Macy's Corner Cafe

Chapter 6

Mason stares at the photo in his hand. "Pax, don't mess with me. Are you sure it's Macy-Grace?" He asks, looking Paxton square in the eye. If this is some sick joke, Paxton will be fish food. "Mason, I swear. I went through everything again and again to be sure. Everything leads to this. Macy McCullen is the missing Macy-Grace Palmer." Pax says gulping, gathering all the evidence in front of him. Laying them in order in front of Mason, again.

His old man can be lucky he's dead. Mason needs answers. Why was she given away? What happened? Were their situation so dire that his father had no choice? Did his mother know about the arrangement? Or was she told a lie? "Did you find anything about the circumstances in regards to the adoption?" He asks, staring at the papers in front of him.

"Nothing. The adoption never went through the system. It seems as if she was just taken. Just given away. No signature, nothing. It doesn't make sense. You think your old man could be that cruel just to give his three year old daughter away to some stranger? Or is there more to this story?" Pax says while fidgeting with his fingers.

"The main question now is: Does she know? If she does, what does she know? How am I going to approach her to find out if she knows and what she knows?" Mason asks, a sigh following as the room fall silent.

"Maybe we can start with John Lance. They seem close." Jackson says from his brooding corner. Still processing the whole event and chewing on the information that was given. "I'll give him a call. Maybe we can go for a beer or something." He says as he straightens his 1.98 meter frame. "I'll let you know." He states as he walks to the door.

"Jackson, don't return in a body bag. John is quite protective of her. He'll go feral." Mason says to the retreating figure only to get a wave. "Mason, one more thing." Paxton says as he returns his gaze to the pictures and documents. Mason looks up. "Any more surprises? I think I've got my fill for one day, don't you think?"

Paxton smiles. "No promises. Remember I said she was kidn*pped, right?" Mason nods, not saying anything. "Well, that rescue mission was led by none other than John Lance himself and the man to his right is Peter Drew, who is currently the chef at Macy's Corner Cafe." Pax states as he gives Mason another picture. Two marines stands on either side of Macy, a young teenage girl. "Sandra, the waitress. She's a student at the Police Academy. Top of her class in Firearms. I don't think that we will have a problem when it comes to safety around her."

Mason's lips curl into a smile. She's really something. A true Palmer. Not only does she run a successful business. She made sure she's surrounded by guardian angels in disguise. Mason wonders if she ever read their resumes or if she can remember them from the rescue. If his mind serves him right, it was soon after that mission that John joined The Black Dragons. Said he needed a change of scenery.

"Thank you, Geek. The info you found is invaluable. I never thought I would see her again. I started losing hope." Mason says as he gets up and walks over to the window, overlooking the town. Paxton, murmurs something, but gets up and leaves the office and Mason to his thoughts.

It's getting late and Mason still has a stop to make before going home. His mother lives in a small cottage at the edge of town. She's a total recluse and don't leave the house. She tends to her rose garden in the back and when she needs something, she calls Mason to stop by. Ever since Macy-Grace disappeared, his mother's soul went blank and she became a shell of her former self.

He calls Jackson and informs him about his visit. Jackson may take the rest of the day off, he'll manage. On his way, he stops at Macy's. "John, may I please have a coffee and two slices of chocolate cake to go." He asks as soon as John looks up. John simply nods and start to prepare the order. "Thank you." He says and turns to go. He turns back and asks: "How is Miss McCullen doing?" John sighs. Why the sudden interest? "She doing better. The shock took it's toll, but she will be at the office tomorrow. She's not one to lay down for long. I had a tough time just letting her stay at home today." Mason nods, smiling and walks out the door to his car.

At the cottage, Mason gets out and walks up to the small cottage. The rose bushes are in full bloom. His mother always loved roses. Knocking on the door, he can hear shuffling on the other side.

The door opens and in front of him stands an older version of Macy. Ella Palmer's blue eyes sparkles as she greets her son. He is the only reason why she's still holding on. Her once dark brown hair has grey streaks in, but she's still dressed as if going to the office. Still a lady of the house.

"Hello, Mom." Mason greets his mother with a peck on her cheek. "I bought these on the way. Will you make some tea?" He asks. Chocolate cake, her favorite. She's quite a sweet-tooth when it comes to delicacies.

"Sure, Honey. Come on in and make yourself at home. I'll go and get the tea. You do know how to spoil your old lady." She smiles and waltzes to the kitchen, hearing a soft chuckle from her son.

During their peaceful conversations, Ella senses a hesitation in Mason's actions. "Is something bothering, Mason? You seem distant today." She asks as she takes a sip from her tea. Mason clears his throat and looks at his mother. "Tell me what happened with Macy-Grace, Mom? I need to know." He states.

Ella's throat becomes constricted, her hands sweaty. Is she prepared to talk about it? Maybe it's time. Marcus is no longer a threat in the background. She's free to tell whom she pleases. But it still hurts. Her little girl was torn away from her. Her heart is still aching for the lost daughter.