Disclaimer: I don't own Red Eye or any of its characters. Sam is mine.

Chapter 3

Sam attempted to stand, but Jackson pushed down on her shoulder, keeping her on the bench. Lisa was looking around frantically, wishing that one of the people walking by would notice that something was wrong.

"They're not going to help you, Leese."

"What do you want, Jackson?" Lisa's voice was full of venom.

"I was thinking Mexican food. There's a great little restaurant just down the street."

"If you have something to say, just say it here. Enough of these games." Sam was really starting to get pissed off.

"No need to get upset, Samantha, I'm just trying to be pleasant." His grip on her shoulder tightened painfully. "That can change if you don't behave."

"Jackson…" Lisa's voice trailed off when he turned his gaze on her.

"What's wrong Leese? You don't want to talk to me?" Jackson pulled Sam to her feet and motioned down the street. "Let's go. We're going to have some food and a nice civilized conversation, just a few old friends catching up, got it?"

Lisa nodded mutely. Sam didn't respond, but was propelled forcibly foreword toward La Oruga, an authentic-looking restaurant. It was open late, catering to the night-club scene, and the three of them blended in perfectly. They were lucky enough to get a booth right away, near the back of the restaurant. Jackson motioned for Sam to get in on one side, and he sat beside her, blocking any attempts at escape. Lisa sat across from them.

"Now remember, we're just a few friends out for dinner." Jackson explained coolly. "Smile. Place your order. Don't attract attention."

"I know the drill." Sam noticed that Lisa seemed to be back in control, her tone irritated instead of frightened.

"I know you do, Leese. This is just for your sister's sake."

At that point, the waitress showed up and Jackson suddenly transformed into a charming, normal guy. He smiled and made a little joke before ordering nachos and a water. Lisa, unable to act quite as well, just said she'd have the same. Sam ordered a couple of chicken tacos and a Pepsi. After their drinks came, Sam spoke up.

"Now what?"

"So impatient, Samantha, you need to learn to relax a little." He leaned back, putting his arm over the back of the booth, brushing her shoulders. She fought to keep from flinching away from the contact. "Everything will be explained soon enough."

"Can I ask one question?"

"I believe you just did."

"Funny." Sam said sarcastically. Then, returning to a serious tone. "Is this a job, or just revenge?"

"Does it really matter, if the outcome is the same?"

"Cut the bullshit, Jackson." Both of them turned in surprise to look at Lisa. "What is this about?"

"I told you we'd talk again, Leese." Jackson's smile became mocking. "Don't you remember?"

"I remember shooting you, after stabbing a pen into your throat."

"But you still couldn't beat me." He shook his head.

"You're wrong." Sam cut in. "She did beat you. You failed. You're plan was ruined, and you didn't even manage to kill her or dad." She would have gone on, but Jackson turned his pale gaze on her and she got the impression that going farther would equate to suicide.

"I'm still here. The game isn't over yet."

The waitress returned with their food, oblivious to the building tension at the table. When she left, Sam shifted in her seat.

"I need to use the restroom."

"I doubt it." Jackson didn't budge.

"I'm serious. I just drank that huge glass of Pepsi, plus half of a Sea Breeze earlier, in case you forgot." She met his stare and didn't blink. "I need to go."

Jackson held her gaze for a few seconds longer, and then stood to let her out, taking her purse from her as she went past him. Sam reached the single-person bathroom, went in, and locked the door. Taking a deep breath, she surveyed her surroundings. The frosted window on the far wall caught her eye.

I'm pretty sure I can fit through there, but then what? She asked herself. Tell someone? Call the cops? Whatever I do, I'd better do it fast.

Still not entirely sure what her plan was, Sam pushed the window open and looked out. It was about an eight foot drop to the alley behind the restaurant, not something to attempt in heels. Kicking off her shoes, she wiggled out feet-first and dropped, twisting one of her ankles on landing.

"Shit." She muttered, attempting to put weight on it as she straightened up. She glimpsed movement out of the corner of her eye right before being slammed into the brick wall of the alley, a hand clamped over her mouth.

"Not your most intelligent move, Samantha." Jackson's tone was no longer controlled and casual; each word was sharp with anger. "What was your plan, exactly? I'm really interested to know how you though you could save everyone."

She glared at him, unable to speak. Her head was throbbing from the impact with the wall. At least it's taking my mind off my ankle she thought sardonically.

"Well, it looks like we're not going to be able to finish our meal. I guess I'll have to put my plan into action a little sooner than expected." Before Sam knew what was happening, Jackson slammed her into the wall a second time, knocking her unconscious.

He lifted her easily and began walking down the street. He earned a few curious glances, but otherwise most people ignored him. When someone did pay a bit too much attention, he gave them a knowing smile.

"Twenty-first birthday. I think she celebrated a bit too much." This seemed to satisfy them, and he reached his car without incident. After strapping Sam in, he pulled out his phone and dialed her cell number.

In the restaurant, Lisa jumped as the phone on the table rang.

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A/N: I'm so sorry I've taken so long to update this. College plus writer's block is not a good combination. I have winter break after this week though, so I'll try to make it up to you by getting several new chapters up.

As always, thank you so much to all my reviewers! Keep 'em coming!

-C