Disclaimer: Do I really need to remind you?
Four days later
Jessica walked away from the library after three grueling hours of tutoring an undergraduate. She massaged her temples as she absent-mindedly walked to her car. She had decided, after the first hour and a half, that she would drive to the local Whataburger. After all, she had been forced to skip dinner due to the emergency tutorial. When she got to her car, Jessica noticed the Jeep Liberty Limited with Florida plates parked next to her. That's strange. She thought. They don't have a parking sticker for this lot, so why… She didn't have time to finish her thought. At that moment, a man stepped out from behind the Jeep.
"Hello, Jessie" he said.
Jessica let out a small gasp. At first she was skeptical, but then she recognized the all-too-familiar smirk. "Jackson? It can't be you. You're supposed to be dead."
Jackson took a step towards her. "Surprise, Jess, I'm not dead."
"What are you doing here?" Jessica asked, not sure she even wanted to know the answer.
"Get in the Jeep. I'll tell you while we drive." Jackson ordered.
Jessica knew better than to argue with her brother, so she climbed in on the passenger side of the vehicle. "You're buying me dinner." She said as she closed the door.
Jackson grinned. "Fine, pick your fast food joint."
"There's a Whataburger down near the highway."
"Good choice."
They drove in silence until Jackson pulled into the burger joint. "What do you want me to order?"
"A double Whataburger and a large Dr. Pepper."
Jackson pulled up to the window after he ordered. Less than ten minutes later, they were on the highway headed towards Louisiana.
After she finished her burger, Jessica let a few moments pass before spoke to her brother. "Would you mind telling me where we are going and why you didn't bother to let me pack?"
"We're going home, Jess. I'll buy you whatever you need once we get there."
"Jackson, my home is at Texas A&M. I've made a nice life for myself there. I have a boyfriend…" She paused, regretting those last few words.
Jackson didn't even blink. "I know, Jessie. But your home is where your family is. I've already checked a school down in Miami, and your credits will all transfer. Once I get you settled, you can call Riley and let him know how to get in touch with you."
Jessica was stunned. He knew more about her than she thought possible. The fact that he used Riley's name twice sent chills down her spine. "Why are you doing this, Jack?"
"You're my sister, and I'm taking care of you."
"I don't need you to take care of me. Riley does a great job of looking after me."
"Jessie, I'm going to break this down into a little male-driven, fact based logic ok? People are mad at me because I botched a job. They want me dead. They'll strike at me in any way they can. That includes killing my family. Are you following me on this?"
"Yes, I think so."
"Good because now its time to do some math. Fact: I found out everything about you, and so did they. Fact: There was a man waiting inside your dorm room. He was waiting for you to come back, so he could kill you and send a big brash message to me. Fact: By intercepting you and getting you out of town, I just saved your life. Now, can you tell me how many facts I've just given you?"
"Three" Jessica whispered. Her voice was just barely above a whisper.
"Smart girl. So here is fact number four. I am your brother, and, believe it or not, I have been protecting you all your life. So, how about a little more gratitude? And, since I did just save your life, how about giving me a chance?"