Chapter Four
He spent four months in that hospital. Four months of agonizing pain and not nearly enough pain killers. Four months of planning and plotting. Four months of favors being redeemed and phone calls to all the right people. After four months in that hospital, Jackson Rippner was dead.
Well, at least that's what all the paperwork said. Died after having gone into cardiac arrest, at 11:57pm on a clear Sunday night.
By midnight that same evening the body of one Jackson Rippner had disappeared. That paperwork indicating that it had gone into the incinerated before an autopsy could be preformed; confusing him with another poor soul who had requested to be cremated. When the hospital found out about its mistake, it was too late to do anything, and the real, the alive, Jackson Rippner was already gone, on his way to one of the many places he was currently renting. And out of the multitude of apartments and hotel rooms, this one was located in Miami.
He spent most of his time recuperating, not once going out in public in case he was recognized. After the events of that eventful flight, the news story that followed was prominent on the evening news night after night for a good week and a half. His picture splashed across newspapers and TV screens alike. He wasn't noticed where he was staying because his rent had been automatically taken out of bank account while he had been away. there was no need to go by the front desk when he returned. Just went in the back way and up to his floor. Let it never be said that he was never unprepared. SoHe hired a student from the local university, someone looking to make an extra buck or two, to do his grocery shopping for him. The two had never met in person, per Jackson's request, but only over the phone. The student thinking that he was an old man, his still scratchy voice helping him for once. The youth would leave the bags of food outside his door and an envelope with his pay would be left under the mat. This arrangement worked out perfectly for Jackson, the kid only knew him by an assumed name, and thought that he was someone else entirely; an old recluse. It was perfect really.
It didn't take him to long to be back to par. His voice had healed remarkably, the bullet wounds closed, and his mind firmly fixed on what he needed to do next. His mind consumed with only one thing.
Lisa Reisert.
Oh, he wouldn't kill her. Oh no. That would be too definitive too final, No, he wanted her around for a long time. Time enough to make her regret what she did, time enough for her to know who's really in charge.
The first day out of his room, nearly eight months after having been first put into the hospital, was spent looking around the area in which he was. Having donned a hat and a large pair of sunglasses, he hoped he would be unrecognizable. He scanned the area, even taking time to eat in one of the family own restaurants that were nearby. Locating the police station and the fire station, he was happy to note that it would take them a good ten minutes to get to where he was, plenty of time for him to get away, should the need arise. In the subsequent week, Jackson ventured out everyday, taking notes on the main streets, side streets, alleys, and anything else he deemed important to know. By the time he was finished he had a vast working knowledge of the area. Not that he would be there long. Once he had what he needed, he would move on to an area he knew much better. Someplace more private. He did not want to be interrupted.
Jackson returned to his room, as always avoiding the busy lobby. He went to the balcony and took in the breathtaking view of the ocean. In the whole place, this was his favorite spot. He breathed in the scent of the water and relaxed for a few precious moments. It was rare that he was able to unwind this way. His mind finally taking a break from all his planning. Yet, his mind still went to Lisa, as it was prone to do.
Jackson couldn't deny that she was beautiful. He'd have to be dumb and blind to do that. Then his mind took the familiar path to where that kiss was. The first kiss he gave her, not the second one, the rape of her mouth. Her lips were soft, and if he concentrated hard enough, he could feel them again. And, he had noted, she smelled of strawberries.
Oh yes, he would have fun with her indeed. He thought of all the wonderful things he would do to her. Well, wonderful for him at least. Just because he thought she was beautiful and tasted amazing, didn't mean that was going to save her.
The view from the balcony may have been his favorite spot, but it wasn't the best aspect of the room.
The best part was, it was located in the Lux Atlantic.
Finally some Jackson. See, the stories picking up.
Coming up: A reunion of sorts.
You know what to do. Review, please. To be honest, I've been having a kind of iffy week. You know, new college (I just transfered), far away from home, classes started, yadda yadda yadda. But those review alerts emails brighten my day. Makes me know people actually read my crap...er, stories. So, the moral of the story is to review. I don't care what you say. It could be completely unrelated to the story for all I care. :o). Have a good day!