Archer Diaries

Reverse

I hate him! And I will make him pay.

******
He cocked the gun pointed at the intruder's head, slowly ordering him to turn around. A frown grew on his face as he recognized him.

"What the hell, Fletch!" he exclaimed as he lowered the gun.

"Sorry, man. Just doing my job." Fletch apologized half heartedly as he put his camera away.

"Gary has you tailing me? How long?"

"Three weeks!"

He huffed in annoyance, "Three weeks? You've got to be kidding me! Why?"

"I don't know, man! Ask him yourself. But really, the dead man's wife? That's real slick. Who can blame you though, she's fine a..."

"Just get the hell out of here but first give me the memory card." His hand was stretched out and the look on his face showed he wasn't taking no for an answer.
Fletch knew it was of no use arguing. He wasn't getting out of here with it either way.

"What am I gonna tell the boss?" he asked in annoyance as he handed him the memory card filled with photos of Robyn and him. He wasn't quite ready to show his weakness.

"You'll think of something." He patted his shoulders with a lopsided grin and stalked off to his car. He got in and drove off immediately.

He found himself waiting outside Gary's office. His assistant as usual had been blatantly ogling him but he ignored her as always. She announced his presence and ushered him in. She then asked if he wanted anything to which he declined. Gary then waved her off.

He looked at his young protégé, who had surprisingly done him a lot of good since he joined them. He had brains and wits which was essential for their kind of business. In fact it had been his idea to approach Rodrick Hawthorne with a business proposal which surprisingly paid off.

The fool wagered his shares as investment in a ghost firm and that was all Mason's doing. At his death, they gained those shares and the senior Thorne had no choice than to strike a deal with them hence Mason's appointment. He couldn't be anymore proud of the kid but he just had one problem with him. With a smile, he closed his ledger and took off his glasses.

"Mason..." he begun in a patronizing tone, "You know,  I had been quite doubtful when Jorge sent you to me but you've proved yourself beyond measure and I'm quite proud of you like my own son. So I'm going to advise you like a father. You can have it all except her... "

He watched momentarily as surprise settled on his face, "Oh yes, I know. I've had you tailed far longer than you think. Besides I saw the way you looked at her during the meeting. That was all the confirmation I needed. Love is very dangerous for this type of business, son. You can fuck 'em, hell you can like 'em but you can't love 'em. Messes with your brains, trust me."

Mason sat quietly absorbing everything he was saying though he knew it was pointless. He was already in too deep even before he joined this line of business. It was good advice but he wasn't going to take it, too late for that now. He wanted her and he would have no other. With that in mind, he walked out of Gary's office and returned to Thorne Inc where he had a meeting set up with the heads of departments to formally introduce himself.

~~~~
Music spilled into the space from every direction, igniting the carefree spirits of those on the dance floor. The dim lights created a sombre feel assuring its patrons a sense of secrecy. It was no wonder Juggers was one of the best night clubs in Cumberland. The owner happened to be Mason's close friend and Gary's son, Barry. 

Mason sat in his favourite spot in the VIP section, sipping his second glass of scotch. From where he sat,  he could see everything going on below however it would be difficult for one to see the VIP section due to the wooden panels. This was probably one of the best features of the club.