Page 16 of The Associate

Once I gather my things off the floor, I push through the doors of the building and make a beeline towards my car. I need to get back home as soon as I can.

Chapter 5

Mason

10 Years ago

When I had woken up the morning they had left, Sal had been livid. Throwing things, accusing everyone of being involved in their disappearance. Marie and Genevieve leaving had been the start of his decline and no one could know just how bad he would become.

The house is going about their everyday tasks. Sal is ordering everyone around, like normal. It feels like he is trying to get everyone out of the house. Cyber and Atlas have been sent on a mission, Lennox is on a stakeout and Sal has told me to go and watch the Blackmere mansion to see if there is any unusual activity.

He suspects that Genevieve and Marie are there, but he can never get the proof. He trusts that I can.

I walk out the front door and down to where my Mustang is parked – my chick magnet. There is no time for picking up girls today though, I have to go and stake out Blackmere.

Walking around the hood of my car, my fingers glide across the smooth, painted metal and around to the door, pulling the door handle and climbing inside. I place my hands on the steering wheel, gripping the leather as it creaks under my grasp. I close my eyes and relax against the headrest.

Inhaling a deep breath and holding it for a few moments, I release the breath and open my eyes, reaching forward and turning on the car. It is turning to dusk, so my headlights are needed.

“Time to do this,” I say to myself. I have my suspicions that they’re there too. Sal has, after all, looked everywhere else.

I put my foot on the accelerator, speed down the driveway and head south towards Blackmere. It is a boring drive there. The workday traffic is already home and it is an easy drive. Too much traffic makes me antsy. I am used to driving at night when there is no one around.

I park about fifty metres away from the Underbelly’s house, along the curb. From here, I can watch as cars drive in and out of the gates.

They are all focusing on what they are doing and not even taking a second glance at my car. Across the street from Blackmere’s organisation is an apartment building with people walking in and out. It is where they house the less important and newer members. They have houses all around the area.

A tap against the window makes me jump and I glance over. Marie De Luca. She has not changed in five years.

For once, Sal’s suspicions are correct, but, now that I know they are here, I am not going to say anything to Sal. I would never betray Genevieve and Marie after Marie helped raise me and Genevieve…well, after what Genevieve means to me.

“Mason?” Her eyes squint as she looks into the window.

I lean across the car and unlock the passenger door, pulling the door handle and pushing it open. She steps back and hesitates slightly before sliding into the passenger seat.

“How are you Mrs. De Luca?” I ask as the door clicks shut.

“I am well, darling.” She smiles sadly at me. “Just hiding from Salvatore is exhausting.”

Her eyes widen suddenly as she realises why I’m here. I know exactly what she is thinking. “No, no. It’s okay, I am not here for that.” I hold my hands up, trying to reassure her. “He sent me, but I promise I am not going to say anything to him.”

Her shoulders relax and she releases the breath she is holding. “Do you want to come upstairs?” she asks, looking over at me now.

“I’m not sure if that is a good idea.” I glance over towards the Blackmere mansion. Her hand rests on my shoulder.

Turning to face her again, she smiles at me. “I trust you, Mason. I know that, even though Salvatore trained you to do whatever it is you do, you wouldn’t do anything to harm me or Genevieve.”

I nod and climb out of the car, walking around to the passenger side, meeting up with Marie on the other side. “We are up on the fourth floor dear,” she says, walking off into the direction of the apartment building.

The building isn’t much in the way of looks, but when you are part of an Underbelly organisation, your living arrangements do not mean much. The building is an off-white colour with a deep maroon trim. There are cracks lining the walls, both outside and in.

We make our way over to the elevators and hit the button to go up. “She could use a friendly face again after so many years,” Marie says.

The doors open with a ding and we make our way inside. “She will be so happy to see you Mason dear.” She pats my arm as we make our way into the lift and up to the fourth floor.

The levels are just as run down as the main entrance. There are water stains on the walls, paint flaking away, and there seem to be holes punched in the wall.

Marie steps out in front of me and makes her way left down the hall. Apartment twenty-two. She pushes the door open and I am instantly hit with the aroma of mint with a hint of jasmine.

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