Macy's Corner Cafe

Chapter 2

It's been a week since he last saw her. Her image is burned into his mind. When he sleeps, she's there, teasing him with her blue-grey eyes. Her long, straight dark brown hair framing her perfect face.

Concentration at work is proving difficult. She's occupying his whole trail of thought. It's frustrating beyond comprehension. The very sight of her, had a greater impact on him than he initially thought. She reminds him of someone that was very dear to him. Mouse... His little sister.

He takes his cellphone and dials. "Palmer, long time, no speak, Man. How's things?" A ghost of a smile graces Mason's lips. Paxton is one of the very few people in the ranks who dares address him in that manner. A lifelong friend and a member of The Black Dragons, the brain in IT. If something or someone is missing, Pax will find them. "Good to hear you're still breathing, Geek." He smirks. "You're giving me too much credit, Boss. How can the Great Paxton Meyer be of assistance to the Mighty Mason Palmer. You don't just call to say "Hi!"" Paxton snickers on the other end.

Mason laughs. Paxton has that effect on people. A happy-go-lucky type of guy. Never a dull moment with him. Maybe that is why he still keeps him around. Paxton's energy reminds Manson that life is not just all about work and business. Playtime is just as important. At times...

"I need you to look into someone's business for me. A small corner cafe downtown. Macy's Corner Cafe..." He states, but gets interrupted. "Their latte's are the best and not to mention the toasted sandwiches. Corporal works there, right?" Paxton says. "Pax, ears with me. Brain too. This is important." Mason snares annoyed. "I want birth dates, cell numbers, physical addresses. Everything. Family trees if you have to."

"Wow, Boss. Who got on your wrong side today? I'll get back to ya. Give me two days." Paxton says and hangs up before Mason can say anything else. Mason sighs. Now for the excruciating wait. Two days is going to be a long time.

"Jackson, get the car ready. I need a coffee." He says through the intercom. "Sure thing, Boss." Jackson replies and Mason gets up, heading to the elevator. Another confrontation with the brooding John Lance, but he makes the best coffee in town. No arguments there.

"Where to, Boss?" Jackson asks, once he's seated in the backseat. "To Macy's Corner Cafe, Jackson." Mason says as the vehicle starts to move and he stares out the window at the passing buildings. Jackson doesn't ask any questions. He knows better than to stick his nose in the Boss's business.

Jackson's been Mason's driver for the last fifteen years. He started working for the Palmer family when Mason was a mere schoolboy, aged ten. He remember the day he started as Mason's driver and bodyguard. Sitting on the backseat, Mason looked scared and vulnerable. As the years went on, driver and employer started working together like a well-oiled machine.

Mason trusts Jackson with his life. An ex-military sniper, Jackson can break an arm in seconds and take a distant shot without a wink. He swore upon his life to protect Mason. He is like a son to him. To see Mason in the daze he's in, confuses Jackson.

Once they arrive at the cafe, Jackson parks the car and gets out to go around and open the door for Mason. "Thank you, Jackson. You can wait in the car. This won't take long." Mason says as he starts to walk toward the cafe. Jackson just stares at his back, his mind smoking while processing the whole scenario.

Mason walks into the cafe and John notices him. His color turning a sickly gray color. "Good day again, John. It's been a while?" Mason says as he looks at the man's paled complexion. "Mr. Palmer." John simply nods and proceed to fill cups with coffee, lining them up on the counter for the waitress to collect. Once the skinny blond is on her way, John turns to Mason.

"Can I get you anything, Sir?" His voice laced with resentment ad anger. "Now, John. That is no way to treat an old employer, is it?" Mason smirks. He knows the effect he has on people. They tremble at the mere sight of him. Whether out of hatred or out of fear. John's glare make it clear that he has nothing to fear.

"If you have something to say, you talk to me. Not my employees." A familiar voice echoes behind him. Well, most people. For some reason this little kitty cat is all claws and teeth. He turns and his breath catches in his throat. She's beautiful. Her blue-grey eyes bright and her dark hair in a ponytail, showing off her long neck. Her 1.67 meter body that of a goddess. Even if covered in an apron, jeans and a t-shirt.

Wonder why she looks so familiar? Mason, concentrate! A side smirk forms as he looks her up and down. Sizing her up. She's a feisty one. Not backing down easily. "I am just here for a coffee. Since the last one, I had to come back for more." He says, looking in John's direction. His eyes glinting and John's jaw clenching.

"Very well. John, give the gentleman his coffee so that he can be on his way. He's a busy man, if I recall correctly." She says, sarcasm dripping from every word. John tries hard not to snicker and Mason gives him a death stare while an audible growl escapes his lips. The smirk wiped from his features.

John gives him his coffee and bids him a good day. Mason glares at him. This is not what he was expecting. She's going to be harder to get. Maybe he should wait for the information from Paxton. Then he knows what he's dealing with. She's definitely not a damsel in distress type. He's had his fair share of those through the years.

Defeated, he walks back to the waiting car. Jackson is standing next to the open door, waiting for him to get in. "How is John doing, Sir?" He asks. They were close when John was still working for the Black Dragons. "He's doing great. The coffee he makes is outstanding." Mason says with a huff and Jackson senses the sarcasm. "Okay. That is good to know. Why the long face, though?" He asks as he takes in the younger man's features. "Jackson, what do you know about Macy's owner? She's new in town, right?" Mason asks. Jackson is caught off-guard. Clearing his throat he looks at Mason. It's about the girl. Now he gets it.

"Not much. I know her parents were both killed a while back during an armed robbery at a supermarket. She's been staying with her grandfather or uncle since then, but he died last year of heart failure. So, basically. She's alone in this world. No sisters or brothers. Why the sudden interest?" He asks. Mason just nods before climbing into the car, leaving Jackson even more confused and wondering.