The NSC Boxset: Heart of Stone

by D H Sidebottom

  As I stood at the bar waiting to be served Courtney came up beside me with her eyebrows raised. “You look like shit, babe” she divulged honestly and I laughed.

  “You’re such a good friend.”

  I grinned at her and she put her arm around my waist. “I saw Mr Grumpy speed off, I take it you’ve had another row.”

  I sighed and shrugged. “We’re always fucking rowing.” I said sadly and she squeezed me.

  “That bad?”

  I nodded. “Let’s sit down first.”

  The barman came over to us. “Ladies?” he asked and winked at Courtney. I stifled a giggle.

  “Not my type mate, sorry” she told him bluntly. He looked at her arm around me, I grabbed her hand and leant over for a kiss.

  Courtney turned to look at me and I gave her a full snog on the lips. She looked back at him and shrugged. “But she’ll have a vodka and cranberry and I’ll take a rum and coke please.” She smiled sweetly and then leant in to my ear when he walked up the bar to prepare the drinks. “You are so bad” she giggled.

  He placed the drinks in front of us. “You know,” he said with a slow smile, “I’m into that too if you’re both game?”

  My eyebrows shot to my hairline as my jaw dropped. “Gimme your number then sweetheart and we’ll let you know, but only if you can manage the pair of us. My friend here is a little wild between the sheets,” Courtney said seriously and I coughed slightly. She waved her hand about under the bar to shut me up.

  He turned to me and gave me a wink, “Oh I’m sure I can handle her.” He grinned cockily and Courtney leaned over the bar and whispered something in his ear. His grin grew wider and he looked at me, a gleam in his eye and nodded at Courtney. “No problem, sweetheart. I’m game.” He licked his lips. I could see her stifling a giggle but winked at him and picked our drinks up, taking them over to a table in the corner.

  I sat opposite her. “Okay Missus, what did you tell him?” She shrugged and chewed the inside of her cheek. I narrowed my eyes, “Courtney” I persisted and she started laughing.

  “Well I thought he wouldn’t take the bait but apparently he did.” I pursed my lips and glared at her. “Okay,” she laughed. “I told him you were into the hard stuff, you know, tying him up and whipping him . . . full on BDSM.” She laughed at my shocked face.

  “What the hell did you tell him that for?” I scoffed and she had tears rolling down her face.

  “Well I thought it might frighten him but . . . seems he likes that sort of thing.”

  I stared at her and then cracked up, “Oh my god! What a pervert.”

  We both hid our laughter as he approached our table with two more full glasses. “Ladies.” He placed them down on the table and smiled suggestively, looking me over.

  I tried to give him a smile but I was trying to control my giggling at the same time so it kind of looked like I gave him a snarl. He groaned, adjusted his trousers and winked “God! I can’t wait,” he rasped and walked off.

  “Jesus, Ava!” Courtney was in hysterics and I kicked her under the table.

  “I am so gonna kill you when we get out of here,” I snorted and then joined her laughter. Trust this girl to cheer me up; she always knew exactly what I needed.

  We settled down and relaxed with our drinks. “So?” she prodded and I sighed.

  “I love him.” I started simply and she nodded.

  “I know but . . . ?” she cocked her head, waiting for me to continue and I took a deep breath.

  “I’m pregnant.” I cringed and squinted as I looked at her.

  Her eyes widened as she sighed and pursed her lips, “Oh, Ava.” She looked sad, stunned and happy simultaneously.

  “I know, I know. We just got carried away,” I shrugged as if that simple statement explained everything.

  “Ava,” she glared at me. “It takes two seconds to saddle up,” she scolded and I shrugged again.

  “I know but . . . it’s different with Mason. He’s amazing in bed and the passion is . . . is mind-blowing.” I grimaced, finding it difficult to explain how it was with him.

  She looked thoughtful for a moment then closed her hand over mine on the table. “Babe, are you gonna keep it?” I recoiled at her directness.

  “Of course I am!”

  She held her hands up. “I’m just making sure you know there are other options, that’s all. It’s entirely your decision Ava, not mine, not Mason’s. Yours.”

  I nodded. “I know.”

  “And what’s Mason said?”

  I finished my first drink and reached for the fresh one. As I took a sip Courtney raised her eyebrows. “You shouldn’t be drinking that, Ava,” she cautioned and my eyes widened.

  “Oh God! I forgot” I scowled and pushed it away, thinking it tasted a little bitter anyway.

  She went back over to the bar and returned with a cranberry and soda, placing it in front of me. “Well, what’s Mason said?” she repeated, taking a sip of her drink.

  “He’s over the moon.” I explained and she spluttered into her glass.

  “Really?” she asked gobsmacked.

  I nodded, talking a gulp and grimacing at the non-alcoholic beverage, looking longingly at my un-drunk vodka; my body needed the stimulant to prepare for Mason’s fury. “Yeah, he’s really happy but I dunno . . . I can’t help wondering if it’s a bit too soon. I want to enjoy our relationship and get to know one another first before we’re knee deep in shit and nappies but on the other hand, it’s my baby and I already love it.” I explained and she nodded slowly.

  “Talk to him, Ava” she urged.

  I shrugged, “What for? It’s happened and there’s nothing I can do to change things now. Telling Mason about my insecurities won’t help. The main problem is . . .” I squirmed, “I’m kind of living at his at the moment.”

  She narrowed her eyes on me. “Ava; you have gone from being scared of a relationship to falling in love, living with him and getting pregnant.” She looked confused by my actions and I held a hand up and took another drink.

  “I . . . my house . . . someone broke into the cottage” I told her and her eyes widened.

  “WHAT!” She exclaimed and took my hand again.

  “Someone broke in and trashed my bedroom and wrote whore on my wall” I told her frankly, there was no use trying to sugar coat things with Courtney.

  Pursing her lips tightly she took a deep breath. “But why?” she asked “What have the police said?”

  I looked down. “Ava?” she queried and narrowed her eyes.

  “Mason’s got his friend looking into it,” I told her.

  She eyed me curiously but sighed and nodded. “Are you frightened of him, Ava?” she asked cautiously, stroking her hand up my arm much to the barman’s delight.

  I frowned at her, “No, he would never hurt me, even though he gets angry.” I shrugged. “It’s just how he is. He’s controlling and possessive but sometimes I like it, you know, it makes me feel secure and strangely cherished but he just . . . just sometimes it’s like I can never please him. He’s always mad at me for doing things without discussing them with him first.” I explained but carried on, “You remember Tony?” I asked. She nodded. “Well, he works at NSC with me.”

  Her eyes widened and she groaned. “Oh God.” She cringed for me and I nodded.

  “Well, I didn’t tell Mason because . . . well because it’s Mason and anyway he brought me some anti-nausea pills into work this morning cos’ I’m having horrendous morning sickness and well . . . Tony was there, so that’s why we’re rowing again,” I finished with a sigh and looked at her.

  “Okay, I can understand both sides here. I know why you didn’t tell Mason but I can understand him thinking you were hiding something from him. You did go on a date with the sleezeball.” She shrugged when I sucked on my lips.

  “But,” she continued. “That still doesn’t give him the right to try and control you, Ava. You’re gonna have to be strong and stand up to him. Don’t let him dominat
e you, or this relationship isn’t going to work.”

  I nodded. “I know, and I know he knows what he’s doing but he can’t seem to stop himself. He says it’s because he worries about me but . . . it just grates sometimes. I know I’m in for another bollocking when I get back.”

  She looked at me sadly. “It’ll sort itself out Ava, but you need to lay a few rules out, and be strong,” she guided.

  I smiled at her but as I did I felt my skin prickle and turned round sharply, inspecting the pub.

  “Ava?” Courtney asked and I shivered when I didn’t notice anyone. I shook my head to her.

  “Strange feeling that’s all.” Laughing it off, I pulled my phone from my bag. “I better ring a taxi and get back.” I sighed and she smiled sympathetically.

  “Ava, if it gets too much you can always stop at mine” she proposed.

  I nodded as my call connected and I asked the taxi firm for a ring back on arrival, something in the back of my mind warned me off waiting outside for the cab.

  As my phone chirped when the car pulled up, I made my way across the room with Courtney and noticed to my horror, the man from the NSC car park perched in the corner. His eyes shifted as I glanced at him.

  I grabbed Courtney’s hand. “I’ll drop you off firs,” I told her.

  “No, it’s the wrong way Ava, I’ll walk” she said but I shook my head firmly.

  “NO! I’ll drop you off.” She gave me a quizzical look but nodded when she saw my expression.

  I knew the man was after me but I didn’t want to leave Courtney alone, just in case.

  My stomach started fluttering as we exited and climbed in the taxi but when he didn’t follow I questioned my suspicions, maybe it was coincidence and he was just having a drink but somehow, somewhere in my mind I doubted it.

  * * *

  I arrived back at Mason’s and grit my teeth before I opened the front door, taking a deep breath and walking into the kitchen but relaxed when it was empty.

  Pouring a coffee from the glass carafe that was warming; I sighed heavily and slid onto one of the stools, rubbing my aching neck as I heard Mason approach behind me. He was silent but I could feel his anger permeating the air in the kitchen. “Out with it then,” I sighed without turning around but he remained silent. “Oh fuck you, Mason.” I hissed as I climbed off the stool and stomped past him but his hand shot out and grabbed my arm.

  “Not so fast, Ava.” I rolled my eyes and resigned myself to the reprimand I knew was coming. To be honest I was so physically and mentally exhausted I just wanted to climb into bed and sleep for a week so I decided to let him blow-off and sit back and watch.

  Climbing back on the stool I faced him and placed my hands in my lap. “Okay, I’m ready,” I sighed, rubbing my eyes. He still stood silently watching me and I rolled my eyes. “If you’re not gonna have a go I could really do with some sleep, Mason.”

  I shivered as he stalked over to me and placed a finger under my chin, tilting my head back and searched my eyes. “Why, Ava?” he asked quietly.

  I frowned. “Why what?” I replied and he shook his head at me.

  “Not good enough, why?” He cocked his head.

  “Mason, I’m not into games. Just say what needs saying, I’m tired” I bit back. His nostrils flared slightly and I saw a flash behind his eyes but refused to back down.

  He bit his bottom lip and nearly snarled at me. “You know what this is about Ava. Tony.”

  I closed my eyes, suddenly feeling really ill but I swallowed it back and huffed. “Mason, I didn’t tell you about Tony because I knew you would react like this and to be honest it’s not even important. I work with the guy, that’s it.”

  The room started to spin and I grabbed hold of the worktop and took a deep breath. Mason didn’t seem to notice my discomfort and grabbed my chin harshly. I reared back and he took a deep breath and let go. “That’s a load of shit, Ava. You didn’t tell me because you wanted to hide it from me,” he growled and my temper started to rise.

  “What the hell Mason, why would I want to hide it from you?” I asked as a cold sweat started to break out all over me.

  Oh god, I felt weird. I closed my eyes, taking deep breaths through my mouth.

  “You tell me, Ava?” Mason’s voice had taken on a higher level but my ears had started pounding and my head was spinning.

  “I . . . I . . .” I tried to speak but my mouth had gone dry and I squinted against the brightness of the kitchen lights. Were they always this intense?

  “You what, Ava?” He had started to shout. “You can’t tell me a truthful answer can you?” He was starting to blur and I scrutinized him as his face swan before me. “Oh, don’t fucking look at me like that. There’s something you are hiding, you can’t even fucking defend your self can you?” he demanded and I tried to stand, holding onto the worktop.

  “Mason, I . . . I . . .” I tried to suck in a breath but I was struggling, my lungs were screaming at me and my legs had gone tingly and numb.

  “Just tell me this, Ava” he roared. “Is this baby mine or Tony’s?”

  My mouth dropped open and I started to pant, sweat dripping off my forehead as an intense pain ripped through my stomach. I doubled up as my legs gave way and darkness surrounded me.

  CHAPTER 26

  I OPENED MY eyes and felt sick, my head was pounding and I could feel something stabbing me in the arm. Groaning I tried to sit up.

  “Ava?” Mason breathed, “Baby, lie still and I’ll fetch a nurse” he whispered with a voice full of concern.

  “Mason?” I blinked at the lights. He flicked them off as he leaned over the bed and pressed a red button, “Where am I?”

  “You’re in hospital,” he said softly and smoothed my hair back.

  “What? Why?” I asked, highly confused.

  “Shush,” he whispered and I retched.

  “Mason, I’m gonna be sick” I cried.

  He lifted me up and held out a grey paper kidney bowl as the nurse rushed in. “Ava, how are you feeling?” she asked as I vomited, stunned that it seemed black in colour. Was she stupid, how did she think I felt? I was throwing up for Christ’s sake. I glared at her and she laughed. “I know, sweetie but I meant have you got any pain?”

  I did a quick inspection and nodded, “My stomach hurts, like cramps” I told her as I puked again. She smiled sympathetically.

  “Oh my God, the baby?” I cried to Mason.

  “It’s fine, Ava. It’s okay.” He smiled as his fingers tenderly stroked my cheek.

  “What happened?” I couldn’t remember a thing apart from Mason shouting at me. I reared back from him as I remembered his last words.

  He frowned at me, “Baby?”

  I shook my head in confusion. “You . . . you said . . . you don’t think it’s your baby,” I breathed, my heart clenching as I recalled his words.

  He sighed and nodded. “I do! I’m sorry Ava, I was just mad,” he whispered and the nurse glanced at us.

  “I’ll just go and get you some water, Ava” she said before she slid from the room.

  “How could you even question it, Mason?” He had hurt me really bad this time, his lack of trust had me seriously thinking about our relationship.

  He brushed my cheek with his knuckles, “I’m sorry Ava. It’s just that you hid the fact that you worked with Tony so my imagination went overboard.”

  I stared at him, my eyebrows high, “Your imagination went overboard?” I scoffed, gobsmacked. “And what do you think now?” I asked, cocking my head.

  He hesitated.

  “Get out” I growled. He stepped back, stunned as his eyes widened on me.

  “Ava?”

  “I SAID GET OUT” I yelled. The nurse came back in with a doctor.

  “Ava, please. I believe you,” he tried again and I turned my back to him.

  “Just go Mason.” I bit my lip harshly to halt the tears that wanted to flow and I heard him stomp out and slam the door.

  “You okay,
love?” the nurse asked as the tears finally won and flowed down my face.

  “Yeah.” I sobbed. She rubbed my arm, “Why am I here anyway?” I asked, looking at the doctor for the first time.

  “Did your partner not tell you?”

  I shook my head. “I didn’t really give him a chance,” I snorted.

  He sat on the edge of my bed and looked at me seriously. “Miss Stone, we have run some tests and we have found traces of toxins in your blood stream.”

  I frowned. “What?” I asked, “I don’t understand, what toxins?”

  He sighed heavily. “Miss Stone, we think you may have been poisoned.”

  WHAT THE FUCK?

  “Wh . . . what?” I stammered as my stomach heaved again. He paused while I vomited again.

  “There was only a trace luckily; any increase on the amount you ingested could have been fatal.”

  “Jesus!!” I breathed.

  “We have given you a charcoal rinse and I’m afraid you’ll feel ill for a couple of days, however I’m pleased to say your baby is fine and shouldn’t suffer any adverse effects to the poison,” he smiled.

  I glared at him. “Shouldn’t suffer? Is that a guess or a guarantee?” I asked harshly.

  “Miss Stone, there are no guarantees I can give you but I’d say it should be okay.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Aren’t there any tests you can do just to make sure?”

  I was starting to panic, I needed Mason but at the same time I couldn’t bear to look at him. I needed to make sure my baby was safe. “Please?” I practically begged him but he shook his head.

  “Any invasive tests we do now, while the foetus is in its early stages would be counter-productive.”

  I frowned “What?” He was beginning to piss me off with all his evasive answers.

  “What I’m saying is, the tests we can do have more chance of harming your baby than the poison in your system. The placenta is a wonderful filter, Miss Stone.” He smiled and patted my hand. “We need to ascertain how the toxins got in your system. Can you tell me all you have had to eat or drink all day?” he continued and flipped a page on my patient chart.