The Secret of Us

𝐗𝐈

Mason woke up on the couch in the Chateau, the early morning sun streaming in through the broken blinds, casting golden lines across his face. He groaned, shifting his body, every muscle in his body protesting the antics of the night before. He forced himself to get up despite the throbbing bruises from the fight with his father, which only served as a reminder of the pain he'd been bearing. He had work to do. After everything he'd been through, he wasn't going to sit around and let life fall apart.

He glanced around. JJ was nowhere to be found, most likely off doing who-knows-what with Pope or John B. Mason was thankful for the unusual calmness and quietness that ran through the house. He could do without any more drama today. He pulled on his shoes, wincing as he did, and headed out the door. The battered red truck was parked outside, and he climbed in, starting it up with a cough and a sputter before heading toward the Cameron estate.

Today was a workday; he needed the paycheck no matter how much he hated it. Ward Cameron's money kept them afloat, even if it came with a taste of bitterness every time he stepped foot on that pristine property. He pulled into the estate, his eyes taking in the expensive grounds, the perfect lawn, and the mansion that looked like it had been plucked right out of a magazine. He couldn't help but let out a sarcastic huff. It was such a contrast to the way the people in the Cut lived.

As he stepped out of his truck, Ricky, one of Ward's more seasoned employees, waved him over. Mason locked his car before hurriedly walking over to where the other male was standing. Ricky was older, burly, with a scar running down the side of his face that told stores Mason had never heard.

"Morning Kid," Ricky said, his voice rough. "Hope you are ready to put in some real work today. We got a special project from Ward, and I'm supposed to make sure you don't fuck up."

Mason resisted the urge to roll his eyes, letting out a fake laugh. "Yeah, just tell me where you need me. I'll try my best to not ruin your day."

Ricky grunted, a half-smile tugging at his lips. "Alright, follow me. Today we got something a little more...involved." He turned, guiding Mason around the side of the mansion toward the boathouse. Mason's curiosity piqued as they approached. Ward hardly had them working close to the boathouse, but today several people were coming in and out of the boathouse to the boats that were tied up at the dock. One of them rigged for something more than a casual fishing trip.

Mason followed Ricky onto the boats, eyeing the equipment on deck—scuba gear, ropes, strange instruments he could hardly recognize. It all felt off like there was more to his job than Ward was letting on. Mason didn't like surprises, particularly not when they included heavy machinery and the kind of retirement that just screamed "danger".

"Uh-What exactly are we doing today?" Mason asked, his tone cautious as he eyed the gear.

Ricky looked at him, his face serious. "We're going diving today. Wards for some interest in this area.m, wants us to check out something underwater. We're going to be out near the wreckage zone, so keep your cool. It can get rough out there."

Mason drowned, his stomach twisting in discomfort. Diving near a wreckage zone? He wasn't an idiot—) knew how dangerous that could be. The waters out there were unpredictable and that's the reason why most people avoided them. But Ricky didn't seem to be giving him much of a choice. He swallowed hard, nodding.

"Okay, but if I drown. I'm haunting you" Mason said, forcing a grin to mask the anxiety bubbling inside him.

Ricky let out a stifled laugh and gave Mason a shoulder pat. "Don't panic, kid. I have your back here. You will be fine. Just follow my orders"