The Dinner Treaty

Chapter 14 - All's fair in Stew and Thievery

The bruises on my skin have healed, and I've escaped my brother's clutches, but I haven't yet exacted my revenge. I haven't really had any ideas until now, but a new plan had blossomed in my mind, and it's going to be awesome. 

First of all, the main target is my brother's top secret base. Well, ex-top secret base. Thanks to Mum and the recon I did yesterday, I know all about it. It's surrounded by a dozen cameras and several lasers, all connected to a state of the art fog cannon and alarm system. Practically impossible to infiltrate. Impossible unless you're one of my brothers - or you manage to get your hands on the little remote that disables the system for exactly 12 seconds, long enough to enter the 6 digit pin and enter through the re-enforced steel door. It's the only way in, and blowing it up from the outside isn't an option, the place is literally a giant concrete and steel bunker, with more than half of it lying underground. 

I'm sort of worried I didn't notice it before now. I really should pay more attention to detail in the future. I've already hatched a plan to get the little remote off Mike. I figured I'd target him since he's the most careless one out of the three. From what I can see, they've got little pockets sewn into their super-shirts. And In recent years, I've never seen them without their shirts on. 

Lucky for me, It's Wednesday. And Wednesday means dinner night.

As luck, or Mum, would have it, tonight we're having beef stew. It'll be ready any second now, and because I've done next to nothing all day mum is sure to press me into helping out. "Aelia! The boys are home come help me carry in the food." I snort. She's so predictable. "Ugh, Coming Mum!" I yell in reply while making my way towards the other end of the house. "Here," she says with a grunt, "Take this, could you? Careful - it's heavy and hot." I relieve her of the large tureen and make my way towards the dining room, intently focused on the liquidy mass within. I walk through the doorway and reach over Mike to place it, then with a subtle flick of my wrist, it tips over. Everywhere. "Ouch!" I cry, not entirely faking it. Mum was not joking about the heat. 

"Aw, really sis?" Mike huffs. I just got this shirt washed. I look at him angrily. "Maybe you shouldn't wear your fancy costume to dinner, Mike." Mum comes in and sees the mess. "Oh come on Aelia, must you be so clumsy? Take your brother's shirt and the tablecloth to the laundry." 

I put on a show of being annoyed as I bundle up the ruined fabric, secretly pleased. Mum is really making this easy for me, I just hope it isn't too good to be true. I pull the shirt out from the bundle of stained tablecloth and throw the tablecloth in the sink. Holding the shirt up to the light, I can instantly see where the pocket is. Hidden in plain sight, I guess. With a thumb and forefinger, I carefully tug it open and grab the tiny remote inside. Jackpot. 

I pocket the little coin-like laser and spray some stain remover on the shirt before chucking it back in the sink. I've got the key, and I'm ready to wreak havoc from within my brother's base.