Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Red Eye
Chapter 17: In Peril
Lisa awakens her temple pounds with a rhythmic thudding, courtesy of Sever's vicious headbutt. Touching the tender spot, she winces, vaguely she notices a ruffling sound. She looks to her left to witness Sever rifling through her purse.
"I hope you enjoyed going through my things while I was unconscious, asshat," Lisa spats.
"Ah, asshat? What a juvenile insult," Sever mocks.
Lisa scoffs. She straightens in her seat.
Sever, chuckles. Then tosses her purse onto her lap.
"Nothing of interest anyway. The flight is only halfway through, and I'm bored. Can't wait until Jackie-boy sees me with you."
"I already told you, he doesn't care, he won't be around to see us."
"For your sake my dear, I hope that isn't true. The only reason why you're alive is because of the anticipation of him being enrage once he knows I have you. Can you imagine the commotion?"
"Commotion, huh? Just thinking out loud. There's no reason in the world why I shouldn't cause bit of commotion here and now. You and I both get escorted by TSA and they will find out what sort of person you really are."
"I can think of one simple reason why you wouldn't want that to happen," Sever says. His smirk sends a cold chill down her spine.
Lisa doesn't ask the question that is bouncing about in her head, but he answers away.
"I'll give you a hint. You two have the same uncanny trait of trusting the wrong type of people. All it took was the mere mention of your name and claims of knowing where you were. Tell me, in your travels with Jackson did you never once think to check-in on your father?"
Mouth agape, Lisa vigorously shakes her head. She begins to speak, to question the validity of his claim. That is when he lifts the hand furthest from her, he waves it before her face. At first, she's confused by his action, but then, the lights above cause the something to shimmers, catching her eye. Wedged onto his too large pinky finger, is an oddly familiar ring.
Lisa sucks in a sharp breath, upon recognition of the signet ring with the initial JR. It is the one she had gifted her father two years ago for his birthday, there is no mistaking; she had designed herself.
"Oh, God!" Lisa says. As she feels her lungs constricting and her palms begins to sweat. "Where is he? What have you done to my father you son of a bitch!"
Sever grips her forearm, his sharp nails digging into her flesh, she winces, but keeps her gaze set on him.
"Keep your voice down. If we don't make it on time something bad will happen to your dad. So, any delays wouldn't be in your best interest. Do we understand each other?"
With no other choice, Lisa is forced to agree. Solemnly she nods her head. Her outburst and revelation of her father's peril causes the throbbing of her head to become nearly unbearable. In search for relief, she rests her head on the cool glass of the window. It is night outside, by now Jackson and Jarvis should have arrived at her apartment. Never could they've imagined Sever would board the plane, but then again, Aunt Beatrice had followed her onto the flight. She said just in case, maybe she foreseen this scenario. Then, it occurred Lisa that Aunt Beatrice was only a few seats away. Lisa swallowed the lump in her throat. She must find a way to free herself of Sever, if only for a moment to send some sorts of communication to Aunt Beatrice.
"I got to go to the bathroom," Lisa announces.
"No," Sever answers in a flat tone.
"Would you rather I piss my pants, because that's what's about to happen."
Sever, sighs, "Such a fouled-mouth woman. Jackson must like his women good and dirty, huh?"
"Screw you. Are you going to get out of my way, or will you like for me to cause a scene? I am sure that will go along with your plan for a quiet kidnapping."
Sever, for the first time, seems fluster. Abruptly, he stands, his face set deep with a grimace. Lisa takes advantage of his reasonable behavior and hurries down the aisle. Incredulous, Aunt Beatrice's seat is empty. Lisa walks pass briskly as not to attract any attention from Sever of any familiarity with the passenger, or her surroundings.
The bathroom door is mark unoccupied. She promptly enters desiring as much distance between her and her captor as possible. Shock shoots through her as her eyes focus onto the person before her, she let out a shriek, but is quickly hushed by a hand covering her mouth. She is pulled inside; the door shuts immediately afterwards.
"Silence!" Says a familiar stern voice. It is then, recognition dawns on Lisa.
Lisa nods and is soon released. Lisa turns, and her heart flutters with joy.
"Aunt Beatrice," Lisa says in a hushed voice. She nearly begins to cry but manages to keep her emotions under control.
"I was hoping you would come here so that we can talk."
"What are we going to do?"
"That tricky bastard is craftier than I ever imagined. I thought by some off chance he might try something like this, I should had purchased the seat next to you, but no matter. This might work in our favor. I can possibly take him out now. I a few quick stabs in the right places he will bleed out before anyone even notices."
Lisa shudders at the thought. The callous manner of which she spoke of killing Sever is downright frightening. Her eyes are crystal clear, obviously envisioning how she will commit the act. Aunt Beatrice stands inhumanly still, and dare Lisa think, a ghost of a smile tugs at the corner of her lips.
Now, Lisa understands her true nature, she's a killer through and through. Though, Lisa is initially relieved that Aunt Beatrice seems more than capable of disposing of Sever, she then remembers the one thing that cause her to protest.
"No, you can't. He says he has my father, and something will happen to him if we do not make it to our destination."
"Are you certain?"
"He has the signet ring I gave to my father for his birthday."
Aunt Beatrice, huffs. She grips her chin and drums her fingers upon it as she stares into space.
"I got a plan," She finally says, breaking the silence. "He will take you, but I will be nearby. I will let Jackson and Jarvis know about your adduction."
The knowledge that Lisa would have to go with Sever, causes a whimper to escape her lips. Suddenly, her emotions shift to the sickening state of that one horrible day. When she was helpless and forced to endure the pain and humiliation of being violated. She begins to tremble.
I can't do this! I can't do this! The phrase repeats.
Aunt Beatrice's words are muted by the fear. She sees her talking but nothing reaches her.
It isn't until Aunt Beatrice shakes her does she snap out of her daze.
"No harm will come to you. I will not permit it. Do you believe me?"
The clarity in Aunt Beatrice's eyes, and the sincerity of her words comforts Lisa.
She nods, not only because she believes in Aunt Beatrice; but because she must. She was a victim once before but not now. This is her chance to stand up for herself to right this wrong. If Sever think she will simply roll over and die, then the hell with that and him! She will not only survive him, but she will end him. This time, she has support, this time she will overcome her adversary; or God help her, she will die trying.
Lisa grips onto Aunt Beatrice's forearms, and Aunt Beatrice smiles. For the first time, her smile isn't a haughty smirk; but radiates kindness.
"Lisa, there's one last thing you should know," Aunt Beatrice says. However, before she can finish her statement there's a loud knock on the door, followed by a raspy harsh whisper.
"Come out now, or I'll come in," Sever warns.
Aunt Beatrice presses her forefinger to her lips. Lisa knows this is the end of their conversation and stargazing. Lisa inhales, filling her lungs with the life-giving element before exhaling and allowing her nerves to exit with her breath. Aunt Beatrice presses herself against the wall located on the same side of the door. Lisa opens the doors abruptly. Sever seems taken aback by her quick actions, and steps back. However, curious, he peers inside the bathroom.
"Expecting something?" Lisa questions.
"Just making sure everything's on the up and up."
Lisa scoffs, then step out of the bathroom into the hall. Sever is forced to take a few steps back to allow her space. Lisa takes the opportunity to shut the door, to shield Aunt Beatrice from his view.
"You took long enough," Sever says.
"So sorry to keep you waiting." Lisa quips.
Sever, tilts his head. His eyes squinting as he evaluates her. Somewhat satisfied with his assessment he steps aside allowing Lisa to pass.
Lisa can feel Sever's eyes on her, gauging her every move. Lisa walks to her seat, residing to the thought of playing the victim if it means she can save her father. She takes her seat and Sever cages her in when he sits leaning near to her and whispers.
"I don't know what you are up to, but if you are planning to make things difficult; just remember your father's fate hangs in the balance. Know any adverse actions on your part will tilt to an unfavorable outcome for both of you."
Lisa stares into his wild eyes. She musters up all her courage, knowing she need to quiet his suspicious.
"You already established the stakes. I want nothing more than to get my father and to get away from you. Making things difficult with only prolong the inevitable."
Sever settles into his seat. His eyes shine with a sort of clarity that chases away any doubts.
"You're a fascinating creature. There's a frailty to you, but beneath there's more than what's meets the eye."
It was an odd compliment, coming from Sever. However, Lisa chooses not to dwell on the demented thoughts of a lunatic. She turns to gaze out the window. Thinking about Aunt Beatrice's words, to trust that she will not allow any harm to come to her and her father. It must be a family trait, but the conviction of her words makes her believe she can deliver on her promises. For the first time in along while Lisa finds herself relying on others. If she can get pass this ordeal, who will she be if she doesn't have her safe little bubble? What sort of future can she have with Jackson, and his unconventional family? Yet, the most puzzling and complex questions she can ask herself still is one she is afraid to answer.
Do I love Jackson?