Vampire Of The New World

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 has 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?"

"This rain. I used to be tormented by it. The Victorians would see dead strays strewn across the streets that they would appear as if they came with the rain. Hence, originating their phrase 'raining cats and dogs'. But I've come to acknowledge its power and learn from it. Now, I could say that I have some control over it." Dante flicked Jon's card once again over his fingers.

"You mean control your fear of it," added Jon, looking at the moving card. "I see you have my calling card."

"Yes. I was told that you were looking for help to communicate with your friends and your colleagues." Dante stopped toying with the card and held it steady between his fingers.

"I woke up early this morning and found no internet connection. They told me it happens occasionally, especially during bad weather. I didn't expect that the rains would come unexpectedly nor that the mobile signal would be out too soon."

"You may not have observed it coming to the island, but I do have a communications tower that helped me remain in contact with the outside world. During periods of expected bad weather though, I have it turned off and all mobile phones become useless as bricks in your hand. The internet, of course, goes out as well."

Dante extended his hand holding the card at Jon which the latter took.

"I may not have the internet nor mobile signal during these times, but I do have a satellite phone to get me into contact with people I need to talk to. Here, call your company. Tell them that you're safe and that you may be cut off for several days due to bad weather." Dante revealed his other hand which he had hidden behind him. It held a larger phone with a small display. It was a satellite phone, as he mentioned.

Jon took the phone from Dante and started dialing his office number.

"Tell them, it may take you another week depending on how rough the seas get and should there be damage to the docks at Cardena," instructed Dante.

Jon was shocked to hear that he may have to spend one more week at the mansion. At the same time, he tried to remember what he said to the gardener and whether there was something he said that the gardener might have reported to Dante as well.

Jon pushed the last number and said to Dante, "I may not get a signal indoors, especially in this weather."

Dante snatched the phone from Jon and upon seeing that the call was being made, turned on the speaker. They both heard the phone ringing from the other side. Jon feigned relief at hearing the ringing phone while Dante smiled deviously.

After three rings, a female voice answered. It was Vicky, personal assistant to Jon's boss. Dante gave back the phone to Jon.

"Hello, Vicky. Is Gary there?" asked Jon. "I have something important to tell him."

"Oh, is this Jon?" said Vicky from the other side. "Aren't you in Cardena? How is it there? I hear the beaches there are fabulous. Gary's in a meeting with a client, but I'm sure I can get your message to him as soon as he gets back."

Dante made a slight bow as if to tell Jon to hurry up with his message.

"I'm still with Mr. Dante in Orsica and it appears there is a big storm coming. I may not be able to communicate with you in the next few days."

Dante raised a forefinger at Jon who stammered at the phone.

"Ahm… One week, at the most," Jon said. Dante nodded in satisfaction.

"Oh, I didn't know there was a storm coming. All the while we thought you were enjoying the beaches and getting a good tan," Vicky said. "I'll get your message to Gary as soon as he comes in. Take care of yourself there, Jon."

"Thanks, Vicky."

"Sure, Jon." The phone went dead.

"Now call your friend, what's her name?" inquired Dante.

"Lisa."

"Yes, Lisa. The fiancée. I'm sure she'll be worried if she doesn't hear from you."

Jon pushed some buttons and heard the phone ring on the other side.

"Hello, Lisa. It's Jon."

"Hey, Jon! Where are you? Are you done with your work there already? I was wondering when you'd call," came Lisa's pleasant voice. At once, Jon longed to see her in person.

"There have been some changes in plans, Lisa," began Jon. "There appears to be a storm coming and it would not be safe for me to go out to sea for some time."

"Storm? It wasn't in the news last night," said Lisa.

"These storms. Sometimes, they just appear out of nowhere," said Jon with a short laugh, trying to sound light-hearted.

"Okay. I'll be arriving in Cardena tomorrow. I just thought we'll see each other there." Lisa sounded disappointed.

"I'm dreadfully sorry, Lisa. You know I want to be with you. It may take one week before it would be safe for me to get back to Cardena. All the while, I may not have any means to communicate with you. Just in case something happens, you know I…" The line went dead.

Jon looked at the phone, bewildered.

"Battery's probably dead. I called a lot of people this morning as soon as I heard about the coming storm," said Dante, taking the satellite phone from Jon. "It's a good thing you were able to make the necessary calls. You're not calling anyone else, are you?"

"No." Jon replied slowly.

"We're all good then. I'll just get this charged. Tell me if you need to contact anyone else. In the meantime, I'm going back to my room and sleep the rest of the day. See you tonight at eight."

Jon was dumbstruck. His eyes followed Dante as he ascended the stairs to his own room. Jon wondered if the period of seven days he just told Lisa and Vicky were the remaining days before his own execution.