Protecting Zoey

Chapter 15: Home Invasion

The darkness had long since enveloped Mason dropping him into a deep dreamless sleep resting on the couch with Zoey still comfortably in his arms. By the time he finally started to stir it was already long past midnight, he opened his eyes slowly to see a figure sitting on the couch across from him. He jumped slightly realizing he was still clutching Zoey as his vision gradually adjusted to the darkness around him. He tried his best to not move and disturb Zoey's rest still peering into the dark.

"This is becoming a common occurrence, Mason." Harrison's voice was low almost down to a growl when Mason was finally able to make out his figure. "Is this something I should be worried about?"

Mason untangled himself gingerly from Zoey as the embarrassment washed over him. It was bad enough this happened before but to happen again so quickly wasn't good. While his biggest concern was losing his job he knew if that happened, he would be kept from Zoey. It was no longer to ensure he had enough money to get Natalie back, now it was to make sure Zoey stayed safe and the change happened so gradually the realization had yet to dawn on him.

"No Harrison, there's nothing going on." He lied as he stood up and turned on the light to one of its lower settings.

Harrison squinted glaring at him in the sudden light before he began again. "I don't believe you, but I'll let it go for now. I need to speak with you about Elizabeth, she's been acting strangely since you two were out on Friday."

Mason nodded his head as he glanced down at Zoey, "I figured as much based on the way she was acting this afternoon, did something happen tonight?"

"Follow me," Harrison said as he stood from the chair and began moving toward the front door, Mason stood and followed behind him glancing back at Zoey still snoring softly on the coach, at that moment the only thing he wished was that he could stay. He turned and walked through the door joining Harrison on the front porch.

"I understand that Elizabeth was," he paused for a moment as he looked up at the sky before continuing in a more frustrated tone. "Inappropriate toward you Friday evening. She explained everything to me, so you have no need to as well, I'm sure it was embarrassing enough for you that you don't wish to relive it again."

"It was just a misunderstanding," Mason said quickly not wanting to cause any more trouble as he looked over at Harrison, he was having a hard time reading the expression on his face.

Harrison nodded his head slowly before speaking again, "I understand but I wanted to let you know that I will be dealing with the situation accordingly, you have nothing to worry about in the future."

"Thank you, Harrison," Mason said breathing a heavy sigh of relief before taking a step off the porch as Harrison put his hand firmly on his shoulder stopping him from departing.

"I am however concerned with how close you are getting to Zoey." Harrison's voice was cold and sharp, his face the same way as Mason turned back toward him. "You are supposed to be protecting her, not developing anything with her or sleeping with her on my sofa."

"I know, it's just," Mason stopped himself as he realized he was about to say something he really shouldn't.

"Just what?" Harrison prompted him with his eyebrow raised.

Mason shook his head dismissively, "It's nothing, I'll keep my distance from now on, I promise."

Mason knew before he finished speaking that it was a promise he couldn't keep. Judging by the glares Harrison was directing at Mason it was likely he knew it just as well. It took him a moment, but he finally nodded his head, Mason hoped this meant he was satisfied with his answer, but the way Harrison was acting he couldn't be sure.