Jackson had a lot of time to think as he made his way back to the hotel in the cab. He knew he still loved Stacey, and she still loved him, the kiss had confirmed that for him. As he pondered this his cell phone rang, he saw on the screen that it was Lucas, this can't be good, he thought to himself.
"Hello?"
"Hey Jackie, how's life in DC?"
"It's fine, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, I'm just checking to see how the plans going."
"It's going fine, why? You've never checked up on me before."
"Yeah, well you never so royally fucked up a job before either."
"Fair enough, is that it?"
"Your Lisa girl won't eat."
"What the hell do you mean she won't eat!?"
"Mind who you're talking to Jackie." Lucas stated angrily.
"Sorry sir, why won't she eat, sir?" Jackson said, distain dripping from every syllable.
"Don't know Jack, she just won't."
"Alright, just keep giving it to her and if she won't that's her deal, I should be home late tomorrow sometime anyway."
"That soon?"
"Yeah, it's not that complicated of a set up."
"Good, I'll talk to you soon Jackie." It's Jackson you fuck, Jackson thought as he hung up the phone. He didn't like being checked up on, but that's punishment for fucking up I guess. As he finally made it back to the hotel room, he checked his fax and read a fresh report on the target, tomorrow's hit should be no problem, he thought to himself.
Jackson's alarm woke him up at 6 am; he dressed quickly, this time causally in khaki's and a black turtle neck, which would cover his scar. He hailed a cab and took it into the city, where it left him in front of the Lincoln memorial. He waited for about 5 minutes before a black Lincoln Towncar pulled up and he entered the passenger side door. The driver, a young man with jet black hair, extended his hand and said,
"Mr. Rippner, my name's Joshua and I'm your assistant on this assignment." Jackson nodded but didn't take the young mans hand. Instead Jackson shot him one of his icy glares; the young man quickly dropped his hand and his eyes and drove away. Jackson, again, couldn't help but smile at the effect his reputation, not to mention his eyes, had on people. They drove in silence until they reached a warehouse right along the Potomac. Jackson got out and he and his new "assistant" entered the warehouse together. There were four other men in the warehouse, each stood upon Jackson's entrance.
"Where are we?" Jackson asked shortly
"We got his schedule; he should be busy until late tonight, going home about 9 pm."
"Good, have the drugs been tested?" however as he asked this Jackson noticed slight shifts in stance by all of the men. Instinctively, Jackson's hand moved to the small of his back, where his gun was in his waist band.
"Mr. Rippner, please move your hands so we can see them both."
"Fuck you, what's going on here?" Jackson asked, his eyes roving the room and the men.
"Don't make this anymore difficult then it needs to be Mr. Rippner" Joshua said. Jackson continued to survey the room, his trademark grin still present on his face.
"Well…I believe we're at an impasse boys, you've obviously been instructed to take me alive, otherwise you'd have killed me as soon as I walked in. And I certainly don't plan on giving up without a fight. So I suppose it's your move."
"Mr. Rippner, if you don't cooperate with us Lisa will be killed; it's as simple as that." At that Jackson gave out a great bark of a laugh.
"Go ahead; I was going to do it any way. She'd probably thank you, my way, I guarantee, would be more painful then what you have planned." All five of the men looked taken about, they were obviously under the impression that Jackson had feelings for Lisa. Joshua recovered quickest and sighed,
"Fine, Mr. Rippner, please look at these pictures before you make your decision." As he finished speaking Joshua slid a manila folder across the floor to Jackson. He leaned over, never moving his hand from where his gun was concealed or his eyes from where the other men stood. As he straightened back up he opened the folder and saw the first picture, it was him and Stacey on her doorstep yesterday, he'd been followed. As Jackson took in the pictures Joshua continued,
"If you don't cooperate with us, the women in the picture, and I believe it's your daughter, will be killed." Jackson looked straight at Joshua as he walked towards Jackson, his eyes colder then they'd ever been. As Joshua began to cuff Jackson's wrists, Jackson spun around and grabbed him by the throat.
"You WILL leave them alone." Jackson snarled tightening his hand further on Joshua's throat. The other men ran up behind Jackson and one of them cracked him over the head with the butt of his gun. The effect on Jackson was immediate, he fell hard to the floor, releasing Joshua, who after regaining his breath, lashed out at Jackson's unconscious form. He kicked him hard in the ribs, and continued until he heard the satisfying crack, which he knew was Jackson's ribs.
"Tie him up, and put him in the van." Joshua croaked out, rubbing his throat, he turned to one of the other men and said, "Call Lucas tell him it's done."
Lucas was just about to bring Lisa her breakfast, not that she'd eat it, he thought to himself, when his cell phone rang.
"He's under control Lucas."
"No problems?"
"Well, you were wrong, he has no feelings for Lisa, but the pictures of his ex, and their daughter did it. Although, he still managed to try can kill Joshua."
"I'd be disappointed if he didn't try to kill someone, but he's unharmed, right?"
"I think he may have a few broken ribs, but otherwise he's fine."
"I believe my instructions were to leave him unharmed." Lucas growled.
"Uhh…sir you can take that up with Joshua, he was a little angry with the attempt on his life, and overreacted a little." The man said nervously.
"Fine, I'll meet you at the new safe house in the morning."
"Yes sir."
Lucas hung up the phone and put down the tray of food, before continuing into Lisa's room. She was still asleep, he slammed the door to alert her to his presence, and just as she expected she jumped.
"Grab your bag, we're leaving. Now."
"But Jackson didn't say anything about leaving."
"He's not in charge, I am, and you're coming with me." Lisa stood staring at Lucas but not moving.
"I'm not going anywhere with you." Lisa stated backing up against the back wall.
"Well, I'm afraid you are." Lucas said stalking across the room towards Lisa, he reached out and grabbed her arm, twisting it roughly behind her back and forcing her to her knees.
"Listen real close Leese, I'm in charge, you do what I say, when I say it. And if you don't I will make the very short time you have left in your life very painful. Do you understand?" Lisa nodded frantically gritting her teeth against the pain in her arm and shoulder.
"Good, let's go."
