Just a FYI - When I went back to this story to add chapters, I also re-read what I had and decided it needed some fine tuning so I am uploading revised chapters. Some of the earlier chapters have some significant dialog changes, later chaps not as much. Let me know what you think?
Fear of Flying
A Red Eye Sequel
Lisa stood looking down at the man that had just spent the last twelve hours terrorizing her. She should feel relieved and she was, but there was also so many other emotions that she couldn't even identify cursing through her. She was angry and she was oddly.. accomplished. She also couldn't help but feel pity? Compassion? for the monster that lay at her feet. How? Why? She wasn't sure, except, maybe she understood how someone could become so dead inside. All it took was one shattering event to change your entire perspective. If you let it...
oooooooooooooo
The sound of sirens was quickly becoming louder and louder. Jackson raised his head. Lisa and her father were still hovering over him. They weren't about to let him out of their sight. He was hardly in any condition to go anywhere. He'd been stabbed twice and shot twice. It suddenly occurred to him that he might not have to worry about the organization that he worked for because he might be dying.
He took a deep rasping breath. It was hard to breathe. His chest and shoulder felt like they were on fire. He couldn't feel the tear in his throat anymore. He was starting to numb, which meant he was going into shock.
The sirens were close now. They would be here within moments. It wasn't like the cops could tie him to anything.. much. But it wouldn't matter, he had been compromised. He had come to the attention of the authorities. His identity wouldn't stand up to scrutiny, so he was of no more use to his employers. And when you were useless, you were dead.
Jackson found that the idea of death didn't scare as much as he thought it should but the manner in which he would be dispatched was of some concern. Hopefully, his wounds were fatal so he wouldn't have to find out what "they" had in store for him for failing to complete the contract.
"Dad, you should go out front and flag them." The older man looked like he was about to protest, "It's ok, leave me the gun. He's not going anywhere."
"You and I are going to have a long talk," he said and then handed her the weapon. "Be careful."
Lisa nodded.
Jackson looked around again. This would be his last chance. He knew, even before he moved, that it would be pointless, but he had never been one to give up easily. His stubborn determination had served him well in the past. Pressing his elbow to the floor, he tried to roll to the side so he could sit up, but instantly regretted it, when a sharp pain shot through his chest. He hissed through clenched teeth.
Lisa took up a position just out of reach and pointed the gun at him. "What do you think you're doing? You're not going anywhere."
Jackson took deep gasping breaths. "You think you've won something, Leese? You don't even know what game you're playing." He gasped as pain wracked through his body, "You have any idea.. what they.. will do to me for failing?"
"Why should I care if you get what you deserve?"
"Because you're the one that thwarted their plans, that's why," he rasped. "You're as much responsible for the job not getting done as I am," his words held a touch of smug arrogance.
Something crawled along her spine at the realization that he was right. She had foiled an assassination attempt. Someone would not be happy. Someone other than the wounded man lying before her.. and he was bad enough. "I can't worry about that."
"You should."
That sounded very much like a threat. "It's over, Jack."
Jackson Rippner just smiledbut there was nothing but venom in his stormy blue eyes.
"In here."
The sound of footsteps all around him was the last thing Jackson heard until he woke up three days later.
