Falcondell: The Devil's Son

by S J Crabb

  One evening after school I am working at Violet’s. Ash and the guys are eating here tonight and are safely tucked away in the corner. Suddenly I notice his uncle coming through the door and as I look at Ash I can see that he tenses up. I watch as his uncle scans the room and then approaches Ash’s table. Ash is scowling at him and it looks as though they are arguing. Then the gang jump up and leave not looking at anyone as they go. Rushing to the window I see them jump on their bikes and roar off in a cloud of exhaust fumes.

  Turning back I see Mr Knight paying their bill and whispering something to Violet. She blushes and he grins at her. Catching hold of the arm of the nearest waitress to their table I ask, “Did you hear what he just said?” Shrugging she looks at me with a bored expression. “Something about a library.” Fear now washes over me as I hear what she says. No, not the library, surely they wouldn’t. In alarm I race over to Violet. Drawing her to the side I say quickly, “Please Violet, I have to go. Can you spare me for a bit?” Looking surprised Violet can obviously see the panic in my face. “What is it Grace, are you sick?” I am almost crying at the thought of what they may do and almost can’t get the words out. “I need someone to give me a lift, please Violet I wouldn’t ask but it’s an emergency.” Grabbing her keys Violet throws them to Wayne, who works in the bar area. “Wayne take my car and give Grace a lift would you? Then come right back, I’ll cover you until then.” Almost sobbing I hug her. “Thanks Violet, you don’t know how much I appreciate this.” Quickly I follow Wayne to the car. Jumping in he looks at me. “Where to Grace?” “The library please, and can you get us there as quickly as you can?” Looking worried Wayne drives off and even though the journey only takes about 10 minutes it feels like an hour. Almost before he can stop I am out of the door and running. I can see the bikes in front of the library and I race over to the entrance. Before I can get there though I am blocked from going in by Lucian. “Sorry Grace, you can’t go in there, strict instructions from Ash, it’s more than my life’s worth to let you.” I look at him and I can feel the tears running down my face. “Please Lucian, I must go inside you have to let me.” His faces tightens and his eyes narrow. “No Grace, it’s not gonna happen.” I try to push past him but he blocks me so I shout, “Ash come out here, please.” Lucian looks uncomfortable. “He won’t hear you Grace. I’m sorry you’re best just waiting with me, he won’t be long.” Pulling away angrily I race around the back. I know the back way in and all I can think of is my need to get inside.

  Reaching the back door I can see that that too is guarded this time by Jace. Standing in front of it blocking my path he looks at me stony faced. “Sorry Grace no can do. No one is going in there not even you.” Tears running down my face I dread what is happening inside. “Please Jace you must let me in.” I can see that it is futile as his face is set in stone and he just looks at me with a hard expression. Angrily I move away. I feel so helpless. I know that there is nothing I can do. If I call the police the gang would be in trouble and I would never do that to them. There is nobody else in this town who would help me that much is certain. I feel so helpless and sink down on to the ground my head hurting with all of the emotions I am feeling. All I can think of its what’s going on inside the library. Mr Watson will be no match for Ash and his gang and if they hurt him he will be destroyed. I’m not sure how long I sit here for when I hear the door opening at the front. Sprinting around the side of the building I see Killian coming out followed by Quade. Running towards them I shout, “Let me through.” All I can think of is my need to get inside. If they have hurt Mr Watson then I will do everything in my power to make it right and damn the consequences. I see the surprise on their faces as they look nervously at each other. Blocking my way they face me looking uncomfortable. Quade says gently, “Grace what are you doing here, you shouldn’t have come?” Angrily I fix him with a withering look. “Just move out of my way, I mean it I’ve had enough of you all telling me what I can and can’t do.” Before he can answer the door opens and Ash and Jacob come out. Seeing me standing there Ash just laughs and grabs hold of me picking me off my feet and carries me kicking and screaming down the library steps. The others follow in silence and Ash doesn’t stop until we are at the bikes. Depositing me on the back I try to get away but he is too strong and quickly he starts the bike and we are soon racing away closely followed by the others. I feel so angry and worried about what they have done to Mr Watson.

  They head back to the diner and as he comes to a stop Ash turns around and looks at me in amusement. This makes me so angry and I glare at him. He laughs and holds up his hands. “Stop it Grace you’re scaring me.” I do the only thing I can think of and go to punch him wanting to hurt him as he has hurt Mr Watson. Grabbing hold of my arm his eyes glitter dangerously. “Careful little Tess. You’re better than that. Now are you going to tell me what this is all about?” Looking at him incredulously I shout. “What do you mean, how could you go after Mr Watson? If you have hurt him then I will never forgive you and I mean that.” Suddenly my anger turns itself into grief and huge sobs wrack my body. Holding my hands to my face I cry uncontrollably as I let it all out. I feel Ash pulling me into his chest and I fight to get away. He is too strong and he whispers, “I would never do anything to hurt you and I can’t believe that you thought I would.” Pulling back I look up at him in confusion. Wiping my tears away with his fingers he smiles softly. “Mr Watson is fine Grace, but ssh don’t tell anyone especially not my uncle.” Looking at him in bewilderment I find my voice. “Then what happened?” Leaning towards me he says softly, “Let’s just say his debt has been paid and leave it at that. We couldn’t let you in because he wanted privacy, not because we had done anything to him. Come to think of it I don’t think that we even touched him.” I am still confused and my face must look a picture because he laughs and looks towards the diner. “Go and finish your shift Grace. I’ll pick you up later and then you can go and see Mr Watson, I’ll take you.” Looking around I can see the others all leaning on their bikes watching us with interest. They don’t look like they’ve been in a fight and now I am curious as to what just happened. Grinning Ash says, “Go on, get back to work we have things to do.”

  Even before I close the door to the diner I hear them roar away. Seeing me coming Violet gestures for me to follow her into the back and once we are safely out of sight of the customers she looks at me with concern. “What was it Grace?” Shaking my head I look at her in confusion. “I don’t know Violet. All I know is that they went to the library and wouldn’t let me in. Mr Knight sent them and I was worried about Mr Watson.” Violet sighs heavily. “Jake has always hated Mike, it goes way back. He never forgave him for taking Annabelle away from him.” I remember hearing the story but listen with interest to her version. “We all went to school together and Annabelle was a real beauty. Jake was very much like Ash although not quite so dangerous or handsome. He wanted Annabelle but she only wanted Mike. He was really good looking and had a personality to match. They were the golden couple and obviously adored each other. Jake tried everything to split them up but when you find true love it is impossible. There were many fights and he tried all of his devious ways but she was just not interested in him. So instead he set about making their lives a misery. It doesn’t surprise me that it has come to this. Mike was devastated when she died and gave up. Jake saw an opportunity and made sure that nobody helped Mike making it obvious that if anybody did then they would also find things hard. I feel ashamed of this Town, myself included. We watched as the library failed and Mike gave up. You and your Aunt are the only people who have bothered to try. If Ash and his gang have finished the job for his uncle then we all must take some of the blame in not standing up for him.” To my surprise she wipes a tear from her eye. In a small voice she says, “I am ashamed of myself Grace, it’s probably too late to help him now but I want to try.” Impulsively I hug her. I can feel her surprise as some of the power in me floods through her and I quickly pull away. Looking at me in disbel
ief she stares at me. “What just happened? I felt something strong flooding through me.” Looking away I quickly pretend to adjust my apron. “What can’t a girl hug her favourite employer now?” I make for the door angry with myself for letting my guard down. I carry on with my job but can feel her watching me and I know that she felt something and can’t understand it. I must be more careful in future, she can’t ever find out.

  Chapter 42

  By the time my shift finishes the curiosity has well and truly taken hold. I can’t think what has happened and hope that Mr Watson really is ok. When I hear the roar of the bike approaching I almost run outside to meet him. Ash laughs as he sees me coming and as I jump behind him he grins. “Where’s the fire Grace?” Still concerned I pull a face at him. “Hurry up and keep your promise Ash. I won’t let you off the hook until I know that he’s safe.” His eyes flash and darken as he looks into mine. “Careful Grace, I kind of like this new angry you, it excites me.” Then he pulls me towards him and crushes my lips against his. His kiss is powerful and intense and I can feel the fire racing through me exploding in my body. I gasp as he pulls back and feel as if I’m on fire. I can see that his eyes are flashing dangerously and he says, “If I had my way we would be going straight to my bedroom now and I would lock you in for the rest of the night. Laughing he turns away and says over his shoulder, “Come on let’s get this over with and then I may do just that.”

  We soon arrive at the library and with trepidation I follow him up the steps. I know that something has happened and it worries me. We push the door open and I am surprised to find that it is unlocked at this late hour. Ash winks at me and I follow him inside. As I look around me I take in the sight of many large boxes littering the place. Most are filled with books and some are empty. It is obvious that Mr Watson is packing up. Feeling sad I look around at what this place has now become. It was always messy and unorganised and could have done with a good clean, but somehow that always added to its charm for me. Looking at him sadly I squeeze Ash’s hand. His eyes suddenly cloud over as he sees my expression. “It’s part of life Angel. Nothing can last forever. Sometimes it’s better just to move on.” Nodding I know he is right but it doesn’t make it any easier. I notice a light on in the room at the back and smiling at me Ash leads me towards it. He pushes open the door and as we enter the room I can see Mr Watson sitting on a stool in the middle of it. As he sees us he looks up and to my surprise he smiles which totally transforms his face. Gone is the worry and tired expression that he has always had. Now his face has relaxed and he looks ten years younger. He has an excitement in his eyes and his eyes sparkle as he looks at us. I hear Ash laugh quietly as he takes in my astonished expression. “See, I told you he was fine.” Looking between them I notice that they seem comfortable with each other. There is no animosity and dare I even say it, they appear to be friends. In confusion I look between them and then it registers with me. In front of Mr Watson is a canvas and in his hand is an artist’s board with various colours of paint on it. He is holding a paintbrush and as I look up at him he smiles. “You’re painting again.” I can’t keep the wonder out of my voice and he nods his head slowly. “Yes Grace I am and it’s all thanks to your boyfriend.” Looking at Ash in surprise he winks at me. “This is between us three. Not even Jacob knows about this. I made sure that only I came into this room this evening and made them all wait outside. Nobody but us must know what I’ve done.” Shaking my head I wonder what he is talking about. “What do you mean, what have you done?” Nodding to Mr Watson, Ash takes me by the hand and leads me around to stand beside him. I gasp as I see what he is painting and through my tears I look between them. “It’s me.” I can’t believe it. On the canvas is a beautiful painting of me. He has captured my likeness in the most spectacular way. I look happy and beautiful and there is a light shining out and engulfing the painting. I almost can’t speak and choke out, “It’s so beautiful, I can’t believe that you did this, but how..?” Mr Watson looks at Ash before he answers. “Ash came to me a few weeks ago and asked me to paint this. I wasn’t sure that I could, I mean I haven’t painted anything since…” Breaking off he looks down and swallows hard. Then seemingly collecting himself together he looks up saying, “Once I started painting you though Grace it all came back to me. I got caught up in it and it gave me a new lease of life. Nothing else seemed to matter anymore. We kept it between ourselves as he wanted to give it to you when it was finished. It almost is but when he told me that you were worried that they had hurt me we decided to tell you for everybody’s sake.” As I look between them I feel bad for doubting Ash. Tears filling my eyes I look up at him. “Thank you Ash, it is the most beautiful thing that anyone has ever done for me. I am overwhelmed and I am sorry that I thought badly of you.” Reaching down Ash lifts my face to his. “I love you Grace, you are everything to me and I wanted to give you something to show you.” He kisses me gently and we almost forget that Mr Watson is here until we hear a discreet cough. Pulling away Ash grins at me as I blush. Then I remember Mr Knight. “But what was that all about with your uncle in the diner. I thought that he had asked you to come here and do some damage?” Angrily Ash nods. “He did. He told me to come and get the money that Mr Watson owed him and if he couldn’t pay then we were to trash everything including him.” I watch as Mr Watson turns pale. Smiling wickedly Ash laughs. “Well we did come here but there was no need to trash the place because Mr Watson paid up. So you see now his debt is paid and he is off the hook.” I look between them in surprise. “But how…I mean I thought you were broke?” Mr Watson smiles. “I was Grace, but you see Ash insisted on paying me for the painting. As it happens it was enough to pay off my debts and leave a little over to start again.” I can’t believe what I’m hearing. “Where did you get that kind of money from?” Ash raises his eyes up. “Don’t worry Angel it’s all above board. You probably don’t know this but I don’t actually spend much money but I earn lots of it. My uncle pays me well and with the allowance from my father I have amassed rather a lot. This seemed like a perfect solution to all of our problems and I get the satisfaction of getting one over on my uncle, so you see it was worth every penny.” Suddenly a feeling of such complete and utter love flows through me at what he has done. I am overwhelmed and can’t even speak as I take it all in. Mr Watson is happier than I have ever seen him and looks at us both with so much gratitude. “I am going to invest the rest of the money in a shop in the town. I am going to open a bookshop selling new and second-hand books. I will also sell my paintings in there and open a coffee shop in the front. So you see Grace, I may need your help still on Saturday mornings, but only if I can pay this time.” I can’t help it and give him a big hug. Ash looks in alarm as he sees Mr Watson’s expression change as he feels the effects of it. Pulling me away he looks worried and Mr Watson blinks as he looks between us. Softly he says, “Don’t worry; I knew that Grace was special. She tried to hide it but I could tell. I don’t know what it is but I know that she has some form of power inside of her. She reminds me so much of Annabelle. She too had a magical quality and a beauty that captivated everyone that knew her. Grace has a lot more of it though and I promise you both that I will never tell. You both mean too much to me for that.” I can see Ash relaxing and he takes my hand. “Come on; let’s leave Mr Watson to finish up. I’m taking you home.”

  Once we reach my Aunt’s house I hold on to him tightly. “Thank you Ash, I love you so much and I can’t believe that I ever thought that you would hurt him.” Kissing me softly Ash strokes my hair. “I am bad Grace, that hasn’t changed. But now I have also found love and that is battling with the anger inside of me. You bring out a new side to me that I never thought was there. I am still adjusting to it and may not always do things in the right way but if it means holding on to you I will change.” Smiling happily at him I nod towards the house. “Come on, tonight is meatloaf and apple pie night. Let’s just go and be normal for a change.”

  We spend another nice normal evening in f
ront of the television. Gabe has gone out with Piper and my Aunt leaves us alone as she tidies up the kitchen. Snuggling together on the couch we sit there watching a movie. This is what it’s all about; I want this to last forever.

  Chapter 43

  Soon the end of term approaches. Somehow we have managed to survive the year and everyone is looking forward to the summer; that is everyone except for Ash and I.

  One evening we sit on the Ridge looking out over the Town. Ash has his arm around me and I can tell that he is preoccupied. Leaning my head against his shoulder I say. “What is it Ash, something’s bothering you I can tell?” With a deep sigh I can feel him tense beside me. “You know what happens in the holidays Grace, I have to go to my father’s and I can’t get out of it. Despite the fact that I won’t see you for three months which is enough to destroy me, I will have to put up with him and his life for all of it.” Sadly I feel the ache already forming in my heart. “I know. I am going to stay with my guardians and even though I have missed them so much it will be nothing compared to how much I will miss you.” Drawing me tightly against him Ash groans. “If I could think of a way out of this then I would. We will just have to be strong and hope that the time passes quickly. One more year and then we will both be free to do what we want.” Jumping up I pull him after me. “Come on, let’s not waste a minute. I’ll race you to the lake.” Laughing he chases after me and then grabbing hold of me lifts me up and jumps into the lake, both of us fully clothed. Squealing I wriggle free and then splash him and try to get my own back. Soon he grabs hold of me and we are kissing as though our life depended on it.