Arrived (Book One)

Chapter 11: Taking A Step

"Cleo," Dad said one morning. "Are you sure this is what you want?" While Abuela served two heaping bowls of hot oatmeal and sweet blueberries, I plucked the fruit out of the bowl and took a bite.

I wore my blue pajamas while Dad wore a black t-shirt, along with blue jeans, and sneakers. His brown hair was slicked back with hair gel. He drank his glass of orange juice then set it besides his bowl.

I couldn't blame Dad for being scared; ever since I talked to Dad about my decision of taking the case, he looked like he had seen a ghost. "I want to do this, Dad." I said firmly. "Isn't that what detectives do?"

Abuela filled our glasses with orange juice then glared at my father. "Benjamin," she said. "This girl is way too young to be taking on a case this huge." Pedro picked his oatmeal with his spoon, his mouth is clamped shut.

"Dad-" I started to say, but his glare silenced me. "Cleo," Dad began. "We are in Cuba, because I wanted to spend more time with you." "We can spend more time doing the case," I argued. "And besides-"

"I never knew this would be this dangerous," he muttered. "Abuela, can you give us some privacy?" She nodded as she nudged her son on the shoulder. The both stopped from what they were doing then left the dining room.

"I thought you said that-" I began. "I changed my mind," Dad interrupted. "I can't allow you to your death." I flashed my eyes at him. Since when did he treat me like a kid? "Dad, I am sixteen." I reminded. "You and Mom used to solve cases when you were seventeen."

Dad swallowed his spoonful of oatmeal then glanced at me. His green eyes were duller than usual. "I know," Dad insisted. "But-" "I remember reading something in Captured," I interrupted. "When that crooked psycho made you call it quits, but you didn't. You stood your ground, you saved Mom...you saved Chinatown. Please, let me do the same."

All of a sudden, Dad's eyes grew brighter. It was like a part of his youth returning back to him. "Alright," he said, shaking his head. "Fine, I will have you assist me on the case." I smiled eagerly then hugged my father very tightly until he couldn't breathe.

"Thank you Dad," I whispered. "Thank you." "Just remember what I said," he reminded. "Stay out of trouble." I bobbed my head up and down. "Yessir," I answered. Dad stroked my curls and finished eating his breakfast.

"When you are finished with your breakfast, get dressed, and meet me by the doorway." He kissed my forehead then rose out of his chair. Just as soon as we were quiet, Abuela and her grandson peeked through the tiny crack of the door.

Reluctantly, they walked into the dining room then resumed eating. That was when Pedro spoke up: "Are you going to help your dad?" Abuela stopped eating abruptly then gave Pedro a painful ear jerk.

"You don't ask people these questions," Abuela scolded. "But Abuela," Pedro whined. "Ouch, that hurts!" "I am going to help him," I said with a casual shrug. Pedro stroked his sore ear then looked at me.

"Look," I sighed. "I know this is stupid and reckless of me, but I want to help Dad however I can. And besides, I want to be a detective when I grow up."

After I devoured my breakfast, Abu elastic volunteered to clear away the dirty plates and gave me a worried look. I raced upstairs to my room where I changed my pajamas into my black plaid t-shirt, skinny jeans, and black boots.

I grabbed my leather black handbag and checked to make sure that my pepper spray, taser gun, and trackers are still there. Calmly, I zipped my bag tightly then hoisted it over my shoulder.

I parted my dark brown curls then scrambled down the stairs to meet my father. Adrenaline shocked my feet as I hurried over to my father, who was looking at something in his phone.

When he looked at me, he noticed that I was carrying a black leather handbag. "You got everything you need?" he asked. I nodded very eagerly. Abuela rubbed a dish towel over her hands, her worried expression is still hanging on her face.

"Take care you two," Abuela smiled. "I'll make sure I will cook something delicious for the both of you." "Thank you, Abuela." Dad replied. "We wish good luck and health," I beamed.

"The same as well for you, Cleo." Abuela beamed. We both waved at the family then left the house. As soon as we left, Dad's phone began buzzing in his pocket. The same Harry Potter ringtone poured out of the speaker.

Embarrassed, Dad picked up the phone then answered the call. "Hello?" he began. "It's me, Senior Goodman." the timid voice responded. "I am at the park, if you to bring my son home then be there."

The call stopped there. Staring at the road, I watched the colorful cars flying past me until I saw a honey colored taxi car driving in sheer speed. "Taxi!" I cried, chasing after it. "Taxi!" A black figure saw me through the window then stopped the car.

Dad shoved his phone into his pocket then joined me into the taxi cab. "Where are we going?" the driver asked in a bored tone. He had dark grayish hair, square glasses, and a black shirt. His thick moustache covered his upper lip. "The park," I answered. The taxi driver shrugged then started the ignition.