-1Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to "Red Eye"
Chapter Two: Needle in the Hay
There he was, once more, pervading her slumber.
"Why are you doing this? Leave me be!" Lisa pleaded with his cold, icy eyes.
"No."
"Why not?!"
"That's not what you want." Jackson smiled as he advanced towards her. He stopped not an inch from her face and seductively whispered in her ear, without even caressing it..
"You want this Lise. We both do. Give in." His face leaned into hers… with every intention of…
……………………
Lisa shot up out of bed, once more gasping for air. She looked towards the clock. It was only two in the morning. She sighed as she pulled back the hair from her face.
"Well, I'm up." She said to herself as she went to the bathroom. She leaned over the sink. These dreams were taking a toll on her. Lisa took a deep breath and splashed her face with water. After doing so, she took a short pause and glanced at herself in the mirror. She noticed her reflection and the lines under her eyes from lack of sleep. She looked around her apartment. At that moment it suddenly felt hollow, confusing, and dreary. Just a few weeks ago this was her sanctuary and now, it was her prison. Lisa took one more glance in the mirror and quickly walked into her bedroom closet and turned the lights on.
" I've got to get out of here." She said to herself.
She grabbed her suitcase and rapidly threw clothes into it. She packed all necessary toiletries as well. After she finished packing, she got dressed and rolled her suitcase to her front door. Then she went to the kitchen to get a bottle of water.
While opening the cap to take a sip, she peered over to the set of knifes on the counter. She bit her lip, contemplating, and finally slipped one into her suitcase then headed out the door.
Lisa slid in her car pulled out a map of Florida. She closed her eyes and pointed with her index finger a spot on the map. Her right eye pried open before her left.
"Panama City." She said in agreement with her blind choice. " Okay."
She slid her keys in the ignition, the engine choked as she tried to start it.
"Great. Just what I need." Lisa sighed and relaxed back into the seat contemplating her options. She pulled out her cell phone.
"Hello can I have a number to a cab company please."
The phone rang. A man picked up.
" Miami Taxi service."
"Yes, how much would you charge to drive someone to Panama City."
"That depends, when would you like to go?"
"Right Now."
"A lot."
Lisa sighed. It was too early in the morning for sarcasm.
"Alright. I don't care what it cost. Could you just pick me up at 443 Newcoast Lane?"
"You got it." The man hung up.
She considered calling someone out of courtesy to let them know she was leaving. But she didn't much feel like it. Instead, she went back in her condo and wrote a note and left it on her counter for her father. For she knew he go to her place sooner or later to check up on her.
……….
Lisa sighed as the cab pulled into the outskirts of the town. It had taken them an entire night to drive there and she was increasingly becoming more and more tired.
So much for peace and quiet! She shook her head. As far as she could see, young people swarmed the streets with noting but bathing suits and beer to accompany them.
"Whoooo!" Lisa jumped as a rather inebriated college student yelled next to her window.
"Spring Break baby!"
Her heart raced. She was so on edge. And to make it worse, everywhere she looked, she thought she saw him out of the corner of her eye. Even when she was awake he haunted her. She brushed her hair out of her face to calm herself down.
He's not here! He's lying somewhere half dead in a hospital bed. He may even be dead. She tried to reassure herself. Then a strange feeling overwhelmed her. She remembered the dream she had.
"You want this Lise. We both do. Give in." What did it all mean?
Did I really want him to kiss me? Lisa shook her head in disbelief of her thoughts.
Why am I even contemplating this? It was only a dream, just a dream.
…
"Just let me know where you want to stop Miss."
She was very hesitant to even get out of the car. People were running and screaming everywhere she drove and the hotels seemed to be packed. She passed an adobe hotel called The Bay Breeze that looked vacant enough. But she quickly brushed the idea aside.
No thank you. She shook her head as the cab drove on. Finally, they came upon a quaint little hotel right on the water. It was called Tropic Haven. Lisa nodded.
"Stop her please."
At the front desk, two very tanned men stood in boredom as Lisa entered the door.
"Sorry, no vacancy!" One of the men coyly said as he took a bite out of a bagel.
"Oh." Lisa stood slightly taken aback as she turned around to exit.
The man with the bagel looked up and elbowed the other man to notice her appearance.
"Wait Miss! We have vacancy. We just thought you were one of those half naked spring breakers who like to sleep a spell and forget to pay. Where are my manners ….Hi! I'm Martin, the owner/concierge and this is Enrique, he's our spa tech/masseuse. And you are?…"
" Lisa." She slightly smiled as she walked up to the desk.
"Hello Lisa. Welcome to the Tropic Haven. Will you be staying alone?"
Lisa nodded. " Yeah."
"Well where's your boyfriend ? Girl like you is bound to have some arm candy."
Lisa shook her head. "Nope, just me." She sighed slightly as she put her purse on the table.
Martin and Enrique looked at each other. "My God you look tragic You okay?!" Martin spoke with the utmost concern. " Why don't you let Enrique work his magic on you. He's a great stylist."
Lisa shrugged her shoulders. She was too tired to respond to anything. The words "you" and "okay" seemed too pass through her thoughts easily.
"Great!" Martin smiled. "Lets get you set up with a nice room so you can get some sleep first. Hmm?"
Lisa nodded. She knew he insinuated she looked terribly tired. She didn't mind. She was. Lisa incoherently handed Martin her credit card.
"Alright, room 209." Enjoy Lise honey!"
Lisa slightly jumped.
"What did you say?"
" I said enjoy Lise, just giving you a little nickname."
Lisa mustered a fake smile.
He didn't know.
……
The room was vivid with bright, Caribbean sort of colors. Lisa sighed as she locked the door and staggered into the room. At that moment, there was only one thing on her mind, not her appearance, not her spontaneous journey she'd suddenly taken, certainly not Jackson. Sleep prevailed her thoughts.
Lisa rolled her suitcase and leaned it against the wall then she plummeted onto the bed.
Sleep became her.
……
Jackson was pleased with his progress. It had only been a week and his strength had significantly improved. Each day he worked on a strict exercise routine. It had practically became military. His only goal: gain back his strength. He was succeeding perfectly.
Everything was going according to plan.
……
A loud banging sound startled Lisa as her eyes shot open.
"Oh, not again!" She looked at the clock. It was still around eight a.m.
Lisa sat up and straitened her blouse.
"Who is it?" She asked without a second thought.
No answer.
Lisa's eyes widened. A cold chill ran down her spine.
It's him! He's here !
Her paranoia took over. She quietly unzipped her suitcase and pulled out the kitchen knife she had brought. She tiptoed to the door as quietly as she could and slowly looked through the peephole.
"Oh!" It was Martin and Enrique. Lisa gasped putting a hand to her chest as she ran to hide the knife. She looked around, then quickly slipped it in her purse.
"Coming!" She yelled as she ran and opened the door.
"Good morning sleepy head. We were worried about you!"
"Worried?" Lisa looked puzzled.
"Yes. You've been in here for nearly twenty four hours now! You must have been really tired."
Lisa squinted her eyebrows. " You mean I slept that long?"
" I guess so."
Wow! No intoxicating incoherent dreams either!
"So are you ready?" Enrique asked pulling out scissors and hair color.
"Ready for what?"
"Your makeover silly!" Martin and Enrique pulled Lisa out the door and shut it behind her.
"My key!"
"Don't worry we have plenty of keys."
"Listen, this is very nice but I don't think I want a makeover."
"Lisa, trust us. It was our mission to recreate you. No offense but you look as if the life's been beaten out of you."
"No offense taken."
If they only knew.
"So what do you say Lisa? Can we make you a new woman?" Both men looked towards her with eager eyes.
Lisa paused a moment. This was so out of character for her. First she picks up and just leaves her home, then checks into some hotel during spring break and now she's considering getting a makeover. What's happened to her life? This is not her!
Then again, neither is longing for attentions of an assassin.
It seemed somehow the whole incident with Jackson did change her. She was doing things she would never do. Thinking lustful thoughts she would never think… what was she afraid of? She'd came this far. Plus, every glance in the mirror she saw weakness.
Lisa pictured her reflection. It was time to change. "Why not?" She smiled and shrugged her shoulders
The two men smiled with glee as they dragged her into the salon in the hotel.
"First thing we're gonna do is cut and lighten that hair of yours."
"What?!"
……
Jackson grinned as his jaw clenched nervously. After two weeks of vigorous training he was ready. He looked in the mirror as he straitened his tie. He had it all planned out.
Jackson rolled up about a block away from Lisa's home; overly confident, he suavely opened the door to his car and walked to her condominium.
He knew which one was hers. He'd been watching her for weeks.
"Good ol' Lisa." Jackson smiled as he saw her car parked in it's usual spot.
Though his confidence was at an all time high, he really didn't have a plan of action. Was it really his attention to kill her? Or did he still need her to finish the job with Keefe?
Through his contemplation, he'd somehow managed to make it to Lisa's door. He reached in his jacket pocket for his tool and picked the locked.
Too simple. He thought as he quietly opened the door and locked it behind him.
Jackson smiled. It was all too easy.
He calmly crept to her bedroom door. He inadvertently stroked the scar she had left on his neck. He scowled. His face turned placid. He remembered how he'd let his guard down. He remembered how she made him trust her. He also remembered her eyes. She confided in him. Jackson slowly pulled out a knife from the lapel of his jacket and slowly turned the knob on the door.
She owes me. Better not be dead yet!
He opened the door and cautiously switched on the light.
"Miss me much Li…" Jackson paused. No Lisa. He tilted his head in confusion. Kind of like a puppy confused by a command.
Jackson entered the room and searched it up and down. No Lisa.
He exited the bedroom and checked the bathroom. No Lisa.
The Living room, the kitchen, the closet; No Lisa.
Jackson stopped in the kitchen and slammed his hands on the counter.
Damn.
Angering thoughts pervaded his mind.
Where is she? Her car is here. Why isn't she?
Jackson searched in his head for answers and only one rational thought crossed his mind. His eyes lit up.
The agency! They got to her first!
He boiled with anger.
"No!" He screamed out as he threw a vase of flowers across the room. They smashed against the wall.
His breathing increased intensity and heaviness. He ran his hands through his hair.
Why would they do that? I told them I had it under control. Why would they finish her off? They still need her with Keefe. I need her.
Jackson felt sick. He didn't exactly know the reason. Was it that he didn't get to her first or was it her demise.
"Damn!" He yelled once more
"Lisa!" He yelled out as he slammed his hands on the counter. He looked down.
A note!
Jackson read the note eagerly.
Dear Dad,
Gone to Panama City . Need some change. Don't worry, I'll be fine!
- Lisa
Jackson sighed as he clenched his jaw and lowered his head into his hands. He wiped the sweat off his forehead and caressed the note.
She's safe.
Jackson's spine tingled. He read the note over twice to reassure himself.
He slid it into his pocket.
"Panama City." he nodded. "Okay." He straitened his collar as he ran out the door.
…….
Lisa's eyes were tightly clenched.
Oh no...Why did I let them do this!? Lisa could hear the sound of shears clipping strands off the ends of her hair. She bit her lip nervously as they poured the hair color over her auburn locks.
Martin noticed this. "Don't worry hun, you look great!"
Lisa shrugged and smiled. "Just nervous I guess. I've never …."
"Done anything like this?" Martin finished her sentence. He looked over to Enrique in accomplishment.
Lisa opened her squinted, nervous eyes. " You mean were finished?"
Martin and Enrique smiled and nodded.
"Ready?" They asked her.
Lisa squealed with nervous anticipation. "Alright."
Enrique and Martin spun her around in the salon chair towards the mirror.
"Oh, my…"
"Gorgeous!" Martin placed his hand on his chest and beamed with his own accomplishment.
"It's …."
"Fabulous?"
"Blonde and….shorter!!!" Lisa stared at herself in disbelief.
"Yes you are! And see." Enrique played with her hair. " We gave you some layers too…"
Lisa nodded as she ran the silky strands through her hair.
"Wow." She shook her head in disbelief of how she looked.
"Now…" Martin spoke swiftly as he and Enrique yanked her out of the salon chair.
"It's time for you to go."
"Go. Go where?"
"Shopping! Clubbing! This is Spring Break. You need to go have some fun!"
Lisa looked at herself once more in the mirror.
Well at least no one will recognize me…especially…him.
"Go on!" The two men encouraged. "What are you waiting for? The world awaits your debut…but first Lisa...for everyone's sake, change out of those awful sweatpants.
…….
Jackson speed furiously down the highway until he reached the city limit. He slightly slowed down his car and scanned the city limits as if she would be standing there.
His face still scowled as his grip tightened on the steering wheel.
How could you be so…irresponsible Lise?! It's not like you…
Jackson suddenly was forced to slow down. Herds of college students that were sprawled out amongst the streets. Jackson sighed.
Abruptly, there was a bang on his driver's window.
"Wooo! Spring Break Baby!" A drunken frat boy screamed.
Jackson clenched his jaw. Though the college student annoyed him, he had only one thing on his mind.
What is she doing in a place like this… Not very discreet, you'll be an easy target Lise... His thoughts then shifted.
Why did the agency give him a second chance? It wasn't like them to…
Quickly it hit him. The agency didn't give him a second chance.
They want to see if I've gone soft. If I don't kill Lise, they will , and me too!
He felt betrayed his own judgment. He'd broken protocol already without notifying the agency of his plan of action. Not only that but he'd left Miami without a word to them. Jackson rapidly came aware of the vulnerable position he'd put himself into.
Damn, I've got to ditch the car. He thought deliberately as he pulled the car to the curb and parked it. He got out and popped the trunk to retrieve his luggage.
As he shut the trunk, he swiftly formed a plan in his head.
"Hey you!?" Jackson suavely walked towards the same inebriated frat boy that had banged on his window earlier.
"What's up man?" The frat boy asked with drunken innocence.
"You and your friends up for a Spring Break Challenge?" Jackson stared into the boy's hazed eyes.
"Yeah!" The frat boy motioned to his two friends who were just as drunk as he.
Jackson smiled. It was all too easy.
"You three want to be on an MTV game show?"
"Yeah!" They all looked towards each other with excitement.
"Good!" Jackson grinned and tossed the keys to his BMW to the first frat boy.
"All you have to do, is drive to Miami and go to Pier 12. Whoever gets there first gets the prize."
"First?" One of the boys scratched his head.
"There are two other teams starting at the same time you are." Jackson looked around to complete the illusion of opposing teams.
"Right. So we get to take your sweet ride?"
Jackson stared at the three young men in disbelief.
"Yep, all courtesy of MTV. If you win, this 'sweet ride' is yours!" Jackson spread an evil grin across his face.
"Awesome."
Jackson nodded impatiently. "Well, better get on your way." He hinted that the 'other teams' had already begun."
"Right!" The three boys jumped in the car and speed off towards the highway.
Jackson looked around to make sure no one had been watching and to make sure he wasn't being followed. After a few glanced, he was confident he wasn't , he began to walk down the street, suitcase in hand.
…
Lisa walked down the noisy littered paths as she searched for somewhere to go. She shook her head.
I got kicked out of a hotel I paid for, and am now being forced to do something.
Lisa shook her head in disbelief as she turned the corner and walked toward the beach. She sat down at a cabana and drank in the magnificent view. Though she'd always lived in Miami, she never really took time to enjoy the beach. Unlike Miami though, Panama City seemed more intimate and relaxed.
"Phew, Hello Blondie." The bartender whistled. "And what can I get you my lady?" The sly bartender smiled towards her.
Lisa was somewhat startled. She wasn't used to this kind of attention.
"Um, could I have a grapefruit sea breeze?" Why not? No one here to guess or criticize, after all…it really is my favorite.
"Your wish is my command." The bartender winked as he made the drink.
Lisa nervously smiled as she unzipped her purse to pull out her money.
Lisa shivered. She had put the knife in her purse to hide it earlier.
The bartender sat the drink on a coaster in front of her. "Here you go gorgeous…" The bartender noticed her fumbling with her purse.
He smiled. "I'll get this."
Lisa jumped at the bartender's words.
Jackson? She nervously looked around; scanning the crowd looking for him.
"I said don't worry about it Blondie, I'll get this."
Lisa's hand relaxed as she smiled. It was the bartender's voice she'd heard.
"Thanks!" She slowly zipped her purse and took the drink slowly and walked off towards the beach.
That was too close! Lisa's face turned red. She felt like a criminal. Like a deceiver, Like Jackson.
She sat down on a lounge chair near the water. Despite the crowded atmosphere, Lisa did feel relaxed here. No one knew her, no one asking her if she was okay… no one calling her…
relaxation…
Before she could reach total relaxation, her cell phone rang.
…
Jackson strolled the crowded streets in search for a hotel. He noticed all the names of the hotels had something to do with the ocean. He smirked.
Shore sides, Sand Dollar, Neptune's Cove, Sea Breeze…" He halted.
The Sea Breeze… He pondered going in, but quickly shook his head.
Nope. Not Lise. She wouldn't stay there.
He walked for about a block or so until he reached a hotel right on the water.
"Tropic Haven." He whispered to himself.
"So safe, so quaint…"
So Lisa…
Jackson smiled as he brushed the hair out of his eyes and walked into the lobby.
Martin and Enrique were sweeping and cleaning the floors as Jackson walked in.
Martin's eyes widened. "Hello, welcome to Tropic Haven, looking to for a room stranger?"
Jackson nodded looking around eagerly to find Lisa, not really paying attention to Martin or Enrique's generous stares.
Martin returned to the front desk and began typing furiously on the computer. It seemed they really were running out of vacancy.
"Are you staying with us …alone?" Martin raised an eyebrow handing Jackson a key and pamphlets.
Jackson nodded; throwing cash upon the counter. "Room number?"
"211. Enrique take this man's bag upstairs." Enrique grabbed Jackson's suitcase and Jackson swiftly yanked it back from him.
"I've got it. Thanks."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive, I never lie." He said as he spread an annoyed grin across his face. He quickly walked towards the stairs but not before looking around the lobby another time.
Where are ya Lise?
"Be sure to check out the beach! It's beautiful this time of year!" Martin yelled toward Jackson.
Just as quickly he dropped off his bag, he was out of the door and the hotel. He knew he couldn't wait for Lisa to get back to the hotel, if she saw him in the lobby, she would yell and scream and all hope would be lost. He couldn't very well ask the hotel clerks for her room number. Then they would tell her someone was looking for her.
The only choice was for Jackson to do what he does best; Watch and wait.
Jackson combed through the mass of people at the beach, but no sign of Lisa. He boiled with anger. Where was she?
Come on Lise…show me where you are give me a sign…
Suddenly, he heard it. The faint sound of her voice. Those soft vocal chords lined with just a slight hint of bitterness and annoyance…Lisa.
"I'm fine dad." Lisa rolled her eyes as her dad poured into the phone all of his concerned thoughts.
"Lisa, it's not like you to just pick up and leave town for no reason…are you sure you're okay."
"For the last time, I'm fine and I'm sure. Don't worry. I just needed to get out of the city for awhile….Uh huh, I'll be careful.."
Jackson's eyes rushed hurriedly across the sea of people, searching, aching, pleading to find her.
I can hear her! But I can't see her. Where is she?
Jackson's heart accelerated as he rushed to what seemed closer to the sound. As his pace speed up, he could feel his wounds (particularly the one on his neck) pulsating as he desperately searched for her.
Stay on the phone Lise, at least until I find you…
" Uh huh, yeah I love you too dad….I got to go…" Lisa's dad didn't give up so easy. Lisa sighed. "Alright…tell me about it…"
Lisa's dad's tone turned slightly more dossal. "Lisa…you know, that man, was released from the hospital last week."
Lisa's mouth slightly hung open.
"Released?" She muttered.
"Well is he…?"
"He's not in jail Lise, the police said there wasn't enough to hold him."
A shiver went down her spine. As if her were there.
"What do you mean there wasn't enough?" She felt the burning sensation return to her stomach.
Jackson halted. He could hear her voice as clear as could be. Why didn't he see her? He slowly looked down.
"Mmhmm." Lisa sighed as she put her hand on her forehead as her dad explained how they dropped the charges towards Jackson.
Jackson looked down at the outline of the woman in front of him. He squinted his eyes. Her frame was slender, sleek, and a little bit shaken. She sounded like Lisa, her frame looked like Lisa. But that golden hair…
"I'm sure dad, I'll be fine." She spoke shakily as she hung up her phone and sipped her grapefruit sea breeze.
Lisa.
Jackson stood frozen behind her in awe and relief as he studied her new 'persona.'
His head tilted as she calmly sipped her drink and watched the waves go up and down against the sand.
"Lise." He whispered the faintest whisper. Jackson let out a sigh as he grinned and swiftly turned and walked away.
Lisa tensed up. She knew she had heard it. Her eyes widened in fear. She felt a lump rising in her throat. Decidedly, she turned around swiftly with hastened breath.
Nothing.
He's not here! Calm down! She told herself. She tried to close her eyes and take deep breathes…no use.
Lisa sprung up and clenched her purse tightly; ready if need be.
Maybe it's time to call it a night.
……
Martin and Enrique were sprawled across the lobby furniture in exhaustion as Lisa walked in.
"Hello Miss Lisa, how did Panama City greet the new you?"
Lisa smiled. Trying to keep her mind away from paranoia.
"Pretty good. A bartender gave me a free Sea Breeze!" She smiled, already pulling out her key to her room.
Martin and Enrique smiled; still sprawled lazily across the furniture.
"My what crazy past few hours! The old Lisa gone, the new Miss Lisa born, and Mr. "I never lie.""
Lisa froze. "What did you say?"
"Oh nothing hun, just the Mr. tall, pale, and handsome in room 211 next to you. He wouldn't let Enrique carry his suitcase, and insisted he was fine by saying…"I never lie!"
Enrique shook his head, suggestively towards Lisa. "He sure was a looker Lisa."
Lisa took a short, worried breath. No, it can't be…
Lisa slowly walked towards the stairs, once more clenching her purse, this time unzipping it.
"Goodnight."
…
Lisa walked swiftly when she made it to the second floor. Her eyes briefly scanning each room number as she went by.
221
219
217
215
213
Lisa froze. She stared for several seconds at room 211.
It couldn't be him…it just couldn't!
Lisa's foot left the ground so fast, she didn't realize she'd bumped into another person in the hall.
"Oh sorry…I was just.." Her words froze as she looked up into the arctic blue orbs.
"Here for a nightcap?" He asked, grinning fervently.
