Secret Lives (Closed)

[tinwoodsman]

She said, Yes and right away Mason's eyes started moving with thought behind them. He was hanging on her every word, He simply tried to... Mason was holding his breath, waiting.

She'd switched gears, and was trying to follow. "Uhm. Actually Japanese." He took a step back, giving Jasleena room. "Now, that's assuming you aren't the kind of woman who avoids sashimi out of fear."

 

[Asa]

Love sushi.

She smiled glad he was accepting of her changing the subject. She did not know how this young man would react to hearing that Tony sometimes hits her. She did not need him trying to be some hero and get himself killed.

Lets go.

 

[tinwoodsman]

"Excellent! I actually stopped dating a girl because she'd never eat anything but tempura chicken." He laughed a bit and then gestured for her to lead the way to the sushi restaurant.

"By the way, does Mr. Cyndell frown against you drinking? I just have to know what to leave out of my report." He said with a playful wink.

 

[Asa]

Its never come up that I know of though I rarely drink much at all outside of home. Though he knows I love the plum wine here... He actually bought me a case of it once as an I'm sorry gift for having to work on our anniversary.

She began walking back towards the car as the waterfront was a bit of a walk from Old town and much farther than her heels would allow without pain.

So do you want to grab lunch now or later Mason?

 

[tinwoodsman]

Mason turned, following without question. "Well, now I'm ready to at least try this plum wine you're talking about. And I never turn down a meal time."

As they walked, Mason asked "So, if you don't mind me asking, had I picked Greek what would you have ordered then?"

When the got back to the car he paused, "Do you... I mean, would you rather... sit upfront?"

 

[Asa]

Oh thats easy... Kolokythokeftedes... and Lemon Chicken Hilopites... with a Mavrodafni, Sweet wine.

She smiled a little more her mind distracted from the past.

What would you have gotten?

 

[tinwoodsman]

Mason just shrugged and laughed, "I'll be honest. I would have just ordered something with the word lamb in it and hoped for the best. I mostly go for the baklava. You can never go wrong with baklava."

 

[Asa]

Oh yes

She looked over at him before they got to the car a brow raised.

You are soo different than his usual hires and promotions... Why are you working for my husband... really?

She was comfortable around him which in a way was starting to worry her. She did not want to see anything happen to this young man much less him end up like most of the people that worked for Tony... mindless killers or manipulative monsters out solely for Tony's gain.

 

[tinwoodsman]

Mason paused at Jasleena's question, for longer than he probably needed to. He moved away from the car and lowered his voice.

"Ma'am, I don't want to start things off by lying to you-"

He'd cut himself off, either mentally or verbally and took a moment to recompose and continue "Point is, I could tell you a tale I think you want to hear, or I can just say that it's something I feel I need to do at this point in my life. Everyone has reasons for doing things in life, be it money, power, love or revenge. So, I have my reason - that's all I can tell you without lying." He smiled warmly, "And that's the truth."

 

[Asa]

Fair enough.

She glanced around spotting the car and headed that way. There was something about him she could not put her finger on it. Still young and idealistic maybe or maybe just out to make a name for himself like all the rest of Tony's goons.

Lunch was a peaceful time as well sushi sashimi seared tuna tataki. Everything wonderful as usual and a charming dining companion. She almost hated to see it end.

 

[tinwoodsman]

While at lunch, Mason dared to ask a few of his own questions.

"You're not quite what I expected, if you don't mind. I kind of thought you'd be - I don't know. Uptight? Sorry."

 

[Asa]

That is quite alright Mason. So what would you like to know? Antonio will give orders and seldom answer questions. I don't mind answering within reason.

She sat back sipping her plum wine with a smile she could gather Intel on him by the questions he asked and his expression as he asked them. Or even how net pus asking the question made him.

 

[tinwoodsman]

"Well, I'm - you just seem like different people. How long have you been married? I mean, was it always like this or- never mind." Mason drank, not sipped, his plum wine and set the glass aside to bring his water in front. Clearly he was done drinking.

"Yeah, I've always said alcohol was the first truth serum."

 

[Asa]

Soon to be 8 years of marriage. It used to be very different. Whirlwind courtship fairy-tale come true wedding. Then work and the business expanding and... things change.

She watched him carefully as he downed his wine.

Is everything alright Mason? Any more questions?

 

[tinwoodsman]

"Are you happy?"

Mason sighed and shook his head to dismiss her concern, "I'm fine I'm just trying not to ramble. I swear I'm usually more socially aware!"

He drank more water and added, "Plus I have to drive you back, and it's better if I do that sober. Precious cargo and what not." He squinted his eyes and looked away as if realizing how lame that last comment was.

 

[Asa]

Marriage has its moments of many emotions Mason at 8 years in as they say the honeymoon is over.

You are so charming and still ha e that sweet awkward youthful side... don't lose that to this dark and bitter world you wish to work in.

She looked away taking one last sip of wine.

 

[tinwoodsman]

"I have no intention of losing anything to this job." Mason said sternly.

He watched Jasleena for a moment longer then nodded, "Look, I know I'm the new guy but, if you need anything I want you to know I won't betray you. Do you understand? I mean, I'm on your husbands payroll but I work for you. Okay?"

 

[Asa]

And that sentiment is what got Steve killed. We are all Antonio's to varying degrees Mason even you and me.

Be careful and dont try to be a hero Mason just accept that this is Antonio's world and we are just here.

Ordering another wine sighed.

 

[tinwoodsman]

Mason sat up, "Sorry, Ma'am but I don't believe that. I believe that we can belong to people. We can give them power over us for whatever reason, but no one can own us."

"Don't worry, I'm not going to do anything stupid. Which is why I'm going to ask, as a friend, if you'll be okay with more wine." He was smiling, relaxed, despite the gravity of the conversation.

 

[Asa]

One final glass will be fine while we figure out what else to do until the designated return time.

She finished the last glass quickly then called over the waitress and paid the bill.

Lets go. What else shroud we do?

 

[tinwoodsman]

"Well, how much time do we have? I mean, does it change every time or is it always the same? Just wondering if I need to start planning blocks of time is all."

Mason went to move Jasleena's chair and assist her after he paid, with Mr. Cyndell's card of course.

"We could still do a movie. We could... we could just go somewhere else. Sadly I didn't do my homework so the only places I know around her are a shooting range and a bar. Unless you play darts or can fire my glock that pretty much leaves you in charge today."

 

[Asa]

She almost physically recoiled at the mention of her firing a gun almost instant fear flooding her face. Then gone as if nothing happened.

No sorry thats not... No I... I can't.

She smiled Well there is still that movie idea. I do not know how he would react to that popping up on credit statement of my buying two tickets for a movie though...

Leaving it with that she sighed. I guess I could show you around the areas I normally go on these expected outings.

 

[tinwoodsman]

Mason smiled and folded his hands together, "If there was something you wanted do see, movie wise, I actually have money of my own. You're husband has some large arms, but there is information in this world that's out of his reach. Trust me."

 

[Asa]

Seeing a movie would be nice.

She was a little on edge there was no telling who would report to Tony just to get further ahead or to cause trouble and with him in a good mood the last thing she wanted to do was for anything to get him angry. Brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear she watched his eyes.

You seem so sure of the fact that things can happen that he would not find out about... but how can you be so sure?

 

[tinwoodsman]

Mason nodded, "Well, for starters I'm the one who's supposed to be spying on you. And I'd know if anyone was spying on us. If I had to guess what's going to happen after today? I'd say someone would ask me how things go, try to get me to say something to the effect of having had a nice time and then they would tell Mr. Cyndell. He'd then lie and say I turned you just to see if he could trust you. You corroborate the guys story and I'm in the unemployment line of the damned!" He actually smiled as if this were a game he was playing.

"It's bad guy 101. So, as long as I pretend that nothing exciting or interesting happened then we're in the clear." Mason reached for Jasleena's hand to reassure her, "Trust me. This isn't my first rodeo. In fact, you find a mechanical bull adn I'll give you at least five seconds of priceless entertainment."

Letting go of her hand, but leaving a Visa Check Card pressed into it, he reclaimed his distance. "As far as anyone should be concerned, you window shopped all day and I sat outside many a store friend pretending to read a paper."

He paused, eyes looking past her and his smile fading. Youth drained from his face, replaced with an almost predatory awareness. Mason continued to watch the Asian man with white hair over Jasleena's shoulder for a moment longer then snapped back to his pleasant self. "Sorry, I thought I knew that guy."