Love Thaws: Melting

Surrounded

Jessica sashayed into the room. She pointed an elegant finger towards Jack. "Currently, you ain't portable."

Jack scowled. "I realize that."

Jessica snorted. "Obviously not. You're not well enough to go anywhere."

Jack clenched his jaw.

Jessica thoughtfully held her chin. "I can put you in a private waiting room. I don't think anyone would expect a patient to be kept there, if they do come for you, that is. And they won't."

Jack let out a huff. "Oh, really?"

Jessica rolled her eyes. "Yeah, really. I've been removing the records of you from the computer."

"What about the security cameras?"

"What about them?"

"They have facial recognition software. If Elsa and I are on any of the security cameras, they're bound to find us."

"Oh, well..."

Jack crossed his arms, knowing he'd won the argument.

Jessica sighed. "What about a hotel room? We might be able to get you to a hotel."

Jack shook his head. "They'd expect that. We have to go."

"Look, since when are you the expert on hiding?"

"Since three years ago," Jack replied without missing a beat. "It's kind of my profession."

Jessica plunked her hands on her hips. "How far do you want to go from here?"

"That's confidential."

"Jack, I'm trying to help."

"Well, we don't need help."

Jessica let out a groan. "Okay. What if you guys stay in my apartment?"

"We'll be seen going out with you on the security cameras."

Jessica let out a huff. "Okay, what if I disable the security cameras?"

Jack thoughtfully looked up at the ceiling before shaking his head. "No. The safest place for us is away from here."

Jessica stamped her foot. "If you use that leg too much, you'll never walk right again."

"Doesn't matter. We have to leave."

"But this is the best suggestion I've come up with so far?"

"It doesn't matter of it's a good suggestion or not. Look, Jessica, I know you want to repay us for what happened—"

"So, you think this is just some sort of debt I owe you, huh?" Her dark eyes flashed with anger.

"Isn't it?"

"No! Yes, I owe you, but that's not the sole reason I'm doin' this."

Jack frowned. "Then what is?"

"I..." She bit her lip nervously. "I count you guys as some of my only friends. And friends help each other, don't they? No one ever gave me a chance like Elsa did."