AN: Hello again. No outtake version of this chapter. As always, I make stuff up as I go. Especially the medial and legal stuff as I have no clue outside of TV, some light googling and my own imagination. Hope you enjoy!
Jonny lost track of how long he sat in the interrogation room alone. There was no clock and he did not have a watch. The only item on him was his wallet and that was confiscated by the agents about thirty seconds after entering the room. The handcuffs were removed briefly, he was patted down and then he was cuffed again. This time, with his hands in front of him and then linked to the table like he was a dangerous criminal. The room was small and stuffy. Everything was white, including the floor.
They had offered him water and coffee at first, but he declined both. He was starting to regret not taking the coffee. He was exhausted and the heat building up in the room was affecting him. He tried to ignore it by taking deep breaths. By closing his eyes and staying centered the way Hadji had taught him. He assumed they were watching him. Waiting and watching. He did not want to give them anything to react to or otherwise use against him. He wanted to make Race proud. He wanted that so badly.
But despite his best efforts, he was beginning to sweat and his head was swimming with both exhaustion and an intense worry over her. Not for her safety any longer, for which he was still overwhelmingly grateful. Everything else was still on the table though. And that worry kept compounding. Even though he had lost track of time, he knew it had been hours since he left her. He closed his eyes and saw her face again. He had also lost track of the number of times he had done that. It was the only thing keeping him calm.
'You can do this,' he told himself. 'She needs you and you can do this.' In that moment though, all he could think was that he was the one that needed her. Then he opened his eyes and stared at the white table. Wishing he could take a quick nap. But he did not lean forward or even slump in his chair. He just stared and waited.
XXX
He was playing with her hair as they laid together on her bed. She felt him take a deep breath before he asked. "Remind me why you like this movie so much? And don't say Ryan Gosling, babe."
There was a long silence.
"Babe?" he pushed.
"I'm trying to think of a reason that's more believable than Gosling," she told him dryly. "JONNY!" she then screamed, scrambling away from his pinching fingers.
He chased her around the room for a few seconds before summarily tackling her back onto the bed. Pinning her down under his weight.
"Get off me," she laughed, but did not mean it or try to push him off.
"Only if you tell me you're mine." He whispered it against her ear and it sent a shiver down her spine. "You're beautiful."
"You know I'm yours," she told him.
He rolled off her and then leaned back against the mountain of pillows on her bed. When she sat up and looked at him, he had his hands behind his head and was smiling at her. "Just nice to hear sometimes," he shrugged. "Know what I mean?"
She climbed into his lap at that, wrapping her hands around his face and pulling his mouth to hers for a long kiss. Getting as close to him as possible and losing herself in the kiss. She pulled back reluctantly after a few minutes. Dazed and breathless. She missed just making out with him. She kissed his forehead. "I love you, Quest."
"More than Gosling?"
"Yes," she responded simply. Then she grinned and bit her lip. "Besides, that's not why I like the movie so much. You're a smart man. I'm sure you can figure it out." She was toying with the collar of his t-shirt as she said it, secretly wishing that he had not put it on when he changed.
"Enlighten me." His hands were toying with the bottom of the oversized t-shirt she had on, grazing her skin with his knuckles in the process. She knew he was waiting to see what she would do next. Because she had told him she only wanted to watch the movie after their escapades in the pool. And the kitchen. She was quickly forgetting about the movie though.
"Well…two young people fall in love," she told him with a smile and pushed some hair back from his forehead. Her smile widen when it stubbornly fell right back in to messy place. "And they know it's real," her voice took on a breathy quality. "Even though everyone else thinks it's crazy. Even though people around them doubt it." Her eyes did not leave his as she ran her hands down his chest and abs slowly.
"I feel sorry for those people," Jonny whispered and then his breath caught.
She had reached into his shorts and boxers without asking. One hand caressing his balls. The other gripping the base of his dick and waiting for him to react. She watched with a satisfied grin as he closed his eyes and leaned further into her pillows. As he barely held back the sound he wanted to make. As he pulled down on her t-shirt. Pressing it flush against her body. She recognized the look of sweet pain that crossed his face as she touched him. She leaned over so she could whisper in his ear. "But it's undeniable in the end. He spends years trying to prove he's good enough. She waits for him because he's the only man she's ever wanted. She never lets another man inside her. She can't bear the thought of someone else touching him," she stroked him and he choked out her name in a strangled moan.
"Jessie. Baby."
He let go of her t-shirt, trailing his hands up her bare legs. Ghosting his fingers over her bare ass. A knowing smile forming on his face. "I knew you weren't wearing anything under this shirt," he sighed happily. Opening his eyes to meet hers.
"I didn't have time to…oh," she got distracted when two fingers found their way inside her. "You were…hurt," she panted. "I had to take care of that scratch."
"Right," he laughed and then she caught him staring at her chest.
"Like what you see?" she teased.
"In every way, shape and form I've ever seen it," he shot back immediately. "I thought you said you were sated," he used his free hand to take off her t-shirt before she could respond.
"That was an hour ago," she raised an eyebrow.
"God…I love you, Bannon. I want you. I want all of you, forever. You and me, every day. And if you're a bird, then I'm definitely a fucking bird."
"I knew you were paying attention, baby."
"Jessie…Jessie?" Estella repeated and shook Jessie's shoulder lightly to get her attention.
"Yeah?" Jessie sighed, focusing back on the hospital room and her family.
"What did you think of the movie?" Estella asked again.
Jessie stared at the small television screen for a moment and considered lying to her mother. "I wasn't really paying attention," she admitted. She had been pretending to pay attention for two hours to avoid talking. She did not feel like talking because they had shut down the only thing she wanted to discuss two hours ago. So she settled for sitting up in her bed and letting them turn on a movie.
She felt like she was suffocating. And it became clearer to her that her family was not telling her everything. She wanted to fall asleep again. So time would pass faster. So she could wake up and he would already be there holding her hand.
"Are you hungry?" Estella asked.
"No," Jessie answered quickly and then realized she could not remember the last time she had eaten.
"Are you in any pain?" Benton asked next.
"No."
"Are you being truthful?" Benton pushed. "You didn't even take a moment to think about it."
Jessie laid back in the bed and then curled up into a ball as best she could. Putting all her weight on her uninjured hip. It hurt a little, but she assessed that had more to do with sore and unused muscles than anything else. She closed her eyes, blocking out all the questions and trying again to remember what the hell happened.
'Talking to Keri, closing my eyes to rest…and then nothing.' It was like a black hole after that. 'What happened?' she thought for the hundredth time and then forced that thought from her mind because her only other recourse was to ask her family what they knew and she did not feel ready to do that.
When she opened her eyes, she was met with the sight of Dr. Quest's worried eyes. She was sure she would see the same worry on her mother's face or Hadji's if she looked. She debated asking for a moment alone with Hadji, but quickly determined it would be pointless. It was obvious to her that the three of them were working as a united front to keep her distracted. And it was starting to piss her off.
"What time is it?" Jessie grumbled.
"After six," Benton told her. "Try to sleep."
"You all must be exhausted," Jessie pointed out instead. "You've been up all night. I'd be fine alone for a few hours if you want to go back to the hotel and get some rest."
"We're not leaving you," Estella admonished. "Are you feeling up for visitors?" she tried next. "I'm sure your grandparents…"
"No," Jessie cut her off quickly. Dr. Quest was in front of her. Her mother was behind her. Hadji was hovering at the foot of her bed. She was literally surrounded. More people would not help. She wanted less in the room. "Please…I can't handle that right now, Mom."
"Of course," Estella promised, rubbing Jessie's back. Wishing she could see her face. "What do you need?"
Jessie sighed loudly again at that. Knowing they could not or would not give it to her. "You still haven't heard from dad?" she pushed. "Not a word?"
"I haven't," Estella told her. Jessie knew it was the truth. Over the last few hours she had spent more time paying attention to what they were all doing with their phones more than anything else. As far as she could tell, they were doing a lot of staring and waiting. Just like her.
She looked at Dr. Quest before asking her next question. He was her best shot. "Can we call my dad for an update?" She watched Dr. Quest consider and then deflate a little. Jessie deflated too.
"Your dad will call when there's an update, Jessie. Or as soon as he has a free moment to check-in on you. I'm completely sure of that. The only reason we haven't heard anything is because they're still speaking with the police. I don't want to interrupt that process. If I thought interrupting would move it along, I would have already done so."
Benton held his breath and tried to keep a straight face as she studied him. He wanted to call. He wanted to pull strings. But forced himself to be patient and trust Race to handle it. For now.
"It's been too long," Jessie challenged. "It shouldn't take this long to give a statement. Don't...I think something is wrong. Don't you?"
"No," Benton said confidently. "I think these think these things take time. That's all."
"Okay," she swallowed back tears. She did not have the energy to keep pushing, but her fears did not retract. They were ratcheting up. Something was wrong. She could feel it. She needed to do something. But she could not do anything from a hospital bed. "When…can I be released today? I want to go back to the hotel."
"Your doctor wants to keep you one more night," Benton told her. He had gotten that news about an hour ago while trying to get what update he could on the other girls. "I'm sorry," he added, knowing the news would not make her happy.
Jessie covered her face and she started to cry again despite her best efforts. She was so frustrated. She cried harder when Benton closed a hand around her upper arm and her mother resumed rubbing her back. It was meant to be a comfort, but had the opposite effect. It just reminded her of who was missing. "I want Jonny," she cried, curling more into herself.
Benton closed his eyes and said a little prayer that what he was about to say was true. "He'll be here soon, sweetheart."
"Is there anything we CAN do that will make you feel better now?" Hadji asked.
It was a while before Jessie answered. She rolled back to the center of the bed and wiped at her face. Fought off her tears and waited until she thought she could trust her voice. "I don't think this is how any of us pictured spending Christmas," she said slowly. "I've never really thought about people that have to spend a holiday in the hospital. Can we do something?" she asked hopefully. "Maybe get everyone a decent meal?"
"Absolutely," Benton smiled. He loved that idea and the thought of a distraction. "I can take care of that."
"Good," Jessie nodded. "That makes me feel a little better."
"What else?" Hadji pushed, hoping to brighten her mood further.
"If we need to spend Christmas in this room, can we at least make it feel a little like Christmas before they get back?"
"I do have decorations back in my room," Benton announced. "I was planning to deck out one of the conference rooms so we could celebrate."
"I had presents shipped to the hotel," Jessie told them. "They should be at the front desk. Can someone get them for me? Mom? I'll need a change of clothes too."
"I don't want to leave you," Estella shook her head.
"I'll be fine," Jessie promised. "Although part of me is interested to see what kind of outfit Hadj would put together for me," she finished with a smile.
"Hey," Hadji laughed.
Jessie held the smile with her friend for a moment before turning her attention back to Estella. It felt good. "Mom, I have presents in there for all the grandparents. Can you pass them along and please convince them not to come? Tell them I love them and I'm fine and I'll see them all back at the hotel soon?"
Estella was still reluctant. Afraid to take eyes off her daughter.
"I'll stay," Benton told them, handing two room keys over to Hadji. "I'm sure you'll be able to find everything easily. That's Race's key also."
"See if you can check Jonny's room?" Jessie then asked. "I'm sure he has presents somewhere too. I want to know what he got me. He wouldn't give me any hints."
"What should I order in for breakfast?" Benton asked.
"Do you even have to ask?" Jessie grinned.
"Of course," Benton huffed. "How foolish of me." Pancakes were the Christmas breakfast tradition at the Compound.
"I'm sure they won't compare to Mrs. Evans'," Jessie sighed. "…but any part of home right now would be a major improvement."
Estella did not want to leave, but she could tell that her daughter needed some room to breathe. If positions were revered, Estella knew she would need the same. They were more alike than not. She leaned down and kissed the top of Jessie's head, smiling when Jessie leaned into the embrace. "Call if you need me," Estella whispered. "I'll turn right back around."
"I will," Jessie promised quietly and then watched her mother leave with Hadji. She took a deep breath once they were gone.
'Two down. One to go,' she thought, knowing that she had an hour at best.
XXX
When the door to the interrogation room finally opened, it was like Jonny received a shot of adrenaline straight to his heart. He was immediately alert. Like the moment he had heard her screaming for help. God…that felt so far away now.
His surprise at seeing the door open was replaced with concern when two agents walked in and his lawyer was not with them.
'What the hell is going on?' he thought. Heart racing.
"Do you know why we've brought you in, Mr. Quest?"
Jonny met Agent Morris' gaze with a tired look, hoping he would get to the point. Willing himself to be patient and focus on the long game. Agent Morris was sitting across from him now. The second agent, who had not introduced himself, was standing in the corner observing them. Just like Race had warned him. To Jonny's left was the mirror. He stared at his reflection for a moment. Assuming there were people watching him from behind it. He sighed and then resumed staring down at the table. At his restrained wrists and folded hands.
'Be patient and you'll get back to her sooner,' he thought repeatedly. 'Be patient.' That was his new mantra.
"Mr. Quest?"
Jonny stayed quiet, waiting to hear what the charges were. Wondering if she was awake yet.
'I need you,' he thought.
Before Morris could get the next statement out of his mouth, a powerful suit walked in and commandeered the room. Jonny assessed him quickly. His lawyer was tall and good-looking. Jonny guessed he was mid to late thirties only. Even though he had salt and pepper hair. He was dressed to impress. Everything on him screamed expensive. Especially his shoes and his watch.
Jonny observed as Morris sat back heavily in his chair and made a face.
"Mr. Ruiz," Morris greeted without looking at the man.
"Give us the room," Ruiz demanded. There was no hint of a question.
Once both agents left the room, Ruiz gave a long hard look at the two-way mirror. Then he sat in front of Jonny and offered his hand. Jonny gave a quick and firm shake.
"I've spoken with your father and Mr. Bannon," Ruiz started and Jonny nodded. "Race is here. He asked me to tell you that. How are you holding up?"
"Fine," Jonny told him. It did make him feel better to know that Race was in the building. "Prepared to give my written statement and then leave."
Ruiz smiled. "Let me do all the talking."
"What are the charges?" Jonny wanted to know. "They still haven't told me."
"Bureaucratic assholes," Ruiz muttered. "They're taking their sweet time in getting me the paperwork, but I can assure you that they won't be asking you another question until they tell me. This isn't my first rodeo here though. Morris is in the cybercrimes division."
'Alright,' Jonny thought. Glad to be armed with that knowledge.
XXX
"I'm so proud of you, Jessie."
"For what?" she crossed her arms and grumbled. "As far as I can remember, I didn't do anything."
"For the strength you show in all situations," he tried.
"I don't feel strong," she said quietly. Eyes downcast.
Benton sighed. "For the absolute devotion you've inspired in my son."
Jessie turned her head away. "That just makes me lucky. Don't see how that's something to be proud of."
"How about for all your hard work this semester?" he offered.
"You already told me you were proud of that," Jessie whispered.
"Did I?" he sighed again. "Doesn't feel like I said it loud enough."
"I know you're proud of me," Jessie acknowledged. "You've never made me feel otherwise."
"I don't have your present here with me," Benton continued. "It was too big."
Jessie cracked a smile at that news. "What is it?"
"I can't say," he teased. "I want it to be a surprise."
"It was mean to bring it up then…"
"I'm sorry," he laughed a little. "I couldn't resist. I'm sure you're sick of being asked, but how are you feeling? Is there anything I can do?"
"Do you know where my phone is?" Jessie asked after a beat.
Benton hesitated and then reached into his back pocket. They had been keeping it from her intentionally, but he went ahead and handed it to her. "There's no point in trying your father or Jonny," he told her when he saw that she immediately pulled up her list of contacts.
Jessie's hands dropped into her lap with the phone and she shot him an annoyed look. "I have to at least try. If they're really as busy as you say, than they won't answer. If not…I'll feel better if I can talk to them."
"I meant that neither number will work," Benton explained.
Jessie's brow furrowed. "What?"
"The FBI was giving your father a hard time about involving himself in the search for you," he started. "Needless to say, Race took matters into his own hands. He wasn't gonna let anyone stop him. You know that."
"So he had to destroy his phone," Jessie deduced and Benton nodded. "Jonny too I guess?"
Benton sucked in a lungful of air. "Jonny's phone was broken before that, but he did go with your father…so it would have suffered the same fate anyway I suppose."
"Don't make me ask…"
"Jonny figured out on his own that one of the men on your father's watch list has been staying in Florida," Benton offered.
"And?" Jessie swallowed, but knew where the story was going.
"He couldn't get ahold of your father immediately. So he took matters into his own hands. Race was very angry when he found out. As was I."
"Obviously."
"Jonny's phone was a casualty of that anger."
Jessie stared at her phone for a moment, digesting all of that. "Why would he…I mean I know why, but that's no excuse to be so reckless. I promise I'll talk to him about that. Although I doubt it'll do much good. When he digs his heels in on something…"
"I know," Benton sighed.
"It's such a contradiction of feelings," Jessie sighed too. "He's so solid in his feelings and opinions on things. Used to really freak me out. Now, it's like this…," she smiled. "…the best security blanket. But when it leads to him doing something reckless. With no regard for his own safety…I hate it when he does that. Even if he does it for me. In some ways, that actually makes it worse. He doesn't get it. If something happened to him because of me…he just doesn't get it."
Benton stayed quiet. He did not know what to say.
"He didn't leave a number for me to call him?" she then asked quietly.
"No," Benton told her. "He thought he'd be back before you woke up. You were pretty out of it, sweetheart."
"So I have to be patient?" she rolled her eyes.
"Sorry to say," Benton grinned.
"Are the other girls okay?" Jessie asked next.
Benton was thrown by the change in topic, but he was prepared to answer. "Both Brenda and Keri are here. And they're both doing well."
"That's a relief," she smiled. "Can I see them?"
Dr. Marshall entered the room before Dr. Quest could answer.
"Hello," the doctor greeted. "How are you doing this morning?"
"Doing rounds on Christmas morning?" Jessie asked dryly.
"I am now," she responded slowly, shooting Dr. Quest a sideways glance that caught Jessie's attention, but not enough to ask any follow-up questions.
"I'd like to speak with my doctor alone," Jessie announced.
"Of course," Benton stood. "I'll see about arranging a visit."
"Thank you," Jessie smiled and waited until he left the room before speaking again. "Do I really need to stay another day," she immediately challenged.
"You do," Dr. Marshall told her firmly. "You still have a lot of drugs working their way through your system."
"I feel fine," Jessie pushed back.
"I know that's a lie," the doctor told her. "It's not physically or medically possible that you feel…fine. Lying to me won't get you out of here quicker."
Jessie released a long breath. "I feel sick," she admitted. "Achy. Like I have the flu."
"I can give you something for that," the doctor told her as she checked Jessie's vitals.
"No," Jessie insisted. "I meant what I said before. No more drugs. I can deal with a little discomfort."
"Alright," the doctor nodded.
"Can you remove the IV and catheter, please? So I can move around?" Jessie requested.
"Yes on the catheter," the doctor conceded and put on gloves. "You're keeping the IV. You need the fluids and you can move around with it just fine. This may hurt," she warned, lifting the blanket.
Jessie squeezed her eyes shut tight and fisted her blanket in both hands. "Just do it."
"Are you okay?" the doctor asked sympathetically after Jessie cried out.
"Yes," she breathed out heavily and then debated her next move. She wanted to ask, but she also knew her window was closing. Her mother and Hadji would be back soon. She needed to leave. If no one would tell her the truth, than she would figure it out on her own. But she also needed to know. "What happened to me?" she whispered.
The doctor sat on the edge of Jessie's bed and looked at her sympathetically. Jessie hated that look. "I don't know all the details, but I can debrief you on your exam."
'Obviously,' Jessie thought, but managed to keep her frustration to herself. "Go on, please."
"You had significant doses of Ketamine in your system. I believe you were being injected with a steady stream over several hours," the doctor started. "You were essentially put under as if you were having surgery. If you're still feeling groggy or have some memory loss that's why."
Jessie absorbed that information. Surprised. Maybe a little grateful. She knew the other girls were not as lucky. "He wanted us…"
"What?"
"He wanted us to FEEL everything. I know that. I don't understand why I was…spared. The others weren't…," she trailed off and then caught her bearings. "So…what DIDN'T I feel?" she asked heavily.
"You have several small lacerations on your arms and legs. We treated them and put on a topical cream that will help minimize scarring. I'll make sure to write you a prescription before you're discharged."
"Thanks," Jessie offered lamely.
"I didn't like the looks of that bruise on your hip when you first came in. Was concerned about internal damage, but we ran some tests and there were no signs of that. It'll take some time to heal, but it will."
"Did he rape me?" Jessie asked quietly. That was all she really wanted to know.
"Are you sexually active?" the doctor asked.
"Yes," she swallowed.
"Have you had sex in the last few days?" the doctor probed. "Consensual?"
"Yes."
"I can't say with complete certainty," the doctor started. "…but what I saw was consistent with normal activity. Not an assault. And your bloodwork came back clean."
Jessie let that small comfort wash over her. Simultaneously grateful and guilty again that she was spared. "Anything else?"
"No," the doctor stood. "But I do want you to take it easy the next few days."
"Understood," Jessie promised. Then there was a knock on the door and it opened slowly. "Come in."
"I heard you were up for a visit," Keri smiled from the doorway. Hesitant.
Jessie smiled back. "Come in," she said again.
Keri took the spot on Jessie's bed that the doctor had vacated. They stared at each other for a long moment and then embraced tightly. Jessie pulled back first. On a mission.
"How are you?"
"Fine," Keri shook her head. "I didn't…he never got to me so…"
"Don't do that. It's not a competition," Jessie scolded. Even though she was guilty of doing the same.
"How are you?" Keri deflected.
"Also fine," Jessie shrugged. "Brenda?"
"I haven't seen her yet," Keri admitted. "And they won't tell me anything since I'm not family. I know her parents and fiancé are with her so she's in good hands."
"Have you been released yet?" Jessie asked.
"No," Keri shook her head. "But I suspect that's more a kindness than anything. My parents are still flying back and I may have mentioned to one of the nurses that I didn't want to go home alone."
"That's understandable," Jessie consoled. "There's no one else you can call?"
"Only my boyfriend," Keri rolled her eyes. "…but let's just say he's not as devoted as yours. Where is Jonny by the way? Who managed to tear him away from your bedside?"
"He's giving his statement to the police," Jessie informed.
"Right," Keri nodded. "Listen, he…"
"Can you do me a huge favor?" Jessie then interrupted in a rush, feeling the clock ticking. "Requires a little white lie."
"I think I can handle that," Keri huffed. "Pretty sure I'd be dead if it wasn't for you so..."
"I didn't do anything," Jessie bristled. Frustrated at how true that statement was. Angry. Itching to do something that felt useful.
"Even indirectly," Keri shrugged. "What can I do?"
"I'm desperate for a few minutes alone," Jessie explained. "My family is amazing, but they've been hovering and I just need an hour."
"How can I help with that?" Keri asked.
"Jonny's father is outside," Jessie continued. "He's tall, red hair…"
"I saw him," Keri interrupted. "I know Dr. Quest. He came to make sure I was okay last night. Made sure I had a nicer room."
Jessie smiled. 'Of course he did.'
"Can you tell him I fell asleep?" Jessie asked.
"Easy enough."
"Can you also happen to mention that your parents are struggling to find a flight home?" Jessie swallowed. "If you just tell him I'm asleep, he'll come back in here and sit with me. If you tell him you have a problem, he'll try to fix it and that should buy me a few minutes of solitude."
"I don't know," Keri hesitated. "He's been so good to me."
"Please," Jessie begged.
"Is there something else going on?" Keri asked knowingly.
"No," Jessie rushed. "I just feel like I'm suffocating and I want…please?"
"Alright," Keri stood and headed for the door.
Jessie took two deep breaths once she was finally alone in the room. "Okay," she tried to motivate herself. "You can do this Bannon. One step at a time."
XXX
Keri approached Dr. Quest with butterflies in her stomach. He was sitting by a cluster of chairs in a small waiting area. A few feet from Jessie's room. Reading a newspaper. "Hi…Dr. Quest…I'm…"
"Keri," he stood and gestured for her to sit. He waited for her to sit before sitting back down himself. "How are you holding up?"
"I'm good," she smiled. "Well…you know. Thank you again for the room."
"No thanks needed."
"Jessie fell asleep," she added slowly. "But…uh…before she did she mentioned that you may be able to help me with something?"
"Of course," he smiled. "Name it."
"With the holidays," she swallowed nervously. "Uh…my family is having trouble getting home…they were abroad in Greece and…"
"I can make a few calls," he interrupted, reaching for his phone. "I'm sure I can help. Do you know what airport they're currently trying to fly out of?"
"Yes." Then she deflated.
"What is it?" he asked with concern.
"I'm sorry," she closed her eyes. Feeling guilty all over. "That's not true. Jessie asked me to…"
Benton was up and sprinting to Jessie's room before Keri could finish that sentence. He should have known. He pushed through the door in anger, but that emotion went out the window the moment he laid eyes on her. She was on the ground by the bed. Knees to her chest and sobbing. She had managed to find a pair of scrubs to put on under her hospital gown, but was still barefoot.
"Jessie," he crouched in front of her and hesitantly put a hand on her shoulder.
Her head jerked back and slammed into the table beside the bed. "Ow," she sniffed and then looked at him. Tears were streaming down her face. "I didn't get…very far," she rolled her eyes.
"What were you trying to do?" he asked with nothing but compassion in his voice. Then he noticed that she was holding her arm close to her body. "What happened to your arm?" He reached for it, but she jerked away.
"Don't. I don't want to be touched," she ordered.
He sighed and held out his hand. "Please?"
After a few seconds, she relaxed back against the bedside table and extended her arm in front of her.
"You ripped out your IV? Jessie…"
"Please leave me alone?" she whispered. "I just want to be left alone."
"That needs to be bandaged up…"
"I know you're lying to me," she cut him off. Angry tears were still falling. "You're lying. Is he even okay? Or are you lying about that too? Is he hurt?"
"What? No!" he exclaimed and then watched helpless as she dropped her head and cried harder.
"Let me get you back into bed and take care of that arm. Then we can talk," Benton negotiated.
Jessie nodded heavily. She did not see another option. Benton lifted her back into the bed gently and pulled the blankets around her. "Stay here while I get a nurse," he ordered.
XXX
Jonny knew he needed to give his father a big hug once he got back to the hospital. In his estimation, Ruiz was worth every penny. Once the agents came back, they read Jonny his rights and informed him that he was being questioned in relation to a classified network breach. Next, he spent fifteen minutes writing and reviewing his written statement. After that, he let Ruiz do all the talking. About an hour in, the agents did not even bother directing the questions at Jonny any longer. They directed them right at Ruiz to see if he would allow the question to be answered.
Ruiz kept finding new way and professional ways to tell them to fuck off. By hour two of the questioning, Jonny was zoned out completely.
Jonny was zoned out. Leaning against the ambulance and staring out at the sea of people. All dressed up. Their fancy night on the town ruined. Part of him felt bad for them, but mostly he just wanted to go home.
They were in downtown Rockport at a charity benefit thrown by the mayor's wife. His family was always invited to such events since they could not be considered much of a success unless his father made a donation. Aside from the tuxedo he had to wear, he actually enjoyed them. The food was great and he had mastered the art of pulling Jessie away from crowds so that he got her all to himself in a beautiful dress.
That night was no different. Until five masked men with machine guns interrupted the festivities. He grabbed Jessie's hand as soon as he realized what was happening. Searching the room for the rest of his family. Formulating an exit strategy. Before he could get far with either, he was struck with the fact that the masked men were not there to steal expensive jewelry and watches. He heard one of the men say Jessie's name and then saw him hold up a photo to one of the guests.
His heart jumped into his throat at the implication and he instinctively jerked his arm until she was completely behind him.
"What're you doing?" she had hissed, trying to push him aside. But his grip on her was too tight.
Jonny did not answer her. Because he was too focused on the gun that had turned their way. The man behind the gun had seen Jonny pull at Jessie and was now walking toward them. All the surround sound of the party went away and Jonny could only hear his own breathing and the sound the gun made as it rustled against the man's chest. His vision tunneled onto the man.
Party guests cowered and then breathed a sigh of relief as he walked by them. Jonny considered running, but knew he could not get to cover before the man could pull the trigger. He also did not want to be the reason that any of these men opened fire. His eyes darted around for Race. No sign of him.
Jonny had noticed that the other gunmen were still walking around and showing a picture. The one coming toward him had not alerted the others for some reason.
"Jonny?" she whispered fiercely. "This better be part of a great plan. If you're holding me back like some damsel, I swear…"
"Babe," he cut her off sharply. "Be quiet. I need you to trust me."
Once all the guns were neutralized, mostly thanks to Race who had rallied some off-duty police officers, and it was clear that no shots had been fired, Jessie dropped Jonny's hand like it burned her. She had grumbled at him to make sure someone looked at his head. Then she walked away from him. She did not yell, but he knew she was pissed. It was usually worse when she did not yell. He sighed and tried not to get angry. What did she expect? For him to do nothing?
'So fucking unreasonable,' he had thought for the hundredth time since she walked away. Stewing and gearing up for the fight he knew she would start. He had the argument three times in his head just while leaning against the ambulance alone. He let one of the paramedics bandage his forehead, knowing that the fight would be worse if he ignored her request to get checked out on top of everything else.
He was still staring into the mass of tuxedos and gowns when she walked into his peripheral with her arms crossed. He took a deep breath and pushed of the ambulance to meet her half way, stuffing his hands in his pockets as he went. He could not help but think again how amazing she looked in her floor length white dress.
He saw her stop and then rub at her arms. He stopped about a foot away from her. Squared off. Waiting for her to talk first. When she started with silence, he rolled his eyes. Then he ran a hand through his hair and took off his jacket. Holding it out to her. She furrowed her brow and then caved. Taking the jacket and quickly putting her arms through the sleeves.
He smiled at the sight and saw her fighting back a smile too. Then she rolled her eyes and took a step closer. Wrapping her arms around his waist and burying her head into his chest. The surprise and force of her embrace caused one leg to step back, but he quickly straightened and then wrapped his arms around her too.
He held her close. A moment of peace in the chaos around them.
"Where's the rest of the family?" Jonny broke the silence.
"My dad's still dealing with the police. I doubt he'll make it home tonight. Hadj and your dad are still helping people," she mumbled and then leaned back far enough to search his eyes.
Jonny searched too. Trying to figure out what was going on in her head. The only thing he knew for sure was that she looked sad and he hated that. He smiled briefly before she pushed up on her toes and kissed him firmly. Her hand trailing up to his neck and scratching the base lightly. It sent shivers down his spine.
Jonny caressed the side of her face softly when she pulled back. "Where are your shoes?" he then asked lightly.
"Casualty of chaos," she sighed vaguely and then gave him another quick kiss, which he accepted happily. But then refocused again on how unhappy she seemed.
"This is the weirdest fight we've ever had," Jonny commented after a moment.
Jessie's response made his heart drop. "I can't keep having the same argument with you," she sighed again.
Jonny shook his head in confusion. "Five men with automatic weapons came here tonight looking for you, Jessie."
"I'm aware," she responded calmly.
"This is serious," he said heated. Not understanding her calm tone.
"Yes. I'm aware of that too," she touched the bandage on his head lightly. "But…"
"You're the girl that I love," he growled. "What do you expect me to fucking do?"
"Not that."
"So…what then?" he spat. "You want a man that ducks and covers? Who won't protect you? Or you just want someone that you have to protect? That you can control? If that's true…"
"What?" she pushed tiredly. Gripping the front of his dress shirt.
"…then you picked wrong, babe."
"Jonny…I just…you can't."
"What?" he huffed. Jessie looked down and flattened her palms. She brushed away the wrinkles on his shirt, focusing hard on that and avoiding his eyes. "Baby?"
"You can't make me fall in love with you like this. You can't make me trust that we're different and then leave me," she whispered. "Not like that, Jonny. You just can't, okay?"
Jonny's attention was brought back to the room when Agent Morris slammed both hands in front of him and left the room in anger. The other agent was still standing in the corner and watching him.
"Can we wrap this up and get back to our families?" Ruiz asked lightly, but received no response.
Then Morris swept back into the room as fast as he had left. A pile of papers in his hands. He did not sit again. He paced around the room. To the left of and behind Jonny. He did not come back alone. Jonny recognized the man that sat in front of him although they had never met.
"You know who I am," Bartlett commented. It was not a question. "But you're surprised to see me here."
Jonny took a deep breath to reset himself, but gave nothing else away.
"I won't lie to you," Bartlett continued. "You're in the middle of a shit storm, kid. We already know what happened and you're about to lose your only opportunity to tell your side of the story before things get complicated."
"We've already taken Bannon's statement," Morris jumped in. "He was very helpful. Made it clear that you didn't mean for any of this to happen."
Jonny could not hold back the small disbelieving laugh that tore through his body at that bullshit.
Bartlett laughed too and leveled Jonny with hard look. Jonny stared back. Bartlett did not break eye contact with Jonny, but spoke to his agents. "That tactic won't work, Agent Morris. This kid knows that Bannon would take a bullet for him. Literal and figurative. Isn't that right, Mr. Quest?"
Bartlett sat back and crossed his arms, settling in. "I hear you've been quiet as a church mouse, Jonny. No doubt following Bannon's orders. So how about I get things going?" he suggested. "We've learned more about Clay Ravenstone in the last six hours than the last twenty years…thanks to you, young man."
'Clay Ravenstone.' Jonny repeated the name in his head three times and felt his heart rate pick up. The monster now had a face and a full name. He had managed to block Clay from his thoughts over the last few hours since he had been so focused on either Jessie waking up or keeping his mouth shut. He did not want to think about Clay or the things he had done ever again. He just wanted to grab Jessie and build something with her in a world where Clay did not exist.
"Yeah. That got a reaction," Bartlett taunted.
"Is this necessary?" Ruiz challenged.
"I hate to point out the obvious, but I will anyway. Asking questions is getting us nowhere. So I've decided to share some information first. Build some goodwill?" Bartlett grinned.
"I'm sure you're real interested in goodwill," Ruiz laughed.
"Clay Ravenstone," Bartlett pushed. "Born in Montana. No family to speak of. His parents are long gone. Father was part of the Chippewa tribe. Mother was actually French Canadian. He grew up on the reservation. Had a very traditional experience there as far as we can tell, but then he received a full ride to Pepperdine University. He graduated with an engineering degree and started his own consulting firm. Works alone. Travels a lot. Has made a shit ton of cash by selling the software he's developed. Nothing surprising. Fits every profile we've built. We just couldn't get a name. He had protected it so well until today. He was brutal, but undeniably genius. Looks like he met his match with you."
Jonny had slowly shifted his gaze back down to the table as Bartlett spoke. He was absorbing every word and wanted to hear more. The same way you can't help looking right at a car accident. But he had hoped that his reactions would be harder to read without access to his eyes. He focused on controlling his breathing again too.
"I'm not bullshitting you," Bartlett growled. "Stop trying to bullshit me. Feigning disinterest in this? Give me a fucking break. It's the first thing I haven't seen you do well," Bartlett complimented.
Jonny raised his gaze and looked at Bartlett coolly. He decided right there that he did not need to pretend. He just needed to keep his mouth shut. So he could get back to her.
"Now we're talking," Bartlett grinned. "Giving me your attention is the least you can do. Anything you want to get off your chest yet? No…Okay. I don't like comparing myself to Bannon…at all. But there is one thing we have in common. I have great hackers at my disposal too. Mine are ethical, but great all the same. So as soon as we had his name…thank you again for that…the floodgates opened. I actually did expect this guy to be a little more old school. I thought he would develop his own photos. Savor it. But we didn't find any indication of that. Did you? No? Well…I suppose those are no longer the times. Everyone wants immediate gratification these days, right? Maybe I should be appreciative of that generational shift. Because of it we've already positively confirmed the last seventeen girls he's taken, including yours. Do you want to know how?"
Jonny really did not, but knew his feelings on the subject did not matter. He watched as Bartlett looked over Jonny's shoulder and nodded, almost imperceptibly. The next thing Jonny knew, Morris had placed a photo in front of him. The picture was a close-up of wide green eyes. He knew immediately that they were not Jessie's eyes. But that was all he knew.
"This fucker took A LOT of pictures to document his activities and he backed them all up on his iCloud. It's some sick shit," Bartlett made a face.
Then Morris laid down another photo. To the left of the first one. Jonny looked without hesitating. He could not stop himself. The second photo was also a close-up. This time of breasts. Jonny looked away as quickly as he had looked. Again, it was not Jessie. But a familiar sense of dread filled him. The pile of pictures Miller had was large. Jonny knew she was in there and it made him sick. He wondered fleetingly why Clay would use his phone to take pictures and also develop stills. But the thought was just that. Fleeting. No answer he received would make him feel better.
Clay made an appearance in the third photo. At least his hand did. It was caressing a beautiful face. One that Jonny did not recognize, but was objectively beautiful. Her eyes were squeezed shut and tears streamed down her face.
It made Jonny think of Clay's hands on her. Of Jessie feeling as scared as the girl in the photo looked.
"Enough," Ruiz boomed.
Jonny released a long breath that he had not realized he was holding at the interruption. Relief coursed through him. He wanted someone to intervene so he did not have to look. But now that he knew they existed…
Ruiz stood. "Ask a relevant question or we're leaving."
"You don't have the authority to make that decision," Bartlett grinned. "He's not leaving until he answers all my questions and I have many."
"Ask a question then," Ruiz demanded. "And I'll gladly refer you to my client's written statement, which is an honest and concise account of what happened. And all you need to know to complete your reports."
"I reviewed his statement carefully and yet I still have many questions and no clue who compromised national security on my watch. For me, that's unacceptable. And that also means I'll keep him here as long as I want," Bartlett finished.
"I appreciate that's what you want," Ruiz shot back. "But the law is not on your side. You don't have enough to charge him. Stop this farce."
"I have enough to hold him and question him for quite a while," Bartlett shot back and then turned his attention back to Jonny. "Legally. But feel free to file a motion counselor. Even if you win quickly, he's not getting processed out before Monday. That gives us the holiday and the weekend, Mr. Quest. I think that's all we'll need, right?" he laughed without humor and then gave Morris a strong nod. Jonny swallowed.
Morris started placing pictures on the table faster than Jonny could look at them. Until the table was covered. Jonny's eyes darted around and saliva filled his mouth again. Each photo was harder to stomach than the one before it. Made worse by the fact that each girl was ultimately killed. Then his eyes found Jessie. There were two photos of her. Closer to Ruiz than himself. He squeezed his eyes shut and took two deep breaths. Fighting off the tears that wanted to come. Then he forced his eyes open and looked. If she could live through it, he could look.
In the first photo, he could only see her face. Beautiful, but pale and her lips were chapped. She was dehydrated. Clay's left hand was wrapped around her neck and his thumb was pressed into the center of her throat. In the second photo, he could see everything above her navel. Clay's hand was splayed across her stomach. Like he was holding her down. But Jonny knew he did not need to hold her down. Between the drugs and the restraints, she was immobilized.
He stared at the photos until his vision blurred with unshed tears. Then he turned away and stared at his own reflection in the two-way mirror again.
'Keep it together, Quest. Keep it together.' He kept repeating that to himself, but for the first time in hours he was starting to doubt himself. He did not know if he could do this for three more days. 'Three more days without her? After everything?' he thought. 'I can't do that.' Then he heard Race's voice instead of his own.
'Yes you fucking can and will. Do not give in, kid.'
Jonny resolved again. He would not give in. But that did not mean he had to take this for three days while his lawyer worked out the details. He just had to figure out a plan. 'Think,' he told himself. But nothing was coming to him. His mind was going a mile a minute.
'Clay's face,' Jonny thought. 'Picture it falling. The moment he knew he was dead. Focus on that when you want to punch every man in this room.'
'Jessie,' he thought. 'Is she awake yet? My strong and beautiful girl. I need her.'
'Race,' he thought next. 'Why hasn't he come for me yet? Should I assume he's not coming and find my own way out? Does he really expect me to sit and do nothing for days?'
All his thoughts were a jumbled mess and he was not confident that he should trust his decision making skills in his present state of mind.
'Just calm down and focus.'
When Jonny worked up the nerve to turn back, he thought Bartlett looked smug. He could not understand why. What was there for him to be happy about in the current situation? Jonny decided that he did not care. Instead, he calmly reached for the photos of Jessie, flipping them over so they were no longer in plain view. And when Bartlett immediately reached for them, Jonny slammed his hand back down over them.
"It's nothing we haven't all seen before," Bartlett shrugged. "And there's a lot more where that came from."
"This is pointless and desperate," Ruiz said, sounding bored. "What does it have to do with your system being compromised?"
Bartlett made a face and continued taunting Jonny. "Kid, we still have A LOT of time together. And I can assure you that I've broken better men with much less time." Bartlett forced Jonny's hand away from the photos of Jessie and then lifted them up. "I understand why you did what you did," Bartlett acknowledged. "I would've executed him too."
Jonny stared at him with clearer eyes, wondering if anyone else in the room knew how true that statement was.
'He IS desperate,' Jonny suddenly realized. 'But for what exactly? Does he just want to know for sure how the man who had killed his daughter died? The details?' Jonny could understand that. 'Does he want to punish me for taking the satisfaction of doing it himself away?'
Jonny could not know for sure. He knew he held sympathy for Bartlett. He knew that sympathy was fading exponentially with every word that came out of the man's mouth and every minute he was kept from Jessie. He knew Jessie needed him. Now more than ever. He knew that more than anything else. Part of him hoped she was not awake and aware that he was not there. Jonny had to force himself to listen to Bartlett again
"Even though I understand why you did it, that doesn't excuse how you went about it," Bartlett growled. "What you put at risk for the benefit of just ONE person. I guess Bannon never taught you that fundamental? Never lead with emotion. Never put the few before the many." He shook his head in obvious disgust and dropped the photos of Jessie. "But you wouldn't know anything about that, huh? Honor and oaths."
Jonny's eyes followed the pictures. 'The only oath I've ever sworn is to her. Not the many,' he thought without apology.
Bartlett sat back for a long minute. Jonny could feel himself being assessed. His will being measured. He continued to hold Bartlett's gaze and then watched as Bartlett placed his phone on the table. He pushed his index finger into the phone. "Clay ventured outside of photos on occasion. There are videos too. Want to see?"
Jonny's breath hitched and his mouth popped open. His head felt heavy and his vision blurred quickly. Yet again. He was used to his body betraying him now. Was able to feel it without letting it drown him. He felt sick to his stomach and desperate to curl up beside her and sleep for two days straight. Perhaps a Hail Mary was in order.
Bartlett's eyebrows jumped. "I can't hear you, son? Don't you want to see it? What he did to her?"
Jonny's jaw clenched.
"What?" Bartlett baited. "I know you want to see. You want the truth. Tell me what I want to know and then you'll know everything."
"I love you, Quest."
Jonny cleared his throat. "I'm sorry you didn't get to do it yourself," he whispered. 'Fuck you,' he thought. He barely had time to register Bartlett sliding across the table before the man had knocked him over and wrapped two strong hands around his throat.
XXX
"You were wearing a baby blue polo shirt and black jeans," she whispered into the crook of his neck.
Jonny turned his head and pressed his lips firmly against the center of her forehead. "Hmm?" he asked. Half asleep. The warmth of her body draped over his and her breath on his skin was the best blanket.
"Don't fall asleep," she warned. "Our dads will be home soon."
"We're on the couch and fully clothed. Totally innocent," he defended and then stretched a little. He smiled to himself when she did not move a muscle.
"True, but you know where their minds will go," she pointed out. "Do you really want them asking questions?"
"Not that I'm complaining," Jonny started. "But you do know that you don't HAVE to stay on top of me if I fall asleep, correct?"
She laughed softly and he wrapped his arm around her tighter. "You were wearing a baby blue polo shirt and black jeans," she whispered again. "The first time you kissed me. You told me you don't remember much. I remember everything, baby. You waited until our fifth date," she sighed.
"I didn't get up the COURAGE until our fifth date," he clarified. "Saying I waited makes it sound like I was being patient. I wasn't. I was just insanely nervous and intimidated."
"I wanted you to kiss me on our first date. Even before that," she admitted.
"I know that now," he chuckled.
"Why would I say yes to a date if I didn't want you to kiss me," she challenged.
"Babe," he exclaimed. "I wasn't thinking rationally. Don't try to make sense of it."
"I'm glad you waited," she told him after a beat. "I don't want to change a thing. It was perfect."
"That's high praise coming from you," he smiled.
"We were on the promenade," she continued. Her fingers were absentmindedly grazing his ribs. "You insisted on going for a walk out there after we finished up our ice cream. I remember it being really windy, but I don't remember being cold because I was tucked into your side. You had your arm around my shoulders and that was the first time you did that too," she grinned and then paused.
"Don't stop," he complained.
She shifted her body up until her head was resting on the pillow next his. "I remember staring hard at your blue shirt as we walked. I stared daggers at that little golden horse emblem sewed over the chest and thought 'he better kiss me already.' I would've been so upset if you hadn't. You were ridiculously sweet to me that whole night. A perfect gentleman," she stopped again and stared at him. "You still are, babe."
"Even when I say inappropriate shit?" he teased.
"Even then," she kissed the tip of his nose. "You don't fool me, Quest. I see right through you."
"Fuck," he groaned dramatically and turned his head away. She grabbed his chin and forced him right back.
"You stopped walking in front of the arcade and pulled me over to the railing. By the beach. I think you said something about wanting to listen to the waves, but my heart was beating so fast by then that I could only hear that. There were still people walking around. I didn't care though. I only cared about what you would do next."
"I'm starting to remember this," Jonny smiled. "I took you to that spot on purpose."
"Why?" she wanted to know.
He smiled at her for a moment before responding. "Not in front of the arcade exactly. That was one part impulse and three parts panic. I knew I couldn't kiss you while walking and I knew we had to get back to the ice cream shop before Race showed up to drive us home. I was on the clock and I ended up stopping there…I did take you out to the promenade on purpose though. I thought I could use the wind to my advantage," he huffed and rolled his eyes.
"How?" she wanted to know that too.
"Because I knew that would give me a good excuse to push some hair from your face," he smiled and then did just that. "And hand on your face was step one of my three step plan."
"Step two?" she asked.
"Wait for you to look me in the eyes," he whispered. "Be patient and wait. You didn't look at me straight away," he told her. "Remember how I told you that I was worried about bashing my forehead into yours? I realized that you seeing me coming would hopefully prevent that," he laughed.
"I was too busy memorizing what your hand felt like to look at you," she admitted to him quietly, nuzzling her face against his hand slightly. "I was focused on that blue polo too. And when I finally looked up…I remember thinking that your eyes…"
"What?" he asked when she trailed off.
"Mmm…they're pretty incredible, baby."
"Oh yeah?" he prompted.
"Totally," she rolled her eyes. "Among your best assets. I could stare at them all day, but I'm getting sidetracked."
"I'll allow it," he announced.
"Shut up," she laughed. "You're such a dork."
"Uncalled for," he stated. "Now…continue with your story about how great my assets are…"
"ANYWAY," she interrupted. "…by the time I actually focused on your face I barely contained a smile. I knew you were trying to convince yourself to do it. You licked your lips a few times and you broke eye contact a few times. I was starting to think you'd wimp out again."
"No," Jonny grinned. "I wasn't leaving that promenade until I kissed you. If you knew though…why didn't you put me out of my misery?"
"Because I wanted you to kiss me," she whispered.
Jonny leaned forward and kissed her right on cue. The hand caressing her face moved into her hair and kept her forehead pressed to his. He moved his lips over hers slowly and eventually slipped his tongue inside her mouth. The noise he made when he did it made it almost impossible for her to remember the conversation they had just had about not jumping each other every five minutes. She pulled back reluctantly. He was breathing heavily and tempting her.
"You tasted like peppermint," she recalled.
"I swallowed an entire bottle of mouthwash in the bathroom before suggesting we take that walk," he confessed.
"I love you," she laughed. "Thank you for kissing me. Now I get to kiss you forever."
"What were you trying to accomplish?" Benton asked her.
"I'm not gonna apologize," Jessie said stubbornly. Arms crossed in front of her. Gripping her bandaged arm. "And you already know," she grumbled. "I can't help him from this bed."
"He doesn't need any help," Benton assured.
"That's not true," she shot back. "I can feel it. Where is he?"
"Jacksonville," Benton answered.
"That's the closest station?" she challenged.
"The closest FBI field office apparently."
"FBI?" Jessie swallowed.
"Jessie…"
"WHAT?" she yelled. The fear clear in her voice. "Tell me."
"He's been arrested."
"My dad?" she asked.
"No. But your father is with him. Phil too."
Her breathing picked up noticeably. "Why…why was he arrested?"
"They think he compromised their system," Benton explained.
"Can they prove it?" she asked. She already knew he did it.
"I don't think so," he consoled. "And neither does your father. Which is part of the reason it's taking so long. They have to get him to admit it."
Jessie closed her eyes. "He won't." She said it as much to convince herself as anything else. "But can't you do something? Call someone?"
"Your dad told him what to say. What to do," Benton sighed. "We agreed it would be best for all involved if I didn't go over people's heads and call further attention."
"I can't believe you agreed to that," Jessie shook her head.
"It wasn't easy," he admitted. "But I trust your father's advice. And I always have the option to step in. If that ends up being the only option, then that's exactly what I'll do. I can promise you that."
"You kept saying he'd be here soon," she pointed out. "Was that just an empty promise?"
"Wishful thinking."
"Let's go over there together," she bartered. "I…we can figure out how to help him on the way."
"No."
"I can't just sit here," she huffed in frustration. "How can you?"
"I already told you," Benton started patiently. "I promised him I would stay with you. And he wanted me to keep you here. I promised your father too. Just trust them."
"I don't…"
"We're back," Estella announced loudly, walking into the room with several bags in hand. "How are you, sweetheart."
"Good," Jessie told her. She caught herself saying 'fine.' She could not say that again.
"What happened to your arm?" Hadji asked. Also entering with several bags.
"I tried to leave," Jessie admitted, getting right to the point. "But I didn't get far so please don't give me a lecture. You all lied to me about Jonny so…"
Estella held back what she wanted to say and instead sat on the edge of Jessie's bed and grabbed her hand. "I'm sorry we lied, Jess."
Jessie looked up at her mother with pleading eyes and decided to go for a last ditch effort. "Will you take me to Jacksonville, mom? Please?"
"No," Estella shot her down.
"He needs me."
"There's nothing you can do," Estella insisted. "And he was very clear before he left. Jonny didn't want you to follow."
"That's not true," Jessie growled. "He and I are a team, mom. We SHOW up for each other. I need to be there for him."
"Jessie," Hadji cut in.
"Fine," Jessie turned her head away from them all. "I'm not mobile and it's three against one so I guess I'm out of options."
Hadji walked over to Jessie's bed, holding out a piece of paper. "Jonny asked me to give this to you, Jess." That got her attention. She sat up and grabbed the note from his hand. "I was waiting for the right time. I guess I missed it."
Jessie's eyes roamed over the page quickly and then she held it to her chest. 'I love you too.'
Baby,
If you're reading this than I'm missing you like crazy. I'm sorry that I'm not there, but I'll be back soon. Please be patient and wait. Please? I'm asking out of pure selfishness. To maintain my own sanity. Right now, I need to know that you're safe more than I need to breathe. And before you put your scientist hat on and roll your eyes at me…yes…I mean that literally and…no…I'm not in my right mind. I haven't slept since you were in my arms. I've been running around with the wind knocked out of me. Finding you was the only thing that kept me going.
I spent over twenty-four hours knowing you weren't safe, but not knowing where you were or how to get you back. It's officially been two days since I've gotten to talk to you. Can you even remember the last time we went that long? I can't. I'm just starting to catch my breath again. So please stay where I know you're safe. Trust me and let me focus, love. Because when you're around you're the only thing I can focus on.
Wait for me. And know that I love you more than anything. Know that I'm counting the seconds until I get to…
1. See those beautiful green eyes that still make me forget what I was about to say.
2. Find a dumb excuse to hold your hand.
3. Make you laugh when you're feeling stressed.
4. Even better…make you laugh right before you're about yell at me.
5. Hear you find new and creative ways to yell at me. Because I want to fight with you forever.
6. Figure out new and creative ways to make you feel special. Because you deserve that.
7. Hear you call me baby with a smile in your voice or a warning. I love both.
8. Feel you're eyelashes against my neck when you hug me.
9. Tell you that you're more than my girl and my best friend. You're my family.
10. Prove to you what family means to me.
11. Convince you to change your name someday I think Mrs. Quest has a nice ring to it personally :)
12. Thank you for challenging me every day.
13. Thank you for making me a better man.
14. Thank you for making this list pour out of me without thinking. I don't have enough paper. If I did I would try to write you a love letter. Like in one of those sappy movies you love so much that I think are stupid. But I'll watch them with you forever since they make you smile.
15. More than anything else…Thank you for making me fall in love with you. You're my queen.
Wait for me,
Jonny
P.S. I'm being serious, babe. I need you to do this for me.
AN: We'll catch up on Race and Phil's side of things next chapter. Before I knew it, J&J's experience of these few hours was quickly 30 pages on its own.