This story will attempt to explore the beginning of Jackson's assignment and surveillance of Lisa Reisert and Jackson's "Lux Atlantic" assignment. This story is a presentation of Jackson's thoughts and observations about Lisa as eight weeks slowly pass, culminating in their encounter from Red Eye
Jackson Rippner had always liked Charleston. Granted it may have been one of the many bases of operations for the Company but geographical convenience aside it was one of those rare cities in America that one could truly lose oneself in, immersing oneself in the various peoples, cultures and attractions. He for one was simply glad to be back in familiar territory. The school bombing in Europe had been a particularly messy affair, not that he had had any hand in it. That was the nice thing about being a manager, there was always the opportunity to work on an assignment without dirtying his hands. Well, not that he hadn't had to get involved in a murder or two, but really, managing was sooo much easier.
"230 Broad Street, buddy! That's going to be fifteen fifty-four."
"Oh, thank you" murmured Jackson, jerked out of his musing by the cabby's abrupt announcement. He passed the driver a twenty as he stepped out of the Crown Vic taxicab to the withered old cabby.
"Keep the change"
"No prob buddy, hope you have a good time with your aunt."
"I always do, thank you" Jackson could barely suppress a smirk as the taxicab pulled out into the busy street and drove away towards the harbor. "Aunt Vivian" was expecting him, and it certainly wouldn't do to keep her waiting. In front of him was an imposing, slate-gray steel building, nine floors high but with little decoration, other than a Charlestonian wrought-iron grate at the building's entrance and a plaque with the building's address number. This non-descript office building was located near Charleston's financial district, but unlike the other businesses in the area, this company dealt with anything but money. The Company prided itself on its reputation however¼ assassinations, political coups, kidnappings, well, frankly put, they were the best in the business.
But, Jackson conceded as he strode through the double doors of the entrance, the Company couldn't function without working limbs. People like him, people who did their jobs quiet and efficiently and effectively were the ones who had put the Company on the map. Jackson had done his fair share of work of course. Years of intense physical and mental training had turned him a human weapon, and now in his eighth year with the company he was ready to collect his due.
This would be one of his last jobs. And if the assignment went well, it might even be the last one period.
Walking through the equally non-descript lobby with its marble floors and reception area Jackson arrived at the check-in area. The receptionist, a graying woman named Mae looked up at him from her computer with an amused grin.
"You're looking awfully chipper today, Jackson. Things went well on the Russia trip I suppose?"
"Apart from a little too much attention by the media, yes. I think the people have gotten our client's message loud and clear. A nice, big brash message to stir up the people". Jackson couldn't help but let the enthusiasm show in his voice. Yes, there had been some rather unfortunate politicking that had gotten started between Russia and Turkey after some schoolchildren had died from a misplaced C-4 explosive device, and of course the U.N. had gotten involved with the usual reprimands and finger-wagging, but it wasn't anything that wouldn't blow over in a few months.
Mae stopped filing her nails and propped her elbows on the glass desk, visible interest on her face. She looked around the reception area, there were a few operatives chatting in a hallway but otherwise no one was around. "So it is true, Jackie boy?"
"Is what true, Mae?"
"The buzz around the Company is that you're going to retire soon. The Russia job was lucky number one hundred for you wasn't it? Aunt Viv's got to be pleased with that."
Jackson smug grin returned again. "Well, we'll just have to see what Aunt Viv says when I talk to her won't I?" He gave the secretary a conspiratorial wink. "I promise to let you be the first to know. I think it's the least I can do for someone who sent me fudge over Christmas. None of the other agents even bothered."
Mae shrugged her shoulders in modesty. "Well God knows I need some kids to look after during work hours. And I can't very well bring the grandkids to work can I?"
"Not if you want them learning international secrets and self-defense techniques, I guess not. But I won't toy with you any longer. I know I have to meet Viv¼ .but speaking of toying, Mae, I picked up something for your granddaughter in Russia before I left." Gently opening his briefcase he presented a delicate cerulean blue Russian egg doll and set it in Mae's outstretched hands.
"Oh Jackie, she's gonna love it. But how did you know Sara collects these?"
"Well Mae I guess when you work for the Company the surveillance equipment comes in handy doesn't it?" Jackson gave his favorite secretary one last wink before snapping his briefcase shut. "Listen I've got to meet Viv in her office for our appointment. Don't let Sara break it!" Jackson headed for the elevator, his dress shoes clicking on the marble floor and mixing with Mae's tinkling laughter.
The elevator doors closed shut and Jackson keyed in his security code for clearance to the tenth floor. It was time to meet with Aunt Viv and get up to speed on the next assignment. What had she said on the phone? Something about Miami, about a hotel, something regarding government assassinations. And a hotel manager. That part had stuck out. Well, either way, Viv would fill him in shortly.
Ding! The elevator doors slid open and Jackson stepped out into the tenth floor lobby. It was time to get down to business.
The next chapter will include Jackson getting his assignment from Viv, and learning about Lisa and the mission. Jackson's headed to sunny Miami!