Chapter 7 -Mason

Taking a deep breath and putting on my best terrified face I ran from the alley to the main street looking frantically in all directions and spotted a constable. “CONSTABLE! CONSTABLE! HURRY COME QUICK PLEASE THESE MEN NEED AN AMBULANCE!" I shouted, running to the constable. The officer stopped and looked at me with concern. This was the performance of my life. I don’t think I acted this well even back in my drama department at primary school. 

“Slow down there son. What’s this about needing an ambulance? Who does? Where are they? What happened?" the officer asked. He was looking me over trying to see if I was the person hurt. Of course I had no injures to speak of. I needed to keep up my show. So I took a few purposely shaky breaths. Letting him believe I was trying to regain some composure. 

“I was on my way back to the university from St Mary’s church and got turned around in the dark and was coming down the alley just over here when I saw them. They jumped from the roof, I’m not sure if they thought they were going to jump the alley or what. But oh god it’s so tragic there's so much blood and I saw one of their I think it was the tibia poking out of their slacks. I nearly lost my dinner at the sight sir. Please you must come quick and call for an ambulance." I said, trying to keep my voice sounding terrified yet calm enough to give the details. 

“Show me." the officer said, believing my story but only just. After all, it sounded far fetched. Just wait till he sees this. Then my story will make sense. I nodded and rushed back to the alley and pointed. Covering my mouth looking away to be more convincing at my squeamishness of the sight. 

The officer rushed forward at the sight. Oh he believed me now that’s for sure. “Just stay still lads, don’t try to move. I’ll call in the medics to get you." the officer said calling it in. "I need an ambulance. Got three lads here that tried to jump between buildings and landed in a dumpster." the officer spoke into his walkie.

The men were shouting in pain. I personally didn’t give a damn about their pain. To hell with them. And to hell with anyone that would attack a girl as they did Adder. I don’t give a shit what they felt she did to wrong them. Ganging up on her like that was what got them in that dumpster. 

“I just don’t get what you three thought you were doing trying to jump the alley." the officer said, shaking his head. “WE WEREN’T TRYING TO JUMP THE ALLEY! THAT BOY DID THIS TO US!" the leader shouted. “What? That boy can barely even look at you three in this state I highly doubt he’d have been able to do this." the officer said unconvinced. 

“YOU GOTTA BELIEVE US CONSTABLE! HE’S A META-HUMAN! HE DID THIS WITH HIS POWERS!" another man shouted. The officer raised an eyebrow and looked to me now debating as meta-humans were not easy to spot as they didn’t all appear as meta-humans. They of course are right but the officer doesn't need to know that. And I'm going to make sure he doesn't.

“What’s your name again lad? Let me see your id." the officer said walking over. I looked shocked and offended at being called a meta-human. “That is just slander!" I declared as I got my id out and handed it to the officer. “Mason Quentin Templeton. Templeton? Of THE Templetons?" the officer asked, handing back the id. I nodded. There were days I hated my family name. That we were so well known both for politics and for our business. But times like this it was helpful.

“Yes my father is His Grace Quentin Templeton Duke of Leeds, speaker of the house of commons and CEO of Templeton Enterprise." I said, taking my id and putting it back in my pocket. “You blokes should know better than to slander someone from such an upstanding family. I voted for his father in the last general election." the officer said. going back to the dumpster. 

Oh yes for once being my father’s son was playing to my advantage. It isn't often I use my family name to get my way. But if it will keep me and more importantly Adder out of trouble then I'll use it. The officer leaned into the dumpster taking the ids from the three inside. “And really why should I believe three known illegal fighters that we’ve been searching for these past three months?" The officer said shaking his head. 

“You run along now Mister Templeton the ambulance will be here soon and I’ve got your statement. Stay out of trouble and head straight back to campus though." the officer said. I nodded glad to be getting far from where. The officer probably thought it was because of all the blood. Really I just didn’t want to be near these scumbags. “Thank you so much constable and I will. I don’t like being part of any sort of trouble." I agreed, heading out of the alley.

I made my way to where I had told Adder to meet me. I wasn’t sure I’d find her there. “Why dinna ya mention ya the son of a parliament member? And that was a hell of a show you put on back there. Why did ya get involved? Ya don't know me from a hole in the ground." Adder questioned, as she walked up to the meeting spot at the same time I was. 

Of course she didn’t do as I instructed. She watched what happened. I wasn’t surprised she ignored me directions. “Didn't think it really mattered what my father does or doesn't do." I explained walking over. "Let me get a look at how bad they got you." I said, tilting her head up gently looking at her under the streetlamp. 

I frowned looking at her. She was bloodied and bruised. There was some dried blood which I attributed to old fights, perhaps she’d been at the fights tonight. But I was more worried about her head injury. Those damn bastards. Serves them right to get their legs broken and to lay in that dumpster like the trash they are.

"As for the ‘show’, I was in drama club at private school, I'm sure my instructor will be pleased that you thought I did well in my charade. Though the fact you saw that meant you didn't follow my instructions. And I do know you from a hole in the ground. You're Adder, a fair fighter with an albeit a rough and unrefined style but it works for you. I will not stand idle while three men beat on a young woman. Nor will I stand idle while someone hurts a fellow meta-human." I explained, confirming for the first time to her what I am. 

“So I chose to get involved. Now you need to go to the emergency room. Promise me you will go see a physician. And to help cover your visit." I adding, taking four 50 notes from my wallet and forced them it into her hand. I know that health care here in the UK is supposed to be available to all. But I also knew very well that many turn away meta-humans. The money would make them help her no matter their views. I swear one of these days I'll change that. I might even go into poltics like father just so I can make sure meta-humans are treated as equal to human citizens.

"Promise?" I asked, holding her eyes. Adder blinked in disbelief. And it breaks my heart that this simple act of kindness would make her so dumbfounded. "I promise..." Adder agreed. "Good. Now please take care of yourself, pet. I need to head back to the dorms." I smiled before walking away.

I take one last glance back at her. She stood there mostly in the shadows, intentionally staying out of the light as she looked between the money I’d give her and me. Perhaps someday her faith in people can improve. If I have anything to do with it that is. My only thought was that she be safe and well. I’d have to tell Ashton what happened. He’s going to be cross with me.