"I'm not surprised," Rachel sighed. Everything in my life is shatterproof. I'd like to shatter, just once in a while. I'd like to have a breakdown.

"Where are you from?"

Rachel turned back to Lisa and sat on the bed. "According to Alec, Hickville. Christiansen. It's a town about three hours north of Albany."

"Wow," Lisa's eyes widened. "That shrugged and picked at the orange bedspread. "It's better than being here."

"Florida's not so bad once you get to…"

"No, that's not what I meant," Rachel interrupted, though not rudely. "I meant with Alec."

"So-um-was there a plane involved with him and you, too?" Lisa asked. Rachel frowned. Oh, right, her thing with Jackson.

"Kind of," Rachel said absently. "We took a plane, but that's not how I…met…him. I was walking in the woods near my house and he kidnapped me."

"Wow," Lisa shook her head. "Tell me that doesn't suck."

At that Rachel burst into tears.

"Oh, sweetie!" Lisa pulled Rachel into her arms and Rachel couldn't help but bury her cheek in Lisa's soft shoulder.

I can't take this anymore.

Pressure, pressing down on me…pressing down on you…under pressure.

Xx

Jackson tossed poured Alec a cup of coffee and they sat at the table in silence for a moment. Alec was still staring at the door through which Rachel had departed.

Jackson broke the lull. "Thought she annoyed you."

"Hm?"

"I said, I thought she annoyed you."

Alec glanced up, his eyes blank. "I'm sorry, I still didn't catch-"

"Never mind," Jackson snapped, waving a hand. Man, he's more obsessed with her than I thought he'd be. "So how is she?"

"She's…well, she's smart."

"Congratulations. And?"
Alec smirked. "She's not a sore to look at, either."

Jackson laughed. "That's what we're looking for, I knew you had it in you, pal. A word of advice, though, don't get involved. Between us, my attraction to Lisa is what made the job fail the first time."

"Yeah, but look how things turned out for you two," Alec grinned wryly. "You fuck her yet?"

"Not yet," Jackson sighed. "But soon."

"Really?" Alec blinked. "She's trusting you that much?"

"No," Jackson snorted. "She hates me. But what do I care?"