Remember Death

Chapter 10. Guns, Coffee, and Good Times

First thing this morning, I had a rude awakening. Sam barged in my room, yelling, "Wake up!" Afterwards he proceeds to Aiden's room and does the same thing. We are supposed to go to a shooting range today, apparently the earlier the better. Even though I rested well, I feel sluggish this morning. The idea of staying in bed and taking my chances of whatever consequences may come, seems welcoming to me. Sam, however, does not approve.

"Quit being lazy! You need to do this, Adi!" Sam demands.

"Mm... No, I don't think I will, Sammy." I roll over in my bed, where I cannot see him.

I pull the blanket over my face, as I hear his footsteps stomping around. He didn't speak a word. At this point I am not sure if he left or if he is standing at the foot of my bed. I wiggle a finger out of the blanket and pull it down, ever so slightly.

"Boo." Sam whispers, kneeling down in front of me. "Come on, gorgeous. There is chocolate gravy and biscuits down stairs. Plus, you get to meet my mother."

I hesitate for a moment, "Fine." I said.

I throw the covers back and stand up enthusiastically. I am giddy for breakfast this morning, but I try to put on the appearance that I am not. I don't want Sam to see me freaking out over food. While tromping down stairs a thought crosses my mind, I am going to meet Sam's mother. Perhaps I can get some answers from her, maybe she will lead me in the direction of the truth.

"Good morning, sweetie. I am Viola, Sam's mother." A soft spoken woman introduced herself.

Viola is beautiful. She is tall, slender, and Italian. Her black hair hangs to her waist; falling in long, shiny waves. Another notable feature she has is her beauty mark, below her left eye. Her eyes are an espresso brown, they almost appear black.

"Pleasure to meet you, ma'am." I respond.

"The pleasure is all mine dear. I have heard a lot about you, miss Adelaide." She confidently stated. The more she talked, the heavier her Italian accent became noticeable.

I tried to flash a convincing smile to her. I would hate to burst her bubble, but she is not the first person to claim that. Coincidentally, her ex-husband said those same words the first time we met.

The biscuits and gravy she prepared were delicious. The texture of the gravy was thick, rich and creamy. She mentioned she uses dark chocolate, instead of milk chocolate cocoa powder; what a difference this made. I will need to ask for this recipe, so I can prepare it for my future children; perhaps her future grandchildren. I laughed at my dirty joke and continued finishing my meal. Breakfast washed down nicely, with a cup of coffee.

It was awkwardly silent, a lot of us staring at each other and then staring at our plates. I still have a job to do and that job is to get answers. I decided to break the ice once and for all.

"How was work the other night, Ms. Viola?" I ask, out of curiosity.

"It was fine, thank you. I cannot say anything out of the ordinary happened." She responded confidently.

"I appreciate you coming all the way home from work, to come sew me up. I mean, I imagine it was inconvenient timing since you just arrived to work by then." I try to sound appreciative, without being ignorant.

"It was no problem dear. I will do anything for Sam." She said, flashing her pearly white smile.

I shot a smile back to her, but I realized this was going nowhere.

"Do you care if I get a shower before we go Sam?" I ask, changing the topic.

"That will be fine. We have time to spare." He answered..