Conditional - Chapter 12 up!

[Lisa Rippner]

Hey guys! This first part is called Feeling, and it's basically a lame prolouge to Conditional, my multi-chapter sequel. I hope you guys will like at least the last one. Thanks for reading!

Feeling

Lisa was sleeping, quite uneasily, in a standard—flat and white clothed—hospital bed. The usual row of florescent lights burned above, but this was not the thing that eventually woke her. She turned her head, brows furrowed, and murmured a soft but unmistakable, “No.” Messy auburn curls fell against her red cheek, exhausted with tear stains.

She whimpered in her sleep, and made a move to bring her hands up to her face in defense against the nonexistent. But her left hand was caught, immovable, in someone’s strong clutch. In her dreaming state she thought it must be her father trying to give comfort, but why then was the hold so possessive, and why were his hands so cold? His grip tightened, relaxed, then tightened again. This jutted her into waking.

She didn’t sit up at first, only moaned groggily and turned her eyes to the left. Her vision was blurry, so much that she did not mind the sight of the young man whose bed rested only a foot or so from hers. The curtain was drawn only slightly, but his neck and face were not visible. She looked curiously down at her hand, and the pale—nearly pasty—fingers that entwined with her own. Lisa followed the hand to its wrist, the lengthy forearm, elbow, and semi-muscular upper arm that connected to his shoulder.

Blinking rapidly, she tried to clear her sight enough to examine the young man. She wished she could see his face; perhaps she could then understand his reason for taking her hand. Was he afraid, as she had been? Did he too feel the need to be comforted? He was still deep in sleep, or so she guessed, because he hadn’t moved in all the time she’d been awake.

Taking pity on this stranger, Lisa let him continue his hold on her as she rested her head straight against the pillow. And then she heard it: the throaty, short-of-breathe breathing that had already invaded her nightmares. Lisa stilled, her eyes growing slowly wider as she tremulously stretched her free hand towards the curtain. She swallowed painfully, letting her fingers graze the soft material before grabbing a handful of cloth and ripping it back.

Lisa inhaled sharply, the only sound to come from her as stared in shock at Jackson Ripner. He was sleeping fitfully, scrunching his eyes up and occasionally throwing his head to the side. She relaxed her shoulders at this knowledge, letting out the shuddering breath she hadn’t known she was holding. Not being connected to any tubes, as he undoubtedly was, she sat up.

Her head ached, and she murmured a curse as she brought her hand up to feel the bruises and cuts that lined her forehead. It was only then that she realized she was still holding Jackson’s hand, and with a look of self-disgust she pulled out his grip. Folded neatly at the foot of her bed were the clothes she had been wearing, and she grabbed them earnestly. Lisa slipped on her skirt and sweater, giving side glances to Jackson as she did so.

Getting off the bed was easy enough, but straying from it was another matter. She could not tear her eyes away from her former kidnapper, and ever so slowly edged towards his bed. He looked terrible with beads of sweat running down his pasty skin, still tossing and turning. Lisa thought of her present state; she had bruises, cuts, aches, as did her father, but Jackson? She had nearly killed him. In fact, she was surprised she hadn’t finished him off. And he would spend the rest of his life in prison, she was sure of it.

Lisa was unprepared for but helpless against the pity that rose in her as she looked at him. His hand, the one she had dropped, was limp off the side of the bed with only the fingers twitching. He was in pain, and deservingly so. Yet it was the fear that seemed to grip him that made Lisa almost sympathetic to his situation.

“Shh…” She soothed, bringing up a free hand to brush a stray and messy lock of hair away from his eyes. “You don’t have to worry now, I can’t hurt you in a hospital.” He leaned in to her touch, stilling for a moment. Surprised that he had responded so, she quickly retracted her hand and turned to press the call button. A nurse entered, staring at her oddly.

“I’d like to leave now,” Lisa told her.

“You sure you’re feeling alright, hun?” the nurse asked. Lisa nodded. “Alright then. You’re father’s up, but only just. You may want to give him a few minutes. I’ll go get the doctor.” And then she left, from the same door.

Lisa turned back to Jackson one last time before heading towards her father.

[Lisa Rippner]

Conditional: Chapter 1

Jackson Ripner leaned back against Lisa’s kitchen counter, idly tapping his glass of wine before taking a sip. He sighed, stood up straight, and once again checked his wrist watch. He walked over to a second glass near the stove, stirred its liquid contents, and glanced to the window. Any minute now…

The sound of a key being turned alerted him and he stepped back, making sure he wouldn’t be seen from the front door. Lisa came in unaccompanied, dropped her black work bag, and ran lengthy fingers through her auburn hair. Then, looking up, she stilled, staring skeptically at the light in her kitchen. I never leave the light on, she thought. Never…

Slowly, nearly soundlessly, she crept along the dark hallway, feeling for the handle on the lamp table’s drawer. She had learned, especially since these last few weeks, to always keep a weapon near. But as she pulled out the drawer, expecting to grab a knife, she felt nothing but polished wood.

“Lisa,” said a dark, rather sing-song voice. She let out a shuddering breath, her hands beginning to tremble. No…

Lisa backed up, making for the door. “Not that way,” he warned. “Come into the kitchen.” She continued to go against his wishes, sliding along the wall, as far from the light as possible.

“Bad decision, Lisa. I should tell you that if you decide to run outside my partner will catch you, and I never advised him to be merciful.” She made no reply, only curled her fingers around the metal handle of her umbrella. It was weak object, she knew, but she had beaten Jackson at his own game before. Closer she crept towards the kitchen, hoping to take him out with a swing to the skull. Lisa peeked in, and saw the back of Jackson’s black, wrinkleless suit. Breathing in deeply to steady herself, she counted to three and flew at him.

“I thought I killed your partner!” she said harshly, swinging the umbrella handle at the back of his head. He turned swiftly, catching the object in the palm of his hand and smiling in amusement.

“An umbrella?” he asked, catching her wrists. “I thought you would have learned to step up your game.”

“I stabbed you with my high heeled shoe,” she spat, trying forcibly to wiggle out of his grasp. “An umbrella should have worked just fine!” He glared slightly, c*cked his head, then let go of her wrists to slam her against the oven. Lisa breathed in sharply, but before she could get up Jackson held a gun in front of her face and stepped back casually.

“Red wine,” he said, picking up his glass and holding it out in front of him. “But I’m not completely selfish. I’ve made you a Sea Breeze.” Jackson grinned, putting down his own drink to pick up hers. The gun still aimed at its target.

“What do you want?” she asked finally through gritted teeth.

“At the present all I want is for you to take a sip of this lovely concoction. It is, after all, your favorite.”

“I’ve changed my preference,” she informed him, glaring.

“Is that right?” he asked. “Well, for old time’s sake, then.” He drew near, and Lisa’s eyes scanned the kitchen, desperate for any useful item.

“Oh, don’t bother looking around. I’ve taken care of most harmful objects myself. Can’t have a repeat of last time, now can we?”

“How did you get out?” she asked suddenly, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. “I’m assuming they didn’t let you go free.”

“No, no, they didn’t. But I’m quite competent; county jails have never held me for long.” He stood over her now, swiveling the drink in his hand arrogantly. “Now, are you going to be a good girl and say, ‘Ah,’ or am I going to have to force this down your throat?”

“If you’re going to kill me, just shoot me!” she cried, pursing her lips together tightly. He laughed lightly in reply.

“I’m not going to kill you, Lisa. I’ll injure you, of course, but there is no need to rid of you just yet.”

“But you’ll kill me eventually,” she continued, attempting to buy time.

“Not if you’re good.” She rolled her eyes at this comment.

“Well, then,” she said, an idea forming, “bring me my Sea Breeze.” Jackson smiled, keeping his gun level with her face, and leaned over her, extending the hand that held her glass. She reached out her hand slightly, feigning a new sense of compliance, but responded to his gesture by kicking in his left knee. He was quick to lose his footing, and dropped the liquid, drenching the ends of his pants and shoes. With a growl he stood up completely, holding onto the counter’s edge as he shot in her direction. He missed.

Jackson shook out his leg and dashed down the hall, fighting the chairs and lamps being tossed his way. Finally he caught up, lunging at her and toppling her to the ground. Lisa let out a cry, turning around so that she lay on her back, and struggled to push herself away. Her legs were immovable now, and he struggled from on top of her to grab her hands.

“Get off me!” she screamed, tears threatening to spill as she knew she was losing the battle.

But Jackson grabbed her wrists, pinned them down, and took only a second to grab the needle from his coat pocket. She cried out, choking back a sob, but gradually loosened as the injection swam from her side into her veins. After a final whimper, she was asleep. Jackson breathed out as he rolled over, feeling inside his shirt for his cell phone.

He stopped dialing, though, as his eyes fell on her sleeping form. She was especially beautiful, he thought, when bruised and bleeding. Like an accomplice, perhaps. Like an equal.

“Lecton?” he asked, putting the phone to his ear. “I’ve got her.”

[Lisa Rippner]

Conditional: Chapter 2

Lisa moaned quietly as the seat beneath her shook, and the whole car rattled as it hit bumps and gravel. Her focus hadn’t adjusted by the time she opened her eyes, so she shut them tightly, feeling overly nauseous and achy. It wasn’t until she tried to swallow that she realized there was a strip of cloth tied tightly across her parted lips. Then she remembered Jackson, and the need to scream raced through her. But the sound of voices, two men talking in heated whispers, stilled her weak form.

“And I told you not to question me!” she heard Jackson say.

“I was only warning you that there might be—”

“It’s nothing I can’t handle!” he spat back.

“Maybe your right, Ripner,” the other man said after a moment. “But I would not be so confident after your last mission failed so miserably.” Jackson growled in response.

“I am your superior for a reason, Lecton. Don’t forget that,” he warned the man with a glare. Then his glanced turned to the rear view mirror, and he grinned, turning his head around to see her even though he still held the steering wheel.

“Good morning, sunshine,” he said, feigning pleasantries.

“Ro ra rell,” she muttered through the cloth.

“What was that?” Jackson asked. “I can’t understand you.” She glared, grumbling something completely incoherent. “Lecton,” He said, turning his attention to the man in the passengers seat, “Will you be kind to the lady and remove her tie?” The man did as told and leaned over his seat to untie her. Lisa complied with the procedure, but jerked back when he began fingering her hair.

“Now, what was it you wanted to tell me?” Jackson asked.

“Go to hell, you bastard!” she said angrily, trying to sit up even when her hands and feet were bound together.

“Still mad? Well, you shouldn’t be, considering we haven’t killed you.”

“I’d rather be dead now.”

“That can be arranged,” he replied, keeping his eyes on the road. “I’m sure your feeling ill, but suck it up. We’ll be at our destination shortly.” Lisa didn’t miss his smile as she watched his reactions in the mirror.

“Where are you taking me?”

Jackson made a tsk tsk clicking sound with his tongue, shaking his head slightly. “Curiosity killed the cat, Lisa.” He paused. “And anyway, you won’t know until we’re there.”

“So what’s the drill this time?” she asked after a moment’s silence. “Have you got my father stuffed in the truck, or are you going to bribe me with something more original?”

Jackson shifted uncomfortably.

“He’s in the trunk?” she asked exasperatedly.

“Miss,” said the older man, “if we had put your father in the trunk, he would have suffocated by now, which would make him completely useless to us.”

“Here we are,” Jackson said, interrupting the argument. He parked the car smoothly, and Lisa looked out, baffled at the neon, half-broken Motel 6 sign. Jackson turned back to her. “You want to know the drill, Lisa? Then look.” He carelessly threw a picture from his seat into her eager hands. Lisa moaned at the image of her mother on her balcony, sinking back into the embrace of her new husband. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she refused to let either man see her cry.

“10200 Orchird drive, South Carolina. That’s the residence of your mother and her new husband, Michael Jacobson, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” was Lisa’s soft reply.

“Good, because I’ve got another one of my men renting the house just across,” Jackson said, “and he’s watching their every move.”

“What do you want me to do? Make another phone call?” Lisa asked irritably.

“Not at the moment. Right now I just want you to come quietly into room 3, where we’ll be spending the night.” With a smirk he got out of the car, shutting the door behind him, and opened Lisa’s side. She was glaring fiercely at him.

“I can’t untie you, obviously, can’t drag you, either.” He paused musingly. “I suppose I’ll have to carry you. And don’t make a fuss,” he added seriously.

“I hate you,” Lisa spat as they locked eyes, but he made no reply, only picked her up, cradling her rather awkwardly against his chest. She didn’t lean her head against him, instead rebelliously turning her features to the oncoming door.

“Key?” Jackson asked his assistant, eyeing the incompetent man with annoyance. Lecton did a slow jog up to the door, opened it, and stood aside to let the couple in. Lisa bit her lip in worry at the sight of the single bed illuminated only by a dusty old lamp. It hadn’t hit her until then that Jackson could and might rape her. She started to struggle, but he just held on tighter, growling at her defiance.

Jackson dropped her on the peach clothed bed, and then turned back to Lecton. “You’ll take the car, in case she somehow escapes. Now leave us.”

Trembling with fear and anger, Lisa attempted to sit up, and came face to face with Jackson’s grin.

[Lisa Rippner]

Conditional: Chapter 3

Lisa began to scoot back before Jackson, still smiling, flopped down beside her. He stretched out, put his hands leisurely above his head, and sighed. She stared incredulously down at the man who, at the moment, seemed unlikely to attack her.

“Well, should we say goodnight?” he asked, turning his attention from the ceiling to her.

“I am not sleeping on a bed with you,” she told him, lowering her head and raising her eyes as she did so.

“Suit yourself,” he said, “but I expect the floor will be much harder.” Lisa breathed out in annoyance, and sat on the side of the bed with her back to him. Sinking deeper into the top cover, his eyes on her quickly uncurling hair, Jackson decided to strike up conversation.

“You weren’t afraid afterwards.” Lisa made no reply. “It wasn’t the same as when you were held up in the parking lot. You went out of the house, went back to work. Did you think I wasn’t coming back?”

“I thought,” she said after a moment’s silence, “that if you did, somehow, brake out… I thought I could beat you again.”

“You presume too much,” he said. Lisa glared at the floor.

“Do I?”

“You thought, the first time, that it would never happen again.” She shrugged lightly, and for a moment Jackson was silent.

“You talked to your mother this week.” Lisa turned her head to stare at him, slightly angling her body in his direction as she did so. “I noticed, as it was my job to, that your lovely smile faded at the mention of her husband. I wonder, do you blame him for the divorce?”

“That is none of your business,” she spat slowly.

“Do you hate him?”

“If you don’t answer my questions, what makes you think I’ll answer yours?” Jackson turned his eyes from her, and stared musingly at the spackled ceiling.

“You’re easier to manipulate.”

Lisa’s lips parted slightly as her eyes narrowed. “That’s only because you have no attachments.” Jackson seemed unfazed by her comment.

“Yes, I have no attachments, but you have very little of them yourself. Bribing you with your parent’s lives is repetitive, but who else do you have? Your friends are hardly that anymore, and you seem incapable of holding a steady relationship. If not for your parents your only attachment would be your work.” Jackson smiled ironically. “And then you’d be just like me.”

“Except that I work for a hotel, and you work for scumbags that do hit jobs on entire families!” she argued.

“Them?” He scoffed lightly. “The money was no good there, not after you botched up my last assignment. I had to change sides, naturally.”

“But, naturally, you didn’t hop over to the good side.”

“Good side, bad side…they’re not really what you think they are. I’d like to think there’s a gray, not that I’m in-between, either. But your on the good side, aren’t you, Lisa?”

“Only if you’re on the opposite team.”

Jackson nodded, his chin tapping his chest in the process. “So predictable… tell me, does that bruise I gave you still hurt?”

“Are you still scarred from where I stabbed you in the neck?” she shot back. Jackson’s eyes flashed momentarily with anger, but he calmed quickly, and casually began unbuttoning his collared shirt. Lisa stared at the exposed flesh where a round, red, and stretched scar had surfaced.

“Look, or feel if you like. It’s a reminder of what you’re capable of, Lisa. A sign that maybe our sides aren’t so separate.” He said the last words slowly, making sure to catch and hold her gaze.

“I have to use the bathroom,” she said quietly after a moment of silence. Then, more loudly, “Now.”

“I’m having déjà vu,” he said. “Wasn’t my saying yes a problem last time?”

“I’m not asking to take anything with me,” she reasoned, “I just have to go.”

“Come here,” he said, and much quicker than Lisa would have thought, continued: “I’ll have to untie you.” Moving her eyes skeptically up to his, she hesitantly pushed her lower half up with arms, and put her legs on the bed. Jackson glanced to the small, pale feet on the pillow near his head before sighing, and sitting up.

His fingers grazed her skin as he played with the knot holding the ropes on her ankles together. She glowered, but said nothing. She thought idly, once her legs were free of restraints, that she should probably kick her abductor. But where would that get her? A fist to the mouth, a knee to the stomach in return? And with his partner waiting outside, a gun most likely in hand, any attempt to escape would end in disaster.

Jackson undid her hands now, jerking her wrists as he unwound the rope, and then she was free. “Go quick,” he told her, motioning to bathroom with a nod of his head. “And Lisa,” he warned as she got off the bed, “No writing naughty messages on the wall.”

She didn’t see his smirk as she shut the door behind her.

Think, she thought over and over again, staring at her exhausted reflection. There has to be a way. Lisa ran the sink water, cupping the liquid in her hands and brushing it over her pale features. She swished it in her mouth, spit it back out, and dried herself with a towel before turning back to the mirror. A million thoughts swam through her mind, every possible question but no real solutions. Lisa cursed under her breath, buried her face in hands, and let several small tears slip past her eyes.

I’ll find a way, she vowed. I have to. Lisa knew Jackson’s weakness last time had been his lack of preparation. He hadn’t known her to be a capable person, but now… well, this time around he seemed more than prepared.

Lisa turned the handle with the eagerness of a lamb straying from its flock to seek out the wolf. And there, inches from the door, stood the expected Jackson, who roughly grabbed her wrists and held her against him. While her back was pressed firmly to his chest he wound the ropes around her thin wrists, sparing her no pain in the measure of tightness. After binding her upper body he gestured to the bed. “Sit.”

For once, she did as told. “Now lay down.” Lisa’s eyes asked the question her mouth would not, and Jackson grinned.

“No, they’ll be none of that. Not tonight, anyway.” He sat down beside her, stretching out again. “Lights outs, Lisa,” he said, reaching for the light. In a another second darkness had consumed the room, and Lisa turned her head in Jackson’s direction, watching, waiting for him to move. The bed squeaked several times as he adjusted his position to get comfortable, but that was it.

As the night wore on she abandoned her position, laying hesitantly down on her half of the bed. She could hear Jackson breathing next to her, and it did nothing to calm the sickly beating of her heart.

Eventually, however, she did fall into the grip of a fitful sleep, and Jackson watched her, his blue eyes lit up even in darkness.

[bella]

That was so awesome! The story comes together so well. Keep up to the good work!

[§ilvercell]

OMG,i love this story!

[breakaway]

OMG, I love this soooooo much! This is such an awesome fic, and I can't wait for more!
Love,<3
Lindsay

[Lisa Rippner]

Thank you guys for your replies! You're very sweet! Here's chapter four!

Conditional: Ch. 4

Weak sunlight streamed in through the curtain drawn window and landed in thin strips across Lisa’s face. She barely moaned, her eyes twitching slightly as sleep left her. She rubbed her legs together, but after an attempt to stretch her arms failed she was hit with immediate confusion. As consciousness took hold, a pair of harsh blue eyes forever etched in her memory reminded her of her present state.

Lisa shot up, restrained partly by the covers—when had she put on blankets?—that stretched semi tightly over her body. She looked intently at the tied wrists sprawled out on her lap before turning to stare at Jackson. He returned her glance, lying quite lax on the opposite side of the bed.

“You use lilac shampoo,” he commented casually.

Lisa cursed softly, turning her pained gaze away from Jackson. “I fell asleep,” she said in disbelief. Why didn’t she remember even lying down?

“Mmhm,” Jackson confirmed, continuing to watch her mixed reactions. “And it’s a good thing you’re awake now, because we’ve got to go.” He tipped his head in the direction of the door. Lisa stared as he motioned, still slightly dazed.

“Where…where are we going?” she asked finally.

“Questions won’t get you anywhere, Lise,” he said, standing up and stretching. “You know that.” Lisa glanced to the window in annoyance, but after squinting in the bright light she turned away and stood up.

Jackson just stared at her for a moment, his head slightly tilted and his usual c*cky grin spread over his lips. Then he spoke. “You’ll need to sit if you want to get out of this hotel room.” Lisa did as told, resisting the urge to roll her eyes, and he came to sit next to her. She thought he looked just as he had on the first day they had sat together, laughing over introductions and small talk. They had been drinking.

“Feet,” he said, glancing down to her free ankles. She purposely laid her legs across his lap; because it was annoying, maybe; because she had no better way of irking him. He tied the ropes too tightly, as was Jackson’s style, around her thin ankles, making a complicated knot at the end. After checking that her previous ties were still in tact he grabbed her elbow, yanking her up with him. Lisa tittered on her feet for a moment, and Jackson, almost unconsciously, steadied her.

“Well, I suppose you’ll need a lift,” he said. Lisa pouted somewhat, glaring at the ground, but relinquished herself to Jackson’s hold as he hoisted her up against his chest.

“Heavy?” she asked as he made his way out.

“Hardly. Although I know how little you work out.” Lisa narrowed her eyes, and Jackson partially opened the door.

“Lecton?” he asked, and the man poked his head around the corner. In the daylight Lisa could see he was a nearly bald man in his forties, and dressed as nicely as his companion. “Clear coast?” The older man nodded, and Jackson did a half jog to the parked car, making sure Lisa, bound and bruised, was not seen.

Both men jumped in quickly, but Jackson took the driver’s seat, something Lisa knew must be a sign of superiority. Lecton passed a bagel to his boss, who looked at it before adjusting his rear view mirror, and raising his eyebrows at the backseat passenger.

“Complimentary breakfast?” he asked smoothly.

“No, thank you,” she replied sharply. He shrugged, and bit off the bread.

“It’s not much longer now,” he said after swallowing. “Which reminds me…” With an arrogant smile, Jackson pulled a black bandana out of his coat pocket and handed it to his assistant. “I know you’ll prefer this to an injection,” he said smartly. Lisa glared, but allowed the man so frighteningly quiet in her presence to place a blindfold over her eyes.

“What time are we meeting them?” Lisa heard Lecton ask.

“You are meeting them at 10:30. I’ve got business to attend to.”

“With the girl?” All was quiet after that, and Lisa assumed Jackson had either nodded or not. Maybe ten minutes later she heard his distinctive sigh as he leaned back in his chair.

“How about a little music, Lise?” he asked.

“Smooth jazz?” she shot back. Even in her world of darkness she knew him well enough to know he was grinning; she could see it in her mind.

“A company favorite,” he acknowledge, playing with the tuning buttons. The sounds that came from the stereo felt anything but comforting to Lisa, but she tried not to think about that. Not when she still had an escape to plan.

The drive wasn’t too long, forty-five minutes or so, when Jackson put the car into park under a mixture of gravel and dirt. “Home sweet home,” he said rather sarcastically, his eyes narrowed slightly. Lecton exited, and Jackson joined him.

“Now Lisa,” he said, opening her side door, “Be a good girl while I pop in and say hello to the big guy, okay?”

“Sure thing,” she said, c*cking her head in an annoyed manner.

“Alright, I’ll be back in three.”

After he left, Lisa’s heart began pounding sickeningly fast in her chest. She struggled to quickly free herself, for knew more than anything that this could be her only chance.

[§ilvercell]

good.

[bella]

I can't wait to read more! This is the best fiction yet

[Dr. J Crane]

chapter 5 NOW!!!! I am HOOKED!

[rachelmcadamsfan]

WOW THIS FIC IS SOOOOOOOO GOOOOD!!!

ONE OF THE BEST RED EYE FICS EVER! YOU HAVE TO UPDATE! YOU JUST HAVE TO!

[Lisa Rippner]

Thank you guys! You're awsome! ;D

Conditional: Chap 5

Lisa fumbled with the knot. She had pushed the bandana up just enough to catch glimpse of what she was doing. Her teeth bit into the rope as she tried desperately but unsuccessfully to free her hands. Although she hadn’t heard Jackson’s footsteps in the gravel, Lisa knew how limited her time was, and so continued frantically.

Finally, her aching teeth pulled away a section of the knot. She gained speed, shakily unwrapping the rope but keeping the ends in her firm grip. Lisa couldn’t let Jackson know she was free. Not yet.

Lisa put the blindfold down completely over her eyes, and sat just as she had before her abductor had left. If only he would hurry and get into the driver’s seat! She could grab him from behind, she could choke him, she…

“Been a patient girl?” came an inquiring voice. Lisa nearly jumped as he opened her door, no doubt peering down at her.

“Of course,” she replied, her voice carrying none of its usual intensity. She had little care for words at the moment; not when she needed Jackson in the driver’s seat so badly. His silence scared her as the moment expanded, and she swallowed unconsciously.

“Patient girl…” he mused finally. “But have you been a good girl?”

“Both,” she responded automatically, becoming irritated.

“Give me your hands,” he said suddenly, his tone suspicious. Lisa trembled, making no move to do as he asked.

“I said—”

“Why?” she asked, turning her blindfolded eyes to his.

“Give me your damn hands!” he growled, grabbing her at the elbow and sliding his hands down to hers. In her mind she could see his eyes glinting with uncontrolled anger as he felt the loose ropes.

“Bad idea, Lise,” he informed her, digging his nails into the tops of her hands. Then he was on he was on her, so quickly Lisa could do little to protest. Jackson slammed the side door as he sat with his knees on the leather seats, her legs in between his. She whimpered at first, but screamed briefly when his grip wound its way around her neck.

“I can’t…breathe…” she said, her voice crackling hoarsely. Jackson made no move to stop or soften his vice like grip, even when her tears dripped slowly onto his wrists. She had gotten the rope off, and now her hands clawed at his as she tried with frantic desperation to fill her lungs.

“Struggling will only make it worse,” Jackson told her through gritted teeth.

“Stop,” she begged, her voice barely audible, and her sight completely blocked. Although, the tiny bit of light that streamed in through the bottom of the blindfold was growing dimmer…and dimmer…

Lisa fell suddenly limp, and Jackson released his grip immediately, waiting for the slow heaving of her chest that came moments after. One hand was on her upper arm, preventing her from falling, while the other smoothed back her usually curled auburn hair. He breathed out casually, although deeply, his gaze locked on her tear stained skin and parted lips.

“That,” he began, his eyebrows raised slightly, “was a warning.”

Swinging one leg over, he briefly sat next to her before opening the side door and getting out. Checking both ways for the eyes of others instead of the lights of cars, and finding the coast clear, he grabbed Lisa, propping her head up on his elbow and draping her legs over his other arm. Then he dropped her into the passenger’s seat, re-tied the ropes on her wrists, and after fixing his suit jumped into the opposite seat.

By the time Lisa woke up, moaning with painfully shut eyes, the car had parked been for some time. Her limbs ached from the stressed ropes on her skin, and the seat belt that rubbed against her neck. Upon seeing Jackson, her first inclination was to cry. She had been so sure she could take him on again, but he had almost killed her. She thought he had.

“Have a nice nap?” he inquired sarcastically. Never had she wanted to hurt him so badly.

“What is wrong with you?” she muttered, turning her head away and blinking slowly.

“I should ask you the same question,” he said, idly fixing the rear view mirror. “You gamble with lives when you take chances like that, Lise.”

“Mom?” Lisa breathed, the panic in her eyes reflecting his own cool emotion as she stared at him.

“Hm?” he asked.

“Did you hurt her?” she accused.

“No, no, I didn’t. But neither did my arseociate, and you should be grateful for that, Lisa, because next time I might not be in such a forgiving mood.” He c*cked his head, eyes narrowed slightly, and she put her own head down, eyes fixed on the hands in her lap.

Then Lisa looked up, startled at the barren, rolling landscape and the single but rather large metal barn off to the right. Jackson fumbled around in his pants pocket, finally pulling out a small flip phone.

“Here,” he said, handing over the object. “I need you to call Cynthia. Tell her you’ll be taking an…extended vacation. Unexpectedly, of course.” Lisa glowered, but opened the phone just the same. She braced herself.

The phone rang. Once, twice…

“Lux Atlantic Hotel, assistant manager speaking.” Lisa closed her eyes, breathing in slowly.

“Cynthia?” was her tired reply.

“Lisa? Oh my gosh, where have you been? I called your house, I even checked with the café down the road, but they—”

“Cynthia—” Lisa cut her off, her tone unbearably calm but exhausted. “I…I’m sorry, I can’t come into work today.”

“Lisa, are you alright?” she asked concernedly.

“Cynthia, I need you to arrange my vacation, starting now.”

“Lisa, is something wrong? You can tell me, I’ll—”

“No, I just…please arrange my vacation.”

Jackson mimicked her phone call by tapping his fingers against his thumb. “Say goodbye, Lisa,” he whispered.

“I have to go, Cynthia.”

“I don’t know what I’ll do, but—” Jackson grabbed the phone from its perch against her ear, and pocketed it once more.

“I’m assuming she didn’t suspect anything, so now that we’ve finished that chore we can move along.” He opened his door, walking around the lengthy hood to her side.

“What are we doing here?” Lisa asked, staring up at his alight eyes.

“Come here, and I’ll show you.”

[§ilvercell]

i wonder.........................

[Dr. J Crane]

My, my, Lisa - you do write well about yourself - I find it interesting that your screen-name should be Lisa Rippner -.....

Please write more..can't wait for the next chapter....how do you people do it????How do you have the imagination to write so well?