I do not own any American Gothic characters, this is a work of fan fiction. This story is a continuation of my previous stories and follows on from Busybody.
It was a pleasant Spring morning in Trinity South Carolina and the flowers were in full bloom around the Town. A gentle breeze blew through the air, giving a welcome respite from the warm sun to the large crowd that had gathered in front of the Antique Store. The Store had not yet opened to the crowd and a low murmur came from the gossiping townspeople, in anticipation of the arrival of their beloved Sheriff.
Mark Pearce entered the dark Wicca Store to the left of the crowd, in search of his star Reporter. She had been unexpectedly absent from her professional position of late and he had heard whispers that she had shown an strong interest in this place. With the Sheriff missing in action, he was unable to confirm her location; therefore, he had decided to take a chance and trust to whispers.
He glanced around the quiet Store, unsure of what to make of the old fashioned decor and the thick air that seemed to get caught in his lungs. This place had an eerie feel to it and he did not want to be in here alone for longer than necessary; therefore, he approached what looked like an old sales desk and lifted his hand to press the small bell that rested on the surface.
'Well I'm no cashier so you certainly better not try calling me with that thing' Gail warned pleasantly and straightened her skirt, as she came out of a small room behind the desk before he had a chance to touch the bell.
Mark regarded her curiously, noting that her loose black off the shoulder jumper, short denim skirt and brown cowboy boots were not exactly work attire. 'There's close to 50 people gathered next door, is there a reason you're hidin' in here rather than coverin' the story?' he asked, unimpressed with her absence of late.
Gail forced a sweet smile for her Editor, as she came around the desk to his side and perched on it casually. 'You have at least 5 Reporters beneath me at your disposal, is there a reason why you're hounding me to cover a Store opening?' she asked calmly and hid her irritation at his interruption.
Mark let out a small laugh and shook his head. 'The public loves you and want to read your stories Gail. When I convinced my bosses that you were worth the high rate they would have to pay for you, I didn't think you'd shy away from the limelight...You know I was close to your father and he wouldn't be impressed with you shirkin' your responsibilities like this' he lectured, choosing to try a different tactic rather than his usual accepting nature.
'This is a conflict of interest, Abe's my family and I'm still covering the whole Goat Town project. The public are still loving their updates on that and if there's ever any real news worthy of my attention, I'll be straight on it' Gail stated calmly, ignoring the low blow of him bringing up her father. 'Besides, Christie and M are competing over this article, I'm sure you don't need me add to the running'
'It wouldn't be a competition if you showed some interest in anythin' other than your pet project here' Mark advised flatly, knowing she was more than capable of beating any competitors if she put her mind to it.
Gail smiled warmly at Mark, she did appreciate the faith that he had in her and she knew he had vouched for her when she came to the Trinity Guardian. She had no intention of letting him down, there was just nothing worthy of her attention at the moment. 'Look, I've not abandoned you and I'm still covering the Dylan trial, I'm still covering Goat Town and I'm still doing that pointless lifetime column for you. What other pointless tasks do you expect me lower my standards to?' she asked and placed a reassuring hand on his arm, to indicate she was still on his side.
Mark let out a long sigh and nodded to show that he trusted her. 'What the hell am I supposed to do with Christie and M? They're bickerin' like a bunch of children would over the last piece of candy and I get enough of that at home'
Gail was mentoring Merlyn and had advised her to get into any possible story she could, regardless of how unimportant it appeared. The girl needed the experience and she felt it would increase her confidence if she got used to challenging someone like Christie, who Gail knew was trying to establish a name for herself while she was staying in Trinity.
It amused Gail to learn that Merlyn was actually listening to her and attempting to better herself. It was about time she took control of her life with the second chance she had been given and it made her proud of her cousin. 'Give Christie this one, it'll give her something to do' Gail shrugged, uninterested in furthering this conversation as she was aware of how much of her time he had already taken.
'And M? You think your apprentice should sit around your office doin' nothin'?' Mark asked judgmentally.
'Who do you think's going to cover the upcoming Mayor election?' she asked cunningly and started ushering Mark to the door.
'Gail, everyone's been houndin' me for that story but I've shot 'em down assumin' you'd be on it' Mark stated and felt panic begin to set in at his potential misplaced trust.
Gail rolled her eyes at his overreaction and let out a long sigh. 'I can't rightly take the story with my husband publicly backing a candidate, not to mention the common knowledge of me backing the other guy'
'Well you need to 'cause you're the best I've got' Mark ordered bluntly, not caring about how she took his order.
Gail regarded him amused at his attempt to be dominating and pushed him gently out of the door 'It'd be unethical for me to do it in case I subconsciously swayed the votes of our readers Mark. Who do you think will be coaching M anyway? Stop worrying and go enjoy the weather, the girl's more than competent enough for this so just trust me' she advised, then closed and locked the door before he had a chance to respond.
Gail let out a long sigh when the room became silent and ran her fingers through her hair in exasperation, then headed back towards the room she had come from. She had not expected the interruption and it had caused her mind to become scattered.
'Well handled' Lucas smiled proudly when she finally re-entered the room and returned to him, then pulled her close and lifted her up against the wall. 'Now, where were we?' he asked seductively, as he gripped her behind tight and pushed his body against hers.
Gail wrapped her legs around his hips and leaned back on the wall as he had pressed against her. 'Well, you'd just removed my thong and I'd just removed your pants...It doesn't take a Rocket Scientist to figure out what comes next' she mocked, then let out a loud moan when he thrust his hard manhood inside of her and crushed her against the wall.
'You're lucky I'm fond of you, otherwise we'd be having words about how you regard me' Lucas feigned a scolding manner and reached a hand under her thin jumper, then squeezed her breast hard.
'If I wasn't so fond of you, we'd be having a stern word about your treatment of women' she mocked, then reached under his shirt and clawed at his back.
Lucas let out a satisfied laugh and took her hard. He also had been avoiding the crowd outside and decided it was about time they christened this Store, considering his love spent so much time here. 'I don't know what it is but being here is makin' my urges go wild, I've never felt so alive' he advised and bit into her neck when a volt of intense pleasure surged through him.
'You're invigorated by having sex in your mother's old office? That's got psychotherapy written all over it' Gail stated sarcastically and tangled her hands in his hair when he kissed her passionately.
Lucas felt their climax building and slowed his pace, he was not ready to give in to their full release just yet and he was enjoying her playful mood. 'You inserted yourself into the highest position you could within your fathers old place of work, then pounce on me in that large office of your at every opportunity you get. We don't think therapy is on the cards for you too?' he mocked.
'We're both damaged, that's why we work so well. Now shut up and finish this sweetheart' she ordered, then let out a small laugh when his movements sped up and he began pounding in and out of her.
'Gail?' Christie called from outside the Store and banged on the door abruptly.
Lucas tensed at the sound of her intruding voice and stared at Gail unimpressed.
'What are you looking at me for? Continue and ignore her' she ordered in disbelief, then let out a loud moan when he obeyed and pulled at his hair in ecstacy.
Lucas felt their release building inside of him and was ready to let go; however, the annoying interruption came again.
'Come on Gail, get out here and get this thing moving! Abe's not coming out and we've all got better things to do then wait around' Christie called, unimpressed at being ignored.
'Oh for fucks sake!' Gail cursed uncharacteristically and hit the wall behind her in frustration.
Lucas lost control at the unexpected words leaving her mouth, thrust in and out of her hard and exploded inside of her when their climax came. He drowned out Christie's continuous calls and held her head to his neck tenderly, then kissed her cheek softly. 'You need to let me deal with her Gail' he advised, sensing his loves irritation.
'We need to deal with your old friend for hiding on his own Store opening day, rather than focusing on my friend' she whispered in annoyance and signalled for Lucas to release her, so she could see what all the fuss was about.
Merlyn stood outside the office door and knocked on it gently. She understood why Abe would close himself off like this, due to the amount of people that had gather outside and she felt bad that he appeared forced into this situation.
'Stop taking on other peoples problems and focus on your work' Gail snapped abruptly, as she come in through the backdoor and read her thoughts.
'Meanin' what?' Merlyn asked defensively and regarded her cousin cautiously.
Gail waved off her innocent look and turned her attention to Abe, not wanting to have to deal with them both right now. 'What's going on? People are waiting' she asked calmly, trying to hide her irritation.
'He's an old man...' Merlyn started, attempting to defend Abe's actions.
'Who's just being stubborn because he has you as an audience' Gail interrupted sternly, 'Just go out front and let me deal with this'
Merlyn saw the frustration in her cousins eyes and knew better than to challenge her; therefore, she left them both alone and went to locate Caleb.
'I'm not comin' out Rosie' Abe called from inside the locked room and waited for her to leave.
Gail let out a long sigh and placed her hand on the locked door. 'You know I'm not leaving you like this Uncle and Lucas is here to take charge, all you need to do is go outside and smile. I promise it'll be over with quickly and you won't even have to say anything' she tried to reassure him.
'My heart can't cope this this, I ain't comin' out!' Abe called moodily.
Gail was about to respond when a large crash against the door caused her to jump back. She knew instantly that he had thrown the new mug she had gotten him and now it lay shattered on the other side of the door, she rolled her eyes at the childishness of the old man and ran her hand through her hair in exasperation.
'Problems?' Matt asked sarcastically, when he approached his best friend and placed a gentle hand on her arm.
'What do you want?' she asked abruptly and leaned closer to the door Abe was hiding behind, trying to listen to what he was doing.
Matt had spotted Merlyn storm out of here and had thought it best to see if he could assist, he had taken over from Abe's old Doctor and he had hoped that he could fix whatever this was.
Gail let out a loud laugh when she unintentionally read his thoughts and turned towards Matt, feeling her anger direct itself at him. 'You want to help? Get this child out of that room and drag him outside, before I really lose my temper' she snapped and stormed out of the Store, then froze when she saw the large crowd of people turn towards her expectantly.
Lucas smiled amused at his loves abrupt entrance to the party and reached for her arm, then pulled her towards him protectively. 'My ol' friend causin' you bother love?' he asked knowingly.
'He's going to cause me to kill someone' she stated irritated, then felt her anger subside when she saw Luke try to struggle free of his fathers arms to get to her and smiled lovingly at her son.
Lucas went to pass her their boy; however, she stepped away from him and stood next to Caleb. 'Are we contagious?' he asked confused and regarded her curiously.
Gail shook her head and placed her arm around Caleb's shoulder protectively. 'Oh I'm not getting dragged into the circus that you create, this is your rodeo. Good luck with Abe, I'd keep your son with you to help distract the old nuisance when he finally comes out' she suggested and led Caleb away from the large group of people, so they could watch from the outskirts of the crowd.
'I need to talk to you' Caleb whispered when they were finally out of earshot of his father.
Gail suddenly felt a strong pain in her stomach and tried to mask the feeling from her cousin. It was bad enough that Abe's constant dependency on her was starting to take it's toll, now that Caleb wanted to be closer to her recently she was having to use all of her energy to appease the boys. 'So talk' she said distracted and glanced towards the Store when she heard applause, then spotted Matt exit the Store with Abe by his side and let out a sigh of relief.
'Christie asked me about my momma earlier' Caleb advised, then stared down at his hands nervously when Gail shot him a cold look.
Gail sensed Caleb's discomfort and forced her demeanour to soften, then placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. 'What did she want to know?' she asked curiously, not liking that her friend had dared talk to her cousin without her permission. If Lucas found out, it would be hard to convince him to stand down.
Caleb leaned into her warmth and regarded her honestly. 'I dunno what she wanted, she just asked what happened and how I liked my daddy' he shrugged.
'Gage?' Gail asked, feeling a wave of unease flow through her.
Caleb nodded and wrapped his arms around her, when he sensed her unease and noticed people were watching them. 'I didn't tell her nothin' and I didn't tell Lucas either' he advised and smiled when she hugged him back.
Gail felt the eyes on them and continued to hold him close, she had not been prepared for this right now and his smart instinct to not tell his father may have bought her some time to figure this out. 'Leave it with me, she won't bother you again' she reassured him.
'Will she bother you?' Caleb asked curiously, wanting to know what was going on.
'Not if she knows what's good for her' Gail reassured him, then signalled for him to remain quiet while Lucas stole the limelight.
Lucas watched as the remainder of the crowd exited Abe's Store and nodded his thanks for their custom. This spectacle had been necessary as part of his role in Trinity and he had taken control like he always did, ensuring that Abe did not have to entertain the crowd. All in all the grand reopening had been a success, now all he wanted to do was to escape the public eye for the remainder of the day and spend some time with his family.
'You held yourself in a good commanding manner, I guess the owner of the Store isn't important when Sheriff Lucas Buck is around to take the spotlight' Christie said sarcastically, not believing this man had outshone the actual reason everybody had gathered here.
Lucas shifted Luke to his right hip and regarded Christie with disdain. 'The owner of the Store is an ol' friend of mine and if you'd researched him properly, you'd know that I was doin' him a favour'
'Like you did when Caleb was born? I guess Gage Temple didn't need to be at the hospital when his son was born, not when you were there to take on his responsibilities' she bated and waited for his reaction.
Lucas' look remained unchanged; however, his anger flowed through him and his rage became strong. He stared at her for the moment, then regained his inner composure and closed the distance between them. 'You wanna tell me what you're accusin' me of?' he asked impatiently, feeling his twin clawing to be released.
'No accusation here soulmate, at least not unless my oldest friend wants to explain it to me first' Gail advised sweetly when she approached them after sensing the conversation, then shot Christie a challenging look.
Christie had thought that Gail was busy with Caleb and when she turned up unexpectedly, she froze. 'I was just...'
'Scolding my husband for wanting to assist an abused woman after she was abandoned by her husband whilst giving birth?' Gail asked unimpressed and stared at her judgmentally.
Christie began to stammer and was about to advise of her suspicions, when Caleb joined the group and smiled up at her warmly. She let out a long sigh as her interrogation had been spoiled, then waved off Gail's question and stormed towards her car annoyed.
'Care to tell me what you're gonna do about that love?' Lucas asked in a calm tone, so not to alert Caleb of his fury.
'Oh I'm doing nothing, you made your own bed with this. What you're going to do if you have any ounce of sense is arrange a long overdue date with your newest friend' she advised cunningly, then placed a soft kiss on his lips and led Caleb towards the Store to check in on Abe.
-To be continued-