Lisa woke with a jolt. Her vision was blurred and fuzzy.
"Where am…I?"
Lisa's vision started to clear and she saw Jackson seated beside her.
"Good morning, sunshine! You're on a plane with me!"
"The word 'plane' struck fear into Lisa's eyes.
"I'm on a plane?!?"
Lisa shoulders and hands started to shake. Jackson put his hand on her shoulder and she immediately shrugged it off. He sighed.
"Calm down Lise, we've already landed. The landing woke you up. You slept through the whole flight. Oh, there was a bomb scare on an earlier flight though, so that's why we have to sit tight while they check the plane."
Lisa nodded, but looked confused.
"All I remember is you telling me about the convention and a needle..."
"Well, I had to give you a tranquilizer after you attacked me!"
"Oh…well, a little harsh don't you think?"
Jackson pretended to think hard about Lisa's question.
"Um…no."
Lisa looked curiously at Jack.
"Wait, how did you get me on the plane?"
Jackson laughed.
"You were awake, but just a little disoriented and drowsy. You're very cute and charming when you're sleepy."
Lisa just glared at Jack. He simply ignored her look.
"I was proud of you because you kept it together until we were seated. You were so tired you fell asleep right on my lap! Me, being the gentleman that I am, lifted you off of me and leaned your sleeping head against the window."
Lisa looked at him out of the corner of her eye.
"It's funny that I don't remember any of that."
Jackson smiled coolly at her.
"Oh, don't worry. I do."
Lisa narrowed her eyes on Jack for a few seconds and then realized that she didn't know where she was.
"Uh, where exactly are we?"
"We are in the great city of Las Vegas, Nevada, the home of gambling."
Lisa looked dumbfounded.
"There is a parenting convention in Las Vegas?"
"Yeah, it's at Braun Hotel and Casino."
Lisa thought Jack was joking.
"A casino?"
Jackson smiled widely.
"Yep, so if we get bored, we can gamble!"
Lisa rolled her eyes.
"You know, they also have a fantastic health spa that includes a hot tub…"
Jack raised his eyebrows suggestively. Lisa actually considered his comment for a moment because she loved hot tubs, not realizing the suggestive manner he was presenting with it until a few seconds later. When she did, Jackson started to laugh.
"Ewe Jack! That's so gross!
"It took you long enough to get it, jeez!"
"I'm sorry, but I do love hot tubs."
Jackson was still laughing wildly.
"It was just funny how you actually considered it!"
"I wasn't thinking of it that way!"
Lisa turned her body away from Jack and gave him the cold shoulder.
"You are so weakening Lisa."
Lisa made a disgusted face behind his back, but then quickly jerked to face him.
"How do you know I won't try to run away? I'm sure there are many people here who would believe my story and recognize you from the news."
"Well first…"
Jackson pulled out a small case from his jacket pocket and opened it. It contained a fake beard, moustache, and a pair of glasses.
"These will keep me disguised."
Jackson started to put on the moustache as Lisa started to laugh.
"You have got to be kidding me!"
"And second…"
Jackson eyes turned dark and his voice became serious.
"I still have two hit men, one in front of your dad's house and the other in front of Cynthia's just waiting for my call."
Lisa didn't laugh anymore; a wave of fear went into her eyes.
"I thought you were going to call them off?" She asked hesitantly.
"Well, I was, until you decided to push my buttons, think too much, and attack me! I would have kept to my part of the bargain if you had just said yes right away."
Lisa tried to keep the tears in, but was struggling. Jackson's voice became rough again, which was never a good sign.
"You always seem to forget about your loved ones lives that are at stake. Do your family and friends mean nothing to you Lisa?
Lisa let the tears flow freely now.
"They mean everything to me."
Jackson took a hold of Lisa's chin with his hand and whispered,
"So, will you try to run away from me again?"
Lisa shook her head no.