On Your Mind

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

Chapter Twelve

When Lisa stepped out of the bathroom with a towel tightly wrapped around her, Jackson looked up from where he was lounging on the king-size bed. He smiled at her and then jerked his head in the direction of her wedding gown. She slowly stepped towards it; towards her unwanted destiny. If she put that dress on, then she would end up legally wed to Jackson. On the other hand, if she refused, he would most likely kill her or at least harm Abby. She could not allow that to happen.

The fabric was soft to her touch and there was no denying the beauty of the dress even from a glance. Jackson had clearly spent some time choosing it with no one except her in mind. It was creepy, but then again he had stalked her.

All the necessary garments were placed on the vanity table beside the dress. It disturbed her and she moved robotically, all while trying to forget that Jackson was in the same room, as she dressed. There was no sense in running into the bathroom to change. She was not about to risk Jackson's anger. He had already hurt her that day and he had won their daughter over. Lisa had no reason left to fight. It was futile and hopeless.

Once dressed, Lisa sat down at the table and began to mechanically address her hair and make-up. He wandered over and wordlessly pinned back pieces of her hair with decorated hair pins. She sat still and waited while he worked. Once satisfied with her hair, he placed a few bits of make-up in front of her, as well as her perfume. There was only lipstick, blush, and mascara that he offered. She carefully applied the make-up lightly and then sprayed on the indicated perfume.

She could see Jackson's wide smile in the mirror as he stood behind her.

"Perfect," he whispered as she stood.

Lisa swallowed hard and lowered her head in submission. Jackson's hand gripped her chin and forced her to look him in the eyes.

"Don't be sad, Leese. This is only the beginning," he smiled and grasped her hand. She followed him out of the bedroom and through the silent house to the driveway. Philippe's car was still there.

Jackson opened the passenger door for her and she carefully climbed in. What am I doing?

"Good girl, Lisa," he praised her on the short drive. She did not acknowledge him.

The stolen car rolled to a stop in front of a courthouse. Jackson helped her alight from the vehicle and guided her up the steps. Before they entered, he stopped and turned to her.

"Cheer up, Leese. This is a wedding, not a funeral. Put on a smile or I will harm Abby. As a matter of fact, don't think about fighting this marriage. You are doing very well so far, so don't blow it now. If you even think about refusing or hesitate, I will kill Abby. I don't want to do that, but I will. Don't force my hand, Lisa," Jackson ordered.

"I won't," Lisa promised quietly.

"Let me see you smile."

Lisa obeyed, concentrating on a happy memory to make it appear genuine. "Good," Jackson praised.

She fought back tears as he held the door open for her. What am I doing? Why am I obeying him?

She numbly followed his quick strides down the hallway to the Justice's office. She knew that she was overdressed for this type of wedding, but she would obey her master. She was about to become Jackson's loyal dog for eternity; his wife.

Think of Abby… I'm doing this for Abby. I can't let him hurt her.

As they entered the office and recited their given vows, Lisa could not help but wish that Philippe would come bursting through the doors and stop Jackson. Unfortunately, Philippe never appeared, and Lisa was forced to sign the marriage certificate. She might as well have signed it in blood, seeing as she knew what Jackson was capable of. There was no turning back now. Lisa had passed the point of no return.

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"Christine, it's better if you go home," Philippe said softly after he came out of his bedroom. His irate 'girlfriend' was still stomping around the apartment.

"Why? Are you planning on bringing your patient back here to fuck?" she snapped rudely.

"Christine, I've made some powerful enemies that might come looking for me. I don't want you in the line of fire."

"What makes you think that I'm not the fire?"

Before Philippe had a chance to respond, a gun was coolly aimed at his head by none other than Christine.

"How long was Rippner planning this?" he questioned as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. Christine had been sent to neutralize him or coerce him into doing whatever Jackson Rippner needed done. But he had now outlived his usefulness because Rippner had his prize. He had Lisa.

"The original plan was to get you to force his release, but I knew it was only a matter of time before his bitch gave birth. He decided to trade Lisa for himself. He knew that he could escape on his own and disappear, but he wanted his prize. He wanted her and you were the key to capturing his little wife-to-be."

"Let me guess, the big bad Rippner told you to kill me?"

"Of course. Your services are no longer needed." A bullet clicked into position. "Good-bye, Philippe."

He ducked just before she opened fire on the space he had previously occupied. He heard her muttered curses as he slipped around the apartment on his hands and knees. What have I gotten myself into? This is quickly turning into a terrible movie of the week.

Philippe mentally prepared himself as he entered the tiny kitchen. He knew that she would not hesitate to kill him and that he had no other choice. He quietly removed a knife from the block and snuck up behind Christine. He would have preferred to hit her over the head with a pan, but he could not risk the amount of noise it might bring.

When she turned, Philippe plunged the knife into her heart. She gasped and dropped the gun. I'm sorry…

Once she fell to the floor dead, he swiftly searched her pockets and gathered up her car keys and a cell phone. She was in contact with Jackson Rippner and he would need to contact the psychopath to let him know that he was hot on his trail. He would give him a chance to release Lisa and would take decisive action afterwards.

Time was not on his side, but he had no choice. He had to rescue Lisa from the trap he had unknowingly led her into.

Author's Notes:

Jackson's been planning things for a while. It just goes to show that you don't always know who your enemies are. Enjoy and thanks for the reviews!