Devil Creek

by Bond, Casey L.

  Her fingers drift lazily over the soft satin fabric that puckers in only the places it’s supposed to. A stranger stares back at her in the mirror. She touches her face. Yep, it’s mine. She becomes nervous. Her hair is sprayed into tiny intricate ringlets, half of which are pulled up and arranged on top of her head and half of which cascade down her back. Aislin is scared. Scared of who might bid on her, scared of not being bid upon at all, scared that Gabe will reject her again. She steels herself and squares her shoulders before turning off the light and heading down the staircase. She can hear Ty and Cameron and Ella speaking below her. When she can see them, their voices hush and all heads turn toward her. Ella grins saucily. Cameron smiles widely and whistles a cat call as Ty’s mouth falls open and he pulls at the collar of his tuxedo shirt before swallowing and closing his mouth again.

  “Hey guys. Ready?” Aislin asks.

  Cameron walks to her and offers his hand, helping her down the last few steps. He leans into her and whispers, “You are one hot little lady, Aislin.”

  “Thanks. So are you! Hot. Not a lady. You know what I mean,” she whispers happily back.

  “Told you she was hot!” Ella exclaimed, clapping and running over to hug her.

  “So are you, Els!”

  Ty fiddles with his bowtie and avoids her eyes until she comes to stand beside him. Ella bends to fasten black straps of her heels onto her ankles. The guys grab their jackets. Cameron has his mask in hand. It is a white phantom of the opera. Ty’s is black and plain with the exception of the rim of black glitter outlining the silhouette. The four friends pile into Aislin’s SUV and take off down the road toward the Barn. Cameron slides a CD into the slot and the sounds of “I’m Sexy and I Know It” fill the air. Ty laughs nervously and the girls giggle.

  Before they enter, Aislin secures Ella’s mask and rearranges her hair to cover the hot pink satin ribbon. Ella returns the favor, tying Aislin’s in a knot to ensure that it stays in place for the evening. The black satin ribbon is hidden under a cascading waterfall of auburn curls. Ty and Cameron each hold a door open for the ladies and they are immediately impressed by how transformed the venue is for the event. Not a hay bale to be found. Low tables surround a high-glossed wooden dance floor. Crisp white table cloths drape carefully over the tables, each adorned with intricate silver candelabras and arrangements of fresh flowers. Their fragrance floats through the air. Potted trees and plants are placed strategically around the perimeter. The smell of jasmine lingers in the air. It is one of Aislin’s favorites. Twinkle lights are wound through the trees and hang from suspended trellises that float overhead.

  The wait staff and bartenders are clad in black and white tuxedos. White towels are tied around bottles of champagne and cabernet. The dinner place settings are beautiful. They gleam in the lights. Candles are placed on each table, adding to the ambiance. Ella James’ “At Last” plays over the speakers. Amy appears before them. She tilts her head, and then her eyes widen. “Oh my God! Aislin?”

  Aislin laughs, nods and says, “We have another bachelorette to offer up, too. Ella made it!”

  Amy shrieks and hugs them both and drags them away from Cameron and Ty to sign them up for the auction. Including Ella, there will be seven ladies auctioned off. Last year, they were able to raise over $6,000.00 for the sponsored charity and there were only five girls auctioned. Amy hopes to raise even more this year. I hope she isn’t disappointed.

  After they complete their paperwork, which registered them for the event and waives liability for The Barn in every capacity imaginable, Amy leads them back to a table to the left side of the dance floor and stage, where Ty and Cameron have been seated. Ty sits to Aislin’s left and Cameron to her right. Ella sits to the left of Cameron. Masks are on and people steadily filter in. Easton and Melissa are seated beside Ella.

  Conversation flows nearly as freely as the wine. Soon, much of the room is full. Two seats remain at the table between Melissa and Ty. Ella motions for the waitress, who swiftly fills her glass with champagne. Aislin sips her first glass of wine and is lost in her thoughts as two persons, a male and female are seated at her table. She looks up, surprised to see Gabriel and Julia Church. Mrs. Church clasps her son’s arm and explains the décor and asks that Aislin help her with introductions.

  “Easton and Melissa are to my left, followed by—“

  “Oh! This is Ella, my best friend and her cousin, Cameron. I am seated beside Cameron and Ty is to my left.”

  At the mention of Ty’s name, Gabriel visibly tenses and sits up straighter. The muscle in his jaw ticks.

  Aislin continues, “Everyone, this is Gabriel Church and his mother Julia.”

  Servers save Aislin from further small talk by bringing out the salads and loaves of bread. A woman travels around and refills their glasses of water as well. Soon, the salad plates are removed and the entrée dishes are brought forth featuring baked chicken, seasoned steamed vegetables and roasted red potatoes. Aislin tries to engage Ty in conversation. Gabriel refuses to acknowledge his presence and she feels responsible for him. He came to open his checkbook and support her tonight, as a friend, and she is happy to have him with her.

  “So, Ais, I’m moving back home. I’ve accepted a position at a local Sheriff’s department as a deputy-in-training.”

  Aislin dabs at the corners of her mouth, which curl up happily. “Wow! Ty, that is so great! That’s what you always wanted. Congratulations!” She raises her glass and smiles. As his glass meets hers with a clink, she looks at him. His smile doesn’t reach his eyes.

  “I’m proud of you, Ty. So, when do you start?” She hugs his shoulders.

  “November 15 is the official start date. I have most of my stuff packed. Mom and Dad wanted me to stay at home, but I am going down next weekend to rent an apartment. I need some space.” He looks sheepishly over at Aislin and then glances wearily back at Gabe. Gabe is talking with his mother.

  Melissa is cackling at something Ella or Cameron said. They are both hilarious, so it’s hard to tell which one cracked the joke. Easton shakes his head at his wife. He winks at Aislin, “Can’t take her anywhere.”

  Aislin smiles and looks at Gabriel. His mask is black and plain. It almost covers his bandages entirely. She wonders how his appointment went today, but decides to ask him later as it is a personal matter. After dinner, decadent slices of chocolate cake, with chocolate icing and raspberries are placed in front of them. Aislin groans. Ella says, “I know, right? I’m not going to be able to climb up to the stage if they keep feeding me.”

  A server asks if she would like to have her wine glass refilled and Aislin agrees. Maybe just a bit of liquid courage is what she needs. She knows that it is almost time for the auction to begin. Fifteen minutes later, Parker steps up to the microphone on stage. The DJ quiets the music. “Excuse me everyone. Thank you for coming tonight. We appreciate your generosity and hope to serve you enough wine and champagne to encourage you to open your checkbooks a bit wider this year.” Laughter erupts, along with a few claps.

  “I would like for each bachelorette participating in the auction tonight to please join me on the stage. I will introduce each young lady and then we will have a dance, ladies choice, of course, after which, bidding will begin. That way, you can see their beauty in action before whipping out your checkbooks, boys!” Applause erupted.

  Ella grabs Aislin’s hand and almost drags her to the stage stairs. The two wait behind the other five girls. Parker introduces each girl based upon the questionnaire filled out at registration. He leads each to the center of the stage, she twirls and steps to the back of the line. The first is a blonde fairy, followed by an ebony-haired angel with black mask and matching wings that almost look real. Both women are stunning. The third is a woman with darker blonde hair who dons a sari and has her masque painted intricately on her delicate face. A panther is fourth, followed by a girl with a bunny masque and playboy bunny outfit, revealing a heck of a lot of skin. Cat calls ring out for her from all ov
er the room. Ella waits her turn, smiling eagerly, her dark brown eyes sparkling even through the slits of her pink flamingo mask. Parker grabs Ella’s hand and introduces her. “Gentlemen, meet our lovely Pink Flamingo Antonella De Luca. She just graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree Criminal Justice, Legal Studies from Marshall University and has been accepted into the prestigious NYU School of Law.” Wolf whistles sound and Parker laughs, “Yeah, beauty and brains, fellas. Get your pens & checkbooks out!” Ella twirls around slowly, earning more whistles and hoots from the single men in the crowd.

  Ella discreetly smacks Aislin’s butt as she passes her by and Aislin meets her eyes with nervous laughter. “Last but not least, guys. May I present our newest and most beautiful resident, Aislin MacKenzie Evans, our pretty peacock.” Aislin steps forward and claps, hoots and wolf-whistles ring out. “Aislin just graduated Summa cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice Legal Studies as well. She recently moved to Devil Creek and let me tell you what, this girl loves coal!” The men in the crowd go wild. Coal country must be full of single men.

  Aislin twirls as quickly as her dress allows before retreating to the back of the line. “Okay, guys. Each lady must pick a dance partner. After you see how each lady moves, we will start the auction. The winning bidder will receive the company of the lovely lady that they have bid upon for the remainder of the evening. Alright, Ladies….please pick your dance partners and head to the dance floor. DJ, take it away.”

  Parker steps off of the stage and claps. Ella heads over and asks Ty to dance with her, and he accepts. She winks at Aislin, who nods in thanks to her friend. Now she won’t have to choose between Ty and Gabe. But, Cameron still sits alone. As she approaches the table, Cameron ticks his head toward Gabe and winks. Aislin smiles in return and places her hand on Gabriel’s shoulder. “May I have this dance?” she asks quietly.

  “Sure.” His voice is gruff, but she notices that when their hands meet, his is as sweaty as hers. Could he be as nervous as she is? She doubts it. He has always been such a confident person. She leads Gabe to the dance floor and grasps one hand and leaves the other on his shoulder. His free hand finds her waist and as the soulful Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight” fills the air.

  “You look really handsome, Gabe,” Aislin admits, nervously. Inwardly, though she hates that his eyes are injured, she is grateful that he can’t see her. She is hidden, from him at least. He is the one who can break her.

  “I wish I could see you, Mac, but I’m sure you’re gorgeous. Hell, you look beautiful in a ratty old t-shirt and no make-up on.”

  “Whatever.” Aislin giggles and sways with him along with the music.

  His hand lands on the small of her back and a low growl erupts from his chest. “What the fuck, Mac? Where is the rest of your dress?”

  “What? What are you talking about?” Aislin looks over her shoulder. Everything is in place. “This is the dress.”

  His hand snakes slowly up her spine. “Your entire damn back is bare.” His hand trails back down and finally hits pay dirt. Fabric. He lets loose a breath he’s been holding. “Jesus, Mac. Every man in the damn building will bid on you tonight.”

  “Well, that’s sort of the point, right?” She laughs nervously.

  His lips pinch tightly together. “Mom described what you looked like, but I didn’t imagine this. I wish your dress covered more.”

  “Well, I happen to like my dress. I love it actually and for once in my life, I feel beautiful. So, I hope that some of these guys love it and I hope that I get the highest bid tonight.” The song ends and she leads Gabriel back to his seat. He sighs and rubs the back of his neck. She hears him mutter, “Damn it!” under his breath as she walks away toward the stage. The bidding will begin in just a minute. Aislin’s heart beats rapidly in anticipation. Her palms begin to sweat and she worries if she’ll look like a hot mess before they even put her up for bid.

  Chapter 12

  Donning a crisp tuxedo and a plain white mask, along with the short mustache and beard he’d been able to grow this week, Jeremiah had managed to stay under the radar of The Barn in case Aislin had asked the Harrisons to ban him from the event. He weaves through the crowd anonymously, suddenly appreciating the trend of masquerades that had come about of late. His eyes search, scan and ultimately find their prize. Perfect little peacock. What a lovely bird. He would have her. He waits patiently as the line of bidders shortens before him. The plump woman seated before him, takes his name, contact information and matches his profile with his bidder number. Jeremiah retrieves his paddle, number 311, before sinking back into the crowd. He would have the highest bid. He grins thinking of the lascivious ways he will spend the remainder of the evening with his prize.

  Looking around the room, his eyes fall on another person that he is most fortunate to see tonight. Two actually. Gabriel Church sits at Aislin’s table along with a middle-aged woman. The most intriguing surprise, however, is seated just across the room from Aislin. He had removed his mask a moment ago and that is when Jeremiah spotted him. Rick Peterson. A smile slowly spreads over Jeremiah’s face.

  He moves across the room silently, brushing past servers and guests with ease. He had used his talents with the internet to research the Petersons earlier in the week. It is amazing what information one can glean from a Google search and through hacking the records of the State of West Virginia. He retrieved photos of the couple, all their personal information, including social security numbers, dates of birth, marriage and property records. With Google Earth, he had retrieved a photograph of the Peterson home from the street level. Jeremiah bends down to Peterson’s ear.

  “Excuse me, sir, but what kind of vehicle are you driving this evening?” he asks, a white towel he had managed to swipe off the bar on his way over, draped over his forearm.

  “Oh, uh, a white Ford Escort. Why?” Peterson removes his mask to get a better look. His bulging belly brushes against the table.

  Jeremiah says, “I’m sorry sir, but it looks as if someone has backed into your vehicle. You are needed outside immediately. They just want to give you their information because they have to leave. It should only take a moment. If you will follow me, I can lead you out the back and we can be quick. You won’t miss the auction. I promise.” Jeremiah smiles widely and holds a hand out ushering Peterson toward the back exit.

  Peterson pushes his chair back and follows behind Stone, who leads him out the back door. Moving toward a small white car, Peterson inspects the front bumper. He had backed into the space. No damage is apparent on the car. He turns around to speak to Jeremiah, “Where—“ but his words are interrupted. Jeremiah pushes Peterson’s head down, at the same time he raises his knee. The crunch of Peterson’s nasal bones fuels Stone’s fury. Peterson immediately collapses to the ground, his hands covering his face, blood flowing steadily from in between his fingers. Jeremiah doesn’t stop there. He kicks the older man to the ground and begins a punishing kicking and stomping dance upon his body. When Peterson finally groans and his body falls limp, Jeremiah backs away.

  Regaining his composure, Stone straightens his coat and tie, and wipes the sweat from his brow. He works to steady his breathing by taking deep cleansing breaths. Stone cracks his knuckles, replaces his mask and heads back in to The Barn through the back service entrance, leaving Peterson’s prone, beaten body in the parking lot near his white Ford Escort. It’s pristine paint, now marred by the spatter of its owner’s blood.

  †

  Julia leans into her son and describes what is going on. The first five girls are pretty. They are all young and clad in different gowns, matching their masks. One is apparently a fairy, another an angel, one is dressed in traditional Indian attire, complete with sari. The other two are animals—some sort of wild cat and a playboy bunny. The ladder a trashy choice, according to Gabriel’s mother. Gabe couldn’t care less what the other girls are wearing, as his mother continues to give him details of their elaborate costume
s and coordinating masks. I only care about one girl.

  Parker asks Ella to step forward. She is a pink flamingo and Julia tells Gabriel that her dress is beautiful, although too short for her taste. Gabriel wishes he could roll his eyes. The bids open at $250 and that number is met immediately from a gentleman across the room. His voice carries. Gabriel rubs his thumb over his auction paddle in anticipation. His shoulders tense. Soon, the bid stands at $1050.00. Gabriel hears Cameron shout, “$1350.00!” over the noise. The auctioneer acknowledges his bid. And a war erupts. “$1400.00” sounds from across the room. Julia tells Gabriel that Cameron has stood up. “$1500.00!” Cameron shouts.

  The opponent bids $1550.00. Julia says that Cameron is angry looking. He yells, “$2000.00.” This ends the bidding. Cameron has won Ella’s company for the evening. Julia tells Gabe that Cameron has moved to the front of the stage and is escorting Ella down the steps. Aislin, who is the last bachelorette up for auction is up next. Gabe is aware of his competition. Ty is seated to his right.

  Parker’s voice sounds over the speakers, “Gentlemen, reach deep into your pockets. Hell, I might even bid on her…our beautiful, exotic, peacock….Aislin MacKinley Evans.”

  †

  Aislin’s heart pounds against her chest and she fakes a huge smile. In reality, she wants to turn and run. Ella just sold to Cameron for $2,000.00! OMG! There is no way anyone will bid that for my company! I am destined to leave this stage in utter embarrassment now. Aislin walks forward and accepts Parker’s hand.

  “You better not bid, Mister! Not if you want to come home with me tonight!” Amy’s voice teases. A pretty, flirty smirk on her pixie face.

  Parker backs away from her. “No ma’am. Not me. I am not bidding on anyone but you, baby.” When her back is turned, he winks cheekily at the audience.