Tolerance (Heart of Stone)

by Sidebottom, D H

  “Mason, will you just go. I don’t want you here never mind within a foot of me and I definitely don’t want you touching me” I snapped and grabbed for the tweezers but he moved them from within my reach “Ava, will you just…please!” he groaned as he bit his lip again “No Mason, you won’t win me round again. I don’t even want to look at you” I barked and winced as he pulled a piece of glass from the sole of my foot, I jolted back as he laid his hand on my leg to steady me “Don’t fucking touch me” I hissed and he winced at the vehemence in my voice but continued and didn’t remove his hand. I bit my lip in temper and from the pain of the glass but tried my best to ignore him.

  I looked away, breathing heavily as he persisted to remove all the fragments, then he got a warm bowl of water and started to slowly and delicately clean the bottom of my foot.

  We were both silent and I stole a glance at his face; he was pale and his frown lines were prominent, marring his beautiful face, his tongue was poking out of his taut lips slightly as he concentrated on my foot but his eyes were dead, the sparkle and brightness had gone and had been replaced with a haunted and pained darkness and the remainder of my frozen heart cracked a little

  “Why Mason?” I whispered and his eyes shot up to mine. Tears formed in them and he squeezed them shut tightly “I don’t know Ava. I didn’t even know what I was doing” he spoke faintly and I could hear the self-disgust in him “Well you knew I was there, you even asked me to join in your fun” I spat at him and he grimaced “Oh God Baby, I’m so sorry” he whispered painfully but I scoffed “You weren’t sorry at the time, in fact your moans of pleasure sounded as though you were far from sorry” I pulled my foot away and hobbled over to the fridge and grabbed the carton of milk and commenced with making coffee before the nausea rose with the memories of the image that would haunt me for the rest of my life. I held up a mug at him in query, even though I wasn’t sure why I was asking if he wanted one but he nodded and smiled timidly.

  We were silent again as I poured and placed his mug on the table and sat down “We have to sort out a rota for the babies” I said despondently as I took a large gulp of coffee, the caffeine screaming happily through my body and I closed my eyes in pleasure “What do you mean?” he asked slowly and I gawped at him “I don’t want you visiting while I’m there” I told him and he frowned “Baby please” he swallowed harshly and I glared at him “No Mason, it’s over. Besides you’re moving out to America so we won’t have this trouble soon” I declared and watched as the information sank in

  “Who told you?” he snarled but I shook my head “It doesn’t matter, what is important is that YOU should have told me but you just took the cowards way out again and got fucking high! What were you going to do? Just fuck off out there without telling me again!” I slammed, shaking my head in disgust “Baby I…”

  “WILL YOU STOP WITH THE BABY!!!” I screamed and threw my cup across the room in rage, splattering the wall with ceramic and coffee “God damn it Ava” he yelled back, glaring at me.

  I picked up his cup and flung it against the other wall. I then stood up, walked calmly over to the cupboard and removed a plate, giving it the same treatment as the mugs “AVA!!!” Mason shouted and tried to get near me but I propelled a plate towards him and he shielded his face with his arms as I catapulted another at him, and another and another until I thought I had better save the last one for my lunch.

  I angrily swiped the worktop clear of its contents as Mason bolted over to me and grabbed the tops of my arms and pulled me against him tightly. I screamed at him to let me go but he held on tightly and I kicked his shins angrily, he winced but didn’t release me.

  My fury turned to despair and I was soon sobbing as I struggled against him “Leave me alone” I wept and he held me closer “I hate myself for what I’ve done Ava, please forgive me…I’m so sorry baby” he choked out but I shook my head “Not this time Mason, I won’t let you hurt me anymore”

  I pulled back and regarded him “Please Mason, let me be. I can’t look at you without seeing that…that tart on top of you, you’re fucking face contorted with absolute pleasure, while your fucking hands were all over her tits. I can’t get it out of my head” I cried and he looked down at the floor “I know baby” he said simply and I gazed at him gravely and agonized “Let me go before you crush whatever I have left Mason, please” I begged with a sob.

  He looked down and gulped but nodded marginally and walked over to me, he cupped my face and placed his mouth against my forehead “I am sorry Ava, for everything. I love you more than life itself and I’ll never stop loving you Ava…never. But you’re right, I’m no good for you, I can’t seem to stop hurting you and it’s killing us both” he gulped and sighed tremulously “Take care of my babies Ava; I’ll make sure they’re provided for.” He gazed at me for a few moments, his eyes full of despair and grief “I love you baby” he whispered as tears streamed both of our faces.

  He placed a gentle kiss on my brow and turned to the door “And me, you Mason” I whispered as he shut the door quietly behind him and I sank to the floor.

  CHAPTER 32

  Mason and I clashed twice at the hospital and we then worked out a rota, the agony of seeing each other was unbearable and quickly prompted a timetable so we wouldn’t be there at the same time.

  As Friday arrived I was sick with nerves and Nate was getting worried about me “Ava, you don’t have to do this” he urged as he drove us to Scotland Yard but I shook my head “I have to do this last thing for him Nate” I had explained everything to him, realising it was unfair of me to keep him in the dark as he was doing this with me

  “No Ava, you don’t, not after what he’s done to you” he declared “Nate, he has had to do all this for me, not for himself. He put his own life on hold to give me mine and I have the chance to return his freedom and I am damn well gonna try, he’s still the father of my children” I swallowed heavily as we exited the car and my legs wobbled.

  Nates arm flew out and I grabbed on to him. He gazed at me “Ready?” he asked and I took a deep breath, smoothed down my black pencil skirt and my fitted white shirt; I needed the professional look for this and had pulled my hair into a severe bun and done my make-up sparingly but stylishly.

  I nodded and we entered the building and I swallowed back the sickness as Nate approached the main reception desk while I clung on to the black leather folder I held tightly to my chest.

  “Hi, Nathan Carter, I have an appointment with Commissioner Delaney” he stated “This is my assistant, Miss Stone” he informed her and she smiled at us “If you could just pop on these visitor passes, I’ll get someone to show you up to Mr Delaney’s office” she said as she signalled to someone behind her who came round and opened a door for us, gesturing for us to follow him as we clipped on our badges.

  Nate held his elbow out for me and I loved him so much for his support at that moment “Thank you” I whispered as my voice shook. He patted my hand and nodded.

  We were silent as we led through corridors, a series of stairs and more passageways until we came to a reception area with two reception desks. The uniformed policeman informed the secretary of our names and she smiled pleasantly “If you would like to take a seat Commissioner Delaney with be with you shortly” she hummed professionally.

  Nate led me over to a black leather sofa and helped me sit down as my body trembled and I closed my eyes and pulled in a deep breath “Calm down Ava” Nate whispered against my ear and I swallowed and mentally prepared myself for what I was about to do.

  “Commissioner Delaney will see you now” the secretary said and made me jump as I hadn’t seen her approach us. I smiled and stood, willing my shaking legs to carry me across the room. She led us to a door and opened it and announced Nates name as I took a deep breath and stepped inside, planting a wide smile of my face and tipped my head

  “Commissioner Delaney” I smirked as his eyes widened and his face darkened. His hand shot to a red button on his desk “I woul
dn’t do that if I were you” I warned as I flung a photograph on his desk and he choked out a whimper as his face contorted in shock and his hand froze over the buzzer as he took a look at the picture.

  “May we?” I gestured to the two leather chairs in front of his desk. He nodded once and I smiled falsely “Thank you” I said, amazed by the levelness of my voice “Now, I think we have a few things to discuss” I said bluntly and he narrowed his eyes on me “I would like you to return the phone, the gun and any other evidence you have on me” I asked frankly and he let out a loud laugh “What for this?” he snarled as he held up the still image of him stood in the leather shorts and I smiled internally as I knew how he would react to the non-condemning photo “No not for that” I said and stood and walked over to his TV screen fixed to his wall

  “May I?” he didn’t answer but I didn’t expect him to. I flicked on the TV and slipped in the disc and turned to watch his face as the images appeared on the screen. I felt my heart race in elation and my blood pump furiously through my veins as I knew I had him trapped with the look of recognition on his face as he watched the recording play on. He paled to an extreme and his breathing sped up, his lips pulled tight and his fist clenched “Oh I have more Mr Delaney” I grinned happily as I ejected the disc and inserted the most damning one.

  He gulped and a funny choking noise escaped from his throat as he realised what he was watching. He closed his eyes in resignation “Okay, switch it off” he breathed out slowly and I tipped my head and removed the disc and placed them both on his desk with the photographs “What do you want Miss Stone?” he asked, his face pale and taut “Mr Delaney, I think you know what I want” I laughed bitterly “I will keep this information private and locked away for eternity if you return all evidence to me, every single piece you have. If you refrain from giving me any tiny little thing I will blow you so far out of the water you won’t know what’s hit you” I warned “I will precede to send a copy of these to each and every newspaper, the home secretary, the director of the metropolitan police force and every news channel on the planet”

  He stared at me and I saw the terror in his eyes “I also need you to give Mason back his freedom, he doesn’t love your daughter and he never did Mr Delaney” I continued as I passed him the paternity test results and watched as the anger flitted across his face “What the hell?” he gasped and I nodded “Don’t tell me you actually believed she was Masons?” I asked and I actually felt a little prickle of pity for him as his daughters betrayal became evident “I honestly did think Debora was Masons” he frowned and looked at me “I am afraid to inform you that your daughter is a lying, deceitful and manipulative person” I informed him and he looked away “I must also inform you that I have several copies of these documents in safe places and various people are informed to go straight to the police and newspapers with these if anything happens to myself, Mr Carter or Mason. Do you understand?” I asked and he sighed but nodded “You have ruined my life Mr Delaney and I won’t hesitate to ruin yours if need be, but I am an honest woman and I will keep my end of the bargain if you return everything to me and let Mason lead his own life again, well away from your daughter, who I add deserves everything she has coming to her”

  He stood and walked over to a cabinet in the corner of the room, bent and opened a door to reveal a safe. After turning it a series of turns he opened it, reached into the back and removed an evidence bag and walked back to me, passing it to me with a tremble. “Is this everything Mr Delaney?” I asked, narrowing my eyes on him. He nodded “I didn’t make copies, I thought I would wait until I needed to” he sagged into his chair again “Are you sure because I don’t need to repeat to you what will happen if I find out you have lied?” he nodded and I saw the truth in his eyes “You have my word Miss Stone” he tipped his head and I smiled and held my hand out to him “It’s been a pleasure doing business with you Mr Delaney, but please keep yourself and your daughter away from Mason” I said levelly and he nodded “I will make sure she stays well away” he promised and I smiled again “Thank you” I turned to Nate who stood and shook Delaney’s hand “Until next time Mr Delaney” he smirked and we walked out of the room, one foot after the other calmly and steadily until we entered the elevator.

  Nate turned to me, a huge grin erupted on his face and he picked me up and swirled me round “You did it Ava” he laughed and I laughed with him as tears of freedom streamed down my face. I couldn’t describe what this meant for Mason “Way to go Girl” he beamed as he put me down and I breathed out slowly, the euphoric feeling coursing through me. I closed my eyes and enveloped myself in the utter feeling of finality and liberation.

  I pulled up in Mason’s driveway and stole a minute for a deep breath against the heartache and excitement of seeing him again. He was due to leave for America on Monday and I knew he would be here packing and sorting his business out. I took hold of the clear evidence bag and popped it into my bag and exited the car, approached his door and rang the bell whilst trying to calm my breathing.

  The door swung open to a confused Mason “Ava?” he frowned but his eyes were shiny and hopeful “Can I come in?” I asked quietly and he froze “Erm…Rebecca is here” he said quietly and I smiled slyly “Oh good” I said and he regarded me carefully “I’d still like to come in” I stated and he frowned again but nodded “Sure, sorry” he moved to the side and let me past.

  I stood in the hallway and took a deep breath as Rebecca strode out of the kitchen “Ava, what a pleasant surprise” she smirked and one side of my lips curled “Isn’t it” I mocked and walked over to her “Where’s Debora?” I asked and she looked at me with utter disgust as if I shouldn’t mention her “Well, I don’t think it has anything to do with you but she’s at home with the nanny” she sneered, as though the mention of a nanny made her a bigger person “That’s lucky for Debora then” I chuckled and she frowned “Why?” she scowled “Because she won’t witness this” I snarled and punched her cleanly in the face, she shot backwards against the wall and slumped to the floor.

  I sighed happily and closed my eyes in utter contentment. I grabbed her hair and pulled her up and slammed another fist into her face “Ava!” Mason cried and held on to the fist I had pulled back “What the hell are you doing?” he hissed and I smirked “What’s the problem Mason?” I asked snidely and his eyes widened “You know what the fucking problem is, she is going to go running to Daddy now and you know what that means” he said hurriedly.

  I snorted and took the white envelope from my bag and threw it at Rebecca and then I took the evidence bag out, a copy of the paternity results for Debora and one of the brown envelopes containing all the information on Robert Delaney and passed it to Mason

  “Thank you for everything Mason. This is for you…enjoy” I smiled tenderly, winked and kissed him softly, sliding my thumb over his cheek tenderly before I walked out.

  I grinned as my phone rang in my bag before I had even pulled off his street.

  CHAPTER 33

  I entered the cottage, leaving the door open behind me and went straight to the fridge and pulled out the bottle of champagne I had chilling, ready for celebrating. I grinned happily as I twisted the metal casing and popped the cork just as Mason entered the house

  “What the hell Ava?” he was wide eyed and looked like he was in shock. I handed him a champagne flute and poured us both a glass “To your freedom” I smirked and clinked his glass as he still stood staring at me. I sighed and gestured to a chair and we both sat down, Mason rather heavily. “How Ava?” he asked simply and I chuckled and filled him in on everything.

  “Jesus” he breathed as I finished my summary of events “You did all that for me?” he asked quietly and I reared back in amazement at his words “Of course. I told you I wouldn’t see you marry her Mason and I kept my promise” he shook his head in disbelief “Christ; I don’t know what to say” I smiled softly at him “Cheers?” I suggested and he laughed, loud, heartily and with such emotion it made my hear
t swell to watch the realisation of what it meant sink in.

  “Ava I…” he gazed at me for what seemed like an eternity “I…” he tried again but I shook my head “Shush, just thank William for me, I couldn’t have done it without him” I told him “I didn’t know you were that friendly with William” he said as he took a sip of the bubbly stuff and I nodded to him “Yeah, we’ve become good friends” I said and then grinned wickedly inside “He gave me a tour” I said nonchalantly as I stood and walked to the cupboard to take out some shortcakes I had baked yesterday.

  I saw his eyebrows hit his hairline “It’s an awesome place he’s got. He even has a mirror above his bed…think I might get one of those” I finished slyly. I swallowed the chuckle that was eager to erupt as I took out some whipped cream and strawberries from the fridge “You want a strawberry shortcake?” I asked as I glanced at him and bit my lip at his expression, he was just blinking at me with wide eyes “Something wrong?” I asked coyly and his jaw dropped “You…you…” he swallowed heavily and I frowned at him, still trying to rein in the laughter that was threatening to erupt.

  He stared at me “You’ve been to The Black Panther?” he stuttered again and I frowned again “Yes, it’s great. My particular favourite was the communal room, although I quite liked the movie theatre and the Victorian rooms looked quite fun, well the occupants were having lots of fun, I thought about giving the soft BDSM room a go but I didn’t like the hard stuff, you know the whips and stuff looked a bit too much but…” I shrugged “whatever takes your fancy really. I’m definitely gonna invest in a ceiling mirror that was really hot…” I whittled on as his eyebrows shot past his hairline and nearly touched the crown of his head