The Vampire (THE VAMPIRE Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

Many tourists who are new to the city choose well known hotels in the French Quarter. I thought I would try several of those first—and found you at the Monteleone. I simply called and stated I had a fax to send you, which suggested to them I already knew you were staying there, and the fact they accepted the fax confirmed to me you were.”
    Jason was a little stunned at how easy—and legal—it had all been.
    “So—then, he hasn’t been stalking me?”
    Genier was surprised. “Mr. Augere? No.”
    The wine glasses were set before them. After the wine was poured, Jason took a sip with a thoughtful expression.
    “He seems very…” Jason paused, trying to find words that would describe his perception, without sounding rude or unflattering.
    “Eccentric?” Genier offered.
    “We could start there,” Jason said.
    Genier laughed. “He is quite an unusual creature.”
    “Who offers a job to someone they have just met and barely spoken to?”
    “He is a very perceptive and intuitive person. It is surprising what people reveal about themselves, both verbally and non-verbally, without realizing it. He is able to pick up even subtle things that would amaze you.”
    Jason recalled that sense of being studied; that penetrating gaze that had left him feeling transparent; probed and dissected, nakedly vulnerable. The feeling was stronger now, in retrospect, than he had allowed himself to acknowledge at the time. As if he had unwittingly, and uncomfortably, given away personal things about himself to that stranger. He remembered the sense of wanting to get away, of wanting to avoid further scrutiny.
    “It was a little creepy,” Jason acknowledged.
    Genier nodded. “But evidently he sensed qualities in you that make you suitable as an assistant to him. He is very particular. He knows what he wants.”
    “Even though I told him I wasn’t interested,” Jason pointed out.
    Genier laughed gently and nodded. “He told me you tend to vacillate and ruminate. You like to look at situations from all angles before making decisions. You are careful, deliberate, thorough. You don’t accept anything at face value. You are always a little mistrustful —of everything. That skepticism and suspicion usually works to protect you. There may be times, however, your desire for something blinds you and you are not as careful as you would be otherwise.” Genier shrugged. “Like most of us, I suppose. It is just something to be aware of. He believes, in the end, you do invariably make the decision that is exactly right for you.”
    Jason just stared at him. Who ARE these people?
    The food arrived and they ate in silence for several moments. The presentation of the food and the combined tastes and textures felt like a part of the seduction, and Jason was feeling pleasantly lured. Maybe I am just being manipulated . He took a bite of a large shrimp, and savored the crusted beignet that clung to it. It was heavenly. I don’t vacillate…do I? No. I don’t think I do. Maybe…sometimes .
    “Is he always so sure of himself?” Jason asked after a sip of wine.
    “More sure of others. He already believes you will meet all of the criteria. That’s probably why he didn’t mention it to you.”
    “Yes. I glanced at that list.”
    “That list is far from complete; it was meant to provide a general overview.”
    Jason shrugged. “It hardly matters. Since I’m not really interested.”
    “I can tell him we’ve met then. And discussed it. That you gave it some consideration, and you declined. Or perhaps I can tell him you did not meet all of the criteria. And then the matter is settled. We can just enjoy lunch now. No further obligation. Agreed?”
    Jason felt like he was being challenged.
    He nodded. He trusted his instincts, and right now they were telling him Mr. Genier was decent and sincere—well, for a lawyer, anyway. But he couldn’t consider this crazy offer. Could he?
    “I’m sorry you had to come here for nothing. We could have