Dreams Outgrow Rooms Built From Other Peoples Fears by Niro Mason 207

207 Hannah Lane 

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. Talking about mom was always a sensitive topic whenever it came up. It was as if a dark cloud slumped above us. 1 

I knew Gramps loved her very much; she was his only daughter, and the pain cut deeper than anything. It was the same case for Granny, too. She always teared up, and me? I don’t even wanna go there… I’m instantly teleported to a dark space. 

Gramps was taking a huge step right now, and this must be something important. 

“I never wanted to go through them… those boxes. It was easier just seeing them in the attic, but opening them was harder. So many of her things are there, so many…” He smiled as the memories came forth. “I–I had to because something kept bugging me ever since you left.” 

Gramps pulled out some papers, and a musty scent filled my nose. He set them neatly in front of me, like he had taken his time to arrange them! 

I was expecting a photo or something. This was unexpected. They were documents, some handwritten and typed. Her diary was included, too. I smiled faintly, placing my palm against it. 

It was almost as if I could feel her. 

“All these are mom’s?” 

“Yes, she was a detective for the MCPD.” 

I froze as my eyes went wide. Holy shit! 

“M–Mom worked for the force? I–I never knew that. I thought she was a writer!” 

“It was my mistake.” His expression turned apologetic. “We didn’t talk about them after…” 

A pain clenched my chest, but then I smiled, gripping his hand tightly. “Gramps?” 

He lifted his gaze. 

“We are now… You’re now. Do you know what that means?” 

“That this old man is finally moving on?” He smiled, but it was a sad one that cut through my heart. 

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He trembled slightly, but with my hold, he eased. 

“It means everything is gonna be better. Talking about them was hard, I know, but now even though it hurts, it feels…” 

“Good.” He finished for me. “Maybe we should have done it sooner.” 

I snickered. “I mean, I just learned mom was a badass. Imagine if I did earlier and actually followed in her footsteps.” 

“You’re tough, but you’ll always be that princess. Yes, you can pull a few punches, but in heels.” 

I giggled, and his smile grew wider. 

“You have no idea how this makes me feel right now. I mean the force? Damn!” 

My eyes scanned the papers. “It’s like I have so many mysteries to unravel and I don’t even know where to start.” 

Gramps‘ sudden faded smile made me pause. He took a deep breath, ducking his head 

for a bit. 

“Gramps?” 

He rubbed his jaw. “Your mother was working on a case. She doesn’t discuss her work, but when she came for the holiday that day before the…” He gulped. “Accident… She talked about King. Speaking about their influence in the city.” 

“K–King?” 

“Yes, that was why that name was so familiar to me.” 

“What…” I stuttered. “Are you saying Mom was working on a case about the Kings?” 

“She didn’t mention. I tried to read the paper, but I couldn’t; the words faded away because of the mold or something.” 

I scanned through, narrowing my eyes. I couldn’t read much either. 

“What about her computer?” 

“Damaged during the accident. She never leaves without it.” 

I clenched the paper tightly, feeling an uneasy sensation settling low in my stomach. 

“I never liked her work, too much danger. She was strong, and I was very proud of her 

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207 Hannah Lane 

but Margaret and I worried most of the time. We called a lot, too much.” 

“I recall hearing your voice through the speakers all the time, and I thought you were a genie.” 

He chuckled but then the sound died down. “Hannah was worried about something. She drove all the way from Midnight to Rosevale during the holiday to bring you to us.” 

I swallowed hard, my throat dry. That was eighteen years ago. I was seven when we had a road trip back to Rosevale. 

Could there have been another reason? 

“This city…” Gramps looked around briefly. “Something lurks, but I don’t know what.” 

I forced a smile, unsure of what to say, because his words made sense. Something did lurk, and it was a crime syndicate that spawned in the entire city. If Mom worked for the force, I could only imagine how tough it must have been. 

I had a glimpse of the underground, and although alluring that was, it was still the most terrifying thing I have ever experienced. 

We are so different, Mom. You faced crime while I just blended with it. 

“How’s work?” Gramps changed the topic when he noticed my mood had changed. 

“I don’t think you have to worry about that.” 

He fixed me with a pointed stare. 

“I don’t work for Ares King anymore. I quit.” 

I expected him to be happy, but he was more worried. 

“Do you need to tell me anything? You know you can, and I would be more than happy if you do.” 

“No, everything is okay.” 

The more I say it, the more I can actually believe it; I just hope he does too. 

“I got a big payment, and now I can clear everything.” 

“Everything?” 

“Everything.” 

He covered his eyes, and I took his hand; he held me tighter. I could tell he was on the 

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verge of crying. 

“I’m sorry. Forgive this old man for not being a better grandfather.” 

“Don’t say that. You are nothing but the best. Everything is gonna be okay now, I promise. I just have to round up a few things and then…” I shrugged. “Bye bye, Midnight, for good. You’re right, something lurks in the city, and I don’t wanna catch whatever that is.” 

He blinked. “I thought you and King were…” 

“We um…” I cleared my throat. “Might have had a relationship, but there was no endpoint.” 

Danger flashed in his orbs. “Did he hurt you?” 

“He wishes he did.” 

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