Vampire Of The New World

Jon was taken by surprise at what he had witnessed. He remembered seeing Dante frail and recovering from some physical malady just the night before. Could it be possible that he had recovered within just twenty-four hours? Was he just acting the night before? What would he gain from feigning illness in front of Jon?

Jon withdrew and waited a few moments before fully opening the library door. When he looked inside, Dante was already seated at his table and busily working at his laptop. Jon wondered how Dante was able to cross the room and take his seat in just a few moments. Jon also noticed that the cane was on top of the table.

"Come in, my friend," said Dante with a smile. He then watched Jon enter the library and take his place across the table.

"I decided to come earlier than last night. I hope you don't mind," said Jon.

"Not at all… not at all, my friend," was Dante's reply. "I'm glad you're early. We still have a lot to discuss, but before that…" Dante paused. "I would be a poor host if I don't ask you how you are coping in my house."

Jon replied. "You have a magnificent house. I want to thank you for all the hospitality and the generosity that I have received. The view of the sea from my room is breathtaking and the food quite delicious. I can only imagine the great expense to maintain your mansion."

"We are indeed far from the mainland, Jon, but that is how I like it. I am more than happy to pay for its upkeep. It has been quite a while since I crossed the sea and it wasn't in good circ.u.mstances."

"How long ago was the last time you were in the mainland?" asked Jon.

"It has been too long for me to remember. I'm sure you're thinking right now how boring my existence is living alone in this island without your movies and your modern entertainment, but I have this to keep me company." At this, he placed his hand on his laptop. "Technology has given me a window from which to see your world."

"Yet you are now thinking of settling at last in the city?" Jon said. Then, he apologized. "I'm sorry. I was just trying to ascertain your motive with the purchase of all these properties."

"No apology necessary," said Dante. "I was betrayed long ago by people whom I thought I could trust and I was forced to stay away, exiled on this island. However, it was here that I was able to build up my wealth little by little and gather my strength. Now, at last I am ready to go back and continue what I had been doing before I was betrayed."

Jon thought he saw Dante's eyes glow red and his face seemed to have taken another appearance. It lasted only a moment that Jon was not sure if it happened at all.

"Now it's my turn to apologize for saying such things," said Dante. "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 need to do more. That, I can only do if I travel across the sea. Now, tell me of the other properties that you have found for me."

Jon then turned to his laptop and opened his files. They proceeded to talk about the other properties that Jon had seen on Dante's behalf. Fern Park was a good choice, Dante remarked, and he was keen on seeing the others just like it. Jon went over the list one-by-one with Dante and the latter would comment and ask questions. At times, Dante would go to his own laptop to do some research on his own. Jon would show him the map as to where the lots were located as well as pictures that he took of the properties.

Jon found Dante's requirements unusual that he would ask if the lots were close to cemeteries or bodies of water. Sometimes, Jon would be sure that he saw a prime lot with a good price, but would be turned down by Dante for being too close to a police station or zoo. Then, he would choose lots that Jon would not even consider because of the price. Dante would reason out that he would like a property near a hospital or near a park.

It was close to midnight when Dante finally said, "I am pleased with what we have done tonight. You have done well."

Jon thanked Dante and replied that he was grateful his client was pleased with his work. Jon proceeded to have the doc.u.ments he worked on printed in order for these to be signed by his client. After Dante affixed his signature on the doc.u.ments, Jon then scanned the signed doc.u.ments and emailed the files to his office.

"It looks like we can finish earlier than scheduled," remarked Jon. "I would very much like to go back to Cardena, if that is possible."

Dante was silent for a minute when he heard this. "Any other reason you'd want to leave so soon?" asked Dante. "I was hoping that you would keep me company for a few more days, still with your daily rates, of course."

"My fiancée will be arriving in Cardena in two days to visit a friend. She hopes that we see each other there soon."

"Fiancée… I must congratulate you in advance then. Still, we can't be assured that you can go back at once. The weather can be unpredictable this time of year and the sea can be quite treacherous. I will ask Captain Salazar, when it will be safe to travel. To whose residence will you be going in Cardena, if I may ask? I can have a driver take you there from the dock."

"Celeste Luna," said Jon. "Her family home is next to the cathedral."

"Very well," said Dante. "I'm sure you can find something to do tomorrow before our meeting. You are free to roam the mansion, of course. There are just rooms that are locked and they are locked for good reason."

"Thank you," said Jon and proceeded to go towards the door.

"One more thing, Jon," said Dante as the other turned to face him. "If you do go around the house tomorrow, make sure that you return to your room if you want to sleep, or even if you want to take a nap. My servants are trustworthy and loyal to me, but it would be best to get out of their way."