The Devil Child

Chapter Sixty Five

 Tanner was fidgeting in the city hall in the capital of Vermont. It was November 7th, and it was time.

Lennard and Gryphon were right there, beside him, keeping him calm. Or, at least, trying to. Lennard was the calmest out of all of them, but that was to be expected from the boy. He was currently drinking out of a champagne flute, despite his age, laughing with an elderly couple. Completely at ease.

Tanner, to the outsider, looked perfectly fine. He looked confident and cunning, ready to win the election. But to Gryphon, who had been watching him closely all night, knew better. He could see the unease in his expression. He could see Tanner fidgeting.

He placed his hand on Tanner's arm, soothing him. "I just heard from Minny that Polly is safe. Her aunt and uncle won custody."

Tanner looked down at Gryphon, and the smile that erupted over his face was of complete happiness. For a moment, Gryphon imagined that Tanner was happy that Polly was safe because of his feelings for her, but then the young man crushed Gryphon to his chest. "I'm so relieved. So relieved. She's safe again."

Gryphon returned the embrace, wishing it didn't cause his heart to beat like it did. The two of them had yet to have the talk about what happened after that speech, when Tanner told Gryphon how he actually felt.

And Gryphon was beginning to wonder if they'd ever talk about it.

Tanner released Gryphon, his eyes shining a little more bright. "Today is going to be a good day, Gryphon. I can feel it."

Lennard came to join them then, his smile easy and carefree. "Tanner, you ready for the big speech?" He was talking about the speech Tanner would deliver if he won the election.

Tanner smiled back, relaxed because of the news about Polly. "Did you hear about Polly?"

Lennard smiled, slapping his brother on the back. "She's safe, for now. Yes. Things are coming together perfectly."

"I'm surprised she's not here tonight, actually."

Lennard turned to look at the new comer, shocked to find Alex standing there, a champagne flute in his own hand. He looked older than his age, but then again, so did Lennard. The twin addressed him silently for a moment, and then he smiled. "Well, I imagine she's rejoicing with her family." Then, Lennard faltered for a moment. "I wasn't aware you knew Polly."

Alex stuffed one hand in his pocket, sipping from the champagne flute. He eyed Tanner, and then Gryphon, though he didn't know him. "Tanner, nice to see you again."

Tanner nodded his head, though he said nothing. Then, Alex focused back on Tanner, and slipped a grin towards him. "I'll have you know, Polly was to be my wife."

Lennard's grip on his own champagne flute went weak. "Your wife? You do know she's... gay, right?"

Alex tipped his head back and let out a loud laugh. "Good god, Lennard. I'm not daft, or course I know she's gay. Her mother wanted me to marry her in exchange for her publication. It was a very sweet deal indeed, only Polly went back to live with her aunt and uncle. A shame, really."

Tanner's eyes narrowed, and his mouth twisted into something cruel. "Polly moving back in with the people who care for her wellbeing isn't a shame, Alex. Watch your mouth."

Alex let out another laugh at Tanner. "I was joking, Tanner. Relax. I never knew you as someone who riled easily."

Gryphon put his hand on Tanner's arm again, easing him. Lennard spoke next instead, taking Alex's interest away from Tanner and Gryphon. "Her publication? What for?"