Chapter 27

I figured the amazing night we shared was the only break we would really get.  Though he said that we could relax more today, I expected to get down to business.  Especially because by the time we woke up, it was nearly 3:30 in the afternoon.  Being accustomed to always rushing made me worried and even guilty that we slept for as long as we did.

"We should probably get dressed," I said, sighing after we dragged ourselves out to bed.  Without opening the long drapes or making the bed, I grabbed my suitcase and threw it on the bed. 

From my side vision, I could see Luke stretch and move towards me.  "You're right," he said in a tired voice.  Stopping next to me, forcing me to look up to him, I saw the blankness in his face.  Hopefully, he was still just tired.  "I'm going to get dressed, see what's going on then be back in a bit. Okay?" he asked, smiling slightly.

I nodded.  I could only cross my fingers that the 'old' Luke from last night would come back and stay for good.  "Sounds good to me.  You can take the room key too if you want."

When he left, I turned my attention back to my suitcase.  Opening it, I sifted through the clothes only to pause for a moment upon spotting something that made my heart jump. 

Lifting up a few folded articles of clothes, I took in Luke's coat towards the bottom.  The one that I took from the house before I left three years ago.  I wonder what he would think if he knew I was the reason it disappeared.  Even worse, what would he think if he sees the coat along with the necklace and ring that I still wore?  I didn't know but I had a feeling it would complicate things.  If that happens though, oh well.  I couldn't get rid of his coat or take off the jewelry. 

Sighing, I went back to rummaging through my clothes.  I pulled out a short sleeved and blue button-up shirt.  Putting it on, I also slipped on some jeans before grabbing a few things from my other bag to help me get ready for the day.  Brushing my hair with one hand and carrying my necessities with the other, I headed into the bathroom. I know guys, it takes a lot to get my beautiful ass prepared.

No more than a half an hour must have passed before I heard Luke come back in, the door closing with a click behind him.  I just finished applying barely any make-up compared to what I wore last night when I turned and moved out of the bathroom.  "Hey," I said, standing before him by the door.  His clear and alert green eyes showed that he was refreshed and awake now. "So what are they doing?  They aren't sucking each other off, are they?" I asked with a smirk.

He reflected my lips.  "Thankfully, that is not something I managed to witness when I walked in."

"Damn, that would have been a good story," I sighed, moving pass him, noticing my suitcase was still out.  Zipping it shut as I heard him chuckle, I turned around and caught him rolling his eyes. 

"It sure would have been," he said before pausing for a moment.  "Instead, they were asking Vic some very tense questions regarding his job.  He's answering too, which is surprising.  When they start asking him where Reid is though... we'll see how that goes," he said, taking a deep breath. 

"What do you mean?" I asked, walking over to the large window and parting the drapes, letting in light.  Turning back, I could see everything much better.  It lit the space and the man standing across the room.  Including the long grey shorts he wore along with a black polo he tucked in.  The ends of his soft brown hair rested past the collar and framed his face perfectly.  Looked quite snazzy, if I do say so myself.

His eyebrows lowered, as if unsure why I would ask as I walked back over to him.  "Well... it's pretty obvious that this guy isn't like Carter.  He's not going to want to tell us where Reid is because he dedicated his life to Reid."

Hearing him say that, seeing the expression on his face, it made me want to slap myself.  Well... I sure felt like a dumbass.  I'm not talking regular dumbass that I sometimes experience either.  I'm talking 'Ramper Dumbass' level folks.  Because the second the whole idea of kidnapping Vic came into the picture, I should have realized what everyone else already did.  That it's going to be a bitch to get Vic to talk.

"Oh my god," I said, shaking my head and sighing.  "I can't believe I didn't think about that.  I'm so stupid because you're right and it's obvious.  Of course he wouldn't want to talk.  He might not even talk.  Jesus, kidnapping him was a waste of time," I said, my eyes falling to the floor in thought.  I shook my head.  It was embarrassing I didn't consider that because it was obvious.  He was fully dedicated to his job and to Reid.

Trying to reassure my dumb ass, he chuckled and rested his hand on my arm.  "Oh come on," he said, making me look back up to him.  Though slightly amused, his face showed compete understanding.  "It's not that bad and you have a ton on your mind.  It makes sense why you didn't think about that.  I still think it was worth taking him.  Everyone has a breaking point and will talk.  We just got to find what that is for him."

"You're right," I nodded.  Vic was the one who had the most information we needed and there had to be something that could help us make him crack.  Everyone wouldn't have went along with kidnapping him if they didn't think it was worth it.

"Until that kind of questioning happens... we are still on break," he said, smiling and making me see that guard of his fully drop.  Besides his slightly thinner face making him look slightly older, he looked exactly like the Luke from three years ago again.  It made my heart start twirling like a fucking girl.  

Despite how great it was to see his guard down, I couldn't help my skepticism with an arched brow at the words themselves.  "Shouldn't we be in there with them?"  We had our break last night and even slept in.  Yet, we actually had more time to relax?

"They said they were doing fine and didn't need us yet.  Plus, it's not like they are asking him anything too important.  They have the TV on and are only asking questions during commercials," he chuckled.  "So... how about we go get something to eat and see what they have around here that's fun."

It was crazy to hear him say that.  It was like his real self was back and he was letting himself have a little freedom to be happy.  It was beautiful and made me want to jump up and down.  I don't think I could have hid my massive smile.  "Dude!  Now we're talking!"

It was so wonderful to see him so open and happy.  However, it was then that I recognized how different the 'old' Luke I love was compared to the 'new' Luke.  After finding each other three years later, he changed into someone withdrawn and serious. Seeing the man I knew before I went into witness protection, so open and full of life, I didn't realize how much of a difference there was between those two versions of him. 

It made my stomach twist in agony.  Such a difference showed the immense amount of struggles he faced.  It showed the pain he went through.  The pain he was forced to go through without me there.  Shannon's words echoed in my mind, the things she told me about.  The drinking, smoking, the hopelessness... everything!  I couldn't connect those things with the man before me now, free and alive with energy.  Such a difference... I could only pray to whatever may exist that Luke stay this way for good.  I missed this 'him' and I'm sure he missed this about himself too.  If only I never left to begin with....

I tried pushing those guilty thoughts away.  Luke was in a good mood and ready to have a fun day.  I wouldn't let my thoughts linger because I was going to enjoy my time with him.  I didn't know if he would go back to putting up that wall of his but what I did know was that it was down right now. I couldn't pass up taking advantage of that.

***

"Two more holes to go.  Forget about how crappy you have been doing so far.  Just fill these holes, I know you can do it," I said from where I was leaning against my putter. 

Luke was concentrating, trying to line up his red golf ball on the small green that was framed by bricks.  Breaking his attention from his serious self-study session with his ball, he turned back to where I stood, smirking.  "That's what she said... for like the hundredth time."

"Nothing wrong with that," I muttered, making that smirk turn into a smile as he moved his attention back to the ball.

That's right if you can believe it.  Luke and I were playing mini golf.  Walking along the busy street we drove in on last night paid off.  We had a good lunch at a nice sit down place then when we finished, we found this existed not much further down the road. 

It was a good day for mini golf too.  It was sunny and beautiful outside.  Plus, there weren't any other pests playing golf so we could take our time.  Time was well needed; this was a very serious game we were playing.  Luke was even keeping score.

The hole he was aiming at sat in the middle of the green, which was a couple yards in front of us.  However, to get to that area where the hole was, Luke needed to putt his red ball over a small bridge that the green narrowed into.  Quite the challenge, if you ask me.  Even more so because I knew Luke was really trying to focus.  I might as well help out....

"Wooooo! Sink that bitch!" I said loudly the second Luke finally swung the putter and made contact with the ball.  Holding back laughter at my successful attempt, his ball went far to the left.  It hit the brick that helped form the bridge, then rolled a few inches back towards us.

It led to him slowly turning towards me.  He had a dramatic expression aimed at me.  His frown and extremely low eyebrows made me laugh, especially as he moved closer, forcing me to take in his 'angry' face. "I didn't mean it," I defended as he leaned in close. "I just got excited."

"Sure," he said, his fake expression fading with the arrival of a grin.  It made my heart jump a few times with how close he remained.  Don't you dare start blaming me though.  The sunlight lit up his beautiful eyes and that smile, his face so close.... I mean just shoot me!  He was so close to me and alive.  "You just know how good I am and wouldn't have been able to stand my rod sinking it in."

Playing along, trying to shake away the spell he was putting on me, I sighed and smiled up to him.  "Maybe.  Maybe not.  But that's what she said, mister."

Rolling his eyes, he took a few steps back from me and gestured with his club that it was my turn. Moving to the start of the green, I set my piss-yellow ball where his was a moment ago.  Unlike him though, I didn't take as much time.  That didn't mean he passed up the opportunity to distract me though.

Lining it up and trying to prepare for him to do the same thing, I put all my focus on it as I hit the ball towards the small path of the bridge.  His tactic won out when I heard him use a slightly higher voice.  "Oh sink it! Sink that ball! Yes! Yes!" he squealed, making me laugh the moment I hit the ball.  It didn't even make it to the bridge before it stopped close to his.

Turning to him, taking in a neutral expression he was trying to keep, I couldn't help but set my glare on him.  "That was a cheap move.  You knew I was going to laugh."

"That's why I did it," he said, raising and lowering his eyebrows.  Moving to where our balls sat closely together (you know you like that), his smug gaze found mine.  This was just too much fun.  "You can't beat me."

"Oh yeah?  May I see the score sheet?  For like the fifth time?"

His face shifted down to his ball the second I brought up the score sheet.  "It's too much work to get out.  I'm trying to focus," he muttered, his focus on the ball.

Hearing his excuse and seeing how focused he was with trying to hit the ball over the little bridge, I couldn't help but smile.  He refused to show me the score, but all that means is that I'm winning.  That's why he was trying so hard now.  There were two holes left to finish before we were done so this was his last chance to catch up.  I didn't need to see the score sheet to know I was winning anyway.  This whole time, I was doing better than him.  

Stretching out his sweet time even more now, knowing he needed to do it perfectly, I sighed.  "Would you go before I whack you?" I raised my putter to express my threat.

He took a deep breath and finally hit his ball.  He managed getting it on the bridge at an angle but not over it.  "Damn putter is crooked," he groaned.

"Keep telling yourself that," I teased, standing where my ball was just before the bridge.  Unfortunately, when I ended up hitting my ball, it hit his too, making both of ours go over the bridge and stop just short of the hole. 

He said nothing but his proud stare was enough as I cussed under my breath.  That was plain unfair. I should move his ball back to where it was.  "Don't even, that was rigged bullshit right there!

"Sure it was," he smiled, moving around the green with me to where our balls now were.

It was from there that a few more challenging remarks, that's what she says, and playful teasing took place when we finished up that hole.  Then, by the time we finished up the last hole and turned in our clubs, we were still teasing each other.  More so, I was teasing him. I wrestled the score sheet away from him and saw that I won. 

Even by the time we were out the doors and walking back down the street the way we came, he wasn't done with excuses.  Being a man who loves golf and should be better at me, even at mini golf, there was a lot that needed defending.  "I'm telling you, my putter was crooked!" he exclaimed.

"Then why was it fine when I tried yours? Huh?  I ruled, concurred, dominated those holes.  Don't be such a baby," I said, moving in step next to him along the sidewalk.  It was such a beautiful day that I didn't mind the noisy cars that were flying by a few yards to our right as we walked. 

Throwing his arms in the air, he turned and stared down at me as we stepped over an uneven spot in the sidewalk.  "Excuse me, who is the experienced golfer?"

I snorted and shook my head, tucking my thumbs into my jean pockets.  "You are.  That makes the fact that I did better so much more embarrassing for you.  And as I recall, when we went golfing that one time, you hit a ball into the trees."

"That's because you distracted me that one time," he fired immediately back.

"Whatever man." I threw my hands up in surrender.  When I glanced up to him and smiled, I noticed his eyes were already on me with happiness.  It was quite the sight too, which made me drop our playfulness in exchange for the sincerity I could feel.  "Regardless if I kicked your ass or not, I'm glad we found a fun use for your money.  So... thanks," I nodded.

His smile turned sweeter.  "No need to thank me.  Completely worth it.  It reminded me almost too much of the summer we spent together after I arrested you," he admitted with a chuckle.

That's exactly what I thought too.  That summer he took me golfing, swimming, took me to fair and did so much with me.  Thinking back to it, it made me smile and look down and ahead, blushing.  "It was the best summer I ever had.  The only difference is that we don't have to go home to a tormenting bitch."

"Exactly," he said in a light but thoughtful tone, drawing my eyes back up to him.  He gave me a small smile, one that had a lot behind it that I couldn't read.  What I could make out... was beautiful.  It was unlike how he was with his guarded personality.  His old self continued coming through and it made my heart pick up.  It made me want to ask him what was making him open up like this and why now.  Of course, I knew I couldn't do that.  I didn't want to ruin this or make him go back to that guarded state.

By the time we past a long line of establishments, we were back to the familiar hotel. Obviously though, the last thing I wanted was to go inside on this amazing day. It was still warm out too and I wanted to extend our time together as much as possible.

"We still have a bit before we need to go up, right?" I asked, glancing to the sky.  The sun was lowering slightly, changing the skyscape to shades of pink and orange among the blue.  But we still had time before dark.

Glancing back to him, I took in his hair softly sifting in the breeze like I could feel mine doing.  Looking up to the sky too then back to me, he nodded.  "We have plenty of time."

Thank the lord. I couldn't imagine going inside and facing what we didn't want to deal with yet.  "Good. I can't stand Vic and Carter.  We should really crack down on who gets into our elite group."

We started to walk through the rows of cars in the parking lot.  The birds were all we heard along with the distant sounds of cars.  The parking lot wasn't busy either; most people who were staying for the night were already here.  "Don't worry.  Once we have what we need from Vic, he won't be coming along with us anymore."

Peaking up at his words, I couldn't help but be surprised. "Well copper, out of all of us, I'm surprised to hear you say that.  Do you mean kill him?"

He sighed and shrugged.  "I really don't know.  He's just not continuing on with us."

I let my eyes fall to my feet and followed the cracks in the pavement.  I spoke without thinking.  But really, what was new about that?  "If it's okay, I would like to kill him."

Luke paused for a moment, gripping my arm and pulling me to a stop.  Eyeing his warm fingers wrapped against my skin, my eyebrows shot up.  He suddenly didn't look so carefree. But it wasn't because his stone guard returned like I've been fearing would happen.  "Do you want to be the one to do it if we kill him?" he asked me seriously.

It didn't take me long to give him a sincere answer.  "It wouldn't weigh on me.  Clare dying isn't something I carry on my shoulders.  She deserved it and so does Vic."  The second I said that, my thought processes tripped up slightly.  I really didn't have a problem with the fact that she died.  Of course, it did always bother me when the memory of killing her would enter my head.  Not because it bothers me that I killed her.  More so, the consequences of her dying.  Like the loss of the baby she was carrying that I didn't know about.

Knowing what I meant, pursing his lips, he nodded in understanding.  "She did deserve it and yes, Vic deserves it for all he's done.  But do you deserve what that will do?  You said it won't bother you but killing people takes its toll on me."

I more than understood his words.  Partially because I knew it was always a fear of his, to have me kill people.  He knew the mental effects it had and he didn't want me to contend with that.  I didn't lie though; it didn't bother me because I knew the people I killed had it coming to them.  Regardless, he was right.  It still makes you think. It makes you dwell on it regardless if it weights over you or not.

"You worry about me too much," I whispered. "First of all, between us, you have killed way more people than I have and it weighs on you more than it will on me.  It's hard to think about when we actually have time to think.  It's hard to process all these people dying around us.  But it doesn't... deteriorate me.  If you want to worry about that, you need to deal with that on your chest.  It affects you more than me. Don't let that be one more worry."

He took in a deep breath. "I know.  That's not going to change my mind though.  I don't want you killing people.  You said it yourself.  I killed more than you have. What happens if you kill more people though? It will catch up to you and I can't let you go through that if you don't have to," he said softly.  Eyes caressing my face delicately, his hand continued to grip my arm.  Almost in comfort, I could feel his thumb gently stroke my skin. 

Sighing, I nodded.  I did understand what he meant.  What had a bigger impact in my head though was a curious question.  Though I couldn't bring myself to ask him about this sudden change in him, I didn't see the harm in showing I had similar concerns from the time we started getting waste deep in this shit.  "Then I have a question. From what's happened in the past and the violence that we are now facing, do you let it get to you like you did before?"

He scoffed, taking no time to think before answering.  "Oh there's no getting away from all that.  I learned that processing it means accepting it.  Acceptance doesn't mean you make peace with it.  It always bothers me and it always will.  You just got to approach it with as healthy of a mind as you can.  It can be tough sometimes.  Even now though, everything that's happening, it will sink it later and when it does, you just live with it and try to get through it."

Taking in his words, it made me admire him even more if that was possible.  He was always the strongest man I ever knew and I could grasp the fact that he always will be.  If only he never had to face killing all those people.  If it wasn't for me, he wouldn't have to.  Just one more thing to feel like a terrible person over.  Not only did I break his heart and put him through years of pain, I gave him the mental responsibly of killing. 

Not knowing how to even approach apologizing for all I did, I was okay ignoring it for now. I did the next thing I wanted besides apologizing: I praised him. "Well... if it helps, I'm proud of you for getting through it as much as you can.  You really are the strongest man I've ever met," I said, chuckling awkwardly and glancing to the side at the rows of cars.  Almost to help stop my own guilt, I continued with, "I know you can concur anything.  You are that strong.  And don't even think about downplaying it or pushing it aside," I smiled when I looked back up.  There was a small and sweet smile forming along his lips.  "Just accept my words because you are that awesome."

He chuckled and looked down, raising his eyebrows.  "Fine then, you win.  I won't fight your opinion of me," he said, a red tinge showing through his cheeks when his eyes found mine.  "In fact... maybe I like your opinion of me," he said, trying to suppress a grin.

Biting my bottom lip, feeling a rush of excitement run over me, I wanted to grin too.  Someone wasn't afraid to show he had balls because man, was that obviously flirty! I didn't expect it and whatever my face showed, it made him chuckle.  "Wow.  I don't know the last time I saw the mighty Albany Higgins surprised to speechlessness."

He was right.  That didn't happen often.  Thankfully, I was ready now.  "You can't blame me.  I didn't expect that from you.  If only you knew the rest of my opinion of you," I teased. 

"Oh don't even try to fool me.  I know you think I am amazing in every single way," he said, letting his arm drop as we continued walking down the line of parked cars. 

"Well, I'm not too impressed by your golfing skills.  So there," I said, crossing my arms into my chest.  The sun to our backs was getting lower in the sky and I could feel it in the chilling air. But night moving in wasn't what got us to go inside.

A few minutes later, a ring went off and Luke dug out the phone from his pocket.  When he checked it, he came to a stop and read aloud the text from Jackson.  "'We're ready to start.  Get in here.'  That's all he said."

I snorted.  "Sounds just like him too.  I'm not looking forward to this," I sighed. Not only was I more than okay being away from Vic and Carter.  But not bothering with them meant not facing the drama too. It was nice to not worry about our immediate future and I'm grateful that wasn't on our minds today. Hopefully though, when we go up to question Vic, we can get the answers we have wanted this whole time.  As you guys should know by now though, it's never that easy.

***

By the time we got up to their room, I quickly learned just how right Luke was earlier about Vic.  There was no reason Vic would talk. His job was his life and he would die for it.  That's probably why Jackson threatening to kill him didn't get things rolling like he had hoped.

"Threats to kill me?  You guys are funny or either have no idea the dedication I have to Reid," Vic said, looking between us with a blank face. Then again, I don't think he could have showed us much else.  Though they cleaned the blood off Vic and even gave him some new clothes to wear, I left my mark.  He struck me in the face, but I battered him up more.  The guy's face was bruised all over, one of his eyes swollen more closed than the other.  His eyes weren't missing out on much though.

The drapes on the big window against the far wall were shut, not letting much light in.  All that lit the room was the lamp between the two beds in the room.  It was enough to make me see everyone well enough though.  The most fascinating sight... was Jackson and Vic.

Vic was strapped and bound in the same chair, facing the end of the bed where Jackson was sitting, leaning forward towards where he had Vic facing him.  It was the first time seeing Jackson since he cleaned up and disposed of the plaster on his face and the blue contacts.  Compared to his disguise, Jackson looked much younger.  Of course, that hard and serious expression could always make up for it.  In fact, he looked incredibly on edge as he replied to Vic.

Unlike stupid me, Jackson predicted the conflict of not getting shit out of him.  "I thought you might be resistant.  I don't think this is any reason to get your family involved though," he said, making me raise a brow.  This was the first time I was hearing about this. 

Sitting on the edge of the other bed with Luke, I could feel myself sit up a little more.  What was he talking about with family?  I didn't like the sound of that.  Glancing to Luke who was sitting next to me, he kept his expression straight.  Whether that was because he knew what Jackson meant or because he wanted to give the impression to Vic that we had a strategy, I didn't know. 

Carter on the other hand stood next to where Jackson was sitting, staring down at Vic.  His blue eyes were wide and well rested.  They were also intense and excited, looking between the two of them.  It looked as if he was even stifling a smile.

Vic raised an eyebrow at Jackson's words.  "Family?"

Jackson leaned forward more towards his face, putting every part of his attention on the restrained man.  "Everyone has a family, including you.  Yours consists of a son.  I should hope that's enough of a fire to make you cooperate."

How did he know that?  Did Carter tell him that?  Probably.  Carter didn't look surprised or phased.  "You're going to kidnap my son?" Vic asked, not looking worried.

"Maybe.  You are one of the few people that work there that didn't get their children involved in their work.  Maybe we can find your parents who live at 3214 Baker Street?"

He didn't show any sign of fear or panic if he felt any.  He just stared hard at Jackson, contemplating his next words.  While he did that, I was trying to contemplate how in the world he knew that!  If Carter told him that, then how would he have even known that?!

"Nice tactic.  Do whatever you want.  I don't have any contact with my family for a reason. I live a floor above my office.  Disconnection is key and it means strength.  If emotion and connectedness was in my philosophy, weakness would take over like it did for those two," he said, nodding ever so slightly towards Luke and me.  "Take my son, kill my parents.  You wasted time with your stunt because I'm not talking."

Those words made my heart sink.  His eyes didn't reflect what I often saw when Carter looked at me. I could see what set him and his past employee apart.  He followed the same philosophies that Carter learned from him, but he had bigger responsibilities and commitments than Carter ever did.

Then, Luke did something that I didn't expect from him.  He let out a sigh and stood up, walking over to the small fridge that sat next to the dresser. "Then this is going to be a long night.  Who wants something to drink?" When he opened the fridge, my eyes widened.  There was beer and lots of it along with a few cans of coke.  I also just noticed bottles of liquor that were lined next to the TV.

"Better believe I do," Carter muttered before saying louder, "Is my buddy Captain Morgan over there?"

"Yeah," Luke said after checking.

"Hand me that and some coke."

Luke grabbed a beer for himself and a can of coke.  He put the coke along with the tall bottle of Captain Morgan on the table behind Vic.  Still not understanding what was happening, I watched Carter grab one of the cups that that came with the room.  Opening both the coke and bottle, he poured some in the cup and took a sip.  And all I could do was stare.  How freaking random was this? 

Taking in the display of liquor again, I looked between them all.  My eyes stayed on Luke when he sat back down next to me, opening his beer.  Whether this was a show for Vic or not, I couldn't help myself.  "Why didn't I know we were partying it up tonight?"

Luke took a sip before looking over to me, smiling softly.  "They're argument to me earlier was that it was unfair that you and I could go out and do stuff while they stay here and watch Vic.  So they wanted a little 'break' too and relax.  I didn't think Jackson was actually going to do this though."

I had no clue if what he said truly happened or if this was just a show for Vic.   Regardless, I didn't want to be left out. "Well come on, why didn't you grab me something?" I asked.  He should know by now that I would be up for something like this. 

That's when I finally saw a sign of something that gave me a little clue to why we had all these drinks.  Luke nonchalantly shot his eyes to the side towards where Vic was.  When he noticed that Vic wasn't looking this way, his eyes returned to mine.  "What do you want to drink?" he asked, but the second he did, his eyes widened slightly.  He shot his gaze down to his beer then back up to my eyes, still wide and revealing. 

That told me more than enough with where his gaze aimed to Vic, me, then the beer.  By the time Luke stopped giving me the signs and took a sip of his beer, I knew what this was.  Realizing this really was a show for Vic, I answered.  "A beer. I'll get it," I said, standing up and getting what Luke signaled for me to grab before sitting back down next to Luke.

I wasn't entirely sure what drinking would accomplish.  I didn't understand how drinking was going to help us with Vic.  But whatever the intended outcome was, we sold it well.  Especially Jackson.  He just... glared at Vic in hate.  Then, he pushed the rolling chair Vic sat in back to stand up. Moving over to the liquor, he grabbed the bottle that was labeled as Jack Daniels and opened it smoothly.  "I'm fucking done with everything," he mumbled in a low voice under his breath as he returned to his spot at the end of the bed. 

Tilting the bottle of whisky up to his mouth, he tilted his head back and took a big swig of the stuff.  All the while, Vic eyed the bottle and him in curiosity and suspicion.  When Jackson lowered his arm with the bottle though, he handed it to Carter who put it next to the other bottle on the table.  "Back to work," he said with a sigh, rolling Vic back right in front of him.  Leaning forward again, very close as he stared at him, the questions continued.

As I expected, as probably everyone did, Vic didn't budge.  He didn't answer much of anything we asked, even if they weren't questions related to Reid.  After an hour or so, it started to get frustrating.  I didn't understand this whole drinking thing and Vic wasn't giving us answers.  Jackson just kept asking the same shit or was threatening him. 

However, after that hour passed, things changed.  Carter was basically drunk, having downed more from his bottle.  As for Jackson... he didn't drink anything after that massive gulp he took.  It was like he was too focused on Vic with how close he was leaning in, trying to intimidate him.  It wasn't until nearly 15 minutes after an hour went by that I realized what exactly was going on.

This entire time of questioning, Jackson was extremely close to him.  It wasn't strange to me; he was an intimidating man and I thought that's why he was speaking to him not more than a foot apart.  There was a greater purpose though and it clicked when I noticed Vic becoming increasingly tease and uncomfortable.  He wasn't nervous, scared, anything like that.  Rather, the reality was that the smell of whisky on Jackson's breath was bothering him. He wanted the whisky and it was starting to bother him.

It was obvious too as each minute passed.  Each word Jackson would speak to him, Vic would turn his head to the side and away from him.  I couldn't look away from him or Jackson as their pointless exchange continued.  This idea... was genius.

Vic was too noticeably restless so it was natural that Jackson would take interest in his squirming movements.  "I will hurt you if you don't tell us," he hissed to Vic, who turned his head and nose away from him.  Then, Jackson reached up and gripped his chin hard, forcing Vic to look at him.  "What the fuck is wrong with you?  The fact that your sore from being in a fucking chair won't help you.  Just tell us otherwise we might just have to get your family involved.  You say you don't care but we can test that," he said, right into Vic's face. 

Jackson knew he wasn't sore.  But having Vic breathe in his whisky breath and think we didn't know what his problem was finally helped us.  Acting as if he still had power, Vic smirked.  "Give me some of that bottle then maybe I'll talk," he said, rolling his eyes.

And there is was.  Why this entire show of drinking was necessary.

"Fuck.... Finally," Carter slurred, making me drag my eyes to where he was laying on the bed behind Jackson.  Laying on his stomach across the bed, the bottle of his Captain Morgan now sat on the bed and in his hand. 

"Why should I waste it on shit like you?" Jackson asked, scoffing and yawning.

Vic wasn't the kind of man who would ever cave or be controlled.  But he wanted that whisky, so much so that he couldn't see why that might not be a good idea for him.  Being a boss of something as powerful as his group was, it allowed for too much confidence.  It allowed him to think he was in constant control, even though he wasn't right now.  "Because I fucking asked for it.  Because I'm sick of you people.  I'm hurt, sore, and want it.  Get off your retarded and lazy ass, untie my hands, and hand it to me."

It was incredible to think that this guy was so full of himself that he didn't realize what this whisky might do to him.  The intention of this entire thing was to get answers out of him – and we did alright.  Jackson did as he was told and once Vic started to drink, he didn't stop.  The more he consumed, the more reckless his answers became to our questions. Soon, we knew everything we needed.

______________________________

___________________

Hey guys! Sorry this was a little late its just the end of the semester and things are really busy right now. Anyway, let me know what you guys think about Luke and Albany's day and that drinking tactic haha. Hope you enjoyed!

Also with Island Rush about to be published, I have created a Goodreads author account and a Facebook page. There isn't much there yet because it's new but there will be things that you won't be able to find on Wattpad. The links can be found in my bio so check it out if you have time! :)