Macy's Corner Cafe

Chapter 10

The next morning, Macy gets up feeling refreshed. She had a peaceful sleep. No nightmares this time. She gets dressed in her usual. Blue jeans, flats and a Macy's Corner Cafe t-shirt. Brushing her teeth, she looks in the mirror. No dark circles under her eyes today. So, she doesn't need make-up. Her skin can breath for a change. Her long hair gathered in a messy bun on top of her head.

She'll get her daily dose of coffee at the cafe. John makes the best coffee in town, hands down. And maybe she'll settle for one of Peter's gourmet sandwiches.

Thinking of breakfast, she makes her way to the front door, only to be blocked by the huge frame of Jackson Turner. Frowning, she looks up at him. "Good morning, Miss McCullen." He greets in his deep voice. Sending vibrations through Macy's being. "Morning, Mr. Turner. To what do I owe the pleasure?" She asks, trying hard to calm her nerves and failing miserably. This man is dangerous.

"Just a safe passage to work, Ma'am." He says, turning and walking up to the black SUV parked in front of her house. Oh, gosh. Now she'll be the talk of the town. She thinks as she makes her way to the car. "One question, if I may, Mr. Turner." She asks, standing next to the open door. Sizing Jackson up as well as the buff man standing next to him. Running will not be wise, but it's still an option. These men are trained professionals. She'll have her death certificate signed in cursive if she tries anything.

"Ask away. Please, call me Jackson." He states, looking at her, waiting. Calculating her every move. " Okay, Jackson. How did you find my house? I don't recall giving you my address, and I am sure John Lance will not give it to you either. Even if you threaten him." She's better than he thought.

Before Jackson can open his mouth to answer, she takes off. Running at full speed into the forest at the back of her house. "Bullet, Gunner. She's running. Get her!" Jackson screams into his earpiece as he dials John's number.

"Yeah." John answers. "John, she's running. We came to pick her up and she took off." He shouts into the phone, taking large steps into the forest.

"f**k, Jackson. You are really screwing things up. I'm on my way. Don't approach her. She's a frightened deer and she'll keep running." John says, looking over at a very concerned looking Peter.

"You coming? My buddies screwed up and now Macy's running." He says, getting a nod from Peter. They lock the cafe as Sandra will not be in today. She's on study leave.

Macy runs through the bushes as if they don't exist. She's unaware of the scratches on her arms and face. Her heart hammers in her chest and her legs beg her to stop.

She runs into a clearing and stops for the first time. Making a full circle, she strains her ears to make sure the men are not following. Her breathing rushes from her mouth, her lungs burning. She has no idea where she is. Her phone is still at home. Great. Now what?

A snapping twig gets her attention. Her stomach clenches as a huge man appears from the forest. His dark eyes watching her every move like a predator. Soon she is surrounded. Three in total. Men, all standing at least a head taller that her. By their built, she can tell these men are no walk in the park.

"Macy!" A familiar voice sounds out through the forest. Fear grips her heart and her throat is dry from the running. Her ears are ringing. She's not answering. John sees that she is surrounded by Bullet, Gunner and Auto. Fear oozes from her. She looks like a caged animal. He starts to approach her cautiously. Peter went around to approach from the other side, should she decide to run, again.

"Guys, stand down. You're frightening her." He says, speaking as calmly as possible. As soon as the guys back down, Macy seems to relax. Just as he enters the clearing, she takes off again. Running straight into Peter. "NOOOO, PLEASE!... Let me go!" She screams. Fists hitting Peter's chest as he tries to calm her down. She's frightened out of her wits. "Macy, calm down. It's me." Peter tries desperately. Nothing goes through. She's in flight mode.

John runs over to Peter and a thrashing Macy, encircling her from behind and pressing her back to his chest. He grips her wrists and speaks softly into her ear. "It's okay, Sweetheart. I'm here. No one will get you." He whispers and she calms down instantly. "Please don't let them take me again." She whimpers as she goes slack in his embrace. Tears running down her cheeks as she clings to John's arms, digging her nails into his skin.

He turns her around so that she can face him. Her arms goes around his waist and she buries her face in his chest while he holds her tightly against him. Sobs ripping through her as she chokes on her tears. "It's okay. You're safe now." He reassures her.

Picking her up in bridal style, she nuzzles into his neck, sending a shiver down his spine. He is getting more and more aware of her closeness. The first time he got this feeling was when he rescued her from being sold at the Black Market, nine years ago. She was just sixteen then. He, a twenty one year old marine, at the top of his class.

It was after that rescue mission that he decided to quite the military. He then joined the Black Dragons as a prospect. Within two years he earned his place as Second in Command. The missions were b****y, but the success rate high and the payments even better.

When he heard that Macy was going to open a cafe, he had to be by her side. Not only to protect her, but to be with her every day. She left a mark on his heart and the only way to satisfy his longing was to share the same space as her. So, he left the Black Dragons behind and became a Barista. Peter joined soon after. He was also part of the rescue mission, but also quit afterwards. He went on to become a chef.

A phone ringing brings him back from his daze. Gunner answers. "Yeah. Yeah, we found her. We're on our way back." He says and hangs up. "Corporal, good to see you again. Thanks for the help. She's fast." He says, but looks at her with pity. John just nods and continues to walk, Peter following close behind. Macy's Corner Cafe will be closed for the rest of the day. Macy needs him. This is the second breakdown he's witnessed. It's worse than he thought.