House on Devil’s Island ~ Part Two ~ Life-Altering Changes…

[7wildwaysup]

Title: House on Devil’s Island…
Story Type: AU
Word Count:
Warnings: Angst, Passion, Love, Supernatural…
Beta Queen: bigj52
EKG-Club October Challenge – Trick or Treat – House on Devil’s Island

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, plot, etc. are property of their respective owners, including, but not limited to Russell T. Davies, Cowlip, and Showtime. The author of this story is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended…

This is a five-part series. I’ll be posting one chapter per day from Oct 27^th to Oct 31^st…


Summary: Brian struggles to accept what his life has become, enduring the impossible, finally resolving himself to the inevitable reality of his situation…

Chapter Summary: A chance meeting changes Brian and Justin’s destiny forever…


House on Devil’s Lake

Part Two ~ Life-Altering Changes…

Craig Taylor is a selfish man, always thinking of himself first. After graduating from Dartmouth with a degree in business, he started Taylor Electronics, and he’s done well for himself for the most part. But there was something about him that sent up red flags for his father-in-law, so he refused to invest in his son-in-law’s business. He was very specific when he made out his Will, setting aside money for Molly and Justin’s future and education, appointing Jennifer, his only child, as executor of his estate. So when he died several years later, he was sure both Jennifer and her children were well taken care of.

Craig was furious when he found out that he was left out of the Will; Jennifer reassured him that she’s sure her father meant for him to be included in her settlement. So, contrary to her father’s specific wishes, Jennifer adds Craig’s name to her inheritance trust. She assumes Craig will never touch the funds without her consent. But Craig is greedy, and as soon as he is added to the account, he starts spending the money to expand his business. Several poor business decisions later, he finds himself convincing Jennifer that it would be best if he managed Molly’s and Justin’s trust funds as well. Foolishly she never checks the bank account balance. Instead she’s confident he knows what he is doing, so she puts his name on the children’s accounts too.

Now that Justin is a senior at St. James Academy he’s been talking about attending college. Craig assumes that Justin will go to Dartmouth just like him and Jennifer, but Justin has other ideas. He wants to go to Pittsburgh Institute of Fine Arts, a private and prestigious art school known for its excellent education and smaller class size, catering to individualized instruction. After several arguments it soon becomes a sore subject between father and son. The truth is, Craig once again has made several bad business decisions, squandering away both Molly and Justin’s inheritance. But he’s sure if he could just invest what little money is left in Jennifer’s trust, he’ll be able replenish the funds without anyone being the wiser.

Then one day Justin is suspended from school, after being caught in the boy’s athletic equipment room, with his hand down the front of the quarterback’s pants.  The principal, as well as Craig, are convinced that Justin was the one who propositioned Chris Hobbs, bringing disgrace to both the Hobbs and Taylor families. Craig is humiliated by Justin’s behavior and finds it to be the perfect excuse to deny Justin his inheritance to attend college, either Dartmouth, or PIFA. Moreover, Justin will now have to spend his free time after school and on the weekends, working at the electronics store.

The more Justin protests, the crueler Craig treats him. Truthfully he’d like nothing more than to ship Justin off to school, preferably out of state and far from Pittsburgh where he won’t embarrass him anymore. On Saturdays, Justin delivers and installs the televisions and computers purchased from Taylor Electronics. He often spends time with the clients, teaching them the fundamentals of the computer systems and software. On Friday night Craig hands Justin the list of deliveries for the next day, as he and Jennifer leave for their weekly country club dinner dance.

Actually there’s only one delivery for the next day, but it’s on the outskirts of town in a remote area that Justin’s never been to. He does a google search for directions, and is surprised to see that there’s a large lake not shown on most maps of the area. Strangely there aren’t any houses on the outer shore of the lake, only one located on an island. He and Daphne look at the maps they’ve downloaded from the google website and Justin decides to do a search on Island Lake.

But before he has time to begin keying in Island Lake to the search option, Daphne takes a deep breath and they both stare at each other.

“Justin! You know where this is, don’t you? You know what this means?”

“Christ, Daphne! You don’t actually believe all those old rumors and folklore about Devil’s Island, do you?”

“Don’t you?”

“No! No, not really! I mean, no one’s ever really been there!”

“That’s because no one lives to tell the tale.”

“Oh My God! I don’t believe you! You don’t actually think any of that’s true?”

“The legend says there’s an old graveyard in the woods near the lake shore, where everyone who’s ever dared to go to the island is buried.”

“Really?”

“Justin, you can’t go! You just can’t!”

“I have to, Daph, otherwise my dad’s going to kill me.”

“Better him than the old hermit who haunts the island.”

“Daph!”

“The rumor is that he’s over a hundred years old and never leaves the island.”

“Never? Really? Then who purchased the new flat screen TVs and computer I’m delivering? And what about the cable guy? It says here that he ordered a wireless system.”

“He’s probably a witch or something.”

“Warlock.”

“What?”

“Warlock. Male witches are warlocks.”

“Right! Exactly!”

“Christ, Daphne!”

“Okay then do it! Google the legend of Devil’s Island, and let’s see what it says.”

“Fine!”

“Fine!”

Soon both of them have their eyes glued to the screen, as the legend comes to life before them. The early history says that you can feel the presence of evil as you approach the lake, and it gets stronger the closer you get to the shore. Back in the early eighteenth century some people who ventured to the lake for picnics or to swim have vanished, never to be seen again. While others returned telling tales of ghosts chasing them, and even a few were hospitalized in the sanitarium for the rest of their lives.

By the time of Prohibition, Island Lake and Devil’s Island gained popularity, many people often visited the island to drink and gamble. At the height of Devil’s Island’s popularity, politicians, businessmen and socialites often visited, attending grand parties at the Island’s mansion. But the rumors about the island have never ceased, and it still remains a mystery to most people. It says that the caretaker of the property has lived there for decades, if not longer. No one knows who he is, and he’s rarely seen by outsiders.

They both sit back and look at each other, unsure of how they feel about what they’ve just read.

“It sounds like the guy’s is just a recluse. He doesn’t sound evil or devil-like.”

“Didn’t you read the part about people vanishing, and being chased by ghosts or going insane?”

“Yeah! But I also read that the high and mighty frequented the island and returned on a regular basis.”

“Justin, you can’t go there!”

“Where’s your sense of adventure, Daph? Besides, I’m going in the middle of the day.”

“But…”

“Can we please move on from here?”

“Okay. Fine. What did your mom say about your educational fund? I mean you really don’t need your dad’s permission to go to PIFA.”

“Apparently my dad invested it in the store, and has yet to reap the expected profits.”

“So, basically he embezzled your money.”

“Embezzled is a little strong. I’m sure he meant well.”

“Justin! He should never have touched that money, and what about your inheritance?”

“I’m pretty sure he’s used all the money investing it in the store.”

“That’s a lot of fucking money! You should sue him!”

“Really, Daphne? Don’t you think we have enough problems with our relationship already?”

“I’m just saying. What kind of father would do this to his son?”

“Come on. We’re going to be late for the movie.”

“I can’t believe we’re going to see Titanic for like the hundredth time, just because you think Leonardo DiCaprio is hot!”

“He is hot!”

“You’re impossible!”

“Rather genius, I think. This way you can’t talk all through the movie.”

~~~

Justin wonders if Daphne’s right. Should he be worried about making his delivery today to Devil’s Island? But what choice does he have? He’s broke, his dad is broke and everyone is expected to pitch in and help at the store. Even his mom works on the sales floor, while Molly runs the cash register and answers the phones. He is angry about his college fund, and wonders why he can’t bring himself to confront his parents. Daphne’s right, it is embezzlement. Pushing his anger away, he rechecks his maps before heading out of town, not knowing his life is about to change.

The drive was shorter than he expected. It’s a bright, sunny day and the area is beautiful. It’s hard to believe some place so secluded and out of the way, could be so close to the city. He passes his turnoff, an old wooden sign with faded letters that you can barely read, ‘Island Lake Drive’. He turns around and drives down the dirt road that dead ends at a gravel parking lot. He sees a path leading down to the boathouse, and he rechecks his instructions. Taking out his cell phone, he calls the number listed on the delivery invoice. As he waits for the boat to come and ferry him to the island, he sits on the old Adirondack chair admiring the beautiful view. He can’t believe he was so nervous about coming here, from all that crazy talk Daphne was spouting last night.

James docks the pontoon boat and greets Justin, offering to help him unload and load all the boxes from his delivery truck. He’s stunned when they dock at the shore. He never expected such a big, beautiful mansion would ever be here on the island. The island is much larger than he expected, completely sheltered from view on the lake’s shore. There are sandy beaches, scenic cliffs overlooking the lake, rolling meadows with wildflowers, and formal gardens. There’s an old rose garden, blooming with every color of rose imaginable, and the floral scent is almost intoxicating.

Alfred greets them at the front door, and directs them to where each of the flat screen TVs should be installed. The first one in a sitting room set off on the side of the house, where the room is welcoming, bright and cheerful. The sun is pouring in the large floor-to-ceiling windows, giving a grand view of the lake. The second is for the large sitting room in the servant’s quarters that seems more like a fancy lobby of an old hotel than an area for servants to relax. The smaller television is for the kitchen, set into beautiful mahogany cabinets, so Nora can watch all her favorite cooking shows and soap operas when preparing meals.

The fourth and largest of the flat screen televisions is for what is now the media room, located on the second floor of the mansion. The overstuffed furniture is upholstered in deep purple velvet, and there’s bay windows overlooking the gardens and wooded trails behind the house. The last television to be installed is for the master bedroom, the only room on the top floor. Its big windows light up the space, making it inviting with a panoramic view over the lake. It’s perfect for watching the sun rise and set over the water.

Justin’s in awe of the house; he’s never seen anything so beautiful and grand, not even in the movies. He now thinks all those rumors about the house are completely ridiculous, made up by those who have never been to the island and have no idea what they’re talking about. It took several hours for him to install all the televisions. As he’s gathering up all the cardboard packaging Nora informs him that lunch is being served on the veranda. Justin hadn’t even thought to bring a bag lunch with him; he was too distracted, worrying about the island and the myths. At first he refuses, thanking Nora for her generosity, but then he hears Brian’s voice insisting that he join him.

Justin is struck by Brian’s beauty and his attraction to the man is overwhelming, just as Brian’s is for him.  They walk through the large living room on the way to the veranda. The room is full of vintage furniture, antique tables and tiffany lamps. There’s a huge tapestry rug on the floor, and priceless paintings on the walls, and again Justin is surprised by the luxury of the house. They enjoy their lunch together and the conversation flows easily, both feeling as if they have known each other forever.

After lunch, Brian shows Justin to his study, which feels relaxed and comfortable showing more of Brian’s character. There’s dark mahogany paneling on the walls, with built-in bookcases giving it an old-world atmosphere. Justin’s eyes take in his surroundings, noticing the large stone fireplace, and baby grand piano in the corner. On the wall are two of the “Water Lillies” paintings by Monet, upon a closer look he sees they’re originals. He’s taken aback because he also noticed several other original paintings throughout the house; Seurat, Courbet, Renoir and Manet.

“Mr. Kinney, your collection of art work is amazing.”

“First of all, please call me Brian. I only own the Monet’s and the O’Keefe, the rest belong to the home’s owner.”

“So you don’t own the house?”

“No, it belongs to a friend of mine. He just lets me stay here, it’s perfect for writing.”

It’s then that Justin realizes that he’s that Brian Kinney.

“Oh God! I didn’t realize. I love your work! I’ve read everything you’ve ever written. We’ve even discussed some of your books in my creative writing and literature classes.”

“You’re too kind. I’m truly flattered.”

“I feel so foolish.”

“Nonsense. How could you have known?”

“You’re so much younger than I would have expected, having written so many bestsellers.”

Brian’s pleased, always happy when someone calls him young.

“My friend, Daphne is never going to believe this.”

“Oh. Justin. Please. I’d really like to keep this between us. I don’t want it to be common knowledge that I’m staying here.”

“I understand. No wonder there’s so much mystery about the island and who lives here.”

“It’s not just that… I have some issues… That’s why everyone refers to me as eccentric.”

“So you have agoraphobia, or something?”

“Yes, something like that.”

They sit together at Brian’s large antique desk most of the afternoon, setting up Brian’s new computer. Justin goes over the basic functions and the Word program, so Brian can start writing that evening.  Neither of them have ever felt this at ease with anyone before, and the attraction between the two of them is undeniable.  It’s hard for them to say good bye, so Brian asks Justin if he’d like to continue teaching him more of the computer programs. He offers Justin a lucrative salary for instructing him. After agreeing, he and Justin arrange lessons for three afternoons a week.

Brian loves his new computer; he learns the software easily and is amazed by what he’s capable of doing, having research for his books right at his fingertips. Justin starts to visit him often just to hang out and talk, or play chess. They even enjoy sailing and swimming in the lake together. Over the next few weeks, Brian and Justin really get to know each other. Justin often confides in Brian about his troubles at home with his father. Brian understands, as he and his father never got along, often butting heads, and disagreeing about Brian’s choices. Brian is shocked to learn that Craig has depleted Justin’s college fund, so he offers him a job helping around the house.

Justin eagerly accepts, happy to be able to quit working for his father, and start saving for college. At first Brian just likes having Justin around, who’s easy to talk to, and watching him work outdoors in the gardens is a plus. Their friendship grows and they became closer, as Brian learns about Justin’s love for art and painting. So he asks him to paint some landscapes of the property, and one of the house viewed from the lake. They end up spending lots of time on the boat, as Justin captures the sparkling waters of the lake and details of the mansion’s architecture.

Slowly they start having deeper feelings for one another, as they begin to fall in love. Of course, they have both been attracted to each other from the beginning. However, unlike all the other young men who have visited Brian at the island, Justin did not come there to satisfy Brian’s sexual needs.  One sunny afternoon as they drift around in the shallow water, Brian reaches out and runs his hand through Justin’s golden locks. His hair is starting to get long, and the sun has bleached it, creating highlights that accentuate his delicate features.

Justin turns, looking at Brian and their lips naturally meet. Their first kiss is soft and tender. The second one is much more powerful, as they both let the feelings they have been suppressing surge into the kiss. They finally break the kiss, looking deeply into each another’s eyes, knowing they’re both feeling the same way.  Not wanting to pressure Justin or make him feel uncomfortable, Brian decides to take it slow. Over the next couple of days, they are like teenagers walking down the wooded trails, holding hands and sitting in the rose garden, making out.

Justin returns home late one night to find his parents waiting up for him. Craig’s holding Justin’s sketch book, ranting about the sketches Justin has drawn of naked men. Justin feels likes his privacy has been invaded. As Craig continues screaming at him, their fight escalates. Craig ends up throwing Justin out of the house, unless he agrees to end his ‘disgusting’ homosexual behavior. Justin tries to explain to him it’s who he is, and he cannot change who he is, or what he feels. It’s after midnight when Justin finishes gathering his art supplies into his satchel and packing his duffel bag.

TBC…

Comments

[nochaser-12.livejournal.com]

I loved this second chapter, and HATE Craig (like that's a surprise for me). Hope he'll get some karma here.

I tried to respond to this on AO3, but the site is sooo slow today. Hope they get that fixed soon. It kept bumping me off when I tried to post a comment. But suffice it to say that I'm on pins and needles for part 3! I love that innocent Justin didn't have the negative reaction to the island and manor that so many felt. He really is that pure heart that Angelica predicted.

[7wildwaysup.livejournal.com]

I also noticed AO3 is acting sluggish today... So glad you popped over here to LJ for the next chapter... Craig really is a total asshole, but we expect no less...

Yes, Justin is sweet, and innocent... Falling completely in love with Brian, as he should be...

Next chapter coming right up...

Hugs Darling ~ Kathleen

[blossomlegs.livejournal.com]

Love chapter 2. Brian is kind of like Dorian Gray, but without the picture. Hope Craig gets what he deserves for squandering Justin' and Molly's money, Jennifer is too trusting she should have done what her father had wished. Hope Justin finds new home.
Thanks for sharing, love your writing.
Jo
ann

[7wildwaysup.livejournal.com]

Yes he is similar to Dorian Grey, except there's no painting growing old, just him stuck at the same age, lost on an island... Poor Jennifer, she believed in her husband and he fucked her over along with the kids...

Thanks, I'm so happy you're enjoying my new fic...

Hugs Sweetheart ~Kathleen

♥

[hikinggirl70.livejournal.com]

Craig is such a jerk. I hope Justin will go to Brian for help now that he has no place to live.

Re: ♥

[7wildwaysup.livejournal.com]

The attraction between Justin and Brian is undeniable, and Brian also be there for him... So glad you're enjoying this story...

Later Sweetheart ~ Kathleen