I will make the necessary changes. Shall I change Mr. Thompson's scheduled arrival time as well?"
"Yes. We will be arriving together." There was something about Jeane Cleaver's stolid voice that ran chills up Lisa's spine. "Oh, and Lisa-" she said, "I have ten more staff members joining us than I expected and they will need rooms. Is this going to be a problem?"
"No, that's no problem at all Ms. Cleaver. Thank you, and we'll see you and Mr. Thompson tonight."

Lisa put down the phone and let out a sigh. "Cynthia, I have some bad news," she said, "The Homeland Security party is coming at 7 tonight instead of tomorrow morning."
Cynthia's eyebrows arched up in concern. "Oh," she said, "So that means-"
"No date," Lisa answered finishing her sentence.
"Well-" Cynthia started, "No! No no no! This is unacceptable." Cynthia frowned and pouted her lips. Lisa tossed her hair off of her face and moved towards Cynthia to comfort her. "I've got it!" Cynthia said abruptly, "Why don't they meet us here in the hotel bar? Say 7:30? After we have everyone checked in? That way we'll be here if they need us and we won't have to cancel on George and Kevin!"
Lisa bit her lower lip and thought for a moment. "I suppose that would be ok-"
"Great!" Cynthia cheered, perking up and giving Lisa a radiant grin, "I'll call George!"

Jeane Cleaver and Max Thompson arrived promptly at 7PM with their staff. Lisa greeted them in the lobby and showed them to the hall that had been sectioned off for their stay. Lisa watched curiously as each staff member carried two large pieces of luggage into their designated rooms. "That's odd," Lisa thought, "They're only staying for the weekend." Lisa shrugged and turned her attention to the head security officer. "This entire corridor is sectioned off," Lisa said, addressing him, "Only authorized hotel staff will be allowed back here."
He turned towards her, expressionless. "We're going to be taking some extra security precautions. There will be officers stationed at the entrance here, and your hotel staff will need ID ready."
"Of course," Lisa said, nodding, "That's no problem."

Lisa glanced at her watch and noticed it was already 7:40. Getting the Homeland Security party settled had taken longer than she expected. Lisa brushed her hair off her face, adjusted her skirt, and headed towards the lobby. Huddled in a circle waiting for her were George, Cynthia, and a short, slightly balding man with glasses who Lisa assumed was Kevin.
"Lisa!" Cynthia called from across the lobby, "Come over here!" Lisa strolled up to the group. "I want you to meet Kevin," Cynthia said gesturing towards the man with the glasses.
"Hi," Lisa said, smiling brightly and offering her hand, "It's so nice to meet you."
Kevin took Lisa's hand and shook it vigorously, "It's great to meet you too! This hotel you've got here is great. Really, really great. I mean, look at this lobby. It's great."
Lisa laughed, glancing over in Cynthia and George's direction. Cynthia stood gazing at Lisa and Kevin with the word "adorable" written all over her face, but yet to be uttered. George rolled his eyes. "Well," Lisa replied to Kevin, "Thank you." The four stood there awkwardly until George broke the silence. "So, should we make our way over to the bar?" he suggested.
"Great idea!" said Cynthia, linking arms with George and heading in the direction of the bar. Lisa and Kevin followed.
"I think it's great that your hotel has a bar," Kevin said, turning to Lisa, "I mean, it's great to have a place to go when you're travelling to relax and have a drink. Really great."
"Yeah," Lisa replied, holding her smile.

Lisa and Kevin followed Cynthia and George into the bar and the four sat down at a table. Lisa glanced up at the television. Video clips of Jeane Cleaver and Max Thompson on the news caught her attention. Jeane Cleaver's physical appearance matched her voice perfectly. Her eyebrows seemed to be permanently furrowed into an expression of discontent on her rigid face. Max Thompson, on the other hand, looked like the typical American politician, neatly groomed and beaming at the camera. Lisa found herself listening intently to the reporter's voice.

"Assistant Secretary for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Jeane Cleaver refuted attacks today made by Chief Financial Officer Max Thompson criticizing her alleged lax policies concerning immigration and customs into the United Sates. Cleaver responded to these attacks claiming Thompson is attempting to draw attention to her office in order to abate the scrutiny in his own office's recent funding controversy. Cleaver and Thompson arrived in Miami today to attend a conference to be held this Saturday by the local Florida Immigration and Customs committee."

"Interested in politics?" Kevin asked, "I think that's great."
Lisa took her eyes off the television and turned to Kevin. "Oh. Yeah, I guess-"
"The biggest problem in this great country of ours is that no one pays attention to what's going on," Kevin continued, "I just think it's so great when someone takes an interest in politics. Really great."
"Yeah-" Lisa said, noticing one of her desk attendants approaching their table.
"Excuse me, Miss Reisert?" the attendant said, politely, "I'm so sorry to interrupt."
"That's alright, John," Lisa replied, secretly relieved, "What is it?"
"There's a man in your office who says he needs to see you. I told him you were preoccupied at the moment, but he said it was urgent-"
"Alright, John," Lisa said, standing up, "I'll be there in a minute." Lisa turned to the others at the table, "I'm so sorry. Will you please excuse me just for a minute?" Lisa headed back towards the lobby, but Cynthia followed quickly at her heels.
"Lisa!" Cynthia said in an almost whisper, "Well? What do you think of him? Kevin?"
"Oh," Lisa replied, "He's umm," she paused and forced a smile, "nice."
Cynthia's expression sunk into a frown, "You don't like him."
"No," Lisa said, taking Cynthia's hand, "No, really, he's just," she paused again, "not my type."
Cynthia looked at Lisa sympathetically, "I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry," Lisa said, "This was good. I'm glad we did this. I'll be right back, ok?"
"Ok," Cynthia smiled and headed back to the table.

Lisa took her time walking through the lobby and back into her office. Kevin really was a nice guy. Was she being too picky? It had been so long since she had dated. She should be grateful Kevin was a decent man and not just some jerk, but she couldn't help feeling like she wanted---more. Lisa opened the door to her office and saw a man with his back to her, eyeing a picture of Lisa and her father that sat on the middle shelf of her bookcase. The man turned around and faced Lisa, staring directly at her with his lifeless blue eyes. Jackson.

[Psyche]

Lisa's body froze at first, but then an anger surged through her veins. She'd had enough of Jackson Rippner. She shot him a look of disgust as she reached for the cell phone in her pocket and started to dial the police. Jackson snatched the cell phone out of her hands. "Damnit, Lisa!" Lisa turned to the door and reached for the handle, but Jackson slammed his hand against the door and turned the lock. He grabbed Lisa's shoulders and threw her away from the door towards the center of the office. Lisa stumbled backwards until her hands found the stability of her desk, and she leaned back against it.

"You promised," Lisa said glaring straight into Jackson's eyes, "You said I'd never have to see you again."
"And I'm sorry about that," Jackson replied sympathetically, "Really, Leese, I am---" Jackson walked over next to Lisa and mirrored her stance, leaning back against her desk with his head turned towards her, "---but I need your help."

Lisa stood up straight and faced him. "Like hell you do!" she said, raising her voice. Lisa turned back towards the door, but Jackson grasped her arm and tossed her into one of the chairs facing the desk. Once leaning back against the desk again, Jackson said flatly, "All I need you to do is get me in to see Max Thompson. I don't have the proper authorization---you do."
"Why? So you can kill him?" Lisa blurted, becoming upset, "I'm not going to help you. Never. Never again."
Jackson let out a sigh of disgust. "I'm not going to kill him," he said defensively, "I don't get caught up in that sh** anymore. I'm in---freelancing now."
"Freelancing?" Lisa asked skeptically.
"Yes," Jackson replied calmly, "Freelancing my talents in---let's just say---persuasive negotiations." Jackson smirked at the last part of his sentence. "Look," Jackson said, his face turning serious, "all you have to do is get me past the--"

Jackson's words were interrupted by a sudden burst of gunfire coming from the lobby followed by terrified screams and then more gunfire. Lisa gasped, turning towards the noise, "Is that--"
"Sh** sh** sh**!" Jackson cursed under his breath and paced about the room, "Oh sh**!"
"Jackson, what the hell is going on?" Lisa shouted, rising from her chair, "You said you weren't going to--"
Jackson's eyes were filled with panic. "These aren't my guys!" Jackson shouted back. He grabbed Lisa's arm and spoke to her firmly, "Lisa, listen to me. You have got to start cooperating. I need to get to Thompson. I promise I'm not going to hurt him." Lisa looked into his eyes, and couldn't help believing he was telling her the truth.

Before Lisa could reply, a voice came over the hotel intercom. It was Cynthia. Her voice was shaking and she was quite apparently crying. "Th-This is the assistant manager," she stuttered softly, "Th-There are men here with guns. They are posted at every exit. Th-They say that anyone who does not come down to the main dining hall will," she paused, catching her breath, "be shot." There was a pause and all that could be heard was a crackling sound. Cynthia shrieked suddenly, and a gun shot echoed over the intercom. Then there was silence.

"Cynthia, no!!" Lisa tried to scream, but a hand cupped itself over her lips. Lisa's knees collapsed beneath her and she began to fall to the floor, hyperventalating, tears streaming down her face. Jackson locked his arms around her from behind, steadying her. "Leese," he whispered gently, "Shhh." Lisa drew in a breath. She had to think. She was in charge of the hotel. She had a job to do. Her eyes darted about the room. Finally, she turned, looked into Jackson's eyes, and said with grave seriousness, "I'll do whatever you want. I'll cooperate, just keep me and as many people in this hotel as possible alive." Jackson tilted his head back and ran his fingers through his hair. "Leese, I have things I need to get done. I have no intention of hurting anyone, but I can't run around playing hero."
"Me then," she said quickly and steadily, "Keep me alive---and I'll worry about the others."
"Deal."

[paddykitten]

thats great really great!!! (im sorry... bad joke...)
sooo good... cant wait to find out what happends next, and what jacksons up to (that sneaky sob...)

[Psyche]

Without warning, the door crashed open and a burly man with a scowl on his face and an M-16 in his hand stormed into Lisa's office. Lisa jumped at the sound and let out a startled scream. The monstrosity of a man towered over them. He glanced around the room. "Lisa Reisert?"
Lisa opened her mouth to answer, but Jackson responded before she had the chance to speak. "Lisa went home earlier with a headache," he said, "I'm Jackson the night manager, and this is my desk attendant---Henrietta."
The man frowned and gave Lisa a scrutinizing look, then turned to Jackson. "Both of you come with me," he said, motioning towards the door with his gun. Lisa and Jackson obeyed immediately without a word.

They followed the man out to the lobby, where several armed men stood about covering the entrances. Lisa glanced over towards the main dining hall where hotel guests were being ushered through the doors by more armed men. They walked over to the front desk where another man stood waiting by the phone. He was more slender than the brute who had led them to the desk and was dressed in business attire. "Teague, Lisa Reisert went home," said the giant to the man at the desk. "This is the night manager, Jonathan," he said, pointing in Jackson's direction.
"It's Jackson, actually," Jackson interjected.
Teague gave Jackson a cruel stare. "I hope your good with negotiations, Jackson," Teague said coldly, "because you're going to be pleading for your life and the lives of everyone in this hotel."
Jackson didn't reply, but stood there emotionless, staring blankly into Teague's eyes.
"Who's this?" Teague asked, nodding towards Lisa.
"Henrietta," Lisa answered timidly.
Teague turned back towards the burly man. "Take Henrietta to the dining hall with the rest of the hostages."
"No," Jackson said adamantly, "She stays with me or I don't cooperate."
Teague gave Jackson a mocking smile. "Very well," he said. He picked up the phone, dialed, and handed the phone to Jackson. "I'll tell you what to say."

The police on the phone connected Jackson to some kind of negotiator stationed outside the hotel. Teague spoke menacingly into Jackson's ear, "Tell them we are holding the Assistant Immigration and Customs Secretary and the Chief Financial Officer hostage. Tell them that in 30 minutes the Chief Financial Officer will be dead. Tell them that in 60 minutes the Assistant Immigration and Customs Secretary and everyone in the hotel will be dead. Tell them that the only way to prevent this massacre is with the release of Ragnar Sebranek from Attica State Penitentiary." Jackson spoke fearlessly, repeating Teague's words verbatim.

Jackson hung up the phone and turned to Teague. "As the manager of this hotel, I want to speak with your boss," he said.
Teague laughed, "I don't think so."
Jackson's voice grew impatient. "I want to speak to your boss," he said, "I want to speak to your boss, the Assistant Immigrations and Customs Secretary. I want to speak to Jeane Cleaver."

[paddykitten]

*GASP* OM MY GOD CRRRRRAAAAAZZZYYYYY... love it, and all the updates... keepin me happy

[Psyche]

Teague's grin fell from his face at the sound of Jackson's words. He cleared his throat and said, "I'm going to have to make a call." He turned to the burley man. "Put them in there," he ordered, gesturing towards the storage closet. The brute shoved Lisa and Jackson into the dark room, slammed the door, and locked it from the outside. Lisa felt around for the light switch and flipped it on. Jackson was pacing around the room, nervously running his fingers through his hair.

"What the hell was that?" Lisa snapped. There was no answer. "Jackson?" She paused, then addressed him again, this time louder. "Jackson?" Still receiving no answer from the pacing Jackson, Lisa crossed into his path and shoved him in the chest with both hands towards the wall. "Jackson!" she yelled, shoving him once more, "Answer me, damnit!" She shoved him a third time, but this time he grabbed her hands and pushed her away. "What did you mean when you said Jeane Cleaver was his boss?" Lisa asked angrily. Awakened from his trance, Jackson looked over towards her. "No," he said, "First, you hold up your end of the bargain."
"What?" Lisa asked.
"Cooperation!" Jackson snarled, "Come on, Leese, keep up. You said you'd cooperate. Now, I need you to answer some questions."

"Fine," Lisa replied crossing her arms over her chest and fixing her eyes on the locked door to her left.
"Tell me about what happened tonight," Jackson said, "Cleaver changed the arrival time, right?"
"Yes, and she asked for extra rooms for her staff. She was bringing more people with her than she expected," Lisa responded.
Jackson let out an exasperated sigh. "Not your brightest moment, Leese."
"Well, how the hell was I supposed to know?" Lisa retorted, "In fact, I still don't know what the hell is going on."

Jackson exhaled. "Fine," he said, "I'll give you the cliffnotes version." Lisa nodded, anxious to hear what he had to say. "I was hired to trail Cleaver," Jackson began, "Like I said, I've been freelancing myself as somewhat of a persuasive negotiator. It was my job to get Cleaver to sign some official documents allowing a few truckloads of heavy weaponry to cross the border. Well, I found out that Cleaver's had some experience helping terrorists smuggle weapons across the border---quite a bit of experience, actually."
Lisa stood staring at Jackson in bewilderment. She let his words soak in, trying to make sense of it all. "Wait a second," she said with a quizical look on her face, "what does any of this have to do with Thompson?"
"Thompson?" Jackson asked.
"Yes," Lisa replied, "When you came to my office, you said you needed to talk to Thompson. How is he involved in this? And why did you ask just now to speak with Cleaver? What are you planning on doing?"
Jackson fidgeted, becoming annoyed. "You know, I like you, Leese," Jackson said, "I really do, but you ask way too many damn questions!"

The next few minutes were passed in silence. They sat on the floor of the storage room, Jackson with his back against one wall and Lisa with her back against the other wall facing him. Finally, Jackson broke the silence. "I really did plan on staying away, Leese."
"I know," she answered.
"You look," he paused, "really good. Better than you've looked the entire time I've known you. You're different."
Lisa thought back to the night he had visited her at her home. "Thank you," she said, looking over at him, "you're still the same."
Jackson laughed, and Lisa smiled in return. "So," he said nonchalantly, "who was the guy you were with tonight?"
"A friend of Cynthia's fiancee," Lisa answered. Speaking Cynthia's name pained her. Cynthia's final shriek still reverberated in her mind.
"Do you like him?" Jackson inquired.
"And you say I ask too many questions," Lisa retorted, annoyed. Jackson just shrugged and turned away.

Suddenly, the door swung open. Teague stood in the doorway. "The boss will see you now."