The Mystery Woman 2

SEAN'S POV

"Madame, while you cook our breakfast, may I go out first and see the beautiful sceneries outside?"

"Sure, young man. Not far from here are our beautiful shores. You can have your driver bring you there."

On our way to the shore, my eyes caught the strange sight of a restricted area that had several "No Trespassing" signboards on the long stretch of galvanized steel chain-link fence. What amazed me was the rows of huge trees inside the lot that it appeared like a man-made wood from outside view. We were on the outskirts of the island where no one would ever expect to see a small forest like that. Mangroves were common near the foreshore lands but not those species.

I asked my driver to stop as we passed by a wide, steel gate. I got out of the car and walked toward it--curious about what's inside. My eyes then grew wide to see a beautiful house in a contemporary 2000 house design. It looked eerie as it stood like a haunted house in front of the wood. There was even no sign of life inside.

Just then, someone suddenly came out from nowhere and was walking towards me. I blinked many times to convince myself that I was not seeing a ghost or a fairy. My heart was on my throat. She was wearing a white cotton dress that outlined her perfect shape-- its hem blown harshly by the wind, revealing her white undies. Looking at her beautiful face and her perfect demeanor, I started to believe that I was enchanted.

"Who are you?" she asked, her voice sounded melodious in my ear.

"I'm Sean Grey. I'm looking for Miss Calla Rivera."

She stopped and stared at me through the hole in the gate. I wondered what she was thinking but my heart leaped when, finally, she spoke.

"I'm the one you're looking for. Meet me at the entrance by the shore after sunset."

"See you then, Miss Calla."

She just gave me a thin smile, and walked away without a word, leaving my jaw dropped open. She walked gracefully, and I couldn't seem to take my eyes off her. When she completely disappeared from my sight, I went back to the car, frustrated. The day was still too long. I could do nothing about it so I just returned to the house of Miss Bianca Rivera. The housekeeper must have finished preparing our breakfast by then.

"When was the last time Miss Bianca came home, madame?" I asked with half a mouthful of fresh Tanguige stew. I always loved the sour taste of tamarind fruit on the soup, as well as its toppings of fresh, leafy vegetables.

"I couldn't remember anymore. Calla's boyfriend funded some business for her, and it's going well." I stared at her and she gasped, covering her mouth.

"Why am I so talkative?" she murmured softly, but loud enough for me to hear.

I chuckled and appeased her. "It's alright, madame. I didn't even know them personally. I just come to see Miss Bianca for some business matter."

The housekeeper smiled as she drew in a deep breath. "My Calla is a beautiful girl. And beautiful girls are always blessed."

I looked at her and swallowed my mouthful of fish without chewing first. If that beautiful woman behind the gate was indeed Calla Rivera, then my strange excitement would have no place.

"Madame, where is Calla now? Why is she blessed? The way you describe her makes me more curious." I asked, pretending an innocent expression.

"Young man, she would be more blessed if she found you first because you're young and handsome."

I laughed. This woman is funny, I thought. "Do you mean her boyfriend is old and ugly?"

"No, he is also handsome and powerful."

She shook her head and giggled. I wanted to choke her for delaying her answer. I was already dying to hear her answer about where Calla was at the moment, although I already knew the answer. I just wanted to know further about her, and why she was there at that eerie place.

"Madame, we haven't introduced ourselves yet. My name is Mark," I offered my hand for a handshake though it looked funny. We had been talking for a couple of minutes now, but we never cared to introduce ourselves. Not until this moment where I felt her useful for my investigation, so I might as well win her favor.

"Mark?" she repeated, and I nodded. I was telling her the truth. I am Sean Mark Grey.

"My name is Cynthia, Calla's aunt. They entrusted the care of this house to me." Her smile was full of pride and a sense of accomplishment.

"They are so lucky to have you. Look, the house is neat and clean. Very well-maintained." My praises for her were not lies; even the kitchen floor was as shiny as a clean mirror.

"Thank you, Mark," she giggled shyly.

"As a reward, I will give you a jewelry set," I said, pulling out next from my pocket the set of earrings and necklace I prepared for Miss Bianca. I always have that in mind that if you want a favor, you should give it to them first.

"What? These are mine? Never in my life had I own a set of expensive jewelry!"

I chuckled as I watched her becoming teary-eyed. "That's also for giving me a warm welcome and for your kindness, madame."

"Mark, thank you so much." She began to sniff in her silent tears as she clutched the pieces of gold jewelry into her chest.

"My pleasure, madame. By the way, can I possibly meet Calla in person?"

Her happy expression suddenly dropped. "I don't know anymore where she is. I even presumed that she's locked up by her young and handsome boyfriend after being caught in an affair with an old, rich man."

"Do you know their names?" Being in the business world for several years already, I knew a lot of prominent people. And that young and handsome businessman could be one in my circle of friends.

"Eric Martela."