Untitled Short Story

Why today? What is so urgent that I have to drive up here today? Couldn't she at least have waited until the storm let up? I hate driving in the rain.  The black Volvo S60R sloshed through puddle after puddle as the mid-afternoon thunder continued overhead. It was April in north central New York, and spring was finally starting to approach. Aside from everything being wet outside, it also looked dead and dilapidated after the long winter. The trees had yet to replenish any leaves, limbs were down, the grass was a dull brown, and everything was muddy. The terrain was hilly with open fields and patches of forest, and seemed to stretch on forever with no signs of life except for the open road.

After another half hour of driving, a long driveway could be seen branching off the road ahead. Along the overly lengthy driveway, there was a huge cast iron gate with a small intercom box and a video camera. Great. She's now invested in a surveillance system. I pressed the huge white button and the intercom sputtered static at me. After a moment I heard the familiar voice of Abby, my aunt's skittish maid.

"H-h-hello? Brennan residence. P-please state your business." Abby managed to stutter out. A loud sigh escaped me, and I shook my head. State your business? Really? That's a new one.

"Hey, Abbs. It's me. Do you think you could let Myrna know I'm here, and open this monstrosity of a gate?" There was a long pause on the other end, and without further response the gate started to creak open. After several more minutes of driving, the castle (as I like to call it) came into view. I pulled around to the front next to the giant, gilded fountain. Yuck. Myrna loved excess, and the "house" showed it. Rising from the country landscape was by far one of the largest stone houses I have ever seen. There were huge archways and columns everywhere, all intricately chiseled with different designs.  The huge oak doors were already open, and Abby peaked out cautiously.

"Good afternoon, Miss Viola. May I take your coat? Miss Myrna is waiting in the study." Abby said quietly with her head bowed, her bright red curls covering her face.

"Abbs…what did I tell you about that? None of this bowing crap. I am not royalty, and you know you don't have to call me that." I explained as I handed her my coat.

"S-sorry, V. It's a force of habit. You know how Miss Myrna can be." Abby responded after she finally stopped bowing. I headed towards the study, through the huge hallway. Everything was gilded and made out of mahogany and marble. Seriously. This is sickening. Does she not realize how some people have to live? She really could try donating some of her precious money to a charity or something every once in a while.  The study was one of the only rooms in the whole castle that I liked. There were books from wall to wall and covered almost every subject imaginable. My Aunt Myrna sat in a huge overstuffed leather chair by the window, and appeared to already be enjoying a brandy. Her appearance mirrored that of the castle. Today she had her long dark hair pinned precariously on top of her head, and she was adorned in diamonds and a dress that is worth more than a year of my salary.

"Oh, Viola! My dear! How I have missed you!" Myrna exclaimed as she rushed over to hug me.

"Hi, Aunt Myrna. So what was the emergency that I had to come up here in the middle of a storm?" I asked as I struggled away from the awkward hug. Great. It's one of those days where she feels the need to be all showy.

"You mean you didn't miss me? I'm hurt, Viola. Anyway, I have something I wanted to give you." Myrna pouted as she headed deeper into the study.

"I drove all the way up here so you could give me something? I don't want or need anything. I can manage on my own." I muttered. The last thing I need from her is another pity present.

"Really, Viola. You silly girl. You could at least pretend to be grateful that I took it upon myself to raise you single-handed after the accident." She thrust an engraved wooden box at me.

"A box? I drove up here for a box and a guilt trip? Swell. I'll be going now." Without a backward glance, I stormed out of the study. Of course she had to bring up my parents. It wouldn't be a fun day at the Brennan household without the constant reminder that they're dead, and I'm stuck with her. Thanks, Myrna. Bitterness consumed me as I ran back to my car. I tossed the box in the car, and started the long drive back to the city. I finally made it back to my fifth floor apartment, took a shower, and passed out into a deep slumber.

I was vaguely aware of something poking my cheek. I opened my eyes slowly to see a grinning face a few inches from mine.

"Stupid kender. Do you know what time it is? Why are you here so early?" I groaned as I pushed him on the floor. It was 6am, and there was Alfwin - bright and chipper as always. I'll have to remember to check his bags before we leave. Alfwin may have "borrowed" something of mine again.

"Of course I know the time. Why else would I be here? Look! Look! I made you breakfast!" Alfwin declared triumphantly as he pointed to the bowl of Lucky Charms on the counter. I sighed, and sat heavily at the counter top while Alfwin rambled about anything and everything. Alfwin was the only kender that I could stand for any period of time - mainly because he wouldn't go away. I will never know why I got stuck with him as a partner when I first became a detective. It was almost like watching a small excited dog when he spoke due to his small, four foot stature and his topknot swaying whenever he spoke.

"Hey! What's in this funny box? Why won't it open? There's no lock. That's odd to have a box that doesn't open. What's the point? You can't even get to your treasures." I looked up as Alfwin was trying to pry open the box from Myrna.

"Alfwin! Leave it alone, alright?" I said as I grabbed the box from him, and set my cereal bowl in the sink. I hadn't even thought to inspect it last night.

"I was only examining the fine craftsmanship…" Alfwin pouted like a scolded child, and trailed off. I finished getting ready, checked Alfwin's bags (removing a compact mirror, my remote control, and a spoon), and headed out to work. Another day at the office. The day went by pretty uneventful, and was filled mainly by a lot of paperwork. I managed to squeeze in some research on my parent's case file discreetly. From the beginning, there were never any leads, and my diligent research had not uncovered any either.  

The day dragged, and I eventually headed home alone. I walked briskly down the sidewalk and toyed with my mother's locket that I wore. It was one of the only things I had left to remember her by. Oddly enough, it never opened. I immediately thought back to the strange box that my aunt had given me. What is it with my parents' belongings being sealed shut? Were they hiding something? I have to find a way to open that box, and this locket without breaking them. Maybe I'll finally get some sort of lead. Wishful thinking.

I arrived at my apartment building, and my door was slightly cracked open. Instinctively, I reached for my Beretta 92F, and approached the door in a defensive stance. This better not be that stupid kender again. I opened the door and stepped slowly over the threshold. There were noises coming from my bedroom, and I approached cautiously. There was a tall figure completely concealed under a strange looking black cloak. I cocked my Beretta, and the stranger turned quickly to face me. There we were, frozen, for what felt like forever.  In a split second, the intruder was upon me and had already disarmed me. Dammit, he's fast! I tried to react, and my swings felt sluggish to his speed. This is unnatural. No one is this fast. I was on the ground under him before I knew it but was able to push sweep and get back on top. Uh-oh! Bad idea! The flight across the room was actually quite refreshing - until the sudden stop came when I hit the wall. Through my blurred vision, I watched him approach me before everything went black.

Hours must have passed before I slowly opened my eyes. I was alone on the floor but bound with zip ties. Interesting choice. I crawled across the floor to my coat, and struggled to get my cell phone. I managed to call Alfwin for help and waited patiently. I looked around and saw that many of my valuables were strewn around. "Why did he leave the valuables?" I puzzled over this while I waited.

"V! V! Where are you? Oh. There you are. What are you doing down there? What did you do to your apartment? I liked it better the other way. You should rethink the redecorating." Alfwin smirked as he cut the zip ties.

"Very funny. Just help me check if anything is missing. You've gone through everything enough anyway." After a thorough search of the apartment, the only item missing was  my mother's locket I had been wearing.

"Empty all of your pouches. Now." I tapped my foot as I waited on Alfwin. He dumped everything out, but there was still no locket.

"What are you looking for? I swear I don't have anything. See for yourself." Alfwin looked worried.
"He took my mother's locket. He must have snagged it while I was knocked out. Where is that box? We are finding a way in it. Now. This is getting entirely too strange for my comfort." I rummaged through my things, and found the box. I examined it closely, and Alfwin was right. There was no latch or hinge, and it didn't budge when you tried pulling it apart. I ran my finger along the one visible seam and got a splinter. Today sure is my day. I squeezed my finger to get the splinter out, and a small drop of blood beaded up and dripped on the box. There was a pop, and then a low hiss as the box opened effortlessly. Of course. I only had to bleed on it a little. Why didn't I think of that sooner? I sighed, and checked the contents. Inside, there was a gold pocket watch, a sealed letter, and small silver key. I carefully opened the letter and began reading:

My dearest little one,
If you are reading this now, then two things are for sure: we are no longer with you, and you are in the care of Myrna. I deeply regret that I cannot be there with you and will not be able to see you grow into the beautiful woman I am sure you will become. Enclosed you will find my watch and a small key. You must guard these as you have been guarding your mother's locket all these years. The key may be used at our manor if you are still able to access it. You will know where. Our early departure from this world is unforgivable, but the forces at work here are out of our control. I would never wish this burden on you in a million years, and you must remember to stay hidden above all else. We love you with all of our hearts, our angel. Know that we are always with you, watching over you. Be safe.
                      Love always,
    Desmond & Bridget

I sat stunned, and stared blankly at the letter for a long time reading it over and over. Time stopped, and there was silence. I barely started to hear Alfwin calling my name, and became aware that tears were streaming down my face.

"They knew. They knew they were going to die. They knew they would leave me."