For Love and Honour
by Firebabe

Things were different now, Jerry Jacks realized as he slid his weapon into the back of his pants. For a man once motivated solely by greed and self-gain, it had only taken one look into Alexis’ fear-filled, teary brown eyes as she’d pleaded with him and quietly reminded him of the promise he’d made to always protect her and her daughters to spur him into action.

He’d taken her trembling hand in his and given it a squeeze. “Don’t worry, darling. I’ll take care of it.”

A silent gaze of communication had passed between them. He’d known what it was she was asking him to do just as she’d known what it was he’d just agreed to do. The actual words weren’t uttered, nor would they ever be.

Eventually she’d nodded and looked away. “Be careful,” she’d whispered.

“Always am,” he’d grinned with a brief return of his customary cockiness. He dropped a quick kiss on her lips then turned to leave.

“Jerry…” she’d called out as he reached the door.

He’d turned back, wondering if she’d changed her mind.

“Thank you.”

He simply nodded wordlessly and exited the room.

Pausing briefly outside the door, Jerry withdrew his weapon as the cold, steely appearance of James Craig swept over his features. Turning the handle, he soundlessly pushed the door open and stepped inside.

He stood still for a moment, giving his eyes time to adjust to the dim lighting. His ears strained for sounds as he stealthily edged along the line of the walls as he began to search the room.

Finally he found his target as his eyes met with a pair of startled eyes. He raised his weapon and took aim as he spoke softly but with deadly intent. “You frightened the woman that I love.”

Mindful of the need to appear focused in front of the enemy, he kept his expression blank as he inwardly cheered at having said it. He’d realized months ago that he was in love with Alexis but knew she wasn’t anywhere near ready to hear him say it yet. Regardless of the circumstances, it had felt damned good to finally say it out loud. Thoughts of Alexis and his love for her brought him back to the matter at hand.

“It’s time for you to die,” he declared, his voice resonating with calm finality.

He coldly smiled with satisfaction as he saw fear briefly flicker through the eyes staring helplessly back at him. He raised his arm a little higher.

He easily anticipated his opponent’s sudden dart to the right in a desperate bid for survival; using his finely honed instincts and reflexes he swiftly ended a life with a single strike.

Stepping over to where the body had fallen like a stone, he stared down at it with another icy smile. His motivation might have changed but Jerry Jacks still enjoyed the thrill of the kill.

With the body having been disposed of and the clean-up done, Jerry returned to Alexis. He found her almost in the same spot she’d been in when he’d left. Remnants of fear were still visible on her face.

“It’s done.” He took a reassuring step towards her.

Relief washed over her face. “It’s all over?”

He nodded. “It’s over. You’re safe now, darling.”

“Are you sure?”

Another nod. “I’m positive.”

“Promise?”

“Yes Alexis,” he sighed, slipping back into bed. “You can now use the bathroom. The mouse has gone … forever.”

Alexis broke into a wide grin and gave him a smacking kiss on the cheek. “Thank you!” She leapt from the bed and scurried off to the bathroom.

Jerry watched her disappear and gave a rueful roll of his eyes.

The lengths he’d go to in order to protect his woman!