Chapter Two

"Miss Reisert," the officer said, looking impatient, "you have to tell us exactly what happened."

Lisa was sitting on the couch, her head still woozy. She had called the police right after waking up, but was starting to wish she hadn't. They were asking her so many questions that she wanted to bang her head against the nearest heavy object.

"I've already told you everything," she said, "Jackson called me, then I passed out." She narrowed her eyes at the officer. "I don't know how I can make it plainer."

The officer sighed. "I'm sorry for what you're going through," he said, "but there has to be more that you can tell us. What time did he call you, for instance?"

Lisa thought for a moment. Her phone was flashing the time when she had checked to see who was calling. It had said six…thirty-five? Yes, that was right.

"About six thirty-five, I think," she said.

"Alright," the officer started to get up.

"Wait!" Lisa said.

The officer turned around.

"The phone that Jackson was using…could you find it?" she asked, sounding hopeful.

The officer sighed. "We tracked the number to a phone booth near the hospital. He was long gone by the time anyone could get there."

Lisa's heart sank. "Thanks," she said quietly, and the officer turned and left. About ten seconds later, another man walked up to her, this one wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase.

"Miss Reisert?" the man asked.

Lisa looked up. "Yes?" she asked.

"My name is Charles Rutherford," he said, "I work with the CIA."

Lisa stood up and shook Charles's hand. "How do you do?"

"Fine, fine," the man said, sounding distracted. "I'll be brief. I've talked with the police, and we all agree that it would be best if you…well, leave the country for a while."

"What do you mean?" Lisa asked slowly.

"What I mean is, you're not safe here. And everyone agrees that it would be best for you to leave. At least until we can find Jackson, which we will, soon," he added, casting a worried glance at her. "It would be best for your well being if you were to…disappear for a while. Just until we get things sorted out."

Lisa looked at him. "Where would I go?"

Charles looked thoughtful. "Maybe somewhere like England, perhaps?" he suggested.

Lisa thought for a moment. Why not go to England? It was nice, she had always wanted to go, and hey, any chance to get as far away from Jackson Rippner was a-okay with her.

"I'd love to go," she said, smiling.

"Good." Charles shook her hand and drew out a ticket. "Here's your ticket to London," he pulled out some papers. "You're hotel information." He smiled at her. "I assume you have a passport?"

"Oh, yes…" she said. Then she looked at her ticket in confusion. "I leave tomorrow," she said. "But I promised my friend I would help her with her dinner party-"

"I'm sorry, Miss Reisert, but it must be this flight." Charles said, seeming for a moment…frantic?

"Why?" Lisa asked, truly curious.

Charles composed himself. "This is the best airfare we could find. It's the only time we could manage to get you a seat."

"Oh," Lisa said in disappointment. She would have to call Cynthia and explain.

"I suggest you get packing," Charles said. He shook her hand. "It was nice meeting you."

"You too," Lisa said.

Charles walked out of the door and out of sight. Lisa stared out after him, slightly confused. Poor guy, she thought, must have a nervous problem or something.

She went to her room and started packing.

---

Jackson's cell phone rang. He answered it. "Yes?" he said, slightly impatient.

"Its set," the man over the phone said. "She's going."

"Good," Jackson said, and hung up the phone. He smiled with satisfaction. Everything was going according to plan.

And best of all, Lisa didn't have a clue.

Chapter two finished! Wow, that was a difficult chapter to write. I hope you enjoy it! My original statement that you would figure out what was going on by chapter three was, sadly, false. I'm afraid you'll have to wait until chapter…six…ish? to figure everything out. Chapter three to be up and running soon. Bye bye for now!