Always Look Forward

Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to Red Eye or Batman Begins!

Chapter Twenty-two

"Leese…" murmured Jackson, slowly beginning to regain consciousness. "You okay?"

"Yes," she sobbed, tears falling from her green eyes. "Now that I found you. What did he do to you?"

Who? Oh, Crane. She was talking about Crane. Crane was the reason that he had been reunited with her. How did she know where to find him and that Crane was behind everything? If Crane found out about her…he would hunt her down like a dog and torment her with the powder. He could not let that happen again.

"I can't tell you, Lisa. The less you know, the better it is. You have to stay safe. You need to run before he finds you. He's pissed, Leese," Jackson warned, his blue eyes filled with concern for her.

"I'm not leaving you again, Jackson," Lisa said, shaking her head viciously, her curly hair swishing through the air. "Never again."

How could he impress upon her how dangerous Crane was becoming? Crane was his twin brother and he had turned on him, leaving him to die. Crane had wanted him to die at that time. Crane had known that it was Jackson in control and he hated Jackson just as much as Jackson hated Jack.

Jackson knew a bit of Crane's plan, but not enough to keep Lisa safe with him. She was safer away from him. He would find help somewhere and take down Crane. He would save Lisa from the powder and then get the company off their backs. They would go back to Miami, collect the twins, and disappear into the night, never to be found. He would create a story about their deaths, and led people to believe that Jackson, Lisa, Henrietta, and JR Rippner all perished in a fire.

The pain had to stop there. The constant danger had to be taken care of. Their lives could not continue on this path.

"Lisa," Rachel's urgent voice cut through the still air. "We've got to go."

"Who are you?" Jackson asked, noticing the assistant DA for the first time. Was she working for Crane?

"Rachel, Rachel Dawes. We met before. Remember?"

"Ah, Miss Dawes," Jackson said with a smirk. How could he forget the striking woman who annoyed Crane to no end? "How nice to see you again."

"Same. Lisa, we've really got to go."

"What's the rush?" Jackson questioned. He wanted Lisa to leave as much as Rachel was pushing, but he wanted to help her hid. He would need to be able to find her once the danger had passed.

"Dr. Crane—he could be back at any moment,"

"Lisa," Jackson's tone grew gravely serious and his eyes were worried. "Did Crane see you?"

She nodded. "He was here when we arrived."

"You've got to get out of here!" he cried. "You've got to go! He can't be allowed to catch you!"

"I don't care. I don't want to leave you again!"

"Rachel, is there somewhere that you take her, where Crane won't find her?" Jackson asked, feeling foolish about asking a complete stranger for help. But he knew from the short amount of time that he had spent around her that she loathed Crane more than most people could begin to imagine. "He can't find her. If he does…"

"I know a place. Come on, Lisa," Rachel stepped towards her new friend, who was clinging to Jackson's hand desperately.

"No," Lisa refused.

Loud footsteps sounded in the hallway. Voices carried into the room and the three occupants froze.

Crane's voice carried, issuing orders to whoever was with him. "She's dangerous. We can not afford to let her escape again. She's slippery and resourceful, but also incredibly insane. Do not listen to a word she says."

"They're coming for you," Jackson whispered to Lisa. "You have to run. No matter what happens, you have to run. If not for yourself, do it for the twins. They need you, Leese. They need you more than I do."

Lisa kissed Jackson quickly and passionately before reluctantly leaving his side.

"Don't die on me, Jackson," Lisa pleaded. "Stay strong."

"Don't stop running. Always keeping running. Don't look back. Don't ever look back," Jackson ordered, his heart leaping into his throat. He did not want to lose her again, but it was for the best. "And never stop fighting."

Lisa smiled sadly before walking towards the window. That was the only way out now. Their only chance was that small window.

"Like Grandma Henrietta always said, right?" she questioned.

"Yes, Leese. "Always look forward…" Just keep that in mind."

"I will," she said before opening the window. "I promise."

Jackson's smile and happiness faded as Lisa and Rachel disappeared into the stormy night. He slowly wandered over to the window and pulled it shut. He would do his best to help them escape. He would protect Lisa at any cost. He bent under the hospital bed and retrieved a shiny blade from the inside pocket of his ruined jacket. He twirled the KA-BAR with his fingers as he heard the door open.

"Hello, Jackson," called a familiar voice. A voice from his past.

"Hello, Ra's…"

Lisa and Rachel spirited towards Rachel's car. As soon as Crane discovered that Lisa had escaped his grasp yet again, he would hunt them both. They did not have much time.

"Where are we going?" Lisa questioned, once they were out of the rain and Rachel was starting the engine.

"To an old friend's…Dr. Crane will never find you there. I promise."

Lisa remained silent as Rachel drove out of the city to a rather imposing mansion. How could Rachel possibly believe that she would be safe here?

"Welcome to Wayne Manor," Rachel announced as she drove through the gates. "Alfred will take excellent care of you and I'm hoping Bruce won't mind you staying for a while."

"Who are these people?"

"Bruce and I were good friends when we were younger. His parents were two of the only good people left in Gotham. They were murdered when we were kids. He's a good man, if not a little odd now. I still believe that he's a good person, even if his actions don't always show it... Alfred's the butler and I know that he'll help you out."

Lisa nodded. If Rachel trusted these people, than how bad could it be?

Rachel parked beside the front door and raced up to knock on the grand door. Lisa followed her, noticing a car parked not too far away from the front of the mansion. Who else was there?

An older man, very proper he seemed, answered the door. "Miss Rachel, what a surprise it is to see you at this hour."

"Hello Alfred," Rachel greeted him with a smile. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Not at all. Are you here to see Master Bruce?"

"No, I have a favor to ask you. It may seem odd, but would you mind hiding a friend for a few days?" Rachel asked awkwardly.

"You should probably come in then," he said, stepping away from the door. "I do not believe that this discussion should be held in the rain."

"Thank you, Alfred. This is my friend, Lisa Rippner," Rachel introduced Lisa, who had been standing behind Rachel during their entire talk.

"Pleased to meet you."

"Likewise," Lisa smiled. She liked Alfred already. He seemed like a genuinely good person. She had only ever met a few people like that in her life."

"Right this way," he said, leading them into a grand parlor, Lisa assumed. He gestured to the furniture. "Please, have a seat."

Lisa and Rachel gratefully sat down. Alfred remained standing.

"Miss Rippner, is it?" Alfred asked Lisa.

"Missus," she corrected. "I came to Gotham with my husband, Jackson. But he's…he's been hurt."

"What happened?" Alfred asked, concerned.

Lisa knew that she could trust him and before she knew it, she spilled her entire story about the explosion that destroyed her house, running from the company, the fight between her and Jackson, losing her children, meeting Crane, and all of her adventures in Gotham. Alfred listened intently and Rachel did as well. She went more detail than she had with Rachel. Rachel did not seem to mind that Lisa had kept some details hidden from her.

A knock sounded on the open door and in stepped an African-American man. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I need to speak with Alfred."

"That's quiet all right, Mr. Fox," Alfred spoke to the man. He turned to face Lisa and Rachel. "I will return shortly."

The two women nodded and Alfred disappeared into the hallway with Fox, pulling the door closed behind him.

"Are you worried?" Rachel asked Lisa.

"I'm scared to death," Lisa replied honestly. "Not just for my life though. I want to protect my family too. What am I supposed to do about the twins now? My dad should be arriving any time now…"

"Alfred will help you. I'm sure of it. I would help you, but I think Crane will send someone to watch me. He knows that I helped you now. I'll have to keep away from you until things get straightened out."

Lisa nodded in agreement. Rachel avoiding contact with her would be for the best. Lisa would also have to stay away from Jackson, which was easier said than done,

The door opened, "Mrs. Rippner?" Alfred called.

"Yes?" Lisa answered, standing up and walking towards the door.

"Can you tell Mr. Fox about the powder?" he said quietly.

"Why?" she asked suspiciously.

"Mrs. Rippner, this Dr. Crane has been using this powder on several other people. I'm trying to create an antidote. I need your help and possibly a blood sample. When was the last time that you were exposed to the powder?" Mr. Fox said, intervening.

"Today, I guess. I came in contact with Crane this evening. He did not gas me this time though. The last time that happened was several days ago."

"Could you come with me, please?"

"I guess so," Lisa hesitated.

"It's okay," Alfred reassured her. "He just wants to talk to you about the powder."

Lisa nodded and followed Fox deeper into the house. He knew more about the powder than he was letting on. If he was truly working on an antidote, than Lisa would never have to fear Crane again.

She could be free to help Jackson and stop Crane. She would not have to worry about the powder's affects.

Author's Notes:

This ended up being a pretty long chapter. Hopefully it's pretty in character and not too confusing. There's a lot going on and I'm making this all up as I go along, so I don't really know for sure where it's all heading. Enjoy! Next chapter coming soon!