Macy's Corner Cafe

Chapter 13

The burning desire to bring Macy-Grace home, is consuming Mason. He wants his baby sister under his full protection, under his roof.

"Boss, you have a minute?" Paxton asks from the office door. "Yeah, sure." Mason simply state as he looks out the window. When silence followed, Mason looks back to see Paxton looking worried. "What's up. You don't look so good." He says as he turns his full attention to Paxton.

"Uhm... I looked into the k********g of Miss McCullen. It's not roses and moonlight, Mason." Pax states, and as the words utters his mouth, the color of his face drains. "What do you mean, Paxton? Out with it." Mason asks, dread creeping up from his gut. Paxton swallows heard. "She was taken when she was fourteen. I'm not sure about details, but ... Oh, jeez. Mason, if John Lance and his men didn't storm the place. Macy would've never been found. The McCullen g**g never even reported her missing." Mason stared at Paxton in shock.

"What? They would've left her to rot in there? How did the Marines know?" He asks, feeling the rage burning in his chest. "They had a hunch. One of their guys went undercover the year Macy turned sixteen. The day the rescue took place was the same day she was up for the auction. To be sold as a s*x slave." Paxton's voice broke. "Jeez, man. We are a walk in the park. There are some sick people out there." He states, looking down at his hands.

Mason sighs, also looking down at his hands. Macy's gone through far worst situations than he thought. That explains her behavior. She trusts no one apart from John Lance, Peter Drew and Sandra Morris. That explains the staff at the cafe. Macy-Grace has appointed her own g**g in the form of two ex-marines and a future police force. All three, a force to be reckoned with.

He knows John's potential, but he is yet to see the damage Peter and Sandra can inflict. But he is sure, they're not just pretty faces in the street.

"Thank you, Paxton." Mason says as Paxton gets up to leave. Pax simply nods and goes out the door. "I need a coffee." Mason says to himself as he walks to the door. Jackson is in the foyer of the huge office building, talking to Auto and Bullet.

On his way past them, he nods in Jackson's direction and walks on. Jackson soon follows. At the car, Mason gets in and waits for Jackson to take his place behind the wheel. "To Macy's Corner Cafe, Jackson." He says and leans back with his head on the headrest. His mind running through everything Pax just told him.

Once in front of the cafe, Mason takes a few minutes to look around. On one corner, he spots an unidentified, black SUV. Two men sitting in the front. Suspicious. "Jackson. Do you have someone guarding the cafe?" he asks, looking in the other direction and sees two men standing, looking as if on a lookout. "No, why?" Jackson asks.

"I think Mr. Hill is a busy boy these last couple of days." He states, his voice a low growl. Jackson notices the men and the SUV. "Don't you think it's time we introduce Miss McCullen to the guys? Since John is coming back, we might as well." He says, still looking at the black car.

Walking into the cafe, Mason sees John at his usual place behind the counter. It's quiet today and Sandra is not in. Peter can be heard in the kitchen and the smell of fresh pastries fills the air.

"Morning, Corporal." Mason says, seeing John tense up. "What do you want?" He growls, putting the mug down he was drying. "Well, a good morning would be nice, but it seems that is not happening. Just a coffee, please. If I may." Mason says, eyeing John cautiously.

What is he so wound up about. Then he catches John's gaze going to the street. He knows about the stake out. He saw them. Damn, this man is good. "You know about them, don't you?" He asks and gets a nod from John. "They've been here since yesterday. When I dropped Peter off, I saw them." He says as he hands Mason his cup of coffee. "How is she doing, John." Mason asks, looking down at the cup in his hand.

"She's in autodrive. I have her staying at my house. I'm afraid these monkeys are watching her house as well. Don't know what they're planing, but it is not sitting right in my gut. Something's up." John says, looking up and making eye contact with Mason. Mason takes a step back. The fury in John's eyes are intense. "If I catch that little Hill brat. He will regret the day he was born." He says. Venom dripping from every word.

Mason has seen John angry. He's witnessed John going on a rampage, killing as far as he went. All to protect those close to him. This is at a whole different level.

"John, can you come to the mansion later? Bring Peter with. I have an announcement to make. I know this is sudden, but it's important. Since you are coming back to Black Dragons. Please?" Mason is not one to beg and plead, but this time he swallowed his pride. He has to. It's for the sake of his sister's safety.

John nods. "What time will be good? The cafe closes at six. Will six-thirty do?" He asks, looking at Mason. He gets a nod and Mason makes his way to the door. Acting normal, not to rise any suspicion from the enemy.

"Peter!" John calls from the counter. "Yeah!" He answers. "You still know how to use a g*n?" John asks, waiting for a response. A metallic crash follows. "Mother fucker!... Why?" Peter curses before answering. Then appears in the doorway, covered in flour. "Is she clean? I feel a war coming up. We'll have to prepare ourselves. You busy tonight. I want you to meet the guys at Black Dragon." He says as a s******c smirk crosses his face."Hell, yeah. Some action at last." Peter cheers. Hell indeed.