Lisa was suddenly jarred awake by the sound of a horn from a distant car. Her back ached terribly from the awkward position of her previous slumber as she glanced irritably at Jackson's tense figure behind the wheel. "Are we there yet?" She muttered.

"Good morning to you too." Jackson replied acerbically and Lisa glared at him. "We're just crossing through Baton Rouge if you must know."

"What will we do when we get to my Mom's house?" Lisa asked. "Just wait until they stop looking for us?"

He shook his head, releasing a chuckle. "We would only have a few days at best, Leese and my associates are relentless. They will find us sooner or later. However, it will be enough time for me to call my contacts and pull in some favors to arrange for new identities, passports and credit cards for us. I have money in several accounts across…"

"Wait a second, Jack. My going with you was never part of the deal." Lisa told him sharply, cutting him off.

"Is that so, Lisa? I for one cannot recall ever having to make that promise. In fact, my words were that you were stuck with me. At this point, you have no other option." He said stoically.

"You said before we would each go our separate ways…" She started to say.

"If the job was completed but you refused to play along, Leese and now we are in danger." Jackson replied.

"But we can just go to the CIA or Homeland Security. You can tell them what you know and they'll take care of the rest. I just want to go home." She protested.

He sighed impatiently, turning to her. "You don't get it do you, Lisa? Some of my associates already work for the government. There is even one that works on Keefe's security staff. Believe me, I'm your best chance at survival for the moment."

"I…I can't believe this. I can't leave everything behind based on some conspiracy theory. My family and friends…" She stammered as she met his gaze. "I don't even know you. All I know is that you were supposed to arrange an assassination attempt on Keefe's life. Not exactly a great first impression. This is just ridiculous. I only met you two days ago."

He shrugged. "Give it time, Lisa. You'll adapt. Life changes and you'll acclimate. In time, you'll get to know me."

"Oh, shit." She murmured, putting her head into her hands. It was a futile argument and Lisa knew she had to find her own way out of this disaster that was created. Jackson in his constant need for control was trying to take over her life. I can't allow that to happen.

"What is it now?" He asked his voice on edge.

"I trusted you. You're forcing this on me and you know, Jack I'm not interesting in simply surviving. I want a life too yet you want to strip that away from me after I just began to trust you. "

"Only to a point, Lisa. You forget how long I've been following you. I know you too well. You trusted me to an extent because you had to. Given time that will change."

"No it won't." She murmured as she lifted her head up. "I'm not going with you because if you honestly say you know me so well, you know that I wouldn't be able to live that way."

"I'm afraid that's a choice that is no longer yours." He said coldly, refusing to meet her shocked gaze. I allowed this…him to take control. I need to get out of here. She shivered as she racked her mind for a plan. Her only course of action was to play along however inwardly, she felt as if it were a betrayal of some kind after what he went through to save her life. However, he initially was going to use her as a pawn in his game and she could not give him ownership over her very existence.

A feeling of inner despair resonated through her as she thought of the connection they almost established. It was a link she had felt for only a few people in her lifetime of which the relationships had converged into a deeper bond of friendship.

Despite his past and the reckless endangerment he put her in, the fear that consumed her had started to dissolve until she had been stunned by the plan he callously proposed and she felt the sheer disappointment when his intent became known. What other choice do I have?

"I'm sorry." She managed to say out loud as he turned to look at her in surprise. More then you know.

"Why's that?" He asked calmly.

"I thought it over and you're probably right. I can't risk putting my family and friends at risk if those are the penalties I'd have to pay for my staying here." She replied.

"Why the sudden change of heart?"

"I just felt like my control was slipping away and it pissed me off. I'm not an impulsive person, Jack. I always have learned to play it safe. Then suddenly you tell me I have to leave the people I love behind. How would you feel?" She snapped. The best defense is a good offense.

"I can't say, Leese. I didn't have much to leave behind."

"What about your grandmother?" Lisa persisted on asking.

"That was several years ago. I moved on." He responded shortly.

"Did she?"

"Did she what?"

Sighing in frustration, she repeated herself. "Did she move on?"

An uncomfortable silence filled the car as Jackson seemed to refuse to answer the question. "Well?" She inquired.

"Something's are better left unsaid." He answered.

Lisa glanced down at the scar across her chest which stood out as an ever present reminder of the burdens she carried with her. Jackson's scars however were more internal. We all have our own cross to bear.

"I suppose so." She told him softly as she directed her gaze out of the window. As soon as they made their next stop, Lisa knew she they would have to part company. She resented having to break the fragile trust they formed but for what he was asking in return, the cost was simply too high.

So I guess this is going to go a little longer then I thought to resolve certain issues. Anyway, just want to say thanks to Royalty09 for her input and advice and thank you to all my reviewers who are patient with me through telling this somewhat unrealistic scenario. But when are dreams realistic?