Her Vigilant Seal

by Caitlyn O'Leary

  “I wouldn’t ask, but I left Billy’s picture with the missions and shelters, and they said they would call me if he showed up.” She was holding her broken phone in her hand as if she were willing it to ring.

  “Sure, let’s go.”

  After they got her a new phone they headed into the city. Mason was familiar with many parts of San Diego since he’d bought an old house in Lincoln Park and started renovating. His dad had done construction, so doing the work on his home in San Diego made him feel close to his dad. His house was in an older part of town that was full of good hard-working people. He would work late into the night restoring the floors or the woodwork, and then go for long walks to work out the kinks. He hated to admit he’d also had trouble sleeping, so he understood where Sophia was coming from.

  It never bothered him walking through Encanto even though it was considered one the worst parts of San Diego. He often brought a couple of extra sandwiches to give to some of the homeless. That’s what he’d had been doing when he came upon Sophia. It still scared the hell out of him to think what would have happened if he hadn’t been there.

  “Billy stayed at the Union Mission last night,” Sophia said as he parked his truck in the park’s parking lot. “I just got a text.”

  “That’s great, I know where that is.” He started the engine and headed towards the mission. Drake had been abnormally quiet the closer they had gotten to the park. Mason was worried what was coming, and as they pulled up to Union Mission, Drake let loose.

  “Where in the hell are we? This can’t be part of San Diego. Jesus, Sophia, you’re not allowed to be out here during daylight hours let alone at night,” he roared.

  Mason looked up at the sky praying for help.

  “Do you have sisters, Drake?” Sophia asked.

  “Yes, I have three of them,” he automatically snapped out an answer.

  “And you’re still living? I’m shocked.” Mason roared with laughter. Help had come. He knew Sophia had a backbone when protecting others but he’d worried she would never stand up for herself. Apparently his prayers had been heard.

  “Are you calling me overbearing, little girl?” Drake drawled.

  “I’ve been calling you many things in my head, Drake, overbearing is probably the only one that is fit for public consumption.” Both men laughed.

  “But seriously, this is not safe, you can’t be out there. You’re lucky you’re alive.” Drake seemed to be on the fence, his expression half dictatorial, and half wheedling.

  “Drake, my brother is only twelve years old. He’s been out there for five nights. The police haven’t found him, what other choice did I have?” Her green eyes filled with tears. Drake looked at Mason, clearly at a loss.

  “We’ll find him for you, honey.” Mason stepped in.

  “Don’t you have to be at work?” she asked pulling at her hair.

  “We go in for training tomorrow morning, but we just got done with an operation so right now we’re not active. We have time to help.” Hell, Mason would just ask for leave until Billy was found, there wasn’t a chance in hell he would risk Sophia’s life letting her search for her brother alone again.

  When they got inside the mission, Sophia made her way over to the desk at the back. There was an older man sitting at it who immediately got up to greet them.

  “Sophia, I’m glad you warned me about your injuries over the phone or I would have had a heart attack. I told you to stop coming to this neighborhood at night,” he chided her. He took her left hand into both of his and held it.

  “Reverend, I have to find Billy,” she said as she leaned into the old man.

  “Well you’re in luck, I told him I would call you and you would be here for dinner. He promised to be back.”

  “I don’t understand, if he wasn’t avoiding you to begin with, why didn’t he just call you?” Drake asked.

  The preacher and Sophia looked at one another. Sophia finally looked at the two men. “Billy knows I can’t keep him right now, so he keeps running away to find our father. Dad lives down here in San Diego, that’s how he ended up in San Diego Foster Care instead of Orange County.”

  “Where is your father?” Drake demanded.

  “An old neighbor of ours said he thought he saw dad in Mission Hills. Billy’s foster parents are in Rancho San Diego. I’m amazed he makes it as far west as he does,” Sophia said, as the preacher put his arm carefully around her shoulders.

  “Why isn’t your father in the picture?” Drake wanted to know.

  “He took off when my mom got so sick. They weren’t happy for a long time and the cancer gave him an excuse to bail.”

  “What a fuckwad,” Drake said.

  “Please watch your language,” the Reverend admonished. “Sophia, introduce me to your two friends.”

  “Drake Avery and Mason Gault, please meet Reverend Langley.” She smiled fondly at the reverend and Mason.

  “Let’s get you a seat before you fall down, girl.”

  “I’m fine. What can I do to help before dinner?” The reverend looked at Mason and rolled his eyes, and Mason chuckled. Apparently he wasn’t the only one who ran into her stubbornness.

  “You can sit down and take care of yourself. You brought me two recruits who I will put to work, you’ve done enough.” And with that said, the reverend took him and Drake to the kitchen and put them to work with two little ladies making dinner for over a hundred people.

  “Hey buddy, I’m going to step out for a few. Can I have the keys to your truck?” Mason knew exactly what Drake was up to and threw him the keys. He kept peeling carrots and talking to Mrs. Wilson.

  An hour later Drake was back with his arms full of groceries. “Is there more in the bed of the truck?” Mason asked.

  “Yep,” Drake said sheepishly.

  “Oh, this is wonderful,” Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Cavendish said as they started unpacking the bags.

  Mason stopped on his way to the truck when he saw Sophia sitting cross-legged on the floor with four children around her and a toddler sitting on her lap as she read them a story. She didn’t see him, and he listened in. It was about a princess of course, and how she couldn’t sleep because her bed was uncomfortable—something about a pea under her mattress. Mason was as enthralled as the children with the way she told the story using different voices.

  “Dude, what’s the…” Drake tried to interrupt.

  “Shhh.”

  “We’ve got to get…” Mason handed the keys back to Drake and motioned him away.

  “You’ve got it bad.” Mason nodded and made the motioning movement again. He didn’t move until she said ‘the end’. She saw him, and immediately blushed.

  “How long have you been there?” Sophia asked as she bit her lip.

  “Just for a moment,” Mason replied easily. “I thought you were going to take it easy.”

  “How much easier could I take it than reading stories to children?” The little boy pushed out of Sophia’s arms, causing her to gasp in pain. Mason was over by her side in two strides. He wrapped an arm around her ribs and lifted her off the floor. She gasped again. Damn it, he’d forgotten her ribs been injured as well.

  “You need to be careful,” he admonished.

  “It’s really nothing.” She gave him a bright false smile.

  “I’ve had knife injuries before and it hurt worse than when I was shot.”

  “You were shot?” Her eyes got wide. “Are you okay? When did you get shot? Should you be sitting down?” He looked at her in disbelief. She was one hundred percent serious. Nobody but his mom ever showed so much concern for him. At least genuine concern.

  “Settle, honey. I’m fine, it was a couple of years ago.” He maneuvered her to the threadbare couch, nodding to Drake as he brought in yet another load of groceries. Drake gave him a knowing smirk.

  “What about the knife wound? Did it heal okay? When was that?” Mason sat next to her left side so he could si
t close without hurting her. He looked down and saw her soft blue denim clad thigh next to his and groaned inwardly.

  “What did you ask?” How could he possibly be expected to remember her question when he was sitting so close to her gentle curves?

  “Are you healed?” she asked again.

  “You do realize what I do for a living, right? We go into dangerous situations. Hell, I get injured during normal training.” He chuckled. “Imagine doing a little hand-to-hand against Drake.”

  She looked at Drake as he made his way back to the truck. Damn, how much food had the man purchased, Mason wondered.

  “He’s huge. I hadn’t thought about you guys scrimmaging.”

  “You’re adorable. We call it training.” She blushed, and he wished she didn’t have any bruises marring her creamy complexion. Every time Mason pictured her delicate face being hit by fists he saw red. He needed to call the police officer and see what the status of the charges were against the animals who hurt her.

  “Are you okay? Why are you looking angry?”

  “I was thinking about the bastards who laid hands on you. After we pick up Billy, let’s go by the police department and see what the status is on your case.”

  “I’d rather we didn’t.” She played with the hem of her blouse.

  “Okay.” He’d stop by himself.

  “You’re not going to ask me why?” she asked in surprise.

  “If you don’t want to it’s good enough for me.”

  She looked at him and smiled. “Thank you Mason.” He brushed her beautiful honey gold hair out of her face and gently caressed her cheek. A movement caught his attention and he turned. He was looking at another set of green eyes that mirrored Sophia’s, and they were staring back at him filled with distrust.

  “I think your brother is here.” She jerked around and once again gasped in pain. “Slowly, girl.” He helped her off the couch, and she rushed over to her brother.

  The boy looked like hell. Sophia opened her arms and reached for him, but Billy sidestepped and she gave an audible gasp of emotional pain.

  “Billy, why can’t I hug you?” she cried.

  “I’m dirty,” he said, his eyes filling with tears.

  “Oh sweetheart, that’s nonsense.” She pulled him into her arms, and he squeezed her tightly. She didn’t say a word, just squeezed him back.

  Mason knew even if the hug was rubbing bone on bone Sophia wouldn’t protest so he stepped in. He tapped Billy on the shoulder.

  “Go easy on her Billy, she’s hurt.”

  Billy stepped back and looked at his big sister.

  “What happened to you?” Billy demanded.

  “It’s nothing really, just some bumps and bruises.” She smiled at her brother, and then quickly looked over his shoulder and glared at Mason. Billy caught on and turned to look at Mason, then looked back at Sophia.

  “No you’re not fine. Did he do that to you?” He asked motioning to Mason.

  “Of course not. He saved me.” Sophia pulled Mason to her side. “This is Mason Gault and he saved me from the men who attacked me. Mason, this is my brother, Billy Anderson.”

  Mason held out his hand and finally the boy took it. “Thank you for taking care of my sister. She’s really special.”

  “She really is. It’s nice to meet you, Billy.”

  “Billy, you know it could have been you that got hurt. You have to stop running away. I was so worried about you,” Sophia spoke in calm tones, and it was obvious she was used to acting like the parent.

  “I’m fine. I couldn’t find Dad. Can I stay with you for a few days before you turn me in again?”

  “I’m going to call the Bards and let them know I’ve found you. Not only are Mr. and Mrs. Bard worried, but so are the twins. They’ve all been worried sick. I’m sure they’ll be okay if you stay with me a night or two before we contact DHCS. But I’ll only agree if you tell me where you’ve been for the last five nights.” Yep, Sophia was clearly in parent mode.

  “Okay,” the boy agreed reluctantly.

  “Billy, I’m glad you came back and found your sister.” Reverend Langley offered his hand to the boy and Billy took it.

  “Thanks for calling Soph, sir.” Billy edged closer to Sophia for support.

  “I came to tell you we would be serving dinner, but I’m betting Sophia would like to get you home. Am I right?”

  “You’re right as always, Reverend Langley,” Sophia answered with a relieved smile.

  “I’ll give your regards to everyone,” the reverend assured her. “Billy, you listen to your sister. She’s a smart woman. Even more important is that she loves you.” He let go of Billy’s hand and made his way to another group of people.

  “Let’s go back to the diner.” She hugged her brother again and kissed him on the top of the head. Mason was happy to see her brother was careful not to hug her too tight this time.

  Drake came to stand next to Mason and whispered, “God, he looks like shit. I hope nothing bad happened to him.”

  “Me too man, me too,” Mason said.

  ****

  The diner was closed but Margie was waiting for them. After Sophia got Billy showered and into some clean clothes she had stored in her apartment, she went downstairs to talk to Margie. She was stunned to find Mason sitting in a booth with the older woman. She expected him to have left.

  “Where’s Drake?”

  “He caught a ride home with a friend.”

  “How is Billy doing?” Margie asked.

  “Better than last time,” she said with obvious relief.

  “Jesus. If this is better, what happened last time?” Sophia bit her lip. She really didn’t want to talk about it.

  “The cops found him being hassled by a pimp. He was scuffed up. Since it was the cops who found him, they took him back to his foster parents. I only got to spend a couple of hours with him in the hospital.”

  “Is something bad going on at the foster parent’s house?” Mason asked in a dark voice.

  “No, the Bards are lovely people. Billy is just so angry and hopeful. He wants to confront our dad. He thinks if dad sees him he’ll take him in.” Sophia let out a sigh.

  “But the son of a bitch won’t. He should burn in hell.” Sophia eyed Margie and let out a shaky laugh.

  “Where are you going to sleep tonight?” Mason asked her. He used the tone of voice that made her shiver.

  “In my apartment,” she answered wondering why he’d asked.

  “Yes, but on what? The floor? I’m assuming you gave Billy your bed, right?” Sophia thought about the one lonely futon upstairs and nodded.

  “Oh Sophia, I didn’t even think of that. With all of your injuries you can’t be sleeping on the floor. I’d invite you over to my son’s house but there isn’t enough room,” Margie’s voice was forlorn.

  “You both will stay at my house. I have two guest rooms that are finished. You just have to put up with a dining room that is gutted.” The man was utterly crazy.

  “That’s wonderful, Mason,” Margie said. “I’ll go wake up Billy.”

  “Wait a minute. Billy just got to sleep. I’m not having you wake him up. I’m not going to go stay at some stranger’s house.” But Mason didn’t feel like a stranger.

  “He’s not a stranger, he’s Mason,” Margie said echoing her thoughts. “You can’t sleep on the floor. Your shoulder and ribs can’t handle it.” Margie pushed up from the table and headed upstairs. Sophia didn’t stop her because she was still in shock. The man was taking over her life, and she said as much.

  “Honey, I don’t mean to be taking over your life. This is just a temporary solution. I wouldn’t have suggested it except that you can’t sleep on the floor with your injuries. You know you can’t, don’t you?” his voice was coaxing, and his blue eyes warm.

  “I probably can’t sleep anyway. I’m going to end up with nightmares. I could barely sleep at the hospital. Every time I clos
ed my eyes I kept seeing those two men.”

  “I understand about nightmares believe me. They’ll lessen with time. I’m just so sorry you’re having them.” She looked into his dark eyes and thanked God again he had been there. She knew her nightmares would have been so much worse if he hadn’t been there when she’d needed him.

  “I don’t understand why you keep jumping in and offering your time. And I surely don’t understand why you’re offering to let us stay at your house.” She was getting exasperated. Worse, she was beginning to hope for more than he was probably offering.

  “Don’t you?” He reached across the table and took her hand, tangling their fingers together. Sparks shot all the way up her arm, and her eyes met his. Impossibly, his eyes got even warmer. He pressed his lips against hers. She’d never been kissed with such tenderness and it made her heart ache. He slid his mouth back and forth and before she knew it she was following him, and as he parted his lips she parted hers anxious for more of him, his flavor, his taste, his essence. His tongue glided along the sensitive back of her inner lip, and she sighed and pushed up hard against him, attempting to get closer, but he pulled back.

  “Did I do something wrong?” Sophia’s voice trembled.

  “Oh no, you’re doing everything right, honey.” He pushed back his chair and bent over. He lifted her out of her seat and settled her on his lap. He did it softly and carefully so there was no stress to her injured shoulder or ribs. He tilted her chin and this time he plundered her mouth, and her head spun. His fingers feathered along her bruised cheek soothing it. His tongue stroked along hers teaching her a method of touch that caused her breasts to ache and her thighs to clench. The kiss was wet and carnal and surpassed anything Sophia had ever hoped to feel.

  When Mason lifted his head, she mewed a protest. He trailed kisses along her jaw, and up towards her ear. “I hear footsteps on the stairs.” She wiggled to get off of his lap.

  “Steady, Sophia. It’s okay if they see me holding you. They’re going to see that a lot,” he whispered.

  “But we only just met,” she whispered back.