Deserted Highways

Not My Time

hand wrapped in Ben's and Kaelie's mismatched eyes floating through his dreams.

Jordan sat silently in his dark room. His fingers tapped restlessly against his knee, and he didn't hear Kaelie return until he heard her bedroom door shut. He was angry, the frustration made him want to itch at his skin until it flaked away, taking his unrest with it.

She needed to listen. She needed to do as she was told and stay away from that nasty little boy she fancied so much. He needed her for the after. He picked up a photo from inside his top dresser drawer. "Britta," he mumbled, so quiet that his lips barely parted, he knew if he spoke any louder that Kaelie would be able to hear what he said. "Britta, baby, I know what needs to be done. He needs to die, needs to die like you died and then she'll have nothing, nothing and no choice but to do what I need done."

He ran his fingers over the worn photograph and brought it to his mouth, the time weathered texture of the paper was rough against his lips. He picked up a phone. He wanted cringe at the overloud dial tone of the phone as it dialed the number he entered, there was no way Kaelie hadn't heard. He heard the soft click as someone on the other end picked up and remained silent, waiting for his instructions.

"Tomorrow. He needs to die. It will be done this time. I will be there to confirm his death, or you will be the one leaving in a body bag, is that understood? Be on the roof of the tallest building in the city and make sure you have sight lines to the street in every direction," Jordan did not wait for a confirmation that he'd been heard, it wouldn't come, they knew better than to answer him and risk being overheard.

Jordan looked at the photo again. "Soon, baby," he whispered, near silent.

He stood, opening his door and walking down the hall to stand outside of Kaelie's room. He knocked this time, and Kaelie pulled the door open, head cocked to the side, watching him with curious eyes, contacts still in. "Back to lecture me some more, Dad?" she quipped sardonically.

She turned away, walking back into her room and taking a seat at a small vanity. She slid her contacts out, placing them in a case and glancing back at him in the mirror, eyebrow raised. He moved into the room, sitting on her bed. He tried to stop the manic tremble in his fingers, he knew she'd notice immediately. She pulled her wig off, sending her vibrant red hair tumbling down her back in messy waves. She still didn't say anything, trying to wait him out until he spoke.

She shrugged, standing again and pulling open the door to her cramped closet. She pulled out a soft, nearly threadbare black shirt. She pulled her own top off one handed, unhooking her bra and Jordan looked away. She turned back again after pulling on the black shirt. "His?" Jordan asked finally.

"Yeah," she mumbled. She sat next Jordan on the bed, leaning her head on his shoulder, and Jordan fought the urge to rip away from her.

"You know I'm only trying to protect you, right?" he said, forcing warmth into his voice, reaching an arm to wrap around her shoulders. He had to keep her on his side, it was more imperative now than ever as she inched closer and closer to blowing everything for the people that had gotten his Britta killed.

Kaelie hummed softly. "I know, Jordan. I'm sorry. I know what you've done for me, what you've risked, losing everything, your job."

Jordan wanted to laugh, wanted to release the angry bubble of mirth in his chest, but he kept quiet. "I would be well and truly dead if you hadn't pulled my ugly ass off that concrete. I don't really know how you did it, or why, but I am grateful," she said.

Jordan relaxed in relief, she didn't suspect anything. Soon, she wouldn't have any more reasons to keep pulling away from him, jeopardizing his plans. She'd do anything for him once it was over and Jace was gone. "It'll all be clear soon," he said and she sighed.