The next few weeks were exhausting as my life revolved around visiting the hospital, spending time with my man and preparing for the babies to come home. They were doing great and I was told they should be able to come home in a couple of weeks.
Every morning when I stepped into the nursery at the hospital they appeared to have grown and become stronger and I couldn’t hold back the grin that erupted on my face every time I looked at them, they gave me so much joy and love already. Mason tried to visit as often as possible and always made sure he spent the weekend with us but I understood the weekdays were hard but he phoned me every night for an update.
The following Saturday morning I was rushing about, trying to clean the house as I got things ready for my hospital visit when my phone rang and I looked around manically for it, cursing when I couldn’t spot it. I eventually found it under a pile of ironing on the table. My heart skipped as I saw who it was and with shaking hands I swiped the screen
“William, please tell me you have good news?” I asked as I closed my eyes “Oh, the best Ava, the fucking best” William laughed and I collapsed into a chair and calmness settled over me for the first time in weeks.
CHAPTER 30
“Nate” I said as I heard him answer his phone “Hey Ava, how are you?” I sensed the smile behind his voice “Excellent Nate, in fact I’m better than excellent but I need a favour” I grimaced as he paused “Why am I worried Ava?” he winced and I laughed “Don’t worry, you don’t have to do much…I just need you to make an appointment with Commissioner Delaney. I know he won’t entertain an appointment with me so I need to do it in your name and…I need you to come with me” I asked apprehensively and he was silent for a moment “Ava…what are you up to?” he asked quietly “I can’t tell you yet but please Nate” I begged “I really need you to do this” he sighed heavily “Okay, I’ll text you a date and time” he said slowly “But you have to promise me Ava, that you’ll be careful” I smiled at his protectiveness “I promise Nate and I promise to tell you everything once I have done this” I declared “Okay, give me an hour” he said and ended the call. I rang the hospital and told them to inform Mason I was running late and I made my way over to The Black Panther.
“You ready for this Ava?” William chuckled and I knew this would be good by the look on his face. I nodded and he inserted the disc into the slot beside a huge screen and it fizzed and then exploded to life.
My eyes widened to within an inch of their life, my jaw dropped and my body broke out in goose bumps. I glanced at William who laughed at my expression “Oh yes Ava” he declared and I closed my eyes in relief “Oh William, I don’t know how I’ll ever thank you for this” I expressed and he placed his hand on my shoulder “Ava dear, Mason has been a good friend to me, he’s helped me out plenty of times and I want to see him happy just as much as you do” he stated and I stood and embraced him, holding him tightly and them planted a kiss on his cheek as I turned my attention back to the image on the screen.
Robert Delaney was dressed in a pair of tight leather shorts and he was holding a long black leather whip. Three naked men were bent over in front of him as Robert whipped each one to within a breath of their lives. They were laid out on the floor bleeding and comatose as he still continued to whip them. Then he dropped the whip to the floor and buggered each unconscious man.
His face was bright and clear on the screen and it would be impossible to pass this person for somebody else “I also have another little surprise for you Ava” William grinned wickedly as he ejected the disc and inserted another “I managed to get hold of this from a friend, I can’t disclose their name because they want to remain anonymous but…enjoy, if that’s an appropriate thing to say that to this recording”
The screen buzzed to life again to show Robert being fucked by a large fat man but underneath Robert was another man laid flat and naked and Robert had what looked like a leather cat o’ nine tails wrapped around the man’s throat. My mouth went dry as I continued to watch the scene before me and nausea rose as I watched Robert simultaneously bugger the man while he choked him to death.
My eyes were huge as it revealed Robert and the fat man desperately try to resuscitate the dead man but when they eventually realised they couldn’t rescue him Robert loudly told the other man to dispose of the body and make sure he did a good job.
I was astounded as I turned to stare at William who nodded slowly “Jesus” I breathed and nearly passed out.
William sat beside me on his couch, taking my hand and circling my palm with his thumb “Breathe Ava, just take some deep breaths sweetheart” he said calmly and I choked as my lungs filled with a sudden blast of air.
He walked over to his desk and dialled a number into his phone “Beverly could you fetch Miss Stone a brandy please” he replaced the receiver and came back to me “Nice and slow Sweetheart” he stated as I leant my head between my knees.
I recovered and took another look at the image on the screen and then looked back at William “Nasty” he shook his head in dismay. He walked over to his desk as Beverley came in with a glass of brandy and a soft smile “There you go Miss Stone” she flicked a glance at the screen and then looked at me sympathetically before disappearing through the doorway.
William approached me with two brown envelopes “There’s two copies of everything here Ava; both discs and some stills. I have kept two copies for insurance purposes and if anything should happen I have all the information I need to out him. You need to put your copies in a safe place but separately sweetheart. A safety deposit box or something similar, you need to cover your ass from every side in this” he warned and I took a deep breath and nodded and then he passed me another envelope “And this is Commissioner Robert Delaney’s copy” he smiled and then he passed me a A4 sized white envelope “And this Ava is a little gift for you that I had undertaken” he smiled softly at me and I noticed a tear in the corner of his eye.
I frowned and opened the envelope, taking out the document. I puffed out a large breath and a sob tore from me as I read it and I turned my stunned face to William who smiled tenderly at me “I had the baby tested as soon as she delivered. Her or Mason didn’t have any idea, I have friends everywhere Ava” he explained with a wicked chuckle as I sobbed out a relieved cry and closed my eyes as I took everything in “I don’t know what to say William” he shrugged “It’s a pleasure Ava. You love Mason so much that you’re willing to risk everything for him and that tells me how much of a good person you are” he side huddled me and kissed my cheek “Now go raise some hell” he chuckled and I beamed at him and for once everything in my life seemed to be slotting nicely into place.
My phone rang as I exited the bank “Nate” I answered hopefully “Ava, I’ve managed to secure a meeting for next Friday at 4:30, that was the earliest” he told me and I smiled to myself “That’s perfect Nate” I said as I ended the call and made my way to the hospital, desperately needing a cuddle from my babies.
I frowned when I arrived and Mason wasn’t there “Have you seen Mason this morning?” I asked Glenda, the nurse who had taken care of my babies with me since their birth. She shook her head “No, I was surprised by his absence” she told me as I lifted Katie out of her crib and Glenda placed George into my other arm “Strange” I frowned.
I spent the next hour tending to the babies and then went outside to phone Mason “Avaaa…” he answered and I froze. Was he drunk? It was only lunchtime “Mason…are you okay?” I asked cautiously and he laughed loudly “Am I? I don’t know Ava” he slurred and I frowned severely “Mason, tell me what’s wrong baby” I pleaded and my heart froze at his next words “Everything’s fucking wrong Ava. You’re fucking wrong, the babies are fucking wrong, hell why don’t I just give up!” he shouted and I knew in that moment he had taken some coke
“Where are you Mason?” I asked slowly “I have no fucking idea but there are lots of pretty ladies” he snorted and the bile rose in my throat “Mason, I need you to tell me where yo
u are?” I asked more sternly but he ended the call as he said hello to somebody. My heart was beating too fast and my breathing was heavy and irregular.
I dialled Sam “Sam, are you with Mason?” I asked quickly as soon as he answered “No, why” he asked hesitantly and I knew immediately he was aware of something going off with Mason “Sam, tell me. I don’t care what it is just fucking tell me” I demanded and he sighed “Rebecca’s father is making him move out to America Ava” he breathed.
I closed my eyes and exhaled “FUCK!!!” I snarled “When did he find out?” I asked “Last night, he rang me in a panic. He didn’t know how to tell you Ava. Delaney has him by the balls, there’s nothing he can do about it without risking your freedom Ava. Don’t be angry with him” he pleaded and I sighed “I’m not angry at the situation, I’m angry that he couldn’t tell me” I fumed “You’ve no idea where he is?” I asked again “No” Sam said simply “Well he’s fucking coked up again” I declared and I heard his hiss “Shit!” he paused “Listen Ava, you try his house and I’ll try the clubs okay?” he stated and I agreed.
I rushed into the hospital and told Glenda that I would be gone for a while and I climbed into my car. I shouldn’t be driving until six weeks after birth but I hated buses with a vengeance. I raced over to his house hoping that Rebecca wouldn’t be there.
I rolled to a stop in front of his house and flew out of my car and into the house, a feeling of unease settling over me. The door was unlocked and I frowned. He must be here if the door was open.
I checked in the kitchen but there was no sign of him, the lounge was empty so I made my way upstairs. He wasn’t in the bathroom either so I walked into his bedroom.
I halted as I stepped in and my world crumbled around me. He was laid naked on the bed as a thin blonde was riding him, the sounds of slapping flesh and moans loud in the room.
A whimper escaped my throat and my knees buckled as I grabbed hold of the door frame and my heart shattered into a million pieces but then Mason succeeded to grind each tiny little fragment into the carpet with each word that left his mouth “Hey Ava, have you come for that threesome baby” he laughed and pushed the girl off him as he stumbled over to me.
His eyes were vacant but his pupils were completely shot and his face was pale and slack “Hey baby, show my friend your gorgeous pussy” he smiled sickly and reached out to me.
My fury rose to a new extreme, a level I hadn’t achieved before and I pulled my arm back, way back and punched him so formidably in the face that his nose splattered and his cheek bone shattered as he crumpled to the floor.
The girl screamed and scrambled about for her clothes, pulling them on in frenzy. I kicked him in the stomach as he tried to get up and then I spat on him, turned and walked out while dialling Sam
“You found him Ava?” he asked out of breath “Oh yeah, I found him all right. You’d better get round to his house and peel him off the fucking floor Sam” I growled as I shook with rage
“Ava?” he asked quietly “I just found him fucking some tart in his bed” I whispered and I heard Sam groan “Ava, wait until I get there sweetheart” he pleaded and I snorted “No Sam, I don’t want to kill him. I’ll be at the hospital” I informed him.
I strode into the neo-natal, immediately unhooked the equipment from my babies and pulled them in tight and then I sobbed; uncontrollably, loudly and hysterically until a doctor came and sedated me.
CHAPTER 31
“Hey” Courtney said softly as I came round. My head was banging and I felt sick “How long have I been out?” I asked as I pulled myself up in the hospital bed. She came and sat down beside me “A few hours” she said softly and I nodded “You okay Ava?” Greg asked from the corner of the room and I looked over at him. His face was full of pity and anguish as he leant against the wall “
You heard then?” I lowered my head and he nodded sadly “Sam rang me” he said and looked at the floor. I bit my lip harshly to stop the tears “No more, no fucking more” I breathed and Courtney nodded grimly “Oh babe” she sighed and huddled me up as Greg took a step towards me “It’s just the coke Ava, he won’t have even realised what he was doing?” he explained or excused for Mason, I wasn’t sure which “Oh he knew who I was” I snorted “he asked me to join in” I laughed bitterly as Courtneys eyes widened and Greg swore “No more Greg. I have my babies to think of now, I won’t let him keep doing this to me”
I sighed and swung my legs over the edge of the bed “Just tell him to stay away from me” I asked him and he cringed “Please Greg” I pleaded and he tipped his head “I’ll tell him Ava but I won’t be able to stop him” he shrugged and I nodded faintly.
Courtney helped me off the bed and took my arm “I want my babies” I said and she nodded “Come on mama” she said bleakly and I let her escort me to what I needed more than life itself.
I arrived home late and I smiled to myself “Get past that arsehole” I said smugly as I laughed at the new chain I had fitted on the back door and slid it across. I brewed a coffee, took a muffin from the fridge and climbed up the stairs.
I had been in bed reading for about an hour when I heard the first bang on the front door. I inhaled heavily and turned up the volume on my IPod as the door banged again. I turned it up louder as I heard him shout and then my phone buzzed to life, which I hastily declined. Mason spent the next hour trying to enter my house until I sent him a text
ME
Fuck off or I promise I will phone the police!
MASON
Please let me in baby. I’m so sorry Ava, please let me talk to you!!! I love you baby
ME
Don’t ever call me baby again! Now fuck off before I keep my promise!
MASON
I’m going nowhere until you let me in!
I grinned as I dialled 999 and told them I was been harassed by a man who was trying to enter my house.
I heard the sirens ten minutes later and grinned wider as I watched through the window, as they escorted Mason into the back of the car as a policewoman knocked on my front door.
I filled in a statement then went back to bed. I knew he would be furious with me for what I had done but at that moment in time I didn’t give a shit and I hoped they kept him in that cold bloody cell all night.
I groaned and stretched out the next morning, my head pounding and as I turned to look at the clock, I spluttered as I saw Mason sat in the corner wicker chair. What the hell?!!!
“GET FUCKING OUT!!!!” I screamed at him but he just rubbed his face with his hands “Ava….please” he begged and stood up, taking a step towards me. I scrambled backwards up the bed and the hurt in his face pleased me immensely “Ava, I’m not gonna hurt you baby” he said quietly “I told you to never call me that again!” I yelled “Now fuck off before I phone the police again” I warned and he sighed deeply and held my phone up “Give it me Mason” I snarled and it was then I saw the huge purple bruise on his cheek and the Steri-strip bandage across his nose, and I beamed inwardly, very pleased with myself
“Ava, please listen to me” he said despondently but I shook my head rapidly “No!!! No fucking more Mason. I can’t do this. You have finally succeeded in breaking the remaining piece of my heart...shattered it into fucking smithereens! NOW GO!!!” I sobbed and he screwed his face up at my words “No Ava. I won’t let you end this!” he shouted back desperately “You don’t have a choice, you bastard!!” I yelled as I scrambled off the bed and realised I was naked.
Mason groaned and closed his eyes slowly and I smiled inside “Take a good look Mason cause you won’t be seeing it ever again” he gulped and gazed at me, holding my eyes as I stood there daring him to look at my body but give him credit, he managed to keep the hold on my eyes.
I pulled on my robe and scurried into the bathroom to empty my bladder, then switched on the shower, deciding to torture him some more. He followed me in as I knew he would and I slid my robe slowly down my shoulders and stepped into the shower, leaving the door
open to torment him further.
I could feel his eyes on me as I soaped my hands and slithered them round my neck, down my breasts slowly, circling around my nipples and then down my stomach and in-between my legs, closing my eyes and moaning as I washed myself “Ava…please” he gulped and I opened my eyes and cocked an eyebrow at him “Did you want something Mason?” I asked sweetly.
He groaned and closed his eyes and I cast a quick glance to his groin, smiling wickedly to myself as I saw his obvious hard erection “I think you’ve got a problem there Mason” I gestured to his crotch “You better go and find another tart to ease the pressure for you” I sneered. His face went dark and he bit his lip then his hand swept across the vanity, scattering and smashing the contents over the floor, glass shattered everywhere and I grit my teeth in anger as he stormed off.
I rubbed my face with my hands and stole a breath as I ventured across the floor, hissing and wincing as I stepped over the broken glass. I hobbled over to the cupboard above the toilet and removed the first aid box as I slipped my robe back on. I made it down the stairs, trailing a lot of blood behind me and entered the kitchen
“For fucks sake” I groaned as Mason was stood filling the kettle “Will you just go” I sighed and slumped into a chair. I lifted one foot and rested it on my knee as I took the tweezers from the box as Mason turned to me, his eyes widened as he saw my feet “What the hell Ava?” he declared as he crouched before me. I shook my head in incredulity “How the hell did you expect me to get out of the bathroom without stepping on the glass?” I pulled a ‘How stupid are you’ face and his expression darkened again “Don’t be smart Ava” he growled and snatched the tweezers from me.
Tolerance (Heart of Stone) Page 21