Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
Jackson walked over to his computer when the e-mail alert sounded. He had called in a favor. The subject line of the e-mail read "Operation Little One." He opened the e-mail. A photograph appeared; beneath the picture was the name Jessica Rippner. The rest of the e-mail contained her address, dorm room number, class schedule and various other bits of information. "Good dog." He murmured.
Jackson grinned as he read the e-mail. So, you're a graduate student at Texas A&M. He glanced at her picture, she was stunning. "Congratulations, Sis, you've got the Rippner Family eyes." He whispered. The timer on the microwave went off. He went over to pull out his dinner. Another hearty meal of macaroni and cheese.
After dinner, Jackson went back to the computer. He printed the e-mail and then deleted it. Texas A&M was a large school, but Jessica would be easy enough to find. It won't be long now, little sister. I can't wait to see the look on your face when you realize that I'm not dead. He grinned and went to work planning exactly how he would make his grand entrance back into her life.
Jessica was seated at a picnic table. She had a plate of Chinese food in front of her. Her attention, however, was miles away. A confused look was on her face. Riley sat down across from her. "I know that look, and it usually means trouble."
Jessica pushed the food aside. "Why haven't they contacted me?"
"Who?"
"The police."
"Why should they?"
"I need to claim the body."
"Why should that responsibility fall to you?
"Riley, I am Jackson's closest and only living relative. The only reason I can think of is that there is no body to claim."
"What are you saying, Jesse? Do you think he's alive?"
"No, but his body may have been stolen."
"Wouldn't that leak to the public?"
"Not necessarily, the public probably wouldn't even care."
Riley smiled. "As interesting as this conversation is, I have to get to class. "I'll pick you up for dinner at six ok?"
"Sure, I'll be ready."
Riley picked up his backpack, gave Jessica a quick kiss, and ran off. Jessica finished her food and then walked back to her dorm.