Falcondell: The Devil's Son

by S J Crabb

  No sooner than I have started I feel somebody approaching me from behind and an arm snakes around my waist pulling me back into a hard toned body. Whispering in my ear he says, “Morning little Tess. Did you miss me?” Enjoying the feeling of him against me I say quietly, “Of course I did.” I can feel his lips kissing feather light kisses on my neck and I feel my legs turn to jelly. He spins me around and lifting my face up to his kisses me so sweetly and gently that I forget where we are. After some time he pulls away and grins wickedly. “I love making out with you in the library little Tess. No one but us ever comes here so it is all ours.” Returning his grin I say, “And Mr Watson of course.” As if on cue the door opens and I see Mr Watson come in balancing the coffee cups as he tries to negotiate the door. Ash looks annoyed at the interruption and I see Mr Watson visibly pale as he sees who is here. Racing over to him I take the coffee from him. “Thank you Mr Watson. I have made a start on the cookery section.” Looking distracted he says quietly, “Thank you dear, you are very good to me.” Ash snorts loudly. “You got lucky when Grace came to town. Slave labour and all for a lousy cup of coffee.” Mr Watson colours up and I shoot Ash a venomous look. Chuckling to himself Ash says, “Point me to where the maths books are in this chaotic place.” I show him where they are and give him a stern look whispering, “Don’t be so mean to Mr Watson. I’m really worried about him, something’s wrong I can tell.” Ash just shrugs his shoulders and starts looking at the math’s books. Before I leave I turn back to him and say in a whisper, “Why do you come here every week Ash? It’s so out of character for you to study here.” Smirking he stares at me and his eyes flash dangerously. “Well aside from the fact that I can‘t keep away from the beautiful library assistant it is because knowledge is power little Tess. I fully intend on reading every book here and then I will know everything.” He puts his feet up on the table and settles back in his chair. Raising my eyes I say, “You think you will know everything from books, well think again. It takes more than the written word to learn about life and the world. Books are fine but experience counts for much more.” He grins at me wickedly. “And I can’t wait to experience it with you Grace. I would gladly burn all these books for one hour with you.” Blushing I quickly move away and I can hear him laughing as I go.

  I decide to see if I can learn anything from Mr Watson about his problems and go over to his desk where he is sitting. He looks at me in surprise and I say quietly. “Is everything ok Mr Watson? I mean I hope that you don’t think I’m prying but if I can help out with anything you only have to ask.” I feel bad when I see his eyes fill up with tears. “You’re very kind my dear but I’m afraid there’s nothing that you can do.” Gently I try to probe further. “You don’t have to tell me but sometimes it helps to talk. I mean I know I’m just a kid but I promise I won’t say anything.” He looks at me with a strange expression on his face. “You are a very special young lady that much I can tell. You need to be free of problems at your age and just enjoy life whilst you can.” Looking down he adds almost to himself, “Whilst you still have it.” I still can’t leave it and try again. “Mr Watson, please tell me to mind my own business if you like but are you ill?” Looking up in surprise he laughs quietly. “No my dear, I only wish I was.” Shocked I say, “Why would you wish that?” He looks at me sadly. “Come with me Grace, I want to show you something, maybe then you will understand.” Mystified I follow him to a room at the back of the library. Sneaking a look at Ash I see that he is engrossed in the book that he is reading and has his back to us. Mr Watson opens the door and turns on the light and I gasp in surprise as I see rows upon rows of canvases propped up against every wall and surface. There are some hanging up and as I walk around them I see that many are of a beautiful woman. Looking at them in wonder I can tell that whoever painted these was very talented indeed. I look at him in wonder. “Who did these, they are amazing?” Coughing nervously he looks at me with a far away look in his eyes. “They are mine actually.” I look at him in surprise. “They are amazing, you are very talented. I never knew this side of you.” As I look further I wonder who the beautiful woman is in the paintings. “Who is this lady? She appears in most of them.” His face crumples and he looks haunted. “That is Annabelle, my wife.” I look at him in shock. “Your wife! I never knew you were married Mr Watson.” “Was married dear. Sadly Annabelle passed away two years ago and there is not a day that doesn’t go by that I don’t miss her.” I feel bad for him. I can see by the loving way that he has painted her that they must have loved each other very much. I can tell that she felt the same, given the way she was looking at him as he painted her. Softly I say, “I am sorry to hear that, what happened, if it’s not too bold to ask?” The look on his face is one of utter devastation. “She died of cancer. It was a long illness and I cared for her as much as I could. That is why the library fell apart. I didn’t have time to spend here and all of the money I earned went on her treatment and paying people to work here. Unfortunately I fell behind with everything and then when she died I was devastated. Nothing made sense anymore and it all seemed pointless. Soon I fell behind with my rent and now I owe much more than I will ever take here in a lifetime. You see the interest is building up day by day and I am afraid I can’t see a way out of it.” I can’t help it and tears run down my cheeks. Seeing them Mr Watson says in alarm, “Oh please don’t cry dear, like I said before, you should be enjoying life whilst you can. I’ll be fine, something will come up I’m sure of it.” Looking around me at the dusty room filled with paintings it strikes me that his life is locked up with them. He is obviously struggling and I worry how much longer he will be able to cope. I make up my mind that I will try and help him; I will find a way that much I am certain of.

  Chapter 22

  I leave Mr Watson in the room and go back to my task in the cookery section. As I try and organise the books I rack my brains trying to think of a way to help him. Looking up I see Ash leaning against the bookcase, looking at me thoughtfully. “What was that all about?” He says, waving his hand in Mr Watson’s direction. I shake my head sadly. “Nothing, I’ll tell you later.” He shrugs but I can tell that he doesn’t like the fact that I haven’t told him. Then a thought crosses my mind and I say quietly, “Ash, do you know who owns this building?” Looking annoyed he replies, “Yes I do, I’ll tell you later.” I can’t help it and I burst out laughing. He grins slowly and I say, “You are so childish, you know that don’t you?” Grabbing hold of me he starts to tickle me. “You think I’m childish do you? Well I’ll show you childish.” I can’t stop laughing and try to get away but I can’t. Suddenly I catch sight of the clock on the wall and pushing him away I say in alarm, “Look at the time. Gabe will be here waiting and I’ll be late for Violet’s if I don’t get a move on.” Ash looks annoyed. “I hate this Grace. I want to be the one to take you to work, not Gabe. I want us to be able to be together at all times and not just in secret.” Pulling him close to me I say quietly, “Me too Ash, I want that more than anything but you know why. It’s what we have now or nothing and I know what I’d prefer.” Reaching up I pull his face towards me and kiss him gently. Groaning he pulls me towards him with more urgency and his kiss is one of desperation. I can feel the emotions within him and not for the first time worry about where this will all lead.

  I can hear Mr Watson coming so quickly pull away. “I’m sorry Ash, I have to go. Will I see you later?” His face softens. “Of course. Same time same place?” Nodding, I reluctantly move away. He’s not the only one finding this hard.

  Gabe looks at me as I climb into his car. “You’re cutting it fine aren’t you?” I raise my eyes. “Sorry I got involved in something and didn’t notice the time.” As we drive off I think about Mr Watson and decide to ask Gabe about him. “Gabe, what’s the story with Mr Watson, do you know why he is struggling?” He sighs heavily. “His is not a happy story. He wasn’t always like this. Mr Watson was and still is a good guy. He was happily married to his wife Annabelle and made
his living as an artist. The library was her thing and he used to help her run it whilst painting at the same time. They were very much in love and real pillars of the community. Then one day it all changed for them and she got sick. He tried to keep it all going and look after her at the same time. They didn’t have much medical so it was hard. Mom and her friends did all they could to help but he was drowning in every way. When she died we all thought that he’d give up and were worried for him. But he kept on going and just retreated into himself. He to my knowledge doesn’t paint anymore and just struggles to make ends meet. The trouble is because the library is now such a gloomy place to be nobody goes there much, so it just adds to his depression.” I look at him thoughtfully. “Can’t we help him, I mean all of us. Surely if enough people give up their time to re organise it and clean it up then it would be a good start and we could make it a more welcoming place to go to.” Grimly Gabe says, “In case you hadn’t noticed most people in this Town don’t want to get involved in anything. They just want to keep their heads down and get on with their lives with no trouble.” Puzzled I wonder what that has to do with helping someone. “I don’t understand Gabe. Why would helping Mr Watson bring trouble on the Town?” Gabe looks at me angrily. “Because Mr Knight owns that Library as he does most things in this Town. The word is that Mr Watson owes him so much in back rent and interest on that property that it’s easy money for Mr Knight and if Mr Watson pays him up to date then he won’t get as much money from him each month. He likes people to owe him and be in debt to him, Mr Watson in particular.” Surprised I say, “Why Mr Watson. What’s he ever done to Mr Knight?” Gabe says in a low voice. “Annabelle was very beautiful Grace and Mr Knight took a shine to her. He tried to make her his but she chose Mr Watson.” Seeing my expression he grins. “Mr Watson was once quite a catch. They all went to school together and Annabelle and Mr Watson made quite a striking couple. Jake Knight wanted her but she didn’t want him. He wasn’t used to not getting his own way and tried to change her mind. Apparently it was quite a struggle that Mr Watson won in the end. Mr Knight has never forgiven him and the fact that he is now in misery gives Mr Knight everything he wished for.” Sitting quietly I digest the information. One thing I do know though is I can’t let him suffer anymore; I will find a way to help him.

  The afternoon flies by as usual. I have to push all thoughts of Mr Watson’s predicament out of my mind and just get on with things. Half way through the shift I am surprised to see Easton coming in with some of his friends who I recognise from the team. I am assigned their table and as I take their order he smiles at me. “How are you Grace, I haven’t seen you around lately.” Returning his smile I say lightly, “Yes, I’ve been quite busy what with school, the library and this place. There never seems to be enough time.” I see his eyes twinkling and think just how good looking he is. He is also a nice person and under different circumstances I would have enjoyed spending time with him. Before I leave he reaches out and grabs hold of my arm. Pulling me closer he says, “Listen, there’s a party later at the Sullivan’s. Do you fancy going? I could pick you up, or meet you there if you’re already going with your friends.” Feeling worried I look around me nervously, half expecting to see Ash charging towards him. Pulling carefully away I smile. “I might go but I am meeting up with friends tonight. Maybe we’ll see you there.” He gives me a half smile and I can tell that he’s disappointed. I expect that he is used to girls falling at his feet but I am not one of them.

  Quickly I move away and wonder how on earth I’m going to deal with this. It seems that he won’t give up and without giving anything away I am not sure what I can do to put him off.

  I manage to avoid conversation with him and feel his eyes watching me as I set about my work. Violet nudges me and smiles. “He’s quite a catch honey, is he your boyfriend?” I shake my head. “No, I don’t really have time for a boyfriend at the moment.” She laughs and raises her eyes up. “Listen all work and no play makes Grace a dull girl. Why don’t you give yourself a break and go out with him. Let me tell you if I was in your shoes I wouldn’t think twice.” As she goes off still laughing to herself I think, goodness if she knew the shoes I was wearing she would freak out, everyone would. She wouldn’t be encouraging me to date anyone then.

  As they get up to leave Easton comes over and smiling at me looks me straight in the eye. “I hope to see you later Grace. I would like to get to know you better; I don’t know maybe take you out on a proper date. Think about it.” I watch him go with a sinking feeling. That is one party I had better avoid.

  Chapter 23

  I walk home after my shift finishes. There is so much buzzing around in my mind and the walk will help to clear my head.

  As I approach the house though I suddenly notice with alarm the unmistakeable sight of Ash’s motorbike parked in the drive. My heart thumping I race inside and as I reach the kitchen I look in horror at the sight before me. Sitting at the table holding a mug of coffee is Ash and opposite him looking worried is Aunt Sarah. Seeing me they both look up and Ash grins lazily and Aunt Sarah looks at me with a worried expression. Trying to find my voice I say weakly, “What’s going on is everything alright?” Clearing her throat Aunt Sarah looks nervously towards Ash. “Come and sit down honey, we all need to talk.” I throw Ash an anguished look and he winks at me reassuringly.

  Aunt Sarah looks at us both. “Grace, Ash came to see me to ask for my permission to take you out.” Looking at them both in surprise I feel myself blushing and say weakly, “I’m sorry, what did you say?” Laughing Ash almost looks as if he is enjoying this and Aunt Sarah carries on. “He has told me that you have been meeting up and want to date. He knows that this is a problem for you and has assured me that he only wants to look after and protect you. The trouble is Grace; you know what will happen when your Guardians find out. It’s not up to me, I can’t make that decision.” Interrupting Ash looks at her with a soft expression. Reaching out he takes my hand gently in his. “Mrs Rivers I know who Grace is and all I want is to love and protect her.” Aunt Sarah visibly pales as he carries on. “There is nothing to fear from me. I love her and just want to look after her. The best way that I can do that is for us to be together. I will protect her secret and nobody will ever know from me. I know that you consider me to be the worst possible person to know this but I can assure you that I am the best one for her. Nobody would dare go near her and I would make sure that she is looked after and loved and above all happy. I came to see you because I don’t want to sneak around anymore. Grace deserves better than that. I’m not being selfish; if I was then I wouldn’t have come here to ask your permission. If you say no then I would respect that. I know that I have taken a risk because you will have to tell Grace’s guardians, I know that and I wouldn’t ask you to keep anything from them. All I ask is that they meet me first, before making any decisions.”

  Aunt Sarah relaxes slightly and as she looks at me I can see the worry in her eyes and I feel bad. Sighing she looks at us. “Grace honey, I can tell that you want this more than you have probably wanted anything in your life before. I love you living here and look upon you as a daughter to me and a sister to Gabe. I also know that you need to have as normal a life as possible whilst you can. If it was up to me I would agree as I can see that he makes you happy, it’s in your eyes. The trouble is I am worried that I will lose you and I’m not ready for that yet. Have you really thought about the consequences of this, both of you?” I am surprised to see how kind Ash is with my Aunt. Smiling sweetly at her he says softly. “Mrs Rivers, I have thought of nothing else since I first saw Grace. All my life I have got what I wanted. I just take what I want and to hell with the consequences. It has taken a lot for me to come here today because I realise that in doing so I could lose the very person who matters to me the most. I want to do the right thing for once and no more messing around. For all our sakes I just want the chance to do something right for a change. This is too important to me to mess it up and all I want is for a
chance to prove to you all that I am worthy of her.”

  I see tears come into Aunt Sarah’s eyes as she looks at us. Despite the worry that I know she must be feeling I can tell that she understands. Looking anxiously between them I wonder what will happen next. Standing up Aunt Sarah smiles at us both. “I too want what’s best for Grace. I know that it is not good for anyone if you have to sneak around. It is obvious that you care deeply for her but I am not sure that you really realise just how special she is. I want her to be happy but my first job is to protect her. For now you have my blessing but that may be short lived. I can’t take the risk and will need to contact her guardians. I will do my best to reassure them that she is safe, but I can’t guarantee what they will do.” In surprise I watch as Ash moves over and unexpectedly gives her a hug. She is also surprised and laughing he says, “Thank you Mrs Rivers, that’s all I hoped for. You will see that I will look after Grace so well that the best place for her would be with me. I promise you that no harm will come to her.” Looking over at me he winks and smiles gently. “I love you Grace, I always will. From now on I am going to prove to you and everyone else in this Town that I am not the heartless beast that they think I am. If I don’t then I could lose you forever.”

  Suddenly we are interrupted as Gabe flies into the room and looking angrily at us all says, “What the hell is going on here?” Ash laughs and Aunt Sarah winces at his choice of words. She turns to face him. “It’s ok Gabe, there’s no need to worry. Ash has come to ask my permission to date Grace.” He looks at us all in disbelief. “You can’t seriously be thinking of letting that happen.” Still looking worried Aunt Sarah looks at him nervously. “Actually I am. For some reason it just seems right. However it is not my decision to make. I will contact Grace’s guardians and they will decide. In the meantime I am giving them the time together they crave, no matter how brief it might be. Grace needs to live her life Gabe and has to learn what that involves.”