Woes of the Wingmen

№ 23:

CW: Slurs; mentions of the KKK, murder, and rape; anti-semetism, xenophobia.

The other boys left to go back for class while Matty stopped Vance.

"Hey, Vance."

"What?"

"I think I have an idea that could help win the case." Matty continued and leaned in, "My dad kept a diary. That could connect the leftover dots."

"And be used as evidence," Vance finished.

"Exactly, it's the missing key. If we could read it and bring it to the police,"

"My mother would get justice."

"Yes, but there's one problem: It's in a locked vault. The type that stores money, guns, etc. It was put there to my father's request in his will."

"Are you asking me for help then? Why?"

"Because you're smarter than you look. Your knife may be sharp but so is your mind. I know you love history and it's your best subject."

"We've tried everything..." Buzz trailed off.

"Birthdays, wedding dates, graduation years, even the day the case was closed." He paused, "You're really good at memorizing dates. I have a gut feeling that you're the key to cracking this thing open."

Vance thought about it and accepted, "Yeah, I'll help you. Will it just be us?"

He nodded his head, "My mom will be out for a salon appointment on Saturday But I still can't risk her meeting Matty. She may not care anymore, but the hills have eyes. Even having you over might endanger you."

"Or your reputation."

"I don't care about that. None of it matters as adults."

"True, but still, if it's a risk, why take it?"

"Because justice should prevail, always." 

Vance pondered, "Give me your address then."

Matty searched his backpack as they all got up to get to class. He asked Buzz for a pencil, who had one in his pocket.

He handed the slip of paper to Vance. Who read it and then stuffed it in his jacket pocket.

"When should I head over?"

"The appointment is at 2:00, and the salon is pretty close. So she'll probably leave at 1:45. But to be safe, get to my house by 2:00."

"Right, see you later, Kennedy." He saluted him as they parted ways for the meantime.

"You too, Hopper."

Saturday, January 27th, 2:00.

Vance knocked on the door after parking his car in front of the house.

Matty quickly answered, already expecting him in the living room. He smiled as he let him in.

"Before we start our investigations, do you want anything to eat? Or drink?"

"I'm good, I ate before I drove here."

"Okay, great. We can get to work immediately then. Follow me."

Vance followed him into the master bedroom. Where they were laid the shiny, black vault in the walk-in closet.

"Do you need me to help carry it?" Vance asked.

Matty nodded, as he started to pick it up. The two boys threw it on the bed. It required a 4-digit code.

"Okay, you've really tried everything?"