Secret Lives (Closed)

[tinwoodsman]

"Derrick's the only one-" Tony stopped and looked from the hand on his own to the woman beside him and narrowed his eyes. He looked as if he was growing more up set at Jasleena, but suddenly his gaze melted.

"You're right." He drank from his wine and turned his hand over to hold her's "I'm sorry about being an ass a minute ago." He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. "I'll be back in a few hours. You finish eating in peace. Okay?"

Tony took another large forkful of the fish and stood. Leaning over his kissed Jasleena's forehead and got up. "I love you."

 

[Asa]

Love you too darling be careful and see you later.

Watching him leave that angry stare still had her a little spooked as she finished her meal and smiled to the maid as she hurried over once he was gone to check on her.

I am fine. I think I will take a walk through the gardens then a late swim please have the pool house ready for me to get changed there. Thank you

With that she slowly stood finished her wine and walked out the doors leading to the veranda and then out into the gardens. Walking among her roses and hydrangea and azaleas always calmed her. Pausing at the fountain by the magnolias she smiled watching the fish swimming around the soft fountain pool.

Once her nerves settled she headed back to the pool house to change and dive into the pool.

 

[tinwoodsman]

As Tony and Derrick reached the car, Tony stopped the man. "I'll call a cab, Derrick. I want you to stay here and keep an eye on Jasleena. Make sure she no one comes over." He pulled his phone and stopped in thought.

Grabbing the mans shirt he glared at his driver, "If anyone, and I mean anyone, even talks to my wife I want to know about it. $500 to anyone who gives me a reason to shoot a man. Clear?"

Derrick just nodded and Tony walked towards the end of the drive while calling for his cab.

***elsewhere***

Mason’s thoughts were still on Jasleena as he came around the corner of his cheap apartments, which is why he’d run right into Detective Nguyen.

“Oh, shit.”

Detective Nguyen, a large dense man, despite his Asian ethnicity. Removed a pair of sunglasses with a smile. “Mason Alexander Davison. Looks like I got you an assaulting a police officer.”
http://spectacle.provocateuse.com/images/spectacles/daniel_dae_kim_01.jpg
Detective Nguyen jabbed Mason in the gut and then forced him against the unmarked car parked at the street. Patting Mason down he quickly located the gun in Mason’s shoulder holster and pulled it. “What’s this?”

“Movie prop. Forgot to leave it with my assistant.”

Detective Nguyen slapped Mason on the back of the head and opened the back door of his car saying, “Funny guy! Tell me a joke on the way to the station.”

“This is bullshit and you know it!” Mason shouted as he was forced into the car.

Nguyen slammed the door and got in behind the driver’s side. Once in he slipped Mason’s gun back to him and looked at the young man through the rearview. “So? It’s been three weeks. You find anything to make our case yet?”

Mason shook his head and put his gun back while looking out the windows. “Nah. Bastards really paranoid. I’ve been kept away from pretty much everything until yesterday. Now he’s got me babysitting his wife and she doesn’t seem to know anything. It’s like he keeps her out of the way on purpose.”

“Oh, you’re getting paid to babysit Jasleena Cydell? Cry me a river!” Nguyen laughed.

“Stop.” Mason didn’t want his partner to think she could compromise his job, so he quickly deflected. “She does know a few things. Like the fact that the guy I’m replacing was killed over her.”

“Okay, that kind of sucks. But without a smoking gun in Cydell’s had you know the DA wont touch him. Focus on the racketeering. We've confirmed the Yakuza are moving in to take a piece of Tony’s action.”

“Yeah, I thought so. Someone wearing Razor colors was in Old Town. I also need a short range bug sweeper. Handheld.”

“I’ll look into Yak activity in Old Town and see what I can do for the scanner.” Nguyen gestured for Mason to get out of the car. “Watch yourself out there, Detective.” Mason didn't respond to his partner since he was now on the street. Instead he just slammed the car door and kicked it, if just to maintain his cover.

 

[Asa]

She spent quite a while swimming before going back into the house and preparing for bed. she slipped on some yoga pants and a t shirt doing a few minor stretches before curling up on the couch to watch a little tv. Nothing really on she found humor and entertainment in an old rerun of Dianosis Murder and relaxed there on the couch

Her mind drifted as she started daydreaming her mind putting Mason's face on the young Med students image. Shaking her head she and rubbing her temples a little as if trying to stave off a headache she dismissed such thoughts as she relaxed watching tv. She ended up falling asleep there on the couch for a long while before the maid woke her to help her upstairs.

 

[tinwoodsman]

Tony had finally come home, very late into the evening. Jasleena was already asleep, and he considered waking her up but knew he currently smelled like cigars and expensive liquor. He resigned himself to standing over her side of the bed, watching her for a while, then went to take a shower and get ready for bed.

A few weeks later, things had escalated with Tony's rivals. Jasleena would only get vague reports of someone being shot and customers being afraid that Tony couldn't protect them anymore. Tensions were high in the Cydell compound and the inner circle, which included Mason, had to be relocated to live within it's walls for both their own and Tony's safety.

As Tony prepared to update his staff, he put on a dark pin stripe with a crimson tie. Diamond cuff links and then checked his phone before going to see what his wife was doing.

 

[Asa]

She had just finished her yoga and meditations in her fountain garden. It was such a lovely day and the house felt so full lately the garden seemed the perfect spot. Walking back in she picked up her towel and her meditation music and slipped back into the house. Spaghetti strap top and shorts she was headed to their room looking to the Butler.

I have the charity banquet with the mayors wife. Please tell whichever driver Tony prefers to have the car ready in one hour. My car preference would be the Lincoln if it is not in use. Thank you.

Drawing closer to their room she had just cleared the stairs when she saw Tony.

Darling you look wonderful s does that mean you decided to attend he charity banquet today?

 

[tinwoodsman]

Tony looked as his own outfit, then let his eyes roam over his wife. "I hadn't planned on it, but I could." He approached, reaching for her with a smile. "You look very sexy."

His hand entwined in her hair, twisted and pulled to lock the back of her head against his knuckles. Moving in close while drawing her back and off balance, Tony's voice lowered to a threatening growl, "I have moved extra men into this house for security and you think it's okay to walk around looking like that? I don't need the people working for me thinking my wife is a harlot? Am I clear!" He shook his hand, and her skull, for emphasis.

 

[Asa]

She tried to nod terrified his anger would push further if she tried to say anything. She just wanted to get away from him and into their room not that a closed door would be any defense against him. Her eyes falling closed instinctually from her deep seeded fear of his anger. She simply waited for him to release her he was worried about how she dressed but not his employees seeing him treat her like this... Mason... NO please... she mentally pleaded... don't let him see this.

 

[tinwoodsman]

Tony didn't let go right away. Seconds ticked by - 3... 5... 7... Tony's grip relaxed, allowing Jasleena to move if she'd dared. "Shhhh." His hand smoothed her hair, just grazing what was probably a bruise. "You see? I love you so much the idea o a man coveting you drives me crazy. Let's just, not borrow trouble. Okay?"

His hand slipped behind her head, pressing against the bruising scalp and forcing her head to his lips for a kiss. "No, got put on some, fucking, clothes." Still pressing on her head he moved her towards the door. "I'll meet you at the event. I have a meeting to attend to before hand. Okay?"

"Love you." His tone seemed to indicate he was waiting for a response.

 

[Asa]

She just nodded again smiling to him when he released her hair. Moving with his pushing her towards their room as a subtle escape from his anger.

I will see you there then darling.

Pausing at the doorway she looked back to him.

And I love you.

Slipping into their room she closed the door slowly and moved towards the closet to figure out what she wanted to wear. Opting for an almost Caribbean Ocean blue flowing dress accented with silver a pair of silver heels and then fixing up her hair she was careful of the bruising place on her scalp. Walking down stairs she smiled looking around. She noted the looks from those who saw what had happened and straightened her stance and walked towards the door looking to the butler.

Is the car ready...

 

[tinwoodsman]

The Butler nodded at her question and got the front door for Jasleena. Outside her car and driver, Mason, waited. He wore a casual black suit and thin black tie. Seeing Jasleena, he opened the back passenger door and kept his eyes on the back seat.

"Evening ma'am." He said, without really looking at her to do so.

 

[Asa]

Good evening Mason. We will be going to the Banquet at Hyatt Crowne. After you drop me off there you will need to contact My husbands driver to find out if Tony and I will be returning home together or if there are other plans requiring you to be here 2 hours from now once the banquet is over.

Slipping into the car she smiled slightly to him awaiting the ever silent trip in the car.

 

[tinwoodsman]

"I'll call his drive and see if we can't coordinate. You're both very good about telling us where to be." He flashed a quick smile and focused on driving.

Once they were away from the compound Mason, uncharacteristically, started talking.

"So I found out some good news. Turns out the cars are bugged, but they have to use local recorders which aren't on 24/7. This one's recorder is also having a batter issue - as in, the thing fell out just before I picked you up." His tone turned a bit more serious, "If there's anything you wanted to talk about... I'm here for you. Okay?"

 

[Asa]

She tensed a little hearing him say the unit fell out of the car. Tony would not like that and probably blame her simply because she chose that car. Then when he became more serious she bit her lip looking to him.

I... I don't know what you mean... What would I need to talk about that would elicit that sort of tone?

Had he seen and heard Tony before she went to get dressed for the banquet? She worried now that he would try to save her like Steve had done before much to the fatal result.

 

[tinwoodsman]

Mason was silent for a few moment, then started into his story as if ignoring her previous question. The story wasn't part of his cover because it was true...

"I had a cousin how married this guy after a whirlwind romance. Right after the wedding she started getting more and more distant, until she stopped calling all together. Then she stopped coming to family functions. We knew something was wrong but no one knew what to do until she wound up dead. Turned out her husband had been beating on her for years but we never knew."

He looked into the mirror, trying to meet Jasleena's eyes, "I never want that to happen to anyone I care about. But I can't do anything one sided." He looked back at the road again, "It's been my experience that when people try to help those who aren't ready to be helped, it can quickly backfire on them."

 

[Asa]

Mason...

She sighed... he had seen Tony today.

There is nothing anyone can do. Attempting to do something got your predecessor killed. I will not let another die because of me... Ever again. Especially not one so you've and kind.

She tried to hidethe tear that would not be stopped as if slipped from he corner of her eye.

 

[tinwoodsman]

"No." he was slowing the car and pulling over to the side of the road and got some tissues from the glove box. Quickly setting something on his phone he boldly got out of the car and moved around to the back seat to join her. "Five minutes won't make a dent in our trip, even if anyone's paying attention."

"List, Jasleena." He handed her the travel pack of tissues, "I'm not going to drive you around and claim I don't care. I DO care. I know the man before me died, but he did the wrong thing for the right reasons. I'm not saying I can save you right now," those last two words were punctuated with some hidden intention, "But I'm trying to say this doesn't have to be your life. Just... don't give up yet. Okay? You deserve so better."

 

[Asa]

Wiping the tear away she looked over to him.

What do you mean about saving me Mason... Yes this is my life I married into all of this young and stupid at first but a life like Tony's is bound in time to make even the strongest Dr Jeckyl into a Mr Hyde sometime.

She was growing more and more terrified that that this wonderful young man was going to get himself killed and all because of her but if she asked Tony to reassign him he would get suspicious and that would cause even more problems.

 

[tinwoodsman]

Mason shook his head, "I'm doing this wrong. Let me ask you this, and this, and honest. Is it worth it? You justify what happens as Mr C- Tony, turning into Jeckyl and Hyde as something that should be expected. But are you truly okay with enduring one to get to the other?"

 

[Asa]

She looked deep into Mason's eyes she wanted to tell him that she did not want to endure it any more but it was just the life she was married into. She was sure if she encouraged this young man he would end up dead and she mouth also.

I... this is the life that I married to so it is what I must endure.

 

[tinwoodsman]

Mason shifted, as if kicked in the chest, when she'd finally spoken. Until then he'd been looking back with equal intensity as if waiting for something but crushed when he didn't get it.

"No, I don't believe that. I refuse to accept that you have to endure this. You don't. You shouldn't." He froze, words trying to escape his lips but held back my sheer force of will alone. He couldn't tell her how much he cared, or hurt when she did.

"I know there's a world out there where a man shows he loves you, without making it an apology for hurting you. But you have to want it too."

 

[Asa]

Mason since being moved into the compound.d what have you seen or think you have seen or heard?

She wanted to believe him but she knew there was something buried or hidden... what could it be. Tony was her husband she could not just forget that or dismiss it because life had gotten rough. No matter how mush this young man meant to her.

 

[tinwoodsman]

"Truth? I haven't seen much. Only faint oval shaped bruises mostly covered by a long sleeve shirt. A beautiful woman covering half her face with sunglasses for three random days. I see wince when you reach to high for something and the way you walk around at night, like the entire house is made of egg shells."

He moved closer, trying to make sure he could still meet her eyes, should she try to avoid his gaze.

"Do you want to know what I hear? Do you want to to know what I think? How much do I have to say before you'll accept that someone who could possible hurt you doesn't deserve you."

 

[Asa]

I can't run... he would never grant a divorce... Either would bring more pain than his little tirades... So Mason what now... Hmmm?

We are going to be late for the banquet and Tony will be expecting me to be there before he gets there... Care to start driving come up with an excuse that will not end up with he and I fighting or just come clean... admit you can't handle life in the compound knowing that trying to help me in any way would just end up with you dead and get it out in the open.

 

[tinwoodsman]

"I'm not asking you to run."

He looked at his timer, seconds ticking by, and nodded. "I can only help you, if you trust me. If you believe in me. If you're too afraid of-"

BEEEP*BEEEP*BEEEP*

"Shit." he looked back a the phone and turned off the alarm. Getting out of the car, he paused just long enough to meet Jasleena's eyes. "I'm trusting you. I'm putting a lot of faith in you. I just hope I'm not being a fool. If I am, just tell me and I'll try to stop giving a damn about what happens to you. But if could just let-" the phone started beeping it's alarm again and he sighed in defeat to close the door.

Only when he was back behind the wheel did he speak again, "5 minutes is a reasonable variable for driving. Stuck behind a slow driver. Whatever. I'll stop talking for now, so you can focus on... whatever you need to focus on I guess."