Falcondell: The Devil's Son

by S J Crabb

  Looking at me incredulously Ash tilts my face up to his. I catch my breath at the sight of his beautiful face and see the love pouring out of it towards me. Softly he says, “You are everything I need Grace and much much more. When the time is right we will be together in every sense of the word but I am not rushing it for your sake. This isn’t about not wanting you though. If you only knew what I am going through trying to be a good person for once you wouldn’t have any doubts. Skylar knows nothing at all about me, she just thinks she does. She’s just angry that she’s not queen bee any more. Her status has gone and she is now a nobody. She will say and do anything that she thinks I want to hear. I used her Grace because she suited my purpose, but I never loved her or promised her anything. In fact I was never faithful to her and just had any girl I wanted. That is who I am Grace, or should I say was. Now I have you I don’t need or want anyone else. Like I said before though, I am who I am and even if I want to change it will be difficult. What worries me the most is that you will tire of me and that my Angel I don’t even want to think about.”

  Leaning towards him I take his face in my hands and kiss him gently. Winding my hair around his hands he pulls my lips towards him and leaves me in no doubt at all about the intensity of his feelings for me. By the time we come up for air we both know where we stand. It’s not going to be easy for either of us but at least we both want the same thing.

  Chapter 34

  As its Saturday the next day I told Ash that Gabe would drop me off at the library on his way to football practice. I could tell it annoyed him but I wanted some time alone with my cousin as I haven’t seen much of him since Ash came along.

  As we set off I question him about Piper. “How are things going with Piper Gabe?” He grins at me happily. “She’s great. I never knew just how funny she is, I mean she can have me in stitches with just a quick remark. She’s also so hot, who’d have thought it underneath that cloak of invisibility that you all used to wear, I mean seriously how did I miss that?” Teasing him I say, “You’ve got it bad Gabe.” Raising his eyes up he puts his finger to my lips. “Sshh don’t tell anyone, I’m playing it cool. Anyway how are things with you, you know since Ash?” Sighing I look at him with what I know is a troubled look. “The trouble is Gabe, I think that I have fallen in love with him and that worries me. We are so different and I am not sure that it will work out.” Looking thoughtful Gabe shrugs. “I can’t believe I’m saying this but he is right for you. You calm him down and he protects you. I have never seen him like he is with you with anyone before and I’d say he has fallen heavily for you. Just be careful Grace and don’t give too much of yourself too quickly. If it’s meant to be then you have a lifetime to get to know each other.” Grinning I say, “And is that what you’re doing with Piper?” Laughing Gabe pulls a face. “Mind your own business little cuz that’s between the two of us.”

  Gabe pulls into the Gas station and I watch as he fills the tank. I have really grown to love him as the brother that I never had and always wanted. He goes off to pay and then I notice Skylar across the street. Sinking down into my seat I try to stay hidden. The last thing I want is another run in with her. As I watch her I notice that she is looking around her anxiously. Then suddenly the unmistakeable sight of Mr Knight’s car stops beside her and she gets inside, all the time looking around her as if she doesn’t want to be seen. As they speed away I wonder what that was all about. She probably knows him from her time with Ash, but it all seemed so furtive. Gabe comes back but I don’t tell him what I saw. The least I talk about her the better.

  Gabe drops me off and it feels like it’s been ages since I was here last. Pushing open the door my eyes adjust to the darkened interior and I can see that Mr Watson is sitting at the desk as usual. He looks worse than normal and I notice how tired he looks. As he sees me I notice that he looks worried and sighing gestures for me to sit down. As I sit across from him he smiles sadly. “I’m sorry Grace but I’ve got some bad news.” I look at him anxiously. “The state have withdrawn my funding and are closing me down.” In shock I can feel the tears welling up in my eyes as I take in what he is saying. “They can’t Mr Watson, this is your life. Why are they doing it?” Looking down he fiddles with his fingers. “Nobody comes here anymore Grace and they don’t have the resources to keep it going. I can’t afford the rent and owe the landlord thousands of dollars in unpaid rent. I have to close it’s the only way. I will have to get a job to afford paying off the debt.”

  I stand up angrily. “It’s not fair Mr Watson, why doesn’t anyone come here anymore? It’s a public library for goodness sake. Can’t we get some help and restore it to what it once was? I bet people would come then.” Smiling ruefully Mr Watson shakes his head sadly. “It’s too late my dear. I have heard that the landlord wants the building back to develop into something else, I’m not sure what. It’s better to just cut my losses and move on.” Standing up he looks at me gratefully. “I don’t want you to waste any more of your precious time in helping me Grace. I have enjoyed you being here but as you can see there is no need anymore, I’m sorry, I feel as if I have let you down.” Rushing over to him I hug him which I can tell takes him by surprise. “Please don’t give up yet Mr Watson. I’m sure that we will find a way.” He flushes and looks sadly at me. “You are a kind girl Grace, but as I said it’s too late. I’m sorry.” Watching him sink down into his chair I notice how defeated he looks. I can’t believe that this is happening and as I walk over to the exit my mind is in turmoil. As I leave the library I remember how happy it made me to be here with Ash. Sinking down on to the steps I put my head in my hands and sob uncontrollably as I picture Mr Watson and his wife back when they were happy. How could things go so wrong for such a lovely man?

  As I sit there crying on the steps I suddenly hear the roar of a motorbike. Raising my eyes I see Ash screeching to a halt and rushing quickly over to me. “What’s the matter Grace, tell me.” Through my tears I tell him and he looks annoyed. “Now where will I study?” Hitting out at him I say angrily, “This isn’t about you Ash. What will poor Mr Watson do now? He owes thousands of dollars in rent that is probably going up all the time. He’s lost his wife and now his business. This isn’t about you or me it’s about him. Well I’m not giving up. I am going to find a way to help him if it’s the last thing I do.”

  Looking thoughtful Ash pulls me up. “Come on, I’ll take you for a coffee. We’ve got time before your shift, maybe we can both come up with a plan.” As I look at him in surprise he grins wickedly. “What? It’s my favourite place to make out with the librarian. What will I do for kicks if it closes?” Raising my eyes up I pull myself behind him on the bike. Sometimes he surprises me; maybe he does have a heart after all.

  By the time my shift starts at Violet’s we have mulled over several possibilities. I decide to enlist the help of my Aunt Sarah. She knows lots of people and if we can get enough volunteers we could have the library back up and running and make it a cool place to hang out. Feeling a little brighter I kiss Ash as he drops me off. As I turn to go he pulls me back. “Don’t forget the beach party tonight. I’ll pick you up after your shift and take you home to get ready.” Nodding I race off to work. I am quite excited about the thought of another party. Hopefully it will cheer me up.

  Chapter 35

  The beach looks amazing. There are torches blazing around little camps that have been set up with smoking barbeques nearby promising all types of food. There is a sort of makeshift dance area where a DJ is playing the latest tunes. Walking in with Ash is certainly an experience. I was actually surprised that we were going. I was told that they never attended these parties, not wanting to hang out with the others from school. However tonight appears to be the exception and as we make our way through the crowd I notice many a stunned glance thrown our way.

  It must be quite an intimidating sight. Ash and his gang look totally hot tonight. They move through the party like they own it. They are all wearing their trademark leather jackets a
nd black jeans and their T Shirts do little to cover up their amazing bodies. I notice the envious stares of the other girls and grip hold of his hand a little tighter. Cally is walking beside us with Jacob’s arm slung over her shoulder. Jace has brought a girl called Polly with him who has long dark hair and smouldering grey eyes. She is tall and skinny and looks around her with an indifferent air. Quade is with Indie and Killian with Paisley. Only Lucian has come alone and I laugh to myself as I see that this hasn’t gone unnoticed and he is getting rather a lot of attention from some of the girls. I really like Lucian. He is quieter than the others but I heard that even though he is quiet he is a good fighter and you wouldn’t want to see him angry.

  The crowd parts to let us through and we deposit ourselves just outside on the edge of the party. We have our own little group that doesn’t allow anyone else in.

  Sinking down on to the sand Ash pulls me in front of him, tucking me securely between his legs, his arms wrapping themselves around me. I feel safe and content and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Somebody throws him a beer and catching it he hands it to me and then catches another. Jace lights a fire and we all sink down in a circle. I watch as Cally snuggles closer to Jacob. Seeing me looking she grins and I can’t help but grin back at her. She looks so happy and I know that he adores her, you can tell. I watch as he kisses the back of her neck and I can tell that she is totally into him.

  Jace is making out with Polly on the sand and I hear Ash laughing softly as he sees him. I feel a bit embarrassed as they are leaving nothing to the imagination and feeling my face burn I am just glad that it is dark. I feel Ash pull me closer and kiss my neck. His touch is pure torture to me, knowing that it is driving me mad and there will be no letting up. I hope that he manages to win his inner battle soon because I am not sure how much longer I can hold out. I watch as Cally and Jacob start kissing and finally I can’t stand it anymore. Jumping up I whisper, “I’m going to find Gabe and Piper. I just want to let them know we’ve arrived.” Ash laughs, “You think they don’t know that already?” Quade laughs too. “Grace, the whole school knows we’re here. Didn’t you see their faces? It will be all over this party, we never normally come so this is big news to them.” Blushing I look down. “Um, I think I’ll go anyway; I want to see Piper.” Ash jumps up. “I’ll come with you.” Smiling gently at him I push him back down on to the sand. “No need, I won’t be long and you’d be bored. Anyway I don’t want the drama that follows you; I just want a quick word with her and for nobody to notice me. I won’t be long.” Kissing him on the lips he smiles and I can feel him watching me as I go. To be honest I just want to get away from them for a minute. Being a part of their gang is quite intense and I need some space to breathe.

  As I wander through the crowds I look for Piper and Gabe. I can see a few of their friends and head off over to them. As I reach the group I see Easton and when he sees me he looks around him nervously. Seeing that I am on my own he visibly relaxes and comes over. “Hi Grace, are you looking for Gabe.” Smiling at him I nod and he takes my arm. “Come on they’re over here.” I follow him but pull my arm away. I don’t want anyone to see and tell Ash. Easton is a nice guy and wouldn’t deserve the fallout that would occur. As we head over to them Easton smiles ruefully at me. “It appears that I was too late in the line to ask you out. I should have got the courage sooner.” Feeling myself blush I say quietly, “I’m sorry Easton. For some reason Ash just couldn’t stay away and…well you know.” He smiles gently at me. “Yes I know. There’s not a man alive that can compete with him that much I do know. As long as you’re happy that’s fine with me.”

  By now we have reached Gabe and he pulls me beside him looking worried. “Are you ok Grace, where’s Ash?” Raising my eyes up I laugh at him. “I’m fine, Ash is with his friends and I just wanted a word with mine.” Relaxing he smiles and Piper looks at me with surprise. “I can’t believe that you all came. It’s so out of character and it’s all anyone is talking about.” Laughing I say, “What are they Gods or something? They’re just like us, kids that go to this school.” Piper looks at me as if I’m mad. “They are hardly just like us Grace. In fact come to think of it neither are you. No you belong with them that’s obvious. The rightful King and Queen of Falcondell High.” I know that she is joking; well at least I hope she is. Shoving her playfully I say, “Look I just wanted to say that I don’t want us to be separated because of who we are dating. If you want to come over to be with us then you are welcome and the same for us. Don’t be intimidated by Ash and his gang. You are our friends and I don’t want us to drift apart.” Piper looks at me and to my surprise I see tears in her eyes. Hugging me to her she says, “Thanks Grace. I have felt a bit left out if you must know. I kind of miss us three hanging out and Cally seems so wrapped up in Jacob that I feel a bit awkward. I link my arm in hers. “Come on let’s go and dance. Just us no boys allowed.” Giggling we push our way on to the dance floor and make complete fools of ourselves. I haven’t laughed so much in ages and I realise that Piper is right. We have neglected her and this feels good just being ourselves once more.

  Suddenly though things change. There is a sound of screaming and lots of shouting. Looking up in confusion I notice that people are running from the beach. The music stops and I hear the most awful commotion heading our way. Somebody races past and I hear them say, “It’s those goons from Freyview; they’ve come to make trouble.” Catching hold of him I say, “What do you mean, what’s going on?” The guy looks at me with a fearful expression. “I heard them say they want to get back at us for beating up some of their crowd. This isn’t going to be pretty so you’d better run.” Piper grabs hold of my hand. “Come on Grace, let’s not hang around. We’d better find Gabe.” Turning to follow her I am amazed by what I see next. Standing behind us like a wall of steel is Ash and his gang looking like I have never seen them before. They are all lined up facing us waiting for the trouble to reach them. I see their faces set in hard masks and I can see the promise in their eyes. Turning in surprise I see the trouble approaching and watch as they suddenly stop short as they see what’s waiting for them. Their expressions change to one of disbelief and even from here I can sense their fear. Turning back in confusion I see Ash nod to someone. All at once I see Gabe rushing towards Piper and I. Grabbing hold of us he shouts, “Come on, let’s get out of here.” Shaking my head I don’t want to go as I can’t leave Ash. “No Gabe, I won’t leave him here.” Looking as if I am stupid Gabe just picks me up and throws me over his shoulder as though I am one of his footballs and followed by Piper dashes back up the beach. I know that it is useless to struggle and just accept my fate. I am worried though. Despite the fact that I know they can handle themselves, the other guys looked like they meant business and as the guy said, it wasn’t going to be pretty.

  As we reach Gabe’s car he throws me in and Piper scrambles in after me. Locking the doors he starts up the engine and drives away. Piper looks at me fearfully. “I can’t believe that just happened. They’ve never crashed one of our parties before. Do you think they knew that Ash and his gang were there?” Shaking his head grimly Gabe says in a tight voice, “I think they were banking on the fact that they weren’t. Everyone knows that they never go to these things. No they were after retribution for what happened at the game and it wasn’t going to end well.” I feel so worried about what is now happening at the beach. “Do you think they’ll be ok Gabe?” Gabe snorts. “Freyview certainly won’t. They will regret the day they thought this was a good idea. This is right up Ash’s gang’s street. It will just be a gentle workout to them. I don’t think you fully realise what they’re like Grace. They are evil and totally get off on violence of any kind.” I shrink back into my seat. I know he’s right. It’s the other guys that I should be worrying about. Images of what happened to the creepy guys come into my mind and I picture their fate.

  I suddenly notice that Gabe isn’t driving us in the right direction for home. “Where are we going Gabe, this isn�
��t the right way?” Laughing softly Gabe says, “Ash told me to go to his house. Apparently the party is going to continue there.” Piper looks at me and I can see the excitement shining in her eyes. “Oh my God. The Knight mansion. I have always wanted to see inside that place.” I feel confused. “When did this all get arranged?” Gabe laughs again. “Ash told me to bring you here and why. I’ll say one thing for him he’s cool in an emergency.” I shake my head in disbelief. “How will we get in, and won’t his uncle have something to say about it?” Gabe shrugs his shoulders. “I’ve heard he’s out of town this weekend. Probably doesn’t know a thing about it. We’re to wait outside by the pool house.” Looking outside I tune out as Piper starts chatting away incessantly. I am still worried as to what’s happening at the beach. I won’t be able to relax until I know that he’s safe.

  We soon pull up outside The Knight mansion. It is certainly intimidating and I can see that we are not the only ones here. It appears that word has spread and there are several cars now jostling for position in the driveway. In disbelief I follow Gabe and Piper through the crowd to the pool house. This place is amazing. The pool is one of those made to look natural. There is a makeshift water fall and it reminds me of our lake at the ridge as I see the rocks strategically placed around it. Lights illuminate the area and I can see tables and loungers dotted around and to the side is a huge pool house that is now open and full of people already helping themselves to the drinks inside. Nudging Gabe I say anxiously, “This doesn’t feel right. I feel as if we are intruders. This is their personal property and it’s like we’re stealing their stuff.” Gabe shrugs. “Ash won’t care. Money is no object to this family. It will all get replaced and his uncle won’t even bat an eyelid, he has enough parties here himself. In fact he’ll just be pissed that he’s missed out on the opportunity of scoring with some of Ash’s friends.” I can’t believe he just said what he did. “What! That’s disgusting. You’re wrong Gabe, Mr Knight wouldn’t be interested in underage girls, he’s going out with Violet anyway.” Turning away Gabe says nothing and Piper looks at him thoughtfully. “Get us a drink Gabe, we’ll just sit here and wait.” As he heads off to get the drinks Piper pulls me down on to a nearby lounger. In a whisper she says, “Gabe’s right. Mr Knight is not a nice man Grace. He doesn’t care about how old a girl is. If he wants them he has them. Violet knows this which is why she keeps him at arms length most of the time. She just uses him as much as he does her.” Shaking my head in disbelief I look at Piper in horror. “But he could go to jail if he’s caught.” Piper laughs hollowly. “He will never go to jail Grace. He has too much on the people in authority in this town. Everyone’s afraid of him and wouldn’t dare press charges. He just does what he likes. Just keep away from him and you’ll be ok. Even if you’re unwilling he doesn’t care, in fact it just makes him more determined to get you.” Suddenly I feel sick. I think of Skylar getting into his car and it all slots into place. Despite how awful she is she doesn’t deserve that. Somebody should stop him, it isn’t right.