Chapter Five

Lisa thanked Michael for a lovely dinner with a kiss. It wasn't as passionate as usual-she almost felt guilty kissing him with Jackson around. This was stupid, she knew, but she couldn't shake the feeling.

Opening the door, Lisa's eyes darted around in the dark as she fumbled for the light switch. She half expected to see him sitting there smugly in one of her armchairs, having a drink, waiting to torture her some more. She looked in the kitchen, bathroom, and den waiting for him to pop out. This is silly, even if he is here, he won't hurt me. She pushed the thought from her mind and took off her shoes before heading upstairs.

Walking into her room, she flipped on her lights and looked around for Jackson again. Of course, he wasn't there. Lisa cued up some soft music in her stereo and changed for bed.

"You're the one I need…" she sung softly, patting her tummy. She liked to think that her son and daughter could actually hear her singing to them. Slipping a robe over her nightgown, she grabbed the new teddy bear lamps (pink and blue) she'd bought and walked down the hall to the nursery.

"You guys are gonna love these –" Lisa screamed when she saw Jackson sitting in one of the rocking chairs beside the cribs.

"How was dinner?"

"Get out of my house or I will call the police," she grabbed the cordless off of its cradle.

"No, Leese, I don't think you will. You see, I have people on standby near Mommy's house, Michael's house and even dear old Dad's. One phone call, Leese. You know what will happen. So, go ahead, call the cops. It will only take me a second to activate my little phone tree." Lisa set it back down. She looked at Jackson, her eyes slowly filling with tears.

"Why are you doing this? This can't be about the babies. You came here not knowing I was pregnant. So, what is it, Jackson?" she demanded.

"We'll get to that soon enough. Besides, I said that I may have to 'steal you' on the plane, remember? And, I'd heard rumors of your pregnancy."

"That's really mature, Jackson. You had people spy on me."

"I didn't have anyone spy on you. That's all my employers' deal. They wanted to keep a close eye on you. You're valuable to them."

"What? Why…how am I valuable to them?"

"Well, for one thing…I tried to retire from the business but they said that they needed me one last time…and if I quit, they would kill you, which would kill my children. And, you still run that oh-so-posh Lux Atlantic. It's only a matter of time before you have another important guest. Say…oh…a few days from now?" Lisa could believe what she was hearing. It gave her a massive headache to think that those idiots Jackson worked for were planning another attack on her hotel.

"The Lux - again? A little redundant don't you think, Jack?"

"Yeah, well, blame the stupid, 'important' fucks who keep staying there. And really, if you think about it; it's actually somewhat clever. No one would think my company – or anyone else for that matter- would target it again." Lisa's headache got worse. She rubbed her temples and sighed.

"How am I supposed to orchestrate something, Jackson? I'm on maternity leave. Surely your people weren't too stupid to overlook that." She gave him her 'bitch' smirk.

"You're still the manager. They can call you for the really important pieces of business, right? You're the go-to girl. You ultimately take care of everything."

"Whose innocent life is it this time? What do I have to do?"

"They're going to make things simple for you, Leese. The identity of the target is of no concern to you."

"Just fucking make your point, Jack." Jackson gritted his teeth in anger, but decided to press on.

"They need the master keys for the suites where said target and entourage will be staying. They need complete blueprints for the hotel and security clearance."

"Don't they already have blueprints from the last attack?"

"There have been some renovations, have there not?" Lisa shot him a blank stare.

"And if I don't comply?"

"They will make you watch while they kill both of your parents, Michael, and Cynthia. And then they will kill you….and possibly even me."

Part of Jackson hated doing this to her; but the other part was still angry about almost being killed. Furthermore, Jackson didn't want to die…and he wanted Lisa, his son and his daughter to live as well. He watched as Lisa sighed heavily once more, realizing the gravity of the situation; that she was backed into a corner. She slumped into the other available chair next to Jackson.

"Oh, by the way, I picked up a present for the twins." He said, trying to change the subject. He reached into the bag at his side and pulled out a mobile. An airplane mobile.

"I hope you don't think I'm hanging those in here," Lisa half chuckled.

"Why not? Now, you have a creative way of telling them how you and Daddy met." He smiled and settled back into his rocker.

"You're starting to creep me out, Jackson." He only laughed.

"I like the 'his and hers' rockers, too. Nice touch, Honey," he cooed, loving every rise her got out of her.

"Oh shut up. It's not like I expected you to come back and take responsibility," she retorted, and pushed herself out of the chair. Jackson shot up from the rocker. He couldn't control the anger he felt at that comment. He slapped her hard across the face. A look of shock registered on Lisa's features, but she didn't retaliate. She just placed her hand over the patch of burning skin, not shedding a single tear. Immediately, half of Jackson wanted to take it back, but the other half was furious over her callous comment. Jackson would not be a neglectful parent. His kids would not know a lonely childhood like his where and never see their father. No, he would help raise his kids, whether Lisa was compliant or not. He finally decided that the slap was necessary; he wanted her to make sure she didn't get too bold with him. He wasn't going to put up it. His eyes caught hers. His blue eyes had turned cold and austere.

"Pack." Jackson said curtly. Her eyes narrowed at him.

"What?"

"You heard me."

"Why?"

"Ya know, Leese, I'm getting really sick of that word…just fucking DO IT." She shoved past him on the way to her room. He followed her and pulled her suitcases out from her closet.

"You can take two. We're going by car."

"Oh goody." She slowly went though everything in her closet and drawers just to piss Jackson off.

"Here, let me help you." He began to go through her clothes and started whipping things into the suitcase. And on the bed. And the floor.

"You're acting like a child!" she shouted angrily, grabbing at his arm.

"Well, we don't have that much time! Hurry the fuck up." Lisa did as she was told and 10 minutes later Jackson hauled her two suitcases into his car. She looked at him before getting in the passenger's side.

"It won't bite."

"Where are we going?"

"Leese, do you honestly think that I would tell you?"

"No."

"Ok then. Just checking. Anyway, we have a little stop to make before heading out."

AN: So...yeah...here is chapter five. I hope you all enjoyed it and it wasn't too cliche or predictable. I would also like to continue to thank everyone for their reviews-you all make my day!