Innocent People's Lives
Chapter Nine
Jackson didn't say much on the rest of the drive, leaving her mostly alone to think about his bombshell. CIA? How the hell was he CIA?
How did that work? Did Charles know or at least suspect that Jackson was working against him? How had he known to contact him? How was this happening? And why was she involved again?
Lisa had more questions than answers. Far more than before.
She waited until they stopped for the night to interrogate him.
"So, the CIA… why are they interested in Keefe?"
"We've known Keefe was dirty for a long time, we just couldn't prove it. Nothing stuck. Guy's like Teflon," Jackson said simply. "We thought we had him ten years ago."
"You tried to kill me!"
"I had to make it look real! You were only going to be badly injured. It had to be believable. None of that would've happened if you hadn't fought me. But since you went to warn your dad and my accomplice took it upon himself to go after you, it spiraled right out of my control. I had to keep my cover!"
"Oh yeah? What about my life? Did you ever consider that? Huh?"
He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Leese, I'm trying to be honest with you. In fact, I shouldn't be telling you any of this. I could go to prison for revealing my cover. I'm jeopardizing a case we've been building for over a decade!"
"He was my boss and my friend! And you… you…" She shook her head at him. "You expect me to believe such a bullshit story? Just like that? What kind of a fool do you think I am? Huh?"
"If I thought you were a fool, I would've let them kill you."
She scoffed. "What a comforting thought."
"It's not meant to be comforting. It's the truth. Like it or not, we're in this together. We need each other. You know things about him and his schedule. Things that make you a valuable witness. Things that mean he needs you dead."
"I don't know anything!"
"You know more than you think you do." He leaned back in his chair at the rickety table. "I risked my life because I believe that. Do you understand?"
"No. This is all insane!"
"Sarah Keefe is dead. Murdered. You're the next target. You were meant to be in that blast and when you weren't, men came for you in the hospital. Those same men got to her."
"This is all crazy."
He nodded. "I agree. But right now, we need to help each other. I need you to trust me. It's the only way we get out alive and it's the only way to make Keefe pay for what he's done."
"What has he done?"
Jackson sighed, pausing for a long moment. "It's more like what hasn't he done at this point. He's suspected of all kinds of black market deals and forgeries. He seems to have an arrangement with a nasty group of Russians—and not just the crew I worked with either—plus the usual suspects such as money laundering and illegal gambling. It's how he's been funding his campaign—dirty money. He promises favors, scratches their backs and makes problems disappear, in exchange for a bonus. Sometimes he only gets scraps. But he keeps going."
"Why? Why risk it? He's rich."
"At first, it was the power. He didn't have much respect. Then the money wasn't quite enough for his lifestyle, his wife, and his kids. Plus he needed more power. That takes money. Money he didn't have. Now he could've gone to loan sharks and the like, but he didn't. He went right to the dark side. And he's stayed there ever since."
"I still don't believe you. That's not Charles."
"He ordered your murder, Lisa. He had his own wife executed. What will it take for you to trust me?"
"Try turning back the clock ten years. Then we'll talk."
She slammed the door to the bathroom to put some space between them. Unlike the last hotel room, this one only had a single double bed, the little kitchenette that Jackson was currently seated in, and the cubicle sized bathroom.
Lisa had every right to be furious with him. He'd lied and manipulated her before, threatened her father's life, and come after her with a knife. What the hell kind of cover was that?
She couldn't face him right now. In fact, she didn't know how she'd face him at all that night. It made her stomach churn at the thought of sharing a single bed with Jackson in a little bit. She doubted she'd sleep more than a few winks. She didn't sleep well in the presence of others to begin with. Even with Mark. Sleeping with a man who nearly killed her? She'd be lucky if he didn't strangle her in her sleep. And he'd be lucky if she didn't smother him with a pillow.
Two Months Ago
They usually stayed at his place. But this time, she'd offered hers.
They had dinner at a nice Italian place. Wine. Candles. Very romantic.
He drove, having picked her up earlier. It was a short drive back to her place from the restaurant. She'd unlocked the townhouse's door and let him follow her inside. He locked up the door behind her as she set down her purse and keys on the hallway end table.
Just inside, he kissed her hard on the mouth, pressing her body up against the wall. That's where she kicked off her shoes, one after the other.
Mark tossed his jacket in the direction of the coat rack, only to miss. She would've laughed had the situation been different.
As it was, she led the way upstairs. Just inside her bedroom, they kissed again as he pulled down the zipper of her dress. It was black lace over gold. Simple, yet sexy. Mark pushed the fabric off her shoulders and her dress dropped to the floor in a puddle of fabric.
Lisa stood there just in her underwear. Black lace bra and panties. One of the few matching sets she owned. She'd started buying sexy underwear again just before she started dating Mark. It was originally just for herself—to make her feel sexy and desirable. Now she saved it for special occasions.
He whistled, just watching her for a moment, almost admiring the view.
She blushed.
He unbuttoned his shirt, revealing a plain t-shirt underneath as he stepped closer, guiding her to the bed. She laid back across the tan and rose-colored duvet. She reached up, helping pull his shirt off, running her hand down his bare chest.
"Mark…"
He silenced her with his lips, pushing her down onto the bed as he unhooked her bra. She gave in, moaning as one of his hands trailed down her thigh.
She reached up and unhooked his belt before helping unzip his trousers. He groaned. Lisa smiled. He lifted her hips, peeling her panties off and down her legs. She helped him with his pants and boxers. He handed her a foil wrapper before tossing them on the floor.
Mark nudged her legs open. "You ready, Lisa?"
She nodded. "Yes."
He kissed her roughly as he entered her. She gasped a little bit, still tight. She always took a few moments to adjust to his size. He was gentle though. She appreciated that. Even if she didn't always orgasm, she still enjoyed the sex.
It was over rather quickly. He kissed her just after before making a quick trip to the bathroom. By the time he came back to the bed, he was just about asleep. She curled up beside him as he put an arm around her waist. While he slept deeply, she stayed awake, her body tenser than it should be.
She was too alert. Every little sound he made had her freezing, listening. Finally around three am, she slipped out of his embrace and sunk downstairs. She made herself a bowl of ice cream and sat down on the sofa with the TV turned on low.
She slept down there for about an hour before sneaking back upstairs and into bed. She slept fitfully until around six when Mark stirred. He kissed her cheek and padded off to the bathroom.
She slipped out of the covers and pulled on a robe.
"Mhmm, you look good enough to eat," he said, kissing her neck. She felt a few tingles.
"No, I don't…"
"You always do." He nuzzled her neck, his hands running down her sides. "Mhmm, too bad we have to work."
"I know."
"Once the election is over, let's go away for a while. Take a vacation. Someplace warm. Private."
"I'd like that."
"Good. It's settled." He spun her around and kissed her deeply.
She kissed him back, then pulled away. "I need to shower."
"Ok. I'll see you downstairs."
Present Day
She stayed in the bathroom for over an hour before venturing back into the room. Jackson looked up from where he was lounging on the bed watching TV. "Is your temper tantrum over?" he asked.
"I'm going to go sleep in the car."
"No, you're not."
"I'm not sleeping with you."
He sighed. "Look, I know what you think about me, but can we just put a stop for one night? I'm tired as hell and I'm sure you are too. I'll sleep on top of the covers and if you'll feel better with a knife under your pillow, fine."
She frowned, staring at him. "What makes you think that I won't kill you?"
"You need me. And I need you. Think about it. I'm going to grab some dinner."
Lisa sat down on the end of the bed. She wanted to fight him on it, but she was tired. So tired of running. Tired of fighting. He was right. One night couldn't hurt.
When he let himself back into the hotel room with a bag full of fast food, the TV was still on, but Lisa was sound asleep on the bed. He closed and locked the door, before setting down the food. He crossed the room and pulled off her shoes. She made a little sound, turning onto her side.
He felt a half-smile tug at his lips as he covered her with a blanket.
She could never know the truth. There were some things he could never tell her. Like his name. Or why he really saved her life.
Some things just had to stay secret.
Author's Notes:
Trust me, there's good reasons why we got to see Lisa with Mark already. And yes, Lisa does sleep through the night, even after Jackson crawls into bed beside her.