Lisa knew what she was doing was wrong and stupid as she peered at the looming brick building through the foggy dashboard window. Unbearably nervous, she strummed her fingers on the wheel and bit her lip so hard it bled. She took her frustrations out on the heating dial, turning it so that her windows would clear up again and glanced at the clock. 6:08.
With a deep breath in, she turned off the car and swung open the door. She stood before the giant prison that held Jackson Rippner and shuddered.
As she walked to the big glass door, Lisa replayed the warnings of her father and Detective Daly, the man who was investigating the case, in her mind. Neither thought visiting Jackson was a good idea.
Why would you want to put yourself through that, Lisa? Don't you think you need more time?
Questions she would shrug off and ignore. Despite their protests, Lisa found herself everyday, after getting off from work, in the same old familiar parking lot staring at the same old familiar ugly brick building.
Today, she decided she couldn't take it anymore and had to see Jack. Lisa couldn't pinpoint the reason of this sudden decision, and her better judgment kept informing her how incredibly stupid this all was, but she knew she had to see him. There had been no peace for her since that fateful flight three months ago.
Lisa was staying with her father for the time being until she felt comfortable to be on her own again. She kept having terrible nightmares, screaming as she woke, certain she'd find Jackson in her room. Still, she was a lot stronger than she had been the day she boarded the flight to Miami.
A soft breeze swept across Lisa's face, playing with her soft curls. The wind seemed to push her closer to the building. She remained in a trance until the annoying buzzing sound that beeped to let her into the visiting room jarred her. Reluctantly, Lisa took the seat she was directed to and licked her lips in anticipation. She stared through the glass, willing Jackson to appear.
Just then Jackson came through the door on the other side, accompanied by a large tough-looking guard. Despite herself, Lisa grinned at the satisfaction of being superior to Jackson in this situation. Jackson glanced around, visibly perplexed as to who could possibly be visiting him. This, too, gave Lisa satisfaction. She loved every minute of this- catching Jack off guard. The man pointed toward the chair across from Lisa. Lisa inhaled, wanting him to finally see her.
Just before he sat down, their eyes met. He was obviously quite shocked at first, but his cool, professional façade soon took over and the ice that Lisa had grown so accustomed to on the plane coated over his eyes. He smirked at her, almost taunting her, and sat down in the chair. He sat there silently, gazing into her eyes for what seemed like forever to Lisa. Finally he reached for the phone and, amused, raised his eyebrows and gestured to her to do the same.
Clumsily, she reached for the phone, embarrassed for her momentarily loss of cool.
They sat there in silence for a moment, the cool phones pressed to their ears, until he finally said "I remember your aversion to phones."
Lisa just stared back.
"Well, what can I do for you?" He seemed bored and judging from the circles under his eyes, quite tired.
She licked her already moist lips again out of habit and swallowed hard. Her eyes found their way to the healed wound on his neck.
"It feels much better now, thanks."
Lisa jumped, startled. She forgot how good a mind reader he was.
"Leese, I really don't have all day… they only give you about ten minutes in here."
Lisa finally declared, "I just wanted to see you here- where you belong."
His smile then was sickening.
God, Lisa thought, he's still acting like he's in control!
His eyes finally left Lisa's and traveled downward to her sheer pink top. He smiled and then met her eyes again, wicked playfulness dancing in the crystal pools of danger. She blushed, knowing he'd just checked her out.
"Oh, Lisa," he sighed, sounding disappointed, "after everything we've been through and you're still a prude."
Her fear and uncertainty quickly became replaced with anger and she snorted. "Prude? I'm no prude. I'm just not too welcome to repulsive men ogling me. That's all."
"Well, now that your point has been made and your mission completed, shall we call this a day and part ways?" Jackson sighed, sounding still like a negotiating businessman. She hated how he could still act so confident and official, even in jail.
Lisa was tempted to hang up right then and there but there was still something else she needed. She wasn't quite sure what it was, though, and was beginning to regret coming to see Jack so soon. Perhaps she had needed more time to sort things out.
Jackson smirked, seemingly reading her mind. Chills ran down her spine; she remembered that smirk all too well.
"You know… you can come see me again. Next time wear that shirt- only skip the whole bra part. Shake things up a bit."
Furious, Lisa hung up on him and jumped from the chair. She waited impatiently to be buzzed out and cursed herself at she made her way down the never-ending corridor.