Reminisce With Me

Chapter 6: Busted

"I thought you had moved, Carlos," I went on as both he and Amelia led me through the hallways.

Carlos pushed open a set of French doors, exposing a living room. It appeared cozy, with a faux-fur throw tossed over the leather couch, and upward facing lamps mounted on the burnt umber walls.

"I had to travel often for assignments and training, but I always came back to Lewiston," Carlos explained, gesturing me to have a seat. He sat across from me on a forest green accent chair, crossing a leg over the other. "I am not sure how much Amelia has told you."

I leaned back on the couch, slightly sinking in. "Too much," I answered.

He smiled, nodding to himself. "It's your right to know about your family. You're a Van Alen."

"It just doesn't seem real." I fidgeted with my sleeve, attempting to picture my parents as killers. "You hear about this in movies – it's fiction."

"Aubrey, most of the time, fiction is based off real-life occurrences." Carlos seemed different and it was difficult to see him in this new light.

"So, you've killed before." It wasn't a question.

Carlos simply watched me and his silence was an answer on its own.

"Carlos, honey. Can you help me in the kitchen?" Amelia called from another room.

Carlos stood up, adjusting his glasses. "Amelia prepared dinner before she left, you must stay."

I hesitated. "It's late."

"I promise you won't have to eat the corn." Carlos winked and I couldn't help but smile at him. He left me alone in the living room and I glanced around, looking at the pictures on the walls. A familiar face caught my attention and I walked over to get a closer look.

In a crowd full of men in suits, my father stood in the middle, a gun strapped to his belt. No one was smiling – they all wore very dreary expressions. In the next picture, Amelia and Carlos held onto an award of some sort, that had 'Black Onyx, 98' engraved on the bottom. I continued walking around, taking in the photos. Weapons, suits, more weapons.

I turned away at once, feeling sick to my stomach. It was appalling to see that people did this for a living – not just anyone, but my family and Carlos. And Gran. Even knowing this information made me feel guilty – an accomplice to a crime.

The Clavis family was abusive, but they weren't murderers. They were selfish, but they weren't criminals hiding behind the American Government. Coming here was definitely a mistake.

I headed towards the door, no longer feeling welcomed. The Van Alen name left a sour taste in my mouth and I needed to wash it out. As I turned a corner, I noticed one of the room doors were ajar.

I pushed it open. Inside, there seemed to be a large metal box, spacious enough for three people to fit. I could hear Amelia and Carlos rummaging in the kitchen.

I wanted, so desperately, to walk away, but my mind whispered, what if they are keeping someone hostage? What if they are keeping more secrets from you and it's inside the box?

I came all this way, so did I really have anything else to lose?

I rushed into the room. One peak, that's all, I reminded myself. If there was someone kept in there, I was ready to offer my help. I knew how it felt to be trapped.

The metal box was lot bigger than I expected. It read, 'property of US Government' on all four sides. I leaned against the side, putting enough pressure for it to open. I stared inside the box, relieved to find it empty. What confused me was the keypad on the side closest to the entrance.