Chapter 21

Over the last several days, the information I learned, and my conversation with Judith revolved around in my mind. Vampires, that was too comical to entertain such a notion. Europe, I know is filled with ancient myths and legends because of how old the country is. Each culture has a different myth. The whole vampire idea is fueled from culture myths and legends. It’s a fantasy based on superstitions because some people centuries ago contracted an illness that no one could understand at the time, so they labeled it ‘vampire’ and killed them. Innocent people killed because of epidemic hysteria and not real evidence, with no reliable medicine to diagnose an illness. Humanity can be so stupid at times.

I realize that it is already Friday. Mr. Dubois is expecting my answer by Monday. I need to just accept this otherwise, I fear he’s going to come to my door and make me accept it no matter what.

I have a day off of work so, I may as well drive to Paris and sign the documents. It is nine in the morning. I finish my coffee; I go upstairs to get dressed. Once I have dressed in a respectable outfit, I don my coat, grab my keys and leave for Paris. Paris is a four-hour drive. Leaving earlier is a better choice.

Four hours later, I arrive in Paris. I drive straight to the address that Fredrick had provided for me. After driving around for God knows how long, I find the extravagant skyscraper. The words “Hofer Group” shine brightly. This must be the French division. I remember hearing that they have different offices in Germany, America, and France. Supposedly the American office is newer and has only been open about twenty years. It would make sense that the France and Germany locations would be the oldest established. I take a deep inhale and walk through the main doors.

I come across a receptions desk; the receptionist stops and stares at me like she’s seen a ghost. Weird? I walk up to the counter. She’s so much more beautiful that me, I am amazed she’s a receptionist. She looks like she could be a runway model. Her skin is as flawless and the most expensive artwork you would find. Her hair is radiant and perfect looking, she’s tall, thin, with a curvy figure not known on many girls. Like she uses a corset or something. I feel like plain jane all over again next to her.

“Hello, I am Katherine De Cheney, I am here to see Mr. Dubois” I tell her while trying not to check her out.

“Yes, Mr. Dubois has been expecting you, I will let me know that you’re on your way. Thirtieth floor. It’s a huge penthouse style office. You can’t miss it. Just want through the lobby to the conference room. The double doors will be straight down the hall.” She tells me with a smile..

As I walk away I hear her murmuring to her associate.

“Did you see her!”

“Did you see the resemblance?!”

“Could it be? Could she be reborn?”

“I don’t know, we need to tell Lord Hofer if he doesn’t already know.”

“Silas, or Conrad cannot find out!”

“Especially Edgar”

“Edgar is a brute, he’s been wanting the Lordship for a millennia. I am sure he killed Ellie, cause she was getting close to find out the truth.”

“No, I think he did it, cause of Ellie’s secret she was going to tell Rudolph, you remember?”

“There’s no proof of that.” The other girl chastised.

I listen the them banter having no idea of what they are talking about. They’re acting as if the people from centuries ago are still alive. People don’t live for centuries. I change my mind, maybe they’re secretaries cause they’re brainless I take one last look as I walk into the elevator. As I do they realize that I was still there. They give a shocked look and start to going about their business in a obvious way that they spoke too much. I shake my head, step into the elevator and push the button for the thirtieth floor.

Once I am there, I follow their instructions and head towards the conference room. On my way, I accidentally overhear someone on the phone.

“Everything is being done as you requested sir, I have made all arrangements smoothly. Ms. De Cheney should be arriving shortly to sign the paperwork, taking ownership of the land, the house and everything it entails.”

“Just to let you know, she at first refused it, she doesn’t have any interest in returning home.”

“Natural reasons, it’s where her family has died, her brother, her grandmother, even her great grand parents. According to what she said, she was nearly attacked there as a child. She saw a menacing man in the window and a short time later wolves, came out of nowhere to ambush her.”

“I can understand her reluctance. This has to be Edgar; it sounds like him. Only he can command wolves. It’s how he tried killing me once upon a time. I was lucky enough to kill the wolves first. He didn’t try it again.”

“Why go after Katherine?”

“Have you seen Katherine?” The man asked.

“No, I have not yet she should be arriving soon.” My wife wanted to keep the family safe, so I have never seen her face to face. I have heard about her. I have seen pictures when she was a baby but, nothing beyond that for a long time.” 

“You’ll know when you see her.” He said in a somber tone.

I kept my heartbeat steady, and breathing quietly. I can stop my breathing for short points and be fine. I was thankful I didn’t wear heels. I quietly went to the conference room. I let the door shut with normal sound but, that should still signal that I was waiting. I heard him end his call and walk into the conference room. 

He walked to me and shook my hand. Again, like the receptionist’s  his countenance looked like he wanted to fall over. Like he had just seen a ghost. He held himself firm.

“Ms. De Cheney, I presume.”

Hello Mr. Dubois, it’s good to meet you.” I said in cordial tone.

As we sat down, he took his business satchel that he was carrying. He laid it on the table. He pulled out a folder, and drew out the contracts, deeds and paperwork that needed to be done.

“Let’s get right to the point, these are all in order and only require a signature. Once finished you may move in as soon as possible.” He said in an expectant voice. I nodded, embracing my fate I didn’t want, and reluctantly signed all the documents that were needed.

“You’re all set, I hope that you’ll be moved in by the start of next week. Lord Hofer, would like you to work with the Historical Society on their project to bring the place back to life.” He said in an expectant tone.

“If I must” I said with hesitation.

“I would think considering from what I have heard about your profession, that you would show more enthusiasm towards this project? You are a historian after all, and this project is about restoring and preserving a piece of history.” He said, as he looked at me disapprovingly. I shook my head. He can think what he wants. I am not happy about my life being dictated and planned for me.

“I understand why you don’t want to, I do, I don’t like going there now after what happened with your grandmother. She was a beautiful soul and one of the best people I ever knew. To think of her not being there, it’s unimaginable.”

“I know what you mean.”  I do something unexpected. I feel overwhelmed with emotion and have the urge to give him a hug. He’s startled at first then, he embraces me as if I am a long-lost daughter the he wants to hold. We stay like that briefly. I notice his body is cool. Not cold but, like he was standing too long in a cooler. It’s cool with a hint of warmth. For some reason it feels comfortable. Like swimming in a cool lake with a warm undercurrent. I break away first. I apologize, thank him for everything and walk out of the room. As I head towards the elevator. I see him walk back to his office with a smile on his face. Perhaps my kind gesture helped him in his grief as well as mine.