Disclaimer: As has always been the case, its in chapter 1
Jessica stared at her brother in disbelief. "Someone was really waiting for me in my room?"
"Yes."
"And he was really going to kill me?"
"Yes, Jessica."
Jessica closed her eyes, bit her lip and willed the tears not to come. Because her brother had screwed up, someone wanted to kill her. The very idea sent chills coursing through her body. She paled and began to tremble. Jackson noticed and pulled the Jeep to the side of the road. He grabbed a blanket from the backseat and wrapped it around his sister. He picked up her Dr. Pepper and held it up to her mouth. "Drink… The caffeine will help you feel better." He ordered. She silently took a few drinks. When Jackson was satisfied, he pulled back out on the road.
The next several hours passed in silence. Jessica refused say anything more. She passed in and out of consciousness as she thought about everything Jackson had told her. The gentle motion of the car worked on her like a sedative. Jackson seemed to have no problem giving Jessica time to digest the information. When she was awake, she refused to let tears come, choosing instead to stare blankly at the inky-black night sky. Someone was going to kill me. Jackson saved me. How is that possible? How did my world turn upside down that quickly? Towards 2:30am, exhaustion overcame determination, and tears began streaming down her face. She allowed a small sob to escape her lips. Jackson looked over at her, concern was evident in his voice "you alright, Jessie?"
Jessica shook her head. She wanted to slap him, but at the same time she wanted to hug him. She had so many questions. "What makes you think Miami is any safer?"
"Safer for whom?"
"Either of us."
Jackson grinned. "To start, I know Miami. I don't know Texas. I've already got a nice house set up. All you have to do is pick out clothes, sheets and dishes. I'll feel safer if I can keep an eye on you."
"I see." Jessica muttered as she went back to staring out the window in silence.
Around 3:45am, Jackson pulled into a somewhat shady looking motel. They had been driving since 6:30pm. At 3:00am, Jackson had noticed Jessica's failed attempt to stifle a yawn, so he had begun looking for a hotel. He parked the Jeep in front of the lobby. "Come on, Jess, get out of the car. I'm not leaving you alone in a dump like this."
"If it's such a dump, why are we here?"
"Because we're both exhausted, and we've been on the road for nine hours. It's time to stop."
Jessica yawned as she followed Jackson inside. She was too tired to argue with anyone, especially Jackson. Jackson booked their room under the names Cillian and Jaimie Murphy. When they were checked in, they unloaded the Jeep. Jessica was grateful that she was wearing a baggy sweatshirt and comfortable jeans, considering she had no pajamas. She kicked off her shoes and warily eyed the one king-sized bed.
"You can sleep under the covers and I'll sleep on top." Jackson said, as if he had been able to read her mind.
"Won't you get cold?"
"No, there's a blanket in the closet, and it's pretty heavy. I'll be fine."
Jessica sighed and curled up under the covers. Despite the shady appearance of the motel, the bed was extremely comfortable. However, Jessica refused to shut her eyes. Jackson looked the bolt and chain on the door and stuck a chair in front of it. "Get some sleep, Jess." He said as he turned out the light.
Jackson went into the bathroom and began to change into his pajamas. He examined the areas where the man in Jessie's room had tried to stab him. They were little more than scratches. He'd never tell Jessie that the man, who had been waiting for her, was now only a corpse. Once he had changed, he went and settled on top of the bed. He looked over at his sister. She was sound asleep. Jackson closed his eyes, and was soon asleep.