Mr Hood

Chapter 18

YOUR POV

* A few days later *

I hadn't seen much of Michael in the past few days and I was beginning to get worried.

But when he'd called late last night and told me he hadn't been in work, I'd eased up a bit.

I was starting to think he was avoiding me and when I recalled Ashton's clear annoyance at our meeting, I wondered if Ashton had warded him off.

But he had reassured me he hadn't been feeling too well recently and had been off sick.

He promised he would be back today and we had another lunch date.

--

By the time 5:00 rolled around he came to see me at my cubicle.

"Come out with me tonight," he demanded.

I glanced at the cubicle beside me to see it empty.

"He left when he saw me coming," Michael told me shrugging.

"So, tonight?" he asked again, looking hopeful.

"Tonight? Really?" I asked. "I have to be up early for work tomorrow."

I turned off my computer and gathered up my things.

I headed for the staff room and he followed.

I thought I noticed him limp, but when I looked back he was walking fine.

Maybe I was seeing things.

"Come on. It'll be fun," he gushed.

He grabbed my shoulders and stopped me from walking.

He span me around to face him and pouted.

He really was pulling at my heart strings this one.

"We'll have a great time and forget all about work for a couple of hours," he promised.

I thought about it for a second, considering whether it was a good idea.

"I don't know," I said.

"Come on please. Nobody around here ever comes out with me anymore," he said sadly.

The hurt was clear in his voice and my heart was breaking for him.

"Alright fine. But only one drink and then I'm going home," I said, making sure he was aware.

He whooped as he fist pumped the air.

"Great! Thanks Daisy," he gushed. "How about The Rovers pub at 9. It's halfway between my apartment and yours."

"Sounds great," I agreed.

He smiled happily at me and turned and left.

I laughed as I made my way into the staff room.

Well, I had a night planned.

A crazy night!

And I needed to be prepared.

--

ASHTONS POV

Walking home with Daisy, I was so tempted to ask her what Michael had wanted.

But I didn't ask.

If it was important, she'd tell me.

Wouldn't she?

We'd agreed that she could tell me anything because we were best friends.

And I'd promised not to get spiteful and say things that would hurt her.

I tried not to worry too much about what they'd spoke about.

But remembering the way he cheered after their brief conversation, it made me more eager to know.

I pulled out my phone and dialled Calum's number without even thinking.

He answered on the second ring.

"Hello?" he greeted.

"Hello Mr Hood, it's Ashton," I said.

I didn't even really know why I was calling.

But I couldn't exactly hang up now.

"Mr Irwin, is there something wrong?" he asked, his voice raising with the worry.

"No. Yes. I don't know," I finally said.

"What do you mean you don't know?" he said, breathing heavily into the phone.

"Well, Michael came to see Daisy after work. I couldn't hear what was being said but he cheered at the end of it, seeming rather happy," I explained.

"I walked home with her after and she didn't mention it. I know it's not really much but I'm just slightly worried. I was going to call her later anyway because we usually do when we watch a show, but I just thought I'd let you know."

I stopped, exhaling deeply and the end of the line was very quiet.

All I could hear was his heavy breathing and I knew he was becoming angry.

He took a deep breath, calming down and finally spoke.

"Text me as soon as you speak to her, even if she doesn't say anything. I'll have Luke watch her and see if anything happens. Thank you Mr Irwin for filling me in," he muttered.

I knew he was trying his hardest to regain his control and I praised him for that.

"I will do. I will be calling her in an hour. I will let you know, Mr Hood," I promised.

We said our goodbyes and hung up.

I checked the clock to see it was only 8:00.

Pretty Little Liars didn't start till 9:00, so I had some time to kill.

I pushed myself up off my sofa and went to get a shower.

I just hoped she hadn't met him again.

I already knew from the way she looked at me that he'd told her more lies.

And I guessed these were about me.

He was trying to turn her against us both.

And I had no doubt Luke would be next.

--

MICHAELS POV

I had text Daisy at 7:00 and asked her to meet me a little earlier.

She had agreed to meet me at 8:00 instead and now here I sat in the bar at 7:45.

She hadn't mentioned to Ashton anything about our conversation or our plans.

I had made sure to follow them both back to the apartment, trailing behind them slowly.

He had turned around a couple of times but I had hidden behind people passing by.

I crooked my finger calling the bartender over and ordered a second beer.

He complied and slid another one across to me.

I slammed the money down and he took it.

I sipped on my second drink, nursing it and taking this one slowly.

When she came I'd lie and say this was my first.

She'd be none the wiser.

The minutes ticked by slowly and I drummed my fingers on the bar top impatiently.

I had a couple more lies up my sleeve to set on her tonight.

And I was considering telling her about Calum's daddy problems.

Telling her that he was a selfish bastard, and a money grabbing stingy motherfucker.

This would be the final straw.

She wouldn't want to know him after tonight.

--