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He smiles warmly at me, and I immediately feel safe. His eyes are genuine and his presence alone makes me feel okay to speak freely.
"I would appreciate it, yes. Come, I was just going to fetch some fresh eggs from the coop and herbs from the garden."
Of course the dark one has a chicken coop and herb garden.
Javier's accent is thicker than both Dante and his assistant and I smile because he seems more human than anyone I've come across this far in my stay here.
He sets the pots and pans down and ushers me to the back door. It is glass and slides open without a sound, leading us into a garden that simply takes my breath away. I couldn't actually call this a garden, it felt like an entire groundskeeper’s paradise. Several archways lined with ivy were led along a stone path. On both of my sides were bushes and trees filled with fresh produce and herbs that were begging to be picked. I've never been to another country before, but I could feel this is what it must look like somewhere in South America. Green with splotches of color littered throughout. The smell alone made the air feel clean and untainted with the usual smog and smoke that littered my hometown.
Where am I?
“This is my paradise here, Emmie,” Javier spoke, seeming to read my racing mind. I offer him a kind smile and he leads me past the ivy archways and into a small greenhouse to the right. I take a look at the courtyard beyond and want to wander further. It seemed this backyard was actually about an acre of land and held much more than a garden. I got a small glimpse of a pool and tennis court, along with some dark age looking statues lining the circumference of the yard. I look at Javier, silently asking for more of a walk. He chuckles and clicks his tongue at me.
“We have much more time later for a thorough tour, I know you must be eager, but I assure you, the real wonder lies in here…”
He opens the door of the greenhouse and leads me inside. Immediately, my nose is invaded by the smells of both herbs and flowers. It is indescribable and brings me a small piece of serenity. Something I wouldn’t think to find here.
Javier began tending to the small herb garden at the entrance of the greenhouse and I began to walk deeper inside, losing myself in the vivid colors of the flowers. There are easily ten different colors of roses, a wide variety of lavender and violets, but what caught my eye was the long row of orange flowers that resembled a calla lily.
“Javier, what are these?”
His head perks up from the herb garden and he gives me a blank stare, his eyes almost darkening for a split second. He sets down a bunch of cilantro and makes his way towards me.
“This is the Columbian native Burundanga plant, also known as Devil’s Breath. Careful not to get too close, she can be very poisonous. Even smelling her too closely will knock you on your ass.”
He smiles at me and I feel a small sense of dread filling my stomach, causing me to ask my next question.
“What’s it used for?”
He shrugs and seems nonchalant by my asking, yet it does nothing to calm my new feeling of unease.
“Mostly calming effects if used properly. However, many say it has a similar effect to Rohypnol. Though, you are unlikely to find it in your system in most drug screenings.”
It all rushes to me in an instant. The foggy memory, the searching through cabinets and not being able to find a single bottle of sleeping pills or sedatives. This is what he used to drug me. He basically fucking roofied me.
I want to start screaming and throwing things with this knowledge, however I decide that whether or not Javier had a part in my drugging and kidnapping, the master behind all of this is the dark one lingering the halls and dishing out orders. I unclench my fists and offer Javier a tight smile.
“I think I’m ready to start cooking now.”
He looks at me and nods slowly, picking up on my current energy and deciding not to continue any further conversation on this unsettling matter.
* * *
We are back in the kitchen and Javier has assigned me with the task of washing the herbs from the garden and chopping them. Though I am in a predicament that has left me rattled, this small task brings me a little joy, reminding me of the quiet days spent alone in my kitchen or with Ricky’s mother. My eyes begin to water at the memory of my best friend and his family, my heart sick with longing for their comfort. Javier notices my sudden tears and looks at me quizzically, but I just blame it on the onion that I am now chopping. Desperate to break the silence and my memories, I change the subject with a question.
“What are we preparing for dinner tonight?”
Javier smiles and I am grateful for his easygoing nature, finally one person I don’t have tocompletelytip toe around.
“Cabro Santandereano. A tender and smoky goat meat. It’s Master’s favorite and my recipe takes about eight hours to prepare. The vegetables and herbs will be for the rice.”
I finish chopping all the vegetables and place the cutting board in front of Javier. He smiles in what looks like...pride. It makes me smile in return, genuinely.
“You are quick, though I must admit, I did anticipate this. Master showed me your little recipe book. I hope you aren’t upset…”
He looks away as if he’s embarrassed and I touch his hand in kindness.
“You did not bring me here or steal my belongings. I am honored that you think highly of my little passion.”
