Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Red Eye.

Chapter Sixteen: Plan in Motion

It is morning. Lisa packs a few articles of clothing to return to her apartment. She will make this journey alone by plane, which she isn't looking forward to because of her fear of flying. The narrative they'd spun; yesterday during their planning was that she escaped Jackson and is now cooperating with authorities.

Aunt Beatrice's connections with law enforcement agencies had the information leaked. Hopefully, Sever will believe that Lisa is on her own and follow her. Lisa, flying commercial, should arrive a hair later than Jackson; he will travel by private jet, again arranged by Aunt Beatrice.

He will monitor her apartment and wait for any signs of Sever, then ambush him at the first chance he gets. Jackson said he's a lousy shot, but she hopes he doesn't miss; this nightmare must end.

Jackson is quiet as he hands her the additional items she will need for her trip. She wants to say something to ease his distress, but she has no words of comfort to offer him. The butterflies fluttering about in her stomach doesn't convey any positive feelings.

Though they were meticulous during preparation, so many things could go awry. What if Sever sees through their deception? Worst yet, what if Jackson cannot protect her? She physically shakes the thought from her mind. The action, garnering Jackson's attention, finally urging him to speak.

"Are you alright?" Jackson asks. His hand rests on the small of her back.

Damn it, Lisa reprimands herself.

All she had to do was to keep it together until she got on the plane. Jackson's focus needs to be on Sever, not her. She turns to embrace him, placing a bright smile on her face.

"I'm good. Just want this to be over with."

Jackson regards her; he is not buying her act, but what choice have they?

"You don't have to do this," Jackson says.

"Yes, I do."

He huffs, knowing this is their best shot at finally taking Sever down. He begins to speak but presses his lips firmly. As if he was biting back his words. Maybe to beg her to stay or to argue a different course of action to be taken, but there's nothing else to say.

"I love you, Lisa Reisert."

Lisa kisses his lips. To buy her some time, because she isn't ready to admit aloud, she loves him. Maybe it is too soon, or she is just being a wimp and hasn't fully opened her heart to him as she has confessed. Her apprehension doesn't go unnoticed.

"It is okay if you don't say you love me back. The love I have for you is more than enough for both of us."

Lisa's heart plummets to the pit of her stomach. How can this man be so unselfish with his heart and hers be so restrained? He admitted to watching her for months. Perhaps, because he had more time with his emotions and thoughts regarding his feelings, he can understand them with such clarity.

Lisa hates that he may feel his love for her is unrequited. She needs more time, that's all. She begins to explain her reasoning, but a knock on the door interrupts her.

"Enter," Jackson commands.

Jarvis enters. He's dressed down for the first time since Lisa has met him. In jeans and a tee, all in black. His face is stern, without a hint of his usual bravo.

"Young Master, are you ready?" Jarvis asks.

Jackson nods. He presses a tender, chaste kiss to Lisa's forehead and grabs a duffel at the foot of the bed. Jackson is out the door without another glance. Knowing Jackson is at war with himself, Lisa doesn't run after him as her heart tells her to do.

Jarvis approaches her and promises, " I vow to assist him in securing your safety. We will succeed."

Lisa smiles, happy that Jackson will not be alone. Though the relationship between the two seems constrained, there's an underlining trust between the two men. Plus, something about Jarvis's demeanor seems fitted for this kind of mission.

"Thank you," Lisa says.

"You're quite welcome."

He turns to leave but stops just short of exiting. "Mistress Lisa?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you for returning him to us. We aren't the emotional sort, but we are deeply grateful for you two."

We?

Jarvis doesn't elaborate before taking his leave. Lisa has not the time to ponder his words as she hurries to finish packing. A moment later, Aunt Beatrice enters. She doesn't knock, most likely because she is the owner and sees no need to.

"Are you ready, my dear?" Aunt Beatrice asks.

Aunt Beatrice's clothing mimics Jarvis's attire. The questionable look must be so evident on Lisa's face.

"Dear girl, you didn't think we would let you travel alone, did you?" Aunt Beatrice says.

"But won't-" Lisa begins to speak.

Aunt Beatrice interrupts, "I will fly on this hell-hole commercial flight, I'll only be a few rows down from you and keep guard just in case anything happens."

Lisa wants to scoff. Sure, maybe back in her day, she was a super-spy. However, as a woman now who's advancing in age, at least sixty years old. How could she be Lisa's guardian?

"What? You don't believe I can protect the likes of you?"

Damn, I got to work on my facial expressions.

Before Lisa has a chance to clarify her thoughts, Aunt Beatrice waves her on to follow her. Lisa clumsily grabs her suitcase and rushes to keep up with her. Lisa is placed in a taxi while Aunt Beatrice drives herself to the airport.

Once at the airport. They do not glance in each other's direction, playing the game of being strangers. They find their seats on the plane. Lisa cannot help to notice the similarity of her first meeting with Jackson. Yet, this time an eerie sense of foreboding fills her.

The plane's doors are about to close when a last-minute passenger dodges in at the last possible moment. At first, it is of no interest to Lisa, who glances up for a moment from her phone, that she was in the process of putting on airplane mode. Nevertheless, some internal warning bells begin to ding; she looks up once more.

Can your heart stop, and you still be amongst the living? Because if not, Lisa is the first case of such a thing. Standing a few feet before her, leering at her like she was a piece of meat, is Sever.

Mortified, Lisa watches him as he walks towards her and takes a seat beside her.

"Well-well, Lisa, it is nice to see you again," Sever greets.

His smile is brimming with glee, notwithstanding his otherwise menacing demeanor.

She desperately wants to look to Aunt Beatrice, who sat two rows behind them in the middle aisle, but she doesn't. Her only saving grace is that he believes she is alone and vulnerable.

Lisa finds her voice, bracing herself, she asks. "How did you know I would be on this flight?"

Sever leans over, Lisa instinctively moves away. Sever sneers, evidently pleased with his effect over her.

"You were off the grid, lost to me. Nevertheless, I was on the lookout for any sign of you. It took lots of dedication," Sever explains. "Where is your lovely companion?"

"We were never companions. He kidnapped me," Lisa states. Hoping the weight of her words carries, she needs him to believe her, or else their plan is for not.

Sever leans into his seat, resting his head comfortably as he considers her. His skin void of any undertone colors, pale, almost unnaturally so. His eyes are the oddest shade of hazel; his hair is bleached blonde, slicked back, and shaven on the sides.

He brings a hand to his chin and strokes it. Lisa sees the multiple scars that he has. The idea that she thought at one point to go into the hotel room alone with him astonishes her. His very presence screams danger.

"My gut is telling me something is off. However, one shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. When the plane lands, you will come with me, no signals to anyone, no attempts to escape."

"I've been in contact with the police. They are on the hunt for you," Lisa counters.

"Yet, I am still able to board this plane. See what I mean, something isn't right about it all, isn't it?"

Damn, he is right. But Lisa would be damned if she confirms his beliefs.

"What do you hope to gain? Are you trying to entrap Jackson or whatever alias you know him by; then you are shit out of luck, pal. He cares nothing for me."

"I wager that he does. I have known Jackson for some time and never have I seen him so undone. You, my darling, have accomplished what no other has. You have wounded his flawless armor of self-control."

"I don't know what you mean."

"Oh, you know what I mean, don't play coy with me."

"Why? Why do you hate him so?"

"He's, my opposite. Controlled, respected, and beautiful. Have you seen his eyes?" He says with a chuckle.

His words are so unnerving. Lisa struggles to breathe. There's a wild look in his eyes as he explains his aversion to Jackson's very being. Yet, there's an air of reverence.

"Killing me will not repair anything broken inside of you," Lisa clarifies.

Sever stares into her eyes, unwavering and potent.

"No, but it will hurt him, and that is enough for me."

Lisa's blood runs cold, knowing that he was hell-bent on hurting Jackson by going through her. Her eyes swing frantically around. Cautiously she pretends not to recognize anyone but takes note of Aunt Beatrice leisurely reading a magazine.

What the hell?

She turns to Sever just in time to get violently headbutted, as darkness overtakes her. Lisa thinks of her only solaces in the world. Her father, Jackson, ad Aunt Beatrice, who she can only pray, is as capable as she claims; because if she is not, Lisa can only hope for a quick death.

A/N: Hello readers! I have missed you all so much. Sorry for the late update. Hopefully, you are still with me. Have a blessed week. Concrete Lily : )