Page 52 of The Associate

There is no better experience than being out in the field. Mother would hate this if she was still alive, but if she could see that I’m doing this in preparation for taking my father out, I know she would approve.

Their marriage started going further downhill just after I turned five. As a kid, I never understood why, though.

Mum wanted me to be able to live my life and choose who to marry when I was ready. It was why, when she could, she packed our bags and ran. I had always wondered why she left him and when I was old enough to understand why, I never wanted to come back to this place.

Then she passed away. My father found out and, when he attended her funeral, he could finally sink his claws back into me. He made it known that he never cared about what I wanted. He would be dragging me back to the mansion whether I liked it or not.

“You ready for tonight, sweetheart?” Mason’s voice makes me jump as he calls out through the locked door. He had left my room for a brief moment to collect something from his room, making sure I locked my door behind him.

Ever since my father’s outburst, Mason is not taking any chances leaving me alone. I am thankful for his constant watch, though, even after he opened up to me last night about why he ran that night, things are still a little awkward between us. At least now, I am confident that it will get better.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” is all I can respond as I open the door to let him in.

“Alright, first things first, let’s get you into something a little more movable.” He points to the jeans and tank top that I am wearing.

“I can move in these.” For a pair of tight-fitting jeans, these are the most flexible pair I have. I stare right into those icy blues and do three low squats, standing back up with a smug grin. I hide the grimace of discomfort.

“Alright,” he smiles at me, even though I am sure he is able to see I am a little stiff when I move. “I trust you.”

He walks out of my room and towards the foyer of the house before I can even get my Converse on. Picking them up, I run out of the room after him. “Slow down, speedy,” I call out.

“Hurry up then, put your shoes on and let’s get out of here.” He waits for me as I slide my shoes onto my feet. But he’s tapping his foot.

“You’re nervous, aren’t you?” I ask as I tie my laces.

“No.” He looks down the hallway.

“Mason, you can’t stand still.” I stand up, placing my hand on his shoulder. He glances down at me.

“Ok, maybe just a little.” Placing his forehead on mine, he whispers, “Just please do everything I say.”

I nod. “Of course I will. Now let’s get going.”

Walking out of the mansion, Mason gently wraps his arm around my waist. “I also have a present for you in the car.”

Being around Mason is comforting. Finding out that he had promised my mother that he would always look out for me fills me with the warm and fuzzies.

It doesn’t take long to get to his car. He opens the door for me before getting in the driver’s seat himself.

I watch as he slides into the car. Watching this man do anything has me addicted. I just want to have him trust me enough to let himself open up fully about the anxiety he has.

He leans across the car and opens up the glove compartment, revealing a leg holster and a pistol inside. He pulls it out and places it in my hands. I look at him with what is probably the dumbest look ever because he just chuckles and turns his head to look out the windscreen. “I am not going to let you go into this alone or unarmed.”

“But… I…” I can’t seem to find the words.

“You don’t know how to shoot?” He looks at me and I nod. “Well, I guess it’s a good thing we are going to the range first then.”

“Wait?” I am more and more confused as the seconds go on.

“Yep. Two birds, one stone.” He smiles, turning the key in the ignition.

I glance down at the gun and the holster in my lap and then up at Mason as we speed down the driveway and out onto the road. The range is on the east side of town, surrounded by industrial buildings. There are a lot of run-down places in this area too. Probably all gang-owned. Each area of the town has its gangs and Underbellies nearby. The south has Blackmere, the north has Redbay, East is Claymore and West is Grimward. Our Underbelly organisation is right in the heart of Murwood. Even though the other gangs were in their own towns, they border the outer areas of Murwood.

We are classified as the most powerful organisations, with Blackmere being the second. Never on the wrong side of the law —weare the law. All the weapons we’ve sold are top of the line. Blackmere always tries to take the top spot but is always knocked down a peg or two. Informants are embedded amongst their ranks and their plans funnel to us. Bribery of their buyers, turning their suppliers — everything adds up over time. They have nothing over us, well, until my father decided to bring me back here.

Maybe — I would have to convince Mason of this one — but maybe we could work with Rico with a promise of our organisations working together once Sal is gone. Maybe they can help me with my plan.

Rico already knows the ring I am wearing is just a sham, but maybe — maybe he just wants me to think he knows, like he is trying to call my bluff.

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