Macy's Corner Cafe

Chapter 11

John places Macy on the back seat and she slumps over. On the way back to the car, she fell asleep in his arms. Peter rides shotgun. Not leaving her side for a moment.

"John!" Jackson calls out to him. As soon as he moves closer to John, John's fist connects with his jaw. Sending Jackson back a few paces. The men surround them within minutes, but Jackson holds up his hand, stopping them.

John is fuming, his eyes burning. "I deserved that." Jackson states, rubbing his jaw. Still strong as ever. That's gonna leave a bruise. "What were you thinking, Jack? Playing hero will not help the situation. She saw the guards last night. Macy is not someone to underestimate. She's a survivor, Jackson. This morning's act just pushed her over the edge. You saw the fear, didn't you? You all did! Now back the f**k off and give her space. You are smothering her." John shouts at the top of his lungs while still glaring at Jackson.

"Do not pull something like this again. I will make the call. You, Mason and the rest of this little posse of yours better stay way. As far as possible. I swear. I will go feral on your asses if I as much as catch a glimpse of you anywhere near her again." John spat before turning on his heel and stomping off to his truck.

"You okay, Mr. Turner?" Bullet asks from beside Jackson. "Yeah. I just think we stepped over the line on this one. Don't know about you guys, but I don't want a Feral Lance on my a*s. We sure as hell will all pull the short straws when it comes to that." He states, still rubbing his jaw and getting a knowing nod from the guys. His eyes following the retreating blue truck.

"Come on. Lets go lick our wounds. It's been a long day." He says as he makes his way to the waiting car. Now to go and explain to Mr. Palmer. How is he going to approach Mason about this. John has gone total caveman and will not hear reason from anyone. Not even from Mason Palmer.

Once at the mansion, Jackson walks into Mason's study. He's not there, yet. Walking straight to the minibar, he pours himself a whisky. Normally a beer-drinker, the situation called for something stronger. His jaw is still throbbing and he knows a bruise is forming.

Holding the cold glass against his jaw, he winces as Mason walks into the study, eyeing him suspiciously. "You look terrible. What happened? You guys got attacked by a bear?" He smirks, earning him a guttural growl from Jackson. "It was not a walk in the park, Boss." He simply states and plops down on the chair in front of Mason.

Jackson explains the morning's events as well as carries over John's message. Mason listens silently, intently. John Lance is really protective of Macy-Grace. This will be a bit more difficult than he thought. At least she is safe. John is one of the best and if Peter Drew is anything like John Lance, they have a winning team. He'll back down for now. But sooner or later, the truth must be spoken.

For now, they will take care of the Hill boy and his goons. He is proving to be a pain in Mason's side. Not only is Derek Hill stalking and possible harassing his baby sister, but he is also snooping around in Black Dragon business. Both is a serious matter and must be dealt with.

"Jackson, why did John attack you? What did you do that got him so worked up?" Mason asks, standing by the window and looking out onto the rose garden and fountain. "I wish I can answer that, Mason. But I have no idea. One thing I can say. What I saw in Macy's eyes was beyond fear. She was terrified. Something happened to her and she's not coping with it. She may look strong, but underneath the tough acting, is a broken girl. John said so himself." Jackson states, still holding the cold glass against his throbbing jaw.

"I'll have Paxton look into it. Maybe he can find something." Mason says as he turns to sit at his desk. The paperwork is piling up again. "Jackson, go and catch a shower, maybe a nap too. You look like something a stray dragged in. It was a long day. Thank you for your efforts. I'll survive for today. You can be back at your post tomorrow morning." Jackson gives him a nod and leaves the office, glass still in hand.

What happened to Macy-Grace that would trigger the actions his men witnessed today? His heart sinks as he thinks of all the possibilities, yet she was calmed by John. A walking killing machine. Merciless, swift and deadly. Was it due to the fact that he saved her from a life of horror?

How will he be able to approach her? He has to convince John first. The fact than Jackson and the guys pissed John off, is not helping. Now the task at hand is getting closer to John. Softening him a bit, which is the tricky part. He's not falling for play dates. Maybe if he just get it out and tell John the truth, along with the evidence, maybe then they can work it out.

He just wants to speak to Macy-Grace again. His mother will be over the moon. Maybe then she will find closure and peace. Ella's been beating herself up over what happened to Macy. She felt it was her responsibility to protect Macy. How could she with a husband that was anything but loving and caring. He wasn't even at the hospital when Macy-Grace was born. Said it was a waste of his time. When his mother and Macy came home, he didn't make any effort to hold her or even look at her.

The few glances Mason could get of her, he fell in love with her. She was a little doll as his mother stated. A happy little girl with straight dark brown hair and grey-blue eyes. Always watchful and giggling. He can still hear her laughing in the hallways. That was his saving grace.

He was just five, but training to take over the business started at an early age. It was grueling. Most nights he would cry himself to sleep. He resented every fiber of the man his father was. He promised himself that he would never go to the level the old man was. Cruel, cold and surly the most hated businessman to walk the face of the earth.