Red-Eye (c) Wes Craven, Dreamsworks Productions

All rights reserved.

Commit Your Crime

Chapter Two: Inside Help

Ignoring Cynthia's protest, Lisa had returned to the Lux-Atlantic hours later. From her seat behind the desk, she had a perfect view through the glass doors where she could see the twilight setting in. Having spent the day in her apartment trying to pull herself together with a couple of drinks, she chose to come back to the hotel. Far from being drunk, she seemed to be a bit more at ease.

"Thank you and enjoy your stay," she replied kindly to a couple that had just checked in. Watching them for a moment as they walked off, Lisa turned her attention to the phone which was ringing. Her hand hesitating for a brief second over it, she scolded herself and answered it.

"Hello, Lux-Atlantic Hotel, this is Lisa. How can I help you?"

"Hello? This is Alec Johanson. I had made a reservation for today?"

Pulling this up on the computer, Lisa nodded. "Yes, I have you here for arriving at seven o'clock."

"I'm afraid I'm running late: I was called to the hospital for an emergency and now I won't be arriving till eleven or even midnight. Will your front desk still be open?"

"Of course sir," she answered, though now she felt nervous. 'Hospital? Could he…no. Lisa, you're being paranoid!' "I'll keep the doors open until you arrive."

"Thank you so much. I have to go now, I'm here at the hospital. Thank you again!"

"Not a problem, sir."

Hanging up, she stared at the phone. '…maybe I should see the shrink Dad recommended…this is becoming ridiculous…'

Once again, the phone was ringing when she snapped out of her thoughts.

"Hello, Lux-Atlantic Hotel, this is Lisa!"

"Miss Reisert? Oh thank goodness! This is Jennifer Fera!"

"How can I help you Miss Fera?"

"Is there any chance you could keep the front desk open rather late? I missed my train and the next one won't be for two hours!"

Chuckling a little, Lisa assured the woman that they would be. After hanging up, she leaned back in her chair and sighed heavily. Staring at the computer, she shook her head. It was going to be a late night for her.

His books stacked neatly beside the hospital bed, Jackson was reading what appeared to be the last chapter of his book. That day, the nurses came in only twice to check up on him and to see if he's bandages needed replacing.

Turning the page, his eyes trailed across it, taking in every word. He paid no attention to the opening of his door, to someone who was slipping into his room quietly.

"Just a moment," His voice was still a bit hoarse from the surgery. The figure paused after closing the door. "Let me finish this page."

"We haven't much time: the guard shift just started." It was man.

"That's twenty-minutes of open time," he answered, not taking his eyes off of the book. "You really shouldn't be so worried. It's the dead of night; nobody will see us."

"You're just lucky the woman will keep the front doors open."

"Ah yes, well, that's Miss Reisert for you." With a satisfied smile, he closed the book and rested it on his lap. Looking up to his accomplice, he smirked. "See? It didn't take that long; and there's still plenty of time. I take if you were able to secure an escape route?"

"Yes."

"Excellent. And you got everything we need?"

"Yes."

"Good. Now, if you'll give me just a couple of minutes I'll be out of this ridiculous green thing and into some real clothing. Then we can get out of here."

"We have less than twenty."

"You were able to get in without any trouble," Jackson answered as he pulled the blanket back and carefully lifted himself off the bed. His legs were still somewhat weak from not using them on a regular basis. "We'll get out just fine. Now shut up and get me my things."

Pen tapping against the desk, Lisa blinked several times in an attempt to keep her eyes open. Solitaire was pulled open on her computer, but she was only playing the game half-heartedly. An empty coffee mug sat beside the computer.

Glancing at the clock, the time read it was ten minutes after midnight and neither guest had arrived.

'…note to self: make stronger coffee.' Resting her chin in the palm of her hand she continued with the struggle to keep awake, she looked wearily over to the front doors as if silently summing her guests to get their asses over here to that she could get some sleep.

Review Replies:

Bimefl - Definitely expect tidbits of JtR in this story. :D I study Ripperology which is why this movie grabbed my interested when I first heard about it! (that, and well...Cillian Murphy's in it...>>) ...and you are so damned close on the hotel guess! SO CLOSE! XD

allee kat - They shoulda shagged. They really should have. DARN YOU CRAVEN FOR DENYINS US THAT! ...well, that's what fan fictions are for, yesno?

SpadesJade - I'm only playing with you readers cause I love you all! X3 I swear that the next chapter will be the last short one.

ellina HOPE - Cynthia was just to greta in the movie. "Shit...Shitshit!" XD I would definitely be like that if I recieved that phone call. And about the JtR book, despite him being picked on for that he would definitely have a respect for the man. Seriously, this guy managed to kill five woman and get away with it. ...though, back then, they didn't have the tech that we have today. >> seeiko,

And BIGTHANKYOUS to: seeiko, kazakchik, CLIU, Esmerelda, Winged Seraph, LasVegasGirl, Jack E. Peace, silvercell, Chanel86, Pervy Elf-Fancier, Claire Hall, noregrets4life!

To Come - Chapter Three: Unknown