Light Amidst the Chaos

Ch 11

I felt strange looking at everything Bruce faxed over knowing what I know now. He sent over Maverick's important documents and mine. He even sent old family photos. Seeing my parents looking happy together like nothing was ever wrong just felt weird in my stomach. It felt too fake.

I picked up one of the old family photos taken at Maverick's third birthday party. Bruce and Jason were in this photo. We all looked so happy, I remember that day. Jason bought Maverick his first ever remote control car. Maverick loved to drive around in it in the yard. Too bad he won't ever be able to do that again.

His entire childhood has been completely stripped away from him. Now that we're with the Titans, this is going to be his new normal. I was already dreading having the talk with him about our family when he's old enough to understand.

"So, your dad seems to have been pretty busy on the side." Garfield stated, holding up a document. "Bank statements of transactions to someone named Owen, checks deposited that were up in the thousands, and there's even a life insurance policy he was paying in to."

I groaned and laid my head on the table. Just another piece to add to this screwed up puzzle.

"What if Owen is the guy Levin was with?" Kory suggested, reading over Gar's shoulder.

"You think this is child support?" Gar asked, handing her the document.

"It could be." Rachel piped up. Dick woke her up when Bruce started faxing over the documents. "If Roy was financially supporting his secret son then this is the only solid proof we have of it."

I took the folder of bank statements from Gar and started reading them for myself. Transactions from clothing stores, toy stores, and even amusement parks were on there. The clothing and toys were for small boys and they all occured way before Maverick's time.

My dad never took us to amusement parks or anything like that. He thought they were too over the top so instead we would do less extravagant things like the movies or the park. There was even money taken out for a waterpark.

I threw the folder on the table and ran a hand over my face. Everything my dad didn't want to do with us, he did with his secret son. Charlotte and I begged him to take us to waterparks or the amusement parks, but he would always say no. Instead, Bruce took us to do all those things.

"So, it's clear that my ever so adoring father had a favorite." I snapped, leaning back in my chair.

"It gets better.." Gar mumbled, handing me a letter. "It's addressed to someone named Mos-moschen? I can't read German."

I took the envelope from him and read the front.

"My Dearest Mäuschen"

"It says my dearest little mouse." I sighed and opened it. "It's what my dad would always call me."

July 21st, 2020

To my Loreli,

I write this to you on your 15th birthday. If you're reading this after, then I've passed away. I'm writing to you to let you know not to worry, I'm where I belong. I have always been so proud of the young lady you have become and will continue to be. You have filled my life and my soul with so much happiness. Thank you.
I know you're confused, possibly scared, and I know you probably are out seeking answers. I haven't been truthful with you, your mother, or your sister about my past. I am not the man I had you believing I was. I have done horrible things, things I cannot undo. For that reason, I was no longer able to live with the guilt.
After I knew you would be looked after by Bruce, Richard, and Jason, I felt better knowing that I was going to leave you behind. I made a contract with your half brother, Owen. Two months after you turn 18, he is to kill me with my brother and spare the rest of you. By then, you should be able to be on your own without my guidance.
Your grandparents, my in-laws, found out the horrible things I had done. They threatened to tell your mother and I couldn't let them do that. I hope you understand that I killed them to keep our family together. One day you will know the kind of person I really was. For now, I want you to remember me as you knew me.
You will be just fine without me, Loreli. Please hug and kiss your mother and sister for me every chance you get. Hug Maverick close and let him know to take care of his mother. Lastly, let yourself be happy, get married, and give your mother more grandkids.
I love you more than you will ever know. I'm so proud you and if I can, I will watch over you.
Take care of yourself.