Jordan sat at the back of the greyhound bus, the heavy gun in her hand bag digging into her side. In true Jordan style, her emotions had passed situation point and now she felt nothing. She was doing what she did best …disappearing. As she traveled though the desert, the hour faded away and all she could do was stare aimlessly out of the window, ignoring the undercurrent of thoughts. She didn't know how or why but she knew she had to disappear, so well that not even Nigel could find her.
Once again Jordan was alone and some how it wasn't as comforting or as scary as it had once been. She had grown up a lot, she knew that. Every bit of her heart rested in Boston, her 'family' and the man she once thought she would spend the rest of her life with. But if she ever wanted any chance to get through this she had to leave, she had to find out why. There were too many unsolved mysteries in her life and she didn't know if she was strong enough to live though this one under the suffocating watch of those who loved her.
Her destination blinked in all of its neon lighted glory. Vegas. She knew no one would look for her here and she also knew there was someone here who could help her, no questions asked. Then, she could disappear and find what ever truth was out there. The whole city seemed to glow in the darkness. As she stepped off the bus she felt like she was stepping into a dream world. Reality had no place in Vegas, it was a city of smoke and mirrors.
She walked quickly down the busy street towards the one place where she knew no one would think to look for her. The Montecito Hotel and Casino.
As she walked into the bar, she knew it would be only minutes before the high tech security system picked up the illegal fire arm in her purse. Placing her bag on the bar she slid into a seat at the far end of the bar.
"What can I get ya?" the young bar man asked.
Letting her self show an ironic smile she said, "Gin martini."
He nodded and juggled and tipped bottles until the familiar drink was sitting before her. She sipped it carefully and let the emotions she had locked away wash all over her and waited for Danny to come and find her. A solitary tear left her tired eyes, slipping down her pale cheek until it disappeared over her lips. She was saved from drowning from her emotions by a hand on her shoulder and a familiar voice.
"Ma'am, I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to … "
She spun on her stool and came fact to face with Danny.
"Jordan?!" he noticed the bruise on her arm, the dark circles under her eyes, the trail of the tear and the look of despair in her eyes.
She gave a weak smile and downed the rest of her drink.
"Hey Danny. I need a favor, " she laughed humorlessly. "Several in fact."
It didn't take much to figure out that Jordan was in trouble, the dead tone of her voice was a dead give away.
"Come with me," he said, picking her bag up off the bar and taking her by the arm.
Jordan followed and it seemed instantly she found herself in a office with glass walls. She sat on the couch with Danny and Ed Deline staring across the room at her.
She poured out the story of the last few days giving ever detail and every action.
"… and he was shot while I was standing right next to him, so I emptied my bank accounts brought a gun and came to Vegas."
The two men stared at her for a second.
She gave an uneasy smile and murmured, "Had no where else to turn."
Ed looked at her for a moment then spoke.
"We
can't harbor a criminal, but we do seem to have a guest that maybe
bares a certain resemblance to a Dr Cavanaugh, and her passport and
other official papers are being held in the hotel safe which she
will collect in three days time when she checks out."
As he
spoke plans begin to form in Jordan mind. With the papers Ed was
giving her she could construct an identity in Vegas, call in all the
favors she could before tracking down the truth.
Danny lifted the gun out of her bag, "This will also be returned to you on your departure."
Giving
them a grateful smile, Jordan stood, and walked towards the door.
"Thank you," she said before walking out and into the busy
casino floor.
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