"What's wrong, Jason?" Carmen wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head on the back of his shoulder.
She tried to tug him away from his backpack. Jason took her arms and he turned around to face her. He stared at the ground.
"I can't do it," he admitted. "I can't finish the job. If I take you back to Los Angeles to the head of the Red Armageddon you'll surely die after you finish your job."
"So that's where you live?" Carmen said brightly.
"I'm serious."
From Jason's eyes, Carmen could tell he was spooked.
"Does that mean I can go home?" Carmen said in a more melancholy, hopeful tone.
"I'm not the only skilled follower. If you go back to your family they'll find a way to kidnap you again. I can protect you." Jason cupped her soft cheek with his hand. "My criminal days are over."
"I know." Carmen pecked him on the lips. "So what are we going to do?"
"Travel tomorrow."
Jason threw his shoes by his bed. Socks and all, he was in bed. Carmen went to her bed. She turned off the lamp.
"I love you Jason. Goodnight."
"Love you too."
Jason didn't have a fit sleep. His mind was running around, hopping from one thought to another. He had never gone against Parker's orders. Once he found out, Jason would probably on his list of people to kill before the plan was fulfilled. Usually he wouldn't care about dying. But if he died, he wouldn't be able to help Carmen.
Carmen occupied most of his thoughts. She must be feeling a little home sickness. Even though she didn't show it, she must have been starting to feel it. It hurt that he was the one who stood between her and her family. There wasn't any other choice.
He came to the conclusion that they had to ditch his backpack. Since the electronic note from Parker was hidden in the backpack, Jason was afraid there would be more surprises. Everything had to go. The credit card also. Parker could track them through the transactions.
But without money, Jason couldn't support both of them. On the other hand, instead of destroying the card right away he could withdraw two-hundred dollars and then destroy it. You could use that two-hundred for anything. It would go under radar for a while.
Jason turned over to look at Carmen. She was already asleep. Her back was to him, but he could tell she was sleeping by her deep breaths. He swore to himself that he would protect her no matter what.