If at first you don't succeed...

Disclaimer: I do not own Red Eye or anything affiliated with Red Eye. I also do not own the song "Do you want to" by France Ferdinand.

A/N: Hey everyone here is the latest chapter. Sorry about the long wait. Between school, work, and my grandfather passing away things have been pretty hectic. Warning! I did not edit this chapter as much as I usually do, but I really wanted to get this chapter out. So I apologize in advance for grammatical errors. Anyways, I hope you guys like it. : )

Lena

Isolated

Oh, my poor head. Lisa inwardly groaned as she began to regain consciousness. Instinctively she tried to bring a hand up to her sore head, but found that both arms were immovable! Peering up through the darkness she was very dismayed to find that both arms had been handcuffed around the headrest. Her whole body was throbbing with pain, and it hurt to breath. Jackson probably bruised a rib with his little love tap. She angrily thought. Her head kept pounding. It almost felt as though her head was pounding to a certain rhythm.

It took Lisa several moments to realize that the constant pounding wasn't in fact her head, but music. Glancing over at Jackson she saw that he was apparently lost in deep thought and was starring straight forward. Lisa tried not to alert Jackson to the fact that she had awoken. Silently she leaned back against the seat, closed her eyes, and listened to the music.

"When I woke up tonight I said I'm

Going to make somebody love me

I'm going to make somebody love me

Now I know

Now I know

Now I know

That it's you

You're lucky lucky you're so lucky."

Lisa couldn't help letting a cold smile grace her face. The irony of it all was almost funny. Here she was stuck in a car, in the middle of nowhere, with a man who on some level cared for her (In a sick twisted way of course.). And to top it all of the song is about how lucky this girl is. Yup, she was definitely lucky. Rage began boiling inside her. She was exhausted, bruised, sore, and tiered of Jackson Rippner controlling her life. Deciding to quit the facade of being asleep she opened her eyes and glared at her tormenter.

"What no jazz?' She snidely asked..

Lisa's anger was slightly appeased when she saw Jackson jump at the sound of her voice.

"Oh. I'm sorry Jack, I didn't mean to scare you." She said in a sickly sweet voice. Even in the darkness Lisa could see him glaring at her. She smile triumphantly at him, because she, had caught the great Jackson Rippner of guard.

"Awake already Lise?" he quickly snapped. "Pity, you're so much easier to get along with when you're out cold."

Angrily he lashed out and struck the off button on the radio. Apparently she wasn't the only tired and irritated one in the car, but that wouldn't stop her from making a comeback.

"And you're easier to get along with when you have a pen shoved in your throat, a high heel stuck in your leg, and several gunshot wounds." She shot back.

The illuminated dashboard provided Lisa with enough light to see Jackson's hands tighten on the steering wheel and to see his jaw tighten. Lisa knew that she shouldn't bait him, but he infuriated her more then any human on the entire planet. Unconsciously her body tensed in preparation for a physical assault by an irate Jackson Rippner, only the assault never came. Instead he turned his attention back to the road.

"Sticks and stones Lise." Was all he replied with.

Turning her attention back to the side of the road Lisa squinted into the darkness and tried to read the sign announcing how far away nearby towns were, but couldn't make out the words. Sighing in frustration she irritably glanced at the clock to find that it was only one-thirty .Ugh, this is the night that never ends!

Stealing a glance at Jackson she was able to see that his eyes were still slightly puffy and red, but not nearly as bad as she would've hoped. In the darkness and silence her thoughts began to wonder while Lisa studied Jackson. How was it that he had found her? Jim wasn't careless, he was extremely cautious while taking her to Georgia.

"How did you find me?" She finally inquired.

Jackson turned his gaze to Lisa and gave her his trademark smirk.

"My organization has people every where Lise. Lawyers, doctors, police officers." He replied smugly.

Before she could question him further Jackson's cell phone went off, startling them both.

"Yeah...that's okay...not till Friday...yeah I know where it is...he's there already?..Good...Will do." Click

"Well Lise," Jackson began while placing the phone back in his pocket. "Looks like there's been a change of plans."

"What do you mean a change of plans?" She asked wearily.

"Keefe was suppose to arrive at the Lux on Wednesday, but because of complications won't arrive until Friday"He said, then turning to face Lisa he said, "So, we get to spend three whole days together. I don't know about you, but I just can't wait."He finished while smiling coldly.

"Forgive me for not jumping for joy, but I seem to be a bit tied up at the moment.." She sarcastically responded. "And what exactly am I suppose to do this time? Make a phone call, change a room, the usual?"

"Tsk tsk," He chided. "Patience is a virtue."

Exhaling in frustration Lisa turned from Jackson and resumed starring out into the dark void. What's wrong with him? Usually if I make any comment that is slightly sarcastic he throws me against a wall or nearly strangles me. Stealing another look at him Lisa noticed how fatigued he looked. Good. She thought and returned to window.

The next hour was spent in silence. Lisa had almost drifted into an uncomfortable sleep when she was suddenly thrown against the passenger door as Jackson made a sharp left turn. She could hear the loose gravel crunching beneath the Jetta's tires as they started down a narrow and deserted road.

There were no streetlights on this road that stretched out into the black abyss. Jackson and Lisa were thrown into almost complete darkness until Jackson turned the brights on and reduced his speed. Jackson took another sharp left and the many trees blocked Lisa's view of the main road with its comforting street lights.

What's going on? Where's he taking me? Lisa's feeling of isolation and horror grew with every turn they took. She tried to keep track of all the different turns they took, but it was impossible to keep track. They took so many turns Lisa felt like they were in a labyrinth. I'm completely alone in the middle of nowhere with Jackson Rippner. Lisa couldn't repress the shudder that swept through her body at that thought.

"Where are we going?" She finally managed to ask.

"Someplace where my company takes people who need to disappear." He stated emotionlessly.

Her heart skipped a beat as realization came crashing down on her. He didn't want her for the assassination. He wanted to kill her. Make her disappear.

Lisa knew it was futile to struggle, but pure panic began to over take her. She began to wriggle her wrists this way and that trying to get her hands free of the handcuffs.

"So you want to make me disappear?" She spat venomously while glaring over at Jackson and fighting with the handcuffs.

Lisa was thrown forward as Jackson suddenly slammed on the brakes and put the car in park.

Lisa tried to shrink back from him but with both hands chained to the headrest she was basically immobile. What's he doing? She panicky asked herself.

Unbuckling his seatbelt Jackson leaned over and gently took her chin in his hand. He gazed intently into her eyes as she glared up into his.

"Lisa," He began. "I'm not taking you here to kill you. We just need a place to stay until Friday."

"Yeah?" She asked icily."Why should I believe you? You drugged my coffee, assaulted me in my house, kicked me in the ribs, and head butted me. So what would hold you back from killing me?" She asked while continuing to glare into Jackson's confused eyes.

"You really think I would kill you?" He said slightly disbelieving. " Lisa, the only time I've been violent towards you is when you do something to provoke me. And yes I consider being sprayed in the eyes with peeper spray provocation."

"So then we were just playing a friendly game when you tried to kill me with a knife in my father's house! Wait don't tell me, you were going to throw down your knife and say tag you're it." She shot back sarcastically.

Jackson's grip tightened slightly as he brought his face closer to Lisa's.

"I'll admit that I was a bit...illogical when I came after you." He stated evenly. "But I wouldn't have killed you. I would never kill you Lise. Sure I may have to ruff you up every now and then, but I'll never kill you."

"Oh, and why's that?" She asked skeptically.

"Isn't it obvious?" He asked while lowering his gaze down her form.

Lisa's heart fluttered in her chest. She had a sneaky suspicion where this was going and didn't like it one little bit. So, she replied with the only answer she could think to give.

"No." Was her shaky reply.

Giving Lisa his famous smirk he lightly brushed his fingertips against her lips. Lisa instinctively tried to pull back, but Jackson had already released her and was putting the car in drive.

"Well, let's continue on our way shall we." He said as if nothing had just transpired.

Lisa quickly turned away from Jackson and tried to disappear into the darkness. What just happened? She asked herself in disbelief. How can he act like that towards me after all that he's put me through? How could he possibly have those kind of... feelings towards me?And how would those feelings be obvious? When men threaten to kill my family, throw me against a wall, strangle me, drug me, and head butt me I usually don't take it as a sign of affection.

After mulling over these thought Lisa finally came to the conclusion that in some demented way Jackson actually cared for her, but only as long as he was in control and she did what he said. On the plane he had told her that he followed her for eight weeks, much longer then necessary. He was obsessive and a control freak.

This new insight made the situation she was in much more complicated, and dangerous. "When we get out of this, I may have to steal you." His words rung in her head.

She was startled out of her thoughts by the car suddenly stopping. Glancing over at Jackson for an answer he motioned out of the window.

"Here we are, home sweet home." He said happily.

It suddenly became extremely light and Lisa had to close her eyes against the blinding light. Hesitantly she reopened her eyes to find herself staring up at a three story house. Squinting against the light Lisa was able to see a figure on the porch starring down at them.

Walking around to her side of the car Jackson threw her door and appeared by her side.

"Now Lise," He said as if talking to a child. "I'm going to unhandcuff you, and you're not going to fight me. Because if you do, I won't hesitate to make a phone call."

Lisa nodded in understanding and he began busying himself with undoing the locks.

Once Jackson had uncuffed her Lisa's hands instinctively began rubbing her sore wrists. Grabbing her by the elbow Jackson pulled her out of the car and began leading her towards the house and unknown person standing on the porch. A million thoughts and fears were racing though her mind. Did Jackson mean it? Would he really not kill her? And why did they have to hide out here of all places? How was she going to get out of this mess?

The gravel crunched beneath their feet as they continued up the long pathway to the house. Even if Lisa could somehow manage to escape for the house she would have a long way to run before reaching the car or groove of trees. Remnants of tree stumps confirmed her suspicion that all vegetation had purposefully been removed from around the house for that very purpose.

The house looked like any old house, except for the lack of windows. Jackson keep a firm grip on her arm the entire way. Neither of them spoke.

Walking up the steps Lisa found herself starring up at a familiar face. It was the fake EMT!

Lisa gasped in shock and would have bolted for the car if not for Jackson's ever present grip on her arm.
"Hello Jason." Jackson greeted.

"Hi Mr. Rippner. I already checked the perimeter, there's nothing out of the ordinary. I also checked the security system to make sure that nothing was faulty, everything checked out." Jason said giddily.

Is this guy for real? What a suck up, Lisa couldn't help thinking.

"Very good." Jackson nodded in approval.

Jason grinned madly at Jackson's approval. If he were a dog Lisa had no doubt that he would be wagging his tail triumphantly.

"Mr. Rippner, you look exhausted." He said stating the obvious. "Why don't you go get some rest." Then throwing a dark look at Lisa he said, "I can take care of her."

Anger blazed inside of her. Didn't he remember who won last time?

"Hey Jason, how's the nose?" She asked conversationally.

Jason's eyes flashed as he lunged for her. Lisa braced herself for impact, but Jackson quicky stepped in front of her and grabbed Jason around the throat.

"Now Jason," Jackson politely chided. "What did I say about playing nice?"

Jason was gasping for breath and trying desperately to relinquish Jackson's hold.

Jackson pulled Jason closer to himself; all the while he also keep a firm hold on Lisa.

"Jason, while we are here you are not to touch one hair on her head. Do you understand?" He asked through clenched teeth.

Jason vigorously nodded his head. Jackson hung on for a few more seconds then finally released him.

Lisa almost felt bad for Jason, almost. If she at any time had questions regarding Jackson's possessiveness, they had all just been answered. A new fear began to edge its way into her mind. Even if she did go through with his plan to assassinate the keefe's would he really let her go?

Jackson gave a sharp tug on her arm and she stumbled after him into the house with Jason at her back.

Once they were all inside Jason closed the door; and it was then that Lisa noticed the small keypad next to the door. Jason's fingers flew over the pad typing in a password so fast that Lisa wasn't able to catch any of it.

Jackson pulled on Lisa's arm and they started up the stairs. While passing Jason Jackson shifted his arm and placed it around her waist. To Jason it was a sign of possessiveness, but for Lisa it was a sign of dominance. Lisa tried vainly to wriggle her way out of his grasp. She was nobody's property.

"Let me go ...Mr Rippner" She said mockingly.

Jackson tilted his head to the side and smiled down at her as they continued to make their way up the stairs.

"Jason can be a bit..."

"Suck uppish?" Lisa inserted irritably.

"Yes, that word works." Jackson laughingly replied. " But I was training him to take over me. I was about to retire when I meet you."

Upon reaching the second floor landing Lisa stopped and stared questionably up at him.

"Remember when my phone rang on the plane and I told you it was work for the last time?"

Lisa hesitantly nodded

"Well, that was going to be my last assignment, but you screwed everything up, and now I'm in for the long haul." Jackson responded with an edge of anger.

"Oh, well now I feel terrible." She said in a voice that clearly said that she wasn't.

Jackson gave her a cold smile then shoved her up the first few steps.

"I'll save you some trouble." He said from behind her as they made their way up the third flight of stairs. "There's only one way out of this house and that's out the front door, and the few windows in the house are so thick that nothing you could do would break them."

Lisa didn't respond to his comment. All she wanted to do was lie down, she would think of an escape plan later. After all, she did have three days.

Upon reaching the third floor Jackson grabbed her arm and steered her down a long hallway. The walls were extremely bare. There we're no pictures of cute little decorations that Lisa was used to seeing in homes. Other then a few lights it was completely bare.

Jackson finally stopped them in front of one of the many rooms. Dragging her in after him Lisa quickly scanned the room. There was a twin bed on the right side of the wall, a closet, and a small bathroom to the left. There were no windows, a dim light bulb was the only source of light in the small room Other then that it was just like the hallway, completely bare.

"Now Lise, I'm going to be in the room right across from you with my door open. Even if you somehow miraculously manage to unlock the door, I will hear you." He said and tightened his hold on her arm for emphasis.

"And as you can see," he continued, "There is nothing in here that you could use as a possible weapon. So, for the sake of time and sanity how about you do what I say for once and just go to sleep."

Lisa's thoughts automatically went back to the horrific plane flight, but she was too tired to afraid or uncooperative. She just wanted to sleep.

Lisa nodded her head in compliance and Jackson gently brushed a hand affectionately through her hair and exited the room. Once he had closed the door Lisa hear the distinct sound of a lock being set in place.

Sluggishly Lisa made her way over to the bed and plopped down. She would think of an escape plan latter. Now she just needed to sleep. Closing her eyes she felt sleep begin to take over. But before sleep could completely take over she whispered one sentence to herself.

"I will escape."

A/N: Well I hope ya'll liked it. The song I used at thestart of this chapter totally reminded me of Jackson. What do you guys think? Anyways thanks for sticking with the story and being willing to over look all of my many grammatical errors. :)