58

Tory's POV

Thankfully, detective Mason got back before we left for prom. He just stood by my mom, looking at her with a nervous look on his face as she sat on the couch sipping wine. I was hiding by the stairs as I watched them.

" Valora"

" Don't Mason, just- don't."

" What was I supposed to do? I'm sorry I ruined your lunch with your in-laws to be but... I had to."

" Just tell me what you found out." Mom said irritably.

" Brian's father owes Big D, apparently Mr. Tremblay isn't just some wealthy businessman, he has men who do dirty work for Big D, in order words he trains boys to become assassins for Big D's use."

My mom dropped her wine glass and sat up on the chair.

" I'm gonna need you to sit down Mason."

" Fine" Mason said sitting down.

" Go on"

" One day, Mr. Tremblay thought to betray Big D by outing him,  but he was somehow able to escape and sent some of his last boys to have Brian kidnapped - he was just a kid then. Mr. Tremblay was forced to serve Big D if he didn't want Brian dead."

" And Mr. Tremblay couldn't let Brian die, so he's been doing Big D's bidding."

" Plus, Tremblay's betrayal made big D lose a fucking lot of money. He's going to be done paying up in a week."

" But he shouldn't care now since Big D already left Brian right?" My mom asked.

" He left Brian because he's certain Tremblay won't betray him." Mason said.

" And do you believe that?"

" No"

" Reason being?"

" Big D killed Brian's immediate younger brother instead. Told Tremblay to pick between both sons and Tremblay has since been crushed by the choice he made."

" Which Is why he expects so much from Brian." My mom deduced. The story unfolding right now is something I never expected. First, he is an heir - a really wealthy one, now his father is linked to Big D?!

" Look, Tremblay has been laying low but he's suspecting foul play." Mason said, clasping his hands.

" What do you mean?"

" It's getting close to when he'll pay up but he already knows too much. He thinks Big D is gonna kill him anyway, which is why he's told us everything we need to know on how to infiltrate Big D's security and arrest him. We're going to have to use Nate again this time." He said that last part very gravely.

" You can't do that, the boy is finally free. There's no need to get him involved." My mom said after sipping her wine and Mason scoffed.

" I suppose your little Birdy daughter didn't tell you anything about Nate being gone by midnight." He said looking straight at where I was hiding.

" You can come out now Tory, it's no use." He said and I sighed before I came down the stairs to see my mother's appalled expression fixated on me.

" Why didn't you say anything?"

" Mom, what difference does it make. He's leaving and I'd rather not think about it."

"But he's your date to prom!"

" I know okay? Today was meant to be our..." My voice trailed off and I cleared my throat. " It's going to be our last time together. There's nothing we can do, big D said he'd kill me if Nate told the police." I said tucking my hair behind my ears. My mom walked up to me and wiped the tear I didn't realize was now dropping from my eyes.

" Oh really? Big D said that?" Mason asked, seeming a little pissed.

" Yes detective, he did."

" When?"

" A....month ago?" I said as a question rather than an answer. I couldn't exactly remember. " You're right Tory, a month and Nate never said a word!" Mason said angrily.

" Judging from your tone he's told you now so get over it." I said angrily as I plopped on the couch my mom was seated previously.

" No Tory, I can't get over it because if Nate had told us sooner we could be able to stop Big D from taking him sooner."

" There's no point. Just - don't get involved okay? I don't want Nate to feel bad."

" I already knew about this, I've had people spying on Nate. We already have a plan so don't fret. Nate isn't going anywhere."

" You don't know that. If we're counting on a plan similar to the old one you used, then we're screwed. Big D would have all of us killed and then Nate would be miserable forever."

" This isn't about Nate, Tory, we made a mistake when we thought we should make a deal with Big D to leave new york. He's too dangerous and should be arrested."

" Fine. What's your plan?"

" You don't need to know."

" Wait, does Nate even know about this plan?"

" He doesn't. Else he'll freak out because he'll think we'll fail but we won't, Valora trust me." Mason said as he held unto my mother's hands.

" Nate is like a son to me. Tiffany would be crushed if he goes with Big D but...I suppose if you succeed she'd be forever grateful and happy."

" Thank you."

" I can't believe this!" I said in utter disbelief.

" Tory, go to prom and have fun with Nate. I know you don't think we can save him but we can. Just, don't say anything to Nate, okay?"

" Tory, he's right. Trust him."

" It's hard to trust when I don't know if his plan makes sense."

" Tory..."

" Just leave me alone Mason!"

I ran upstairs and looked shut the door as one question rang in my head.

" What if Mason fails? Big D would find a way to kill me and Nate would be crushed."

" But what if they succeed? Nate would be free and everything would be normal-ish."

I sighed as I looked at the gown Nate had gotten for me on the bed. It had come since morning but mom kept it till about an hour ago.

I took out the dress from the box and read the note that came with it.

" To the one woman who I'm willing to risk everything for, I present this extremely sexy dress. Even if all eyes are gonna be on you, I'm willing to take the risk of you putting on this dress.

Love, Nate."

I smiled at the note, but then it hit me if Nate is willing to risk it all for me - his life, his future, his happiness, maybe I should do the same too.

" Tory?" My mom called as she knocked on my door.

" Come in."

" I-"

" Mom, I'm with you guys, just tell Mason to make sure we'll be safe no matter what."

" I already made certain of that honey."

" Okay," I said with a sigh.

"Makeup troubles?"

"Oh my God Tory, that's a beautiful dress! Nate is good..." Toni said as she entered my room. Tia came in as well and I had the feeling she knew everything that had happened since Brian is involved. The only person who had no idea was Toni and it's best we keep it that way.

" Thanks, Toni. Anyway, I do need help with my make-up."

" No worries baby." My mom said before she dashed off to her room and came back with her makeup kit.

" I'm going to be styling both of you before your dates come to pick you up!" She said excitedly.

I let out a deep breath and relaxed, nothing bad will happen - I told myself.