Vampire Of The New World

It began one cold December day when the slight drizzle mixed with the sea spray, turning into a dense salty mist that clung to the air and blocked the sun. Dogs that usually roamed the streets hid indoors and roosters continued to crow until noon. The mist crept farther inland and made the air so damp such that people in the nearby town had to bring in their clothes to dry. The mist clung to people's clothes, making them even damper and easier for the cold to penetrate. People preferred not to leave the warmth and comfort of their houses while those that did felt cold and miserable all day.

The port was undermanned, but the cargo sh.i.p.s continued to come with strict deadlines. I was a young man then and I had worked well into the night loading cargo onto a waiting vessel. I was exhausted and miserable, feeling the cold penetrate my damp clothes and pricking my sore muscles. All I wanted to do was to go home to my wife and daughter, slurp some warm soup, and sleep the rest of the day.

I sat at the side of the dock, waiting for the next batch of cargo to load as I watched the gray mist over the water. I saw the foreman go down the ramp of the cargo ship wearing his dark blue suit and cap. He was holding a logbook under his arm, undoubtedly with the inventory of loaded cargo. He saw me seated on the bench and quickly turned to my direction. I would have stood up straight were it not for my aching back and leaden limbs.

"Feeling alright there, Toto? I know it's been a long day for you and for all of us, but can I ask you to stay one more hour?"

There was really nothing else I could say. This man held the purse strings. As much as I wanted to go home, I said, "Yes, Sir. I can stay for another hour."

"Good!" said the foreman, his eyes brightening. "There is someone I want you to talk to and it concerns your employment here at the port." The foreman then turned his back and walked towards the port office with a fast pace.

The foreman's remark about my employment had me troubled. I tried to recall the mishap that happened the other day when one of the workers failed to tie the ramp properly and a load of items fell to the sea. I did nothing wrong as far as I was concerned. I reminded the worker to secure the line, even instructing him how he should tie the knot properly. Should there be an inquiry, I could tell them that I was nowhere near the incident as I was at the port office at the time, delivering the shipping logs which was true.

It took more than hour, but I stayed where I was until the foreman approached me with two gentlemen in dark jackets. One of them was a man in his forties with patches of gray hair at the temples and heavy at the midsection. With him was a serious looking man wearing glasses that slid off his nose.

"Toto, thank you for staying. This is Mr. Lazaro of Meridian Shipping and his assistant. He wants to request something from you," said the foreman.

"Glad to meet you, Toto," said Mr. Lazaro, smiling widely, revealing a set of white teeth as he shook my hand. He had a firm grip and I felt the coldness of the two gold rings that he wore on his right hand. "You come with very good recommendations from your foreman here. He says that you're punctual, hardworking and trustworthy."

"Thank you, Sir," I said, after shaking Mr. Lazaro's hand. I nodded to my foreman in appreciation for his recommendation and smiled at Mr. Lazaro's assistant who was cleaning his glasses with a handkerchief.

"Your foreman said you are most familiar with this part of the ocean, that you know each of the islands off this coast. Is that true?"

"Yes, Sir," I said, not quite sure what the request was going to be. "I have lived all my life in Cardena and have sailed many times to the different islands around here. My father was a fisherman and I have been going out to sea for as long as I can remember."

"Good…good…" said Mr. Lazaro. "Very good, indeed. You see, I have friends coming from Malen who are interested in exploring these islands and I would be needing someone trustworthy to guide us. That would mean temporarily taking you out of your work here at the port, but I will be paying much more than what you are currently getting plus a daily bonus if I like your service. Afterwards, I guarantee that you can resume working here at the port. Just call it a leave of absence."

I was not expecting the offer and turned over what he said in my head. I could use the money to buy medicines for my sick mother-in-law. Also, it would be Christmas soon and I wanted to get something special for my wife and daughter. "How long would you be needing my service?" I asked.

"I am thinking one week initially. Just one week, but it can be extended to as long as ten days, depending on my guests."

He then mentioned how much he would be paying me. I wanted to shout my agreement right away, but thought otherwise. It wouldn't do well to show him how much I needed the money.

Observing my silence, Mr. Lazaro added. "I can give you an initial payment, if you want." My foreman winked as Mr. Lazaro turned to his assistant. "Joseph here can arrange it.

I was silent for about a minute as I thought about the offer. I had a short stint as a guide several years ago, helping a boatload of tourists hop to different islands on a small motorboat. It was hard work as I had a lot of tasks on the boat while I arrange food and itinerary with the tourists. Oftentimes, I had to swim really hard against the current, dragging happy tourists across the water as they admire the corals and different colored fishes underneath. It was a difficult job and physically demanding. Then, I envisioned my daughter having fun with her new toys and my wife happy with the new appliances I was able to buy her. Finally, I said, "I accept, Sir."

Mr. Lazaro was delighted, clasping his hands together. "Very good!" Joseph looked relieved while my foreman gave me a tap at the shoulder.

"When shall we go?" I asked.

Mr. Lazaro replied. "I forgot to mention. We go in four hours. We are just waiting for my guests to arrive."