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Chapter 11: Planning to Escape
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Vampire of the New World Chapter 12: What Jon Learned from the Maid
Jon stopped eating and listened to the maid's story. He drank the water she poured him and wiped his lips with the tablecloth.The maid continued. "According to my mother who also heard it from her grandmother, the island used to be uninhabited because of the lack of good soil to farm. However, the presence of fresh water made it known to the fishermen who would sometimes replenish their water supply by coming here. She said there are caves not far from the dock where the fishermen used to stay during bad weather as well as a network of springs and waterfalls that were probably the same sources where the fishermen get their water from."The maid stopped speaking and looked at the door which remained closed."Go on." Jon glanced at the closed door and then urged the maid to continue. "Tell me how Dante came to be in possession of this island.""My grandmother told me that a dinghy was washed ashore here many years ago carrying a man who turned out to be Dante's ancestor. No one knew whe
Vampire of the New World Chapter 13: Conversation with Dante
Jon was taken by surprise at what he had just witnessed. He remembered seeing Dante frail and weakened by some physical malady just the night before. Could it be possible that Dante had completely recovered within just twenty-four hours? Was he just acting the night before? What would Dante gain from feigning illness in front of Jon?Jon withdrew and took a few deep breaths outside the library. He waited a few seconds before finally raising a fist and knocked gently on the library door. Immediately, he heard Dante's voice from within telling him to come in. Jon held his breath before fully opening the library door. When he looked inside, he was surprised that Dante was already seated at his desk and busily working at his laptop. Jon tried to hide his surprise, but in his mind, he was thinking how Dante was able to cross the room and take his seat within a span of a few seconds. Jon also noticed that Dante’s cane was placed on top of the table."Come in, my friend," said Dante with a sm
Vampire of the New World Chapter 14: Asking for Permission
"Now it's my turn to apologize for saying such things," said Dante with a laugh. "I am happy to have this island because it has nourished me for so long. It has made me stronger to be able to do my work. Its very soil sustains me that I could not bear to stay away from it too long, but I know that I cannot stay here forever and there are some things that I need to do back in the mainland. And that, I can only do if I conquer my fears and travel across the sea." There was a pause and Dante tapped his desk with his long fingers before saying to Jon, "Now, tell me of the other properties that you have found for me."Jon took his cue and turned to his laptop to open the documents that he had prepared earlier. “Balete Park was a great find,” remarked Dante as Jon finished opening his documents and turning his laptop to face Dante.“Yes, I didn’t expect it to be the one that you’re likely to buy, but it did pass all of your requirements,” said Jon.Dante made a soft laugh and said, “You’re
Vampire of the New World Chapter 15: Sparkling Wine
The dark bottle of wine sat inside a metal bucket that was filled with ice. Jon did not know when the cart was rolled into the library, not having seen it when he came in. Pablo or another staff probably opened the door quietly and placed the cart there without disturbing them.Jon held the bottle neck and at once felt the chilled glass on his palm. He uncorked it and poured the red liquid onto a long-stemmed glass. The dark liquid sparkled in the dim light of the library and Jon wetted his lips as he filled his glass, a bit more than what he actually intended.Jon drank the wine slowly, savoring its many distinct yet unknown flavors and let himself get lost in the swirl of strange and pleasurable sensations. As he did so, he lost track of everything else around him until he realized that he had emptied his glass."No need to lick that last drop off your glass. You still have an almost full bottle in your hand," Dante smiled as he sat comfortably in his chair.Jon realized that he had
Vampire of the New World Chapter 16: The Maid's Request
The maid looked as surprised as he was and she shifted her eyes nervously from side to side. Then, with a more composed face, she lifted her chin and spoke. "I-I'm sorry, Sir. I just forgot something when I was cleaning here earlier," came the apology from the maid, still avoiding Jon’s eyes. She was holding her hands behind her and Jon was sure that she managed to slip something into her pocket."It's alright. I was just surprised to see you here. I thought all of the staff have gone for the night. I hope you found what you were looking for," said Jon.The maid seemed at a loss for words and with her head still bowed, she proceeded slowly towards the door. However, she paused on her way out and decided to turn around to face Jon."I was just wondering if you could help me, Sir.” The maid began, not quite knowing whether she should continue with what she was about to say or to leave the room at once.“What is it?” asked Jon. “Just tell me and I promise to help if I can.” Jon tried to s
Vampire of the New World Chapter 17: Pablo Talks to Jon
Jon woke up with a jolt and for a moment wondered where he was. His work had taken him to numerous places before and he had to stay in hotels most of the time. On several occasions, in the first few moments after waking up, he would feel disoriented, as if whisked to another time and place. He recognized the ceiling of the dim room where he was staying, lit by soft rays of the bedside lamp that he kept on the whole night. It was quiet, dead quiet, as if he were sleeping inside a mausoleum where he was the only living occupant.Everything seemed surreal and Jon blinked his eyes a couple of times. For brief moment, he had to ask himself whether he really was in an island somewhere in the Pacific, effectively imprisoned within shark-infested waters by a wealthy client who could be a monster with burning eyes. Jon looked around his room and for the first time saw how everything seemed old even though the mansion was built only in the past several years. The curtains, the furniture, and th
Vampire of the New World Chapter 18: Trapped
Jon held the coffee mug and stared at his face reflected on the surface of the dark liquid. He remembered Flora’s face when she talked to him, the desperation in her eyes as she pleaded to let her and her daughter join him when he returns to Cardena. He saw the same desperation forming in his eyes and he looked away. He avoided Pablo’s gaze and just stared at the still life paintings that looked dull without lights shining on them. Pablo had only switched on a few of the dining room lights when they entered.Jon slowly raised the coffee to his lips, using both hands to hold the mug and steady his slight trembling. He realized that Pablo was watching intently and did not want to show the distress that was forming within. With a final gulp, Jon finished his coffee and thanked Pablo.“Thanks for the coffee, Pablo. I really needed that. I hope we can get the communication lines back. No one can work without the internet nowadays.” Jon tried his best to be cheerful, but it sounded forced to
Vampire of the New World Chapter 19: Mind Games
Dante was playing with Jon's calling card in one hand while the other remained hidden behind his back. He flicked the card and it traveled between his fingers until it emerged again between his thumb and forefinger. All the while, Dante's eyes were directed at Jon who had just entered the hall.Hiding any sign of shock, Jon spoke first. "I didn't realize you're awake. I thought you slept during the day. Or haven't you slept yet?"There was a loud thunder that reverberated in the entrance hall. Even within the windowless entrance hall, Jon knew that the rain had gained in strength. Dante stopped flicking the card and lowered his hand. He did not answer Jon’s question but looked him intently. A few seconds had elapsed before he turned his head to the side and spoke.“In Victorian England, they would see dead strays strewn across the streets after rains like these that it appeared as if the dead animals came with the rain. Hence, originating their phrase 'raining cats and dogs'.” Dante l
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