Heading out of the room the guard takes the hint and we are heading back to the elevator for the next vaults. Once we are on the seventh floor the security guard asks, “Gibbs or Steele first?”
I consider this for a minute and opt to hold my father off for a little longer.
“Gibbs,” is all I offer in a way of reply.
A nod and we’re off to the left, the doors here aren’t nearly as close to each other as they were on the other floor, but we don’t go too far. I open the door not really sure what to prepare for, even in the short time I was aware of this place on the ride over here, Rafe didn’t mention it at all. I feel like I’m trespassing, as the door swings open into what can only be described as an armory. There are guns of any kind possible to my right, from small pistols to a fucking missile launcher in the far corner.
To the left there are an array of blades, including numerous samurai katana swords, longswords and even daggers all hanging on the wall. Straight on seems to be a working station for all the weapons stored in here, whilst there is nothing in the center, almost like it’s a practice space. Turning, I see that memorabilia is on the door wall, for what seems like many generations of the Gibbs bloodline. Walking closer to what seems the newer section, I spot Rafe instantly in numerous frames, never smiling and always with some form of weapon, but mainly a sniper rifle. Well at least he was honest about the gun he used.
Needing to take personal items to the weapon classes, I opt to grab a katana and short daggers as Rafe has shown me how to use them before.
Looking to the guns an assault rifle screams for my attention, and I can’t seem to say no to it. Grabbing a pistol as well, I leave the next best option of a shotgun behind. At least I know what’s here if I need it. The main challenge right now is not getting worked up by the pile of weapons growing in front of me. Finding a holdall, I zip it up and make quick work of getting out of here.
I’m not afraid to use these weapons, to defend myself. To survive. But the fact that this seems to be encouraged just blows my mind.
The guard walks me straight to the final doors on the other end of the elevator. My heart is pounding, it hasn’t helped being amongst all the weapons a minute ago, but deep down, this is going to open a can of worms in my head about my father. Truthfully, I’ll never be ready for this.
Gaining entry, I slowly step in, but I can’t bring myself to look up from the floor. Fuck Luna, get a grip. I close my eyes and work to steady my breathing, my emotions are heightened. I can’t deal with it. Shit. I hate getting this worked up and not being able to control my emotions. I’ve shut a lid on anything relating to my dad for a long time, so I could get on with my life.
Rafe had me talk to someone when I was younger. It only made me worse.
I loved him more than anyone else in the world but seeing him die like he did absolutely destroyed me. Fuck, I’m thinking too much about this again, so I push to clear my mind and find my center. It’s hard, really hard right now, especially knowing I’m somewhere he has been and even though I’m not looking around, it makes me feel close to him.
Feeling more prepared and focused again, I glance around to find a mixture of the previous two rooms. There are a lot of filing cabinets again lining the back wall, the left side is home to a range of weapons, but nowhere near the amount in the previous vault. Then the right wall is filled with random safes, locks and devices. It looks as though they’re either practice facilities or prized possessions but who knows.
The door wall is lined with diamonds, gems and pearls. You name a piece of jewelry and it's definitely here, probably tenfold there’s so much of it. Rubies, diamonds, sapphire’s, it’s all here and my body is itching to grab all the shiny objects.
In the center there are a few files stacked up, and little tech devices dotted around, but the thing that catches my eye the most is the large holdall with my name stitched in the fabric.
I gently trace the embroidery, and my fingers tremble at the feel of the material under my tips. It’s easy to tell the bag is already filled. I see the edge of an envelope poking out of the top, and tears prick my eyes when I see it, ‘Meu Tesouro’ – My treasured one.
Two small words that I can’t push to the back of my mind like the rest of my memories. As I reach for the envelope, a sob breaks free and I jump back from the bag like it's on fire. What is this place doing to me? Being here isn’t a good idea. Do I mean this room or the Academy overall? Overall, definitely overall.
I’ve never been on such an emotional rollercoaster before and this place is just bringing it all out and leaving me disorientated.
No more.
No fucking more.
I am strong and I am more than this. I steel my back, roughly swipe my face and grab the bag heading straight out of the vault and to the elevator, not even waiting for the
