Heart of the Sun

Chapter 24: Grave Secrets

Francis' point of view:
"So where is she?"

This simple question weights heavy on my shoulders.

"She's in the American colonies."
"Where in the colonies?"
"Not sure."
"Well I'm sure I can find someone on that ship who does know. I'm sure you're aware my crew can easily overpower that sorry excuse of a crew you have."

The other blonde smiled wickedly.

"Especially since the only real threat was eliminated. Unfortunately the others won't be so lucky. I'll have to squeeze out every drop of information they have. Along with the life in their bodies."
"I'm sure some of the crew is withholding information, they always play dumb."
"And the Spaniard's letter for a rendezvous?"
"Delivered as requested. He had also accepted, as said in this letter of confirmation."

I waved the thin letter before handing it to my meticulous partner.

"Then we shall meet again another time."

With that farewell, the ex-captain strutted off.
I turned, re-entering the still messy and murderous bar. I calmly weaved around the crowd to an ignored corpse. I gracefully swept it into my arms to carry it away. Luckily the port was now dark and desolate. I gently swung the pale body into the water depths of its grave. I then said a quick prayer.
I prayed for Julchen's peace and forgiveness. Some secrets are so grave that they are only safe there.

I promise this was for the best. Handing you over would have been beyond worse, trust me.

I paused in thought, knowing she wouldn't. But most wouldn't either if they knew who I truly was. But my charm is that they don't, so it'll stay that way.

Daniel's point of view:
It's wasn't before long that Isabel became a regular. And I don't mean as a costumer since I never allow her to pay for the goods I give her.

As we have become closer, I've learned a lot about her and Sophie. It appeared as they live alone and have minimal help. Their situation worried me, but I choose to not say anything and help whenever I can.

Isabel herself was a fascinating person. Always upbeat, with a smile on her face. She's passionate about dancing and gardening, especially her tomatoes. But by far, she loves her family. She often shares stories about parents, brother, and cousins. But their was one person I couldn't figure the relation.

"And then when he woke up, Toni had already pushed him to the middle of the lake!"
"Isabel, who exactly is Lovino?"
"What do you mean?"
"What is his relation to you? Is he your cousin, friend, or adopted brother?"

She paused, thinking about it. This only confused me further. How she not know?

"Well it's true that my family took him in, but he was never adopted. But he was treated as family."
"Okay. It's just that you talk about him often but I wasn't sure who he was. He must mean a lot to you."
"He did."

She spoke so softly I almost didn't hear her. Did. So something happened. I could see the reflection of something in her eyes. Pain.
I immediately felt unruffled. I've never seen her like this. Obviously I've touched on a delicate matter. Not wanting to pry anymore, I grabbed her hand, placing a small package in her hand.

"Well, it was wonderful hearing about your family. Sorry if I asked anything too personal. But here's a little sometime for you and Sophie."

I let go, watching her decide what to do with the tiny gift.

She looked up, a smile on her lips and in her eyes once again.

"Thank you so much Daniel! I'm going to wait till I'm home before I open it so Sophie can be there. I'm sure it's wonderful! Speaking of home, I better get going. See you another time!"
"Good bye Isabel! Say hello to Sophie for me!"
"As always!"

I watched her until she disappeared down the street. I could help myself as I imagined Sophie's reaction. Would she like it? Will she recognize my name when Isabel says it's from me? Will she care?
Even though it was a while ago, I could remember her as if she pasted by today. Long, dark, curling hair. The flawless grace of a princess. Amethyst eyes that pierce the soul.
I wished she would come to town one day so I could meet her once more.

The next time I saw Isabel, she was running towards me with the biggest smile on her face.

"Daniel! They were carnation seeds! They are going to be so beautiful!"

I laughed at her childlike excitement. Happiness swelled in my chest knowing she appreciated the surprise.

"Oh and Sophie said it was a fine gift too! Here, this is a letter she wrote for you."

I tried to control my own ecstatic excitement as I took the white letter. So she liked it too.

"Do you what color they will be?"
"White, it seemed fitting considering the area they will be growing in."
"What do you mean?"
"Well this area is known for its ghost sighting south of here. Ships sailing here will report that there's an beach where a pale lady will appear. They say she wears a torn white wedding gown with a veil. They believe it's the Devil's work that there should a woman out there, shrieking."
"Do they ever reach the beach an search? What if it's not a ghost?"
"Well there are some father large and dangerous rocks so it's already a risky venture. And they've tried rediscovering the location but they say it's disappeared."

We sat in silence as Isabel soaked in the details of what I told her.

"Do you believe it?"
"I guess I do if I believe in growing white flowers for a bride that never got to hear her wedding bells."