3.18 Ultimatum

"Why didn't you call me or your brother for help?"

"I tried but I couldn't reach either of you."

"Did you see the mess I had to clear up? It should be a clean kill not a blood bath. Blake what got into you." demanding to know.

Blake fell to the floor and said, "I loved her Dad but I couldn't trust her anymore and I couldn't bare her being with him. Then the hunger came and then it all went blank until I saw her on the floor."

"You are a vampire and it's a natural part of who we are to kill but it's how we control the urge that makes the difference. Your kill was overkill. When I kill it is a clean kill not that mess I saw. I've cleaned up your mess but now we will have to move."

"Where will we go?"

"I'll find a house here. Art lives here and I'm not missing him growing up. You can also pack your bags!"

"Why?"

"I have a business meeting and you are coming with me and I won't take no for an answer."

When Estevan got to the apartment it was empty, he was getting his things when he heard the door. "Where are you going?" Dawn asked.

"Remember that business trip I told you about, well it is back on."

"How long will you be?"

"Just a few days and when I get back I should have a new place."

"You don't have to go!"

"We both know me being here is putting pressure on us. I'll be back soon."

"Why are you going away on business, when your clubs are here?"

"I have to meet suppliers that's all!"

"Suppliers can be dealt with over the phone, email but face to face for alcohol! Now who's lying?"

"Drop it Dawn!"

"No I will not drop it. I want to know."

"Are you sure?" Dawn just looked at him firmly and told him she did want to know. 

Estevan took a deep breath and said, "The clubs are a front for selling drugs. The only business that is on the up is the arcade. Our supplier got 15-20 years and now I have to deal with new people. Blair works for me. William is learning the ropes and Blake is starting out in the business by coming on this trip."

Dawn mulled everything over in her head and then replied, "I know there is more!"

"Like what I've told you everything."

"I did research on vampires when I started to have feelings for you and some can read minds. Some are really good at this. Do you read minds?"

"I can and I trained my boys to do the same."

"Have you ever read my mind" Estevan didn't know how to answer that but by the look he got from Dawn, she was not about to let up until she knew.

"Yes I read your mind that's how I knew for sure you had feelings for me." Then very calmly Dawn replied, "Thanks for telling me the truth."

Estevan and Blake had arrived at Starlight Shores and were still waiting to hear from their contact. Estevan was still puzzled by Dawn's reaction. Did it mean she was ok with it or was she going to explode at him? Estevan couldn’t think about that now, he had his meeting.

Estevan told Blake to dress in clothes that could be thrown away. Blake questioned why and was told this is the first meeting with a new supplier. They would also have to watch the place for a few hours to make sure everything was on the up and up. Blake thought this was ridiculous but Estevan pointed out to Blake if the meet was a trap then they would be quickly behind bars.

They watched the place from a safe distance as people came and went. The phone rang, “Hello.”

“We will be there in five and I will be wearing dark jeans with coloured belt and a light brown jacket and a white t-shirt underneath.

Blake looked at his Dad, “Is the meeting still on?”

“Yep let's go.”  When they got there, two men were sat at a table talking. Estevan recognised the one from the description he was given. 

"Darren?"

"Hi you must be Estevan. This is Adam." Nodding a hello

"This is Blake." They all shook hands. Estevan then said, "What have you got for me?"

Darren gave Estevan a sample and Estevan tasted it looked at Blake and said, "How much and what quantity can you supply?"

"As much as you need." Estevan gave the details of what he needed and then he and Blake left.

"Dad, why was the amount small?"

"New suppliers you start small and build up as trust grows."

"Are you sure about this?"

"You would make more money here than at your job. What you earn in a month, you can earn in a week. Then you could finally move out. Now let's get something to eat I'm starving."

Estevan took a walk and had this gut feeling that Dawn was not happy with knowing the truth. The problem now facing Estevan was that he was falling in love with her and he wanted her to be able to accept this part of his life, he was ready for her outburst but now he had found her, he was not willing to let her go. He phoned her and Dawn answered, "Hello."

"How are you?"

"It's late, Estevan. What do you want?"

"I see you're still mad at me!"

"Yes I am but I'll get over it. I just wish you were here and not there. I should walk away but it's too late for that. I just want to see you."

"I miss you too."

"William dropped off keys here for you apparently your new house is ready to move into."

Estevan arrived in Painswater Point and went straight to Dawn's apartment. 

"Hay it's great to see you!" The next thing Estevan remembers were things being thrown at him by Dawn. "How could you put me in this situation, making me have feelings for you and then telling me you sell drugs?"

"You said you were ok with it!" Still throwing things in his direction.

"Well I lied. How could you?" Estevan was making his way through the items being thrown at him. He grabbed Dawn and pinned her against the wall. "Happy now you have thrown things at me."

"Not really. I hate this...Why do you do it? I mean you have the clubs now. You can't need the money anymore." Estevan lowered his lips onto her neck and started kissing her, hoping it would stop her questions but she begged him to stop and when she fell to the floor he sat beside her and explained his reasons.

"I needed money to raise my boys and it meant I could work from home. Why I still do it! It's just what I do. Do you want us to stop seeing each other?"

"No, I...I want to keep seeing you I just wish you had a different job."

Changing the subject as he knew there would more on the subject at a later date, asked, "Look, come and see the new house with me?"

They walked into the house, Estevan was impressed Will found this house for him. It was just what he was looking for. Each room had been decorated right but most of all he was pleased to have a play room for his Grandson, Art. 

He did notice the picture of his wife was in here.

"Why is your wife's picture in here?"

"I thought as we were dating and this is Art room then having his grandmother picture was the right thing to do."

"I think it was a nice gesture. This place is really beautiful." After they left the playroom he shut the door and pulled Dawn into his arms, "While I was away I missed you and it got me thinking, I'm in love with you."

She stared at him thinking for a moment and then said, "I...I don't know what to say." Still holding her he responded, "I understand but at least you now know how I feel. It's all new to you but you will tell me when the time is right for you."

Dawn pulled away and said, "You are the first man to tell me you love me, oh shit I need to think."

Estevan put his arms around her and whispered, "I'll wait as long as it takes. I want you to consider moving in with me."

Dawn's head was now in a spin. She turned faced him and said firmly, "No, I can't. I will not live with you while you sell drugs. Estevan you have a choice it's me or the drugs. If you love me you need to show me so I can believe your words."

"Do you know what you are asking me?"

She kissed him and with a gentle but firm tone said, "It looks like we both have thinking to do, Estevan. You know where I'll be when you've made your choice." Then she left the house without looking back.