“They were flashes of an old swing, tickets, and something like a county fair. Maybe a carnival. You know, the ones that have a midway with games.” Luna took another deep breath. “It went by so fast. It wasn’t creepy or anything. I felt like I was spinning really fast on a carousel.”

“Have you been able to open it?” Ellie motioned to the trunk.

“I was waiting for all of you. The lock is jammed. I’m going to have to use jeweler’s tools. Plus, I want witnesses.”

“Witnesses? Why?” Ellie asked.

“The letter said there might be contents and if I could set them aside and return them with the trunk. Since this whole situation is rather unusual, who knows what is in there and what the person might do.” Cullen leaned against his workbench.

“I’m not following you, Cullen,” Ellie said.

“Like if there was something valuable in there and it turned up missing?” Luna asked.

“Exactly.” Cullen pushed himself off the bench and grabbed his tools. “Everyone ready?”

“What are you waiting for?” Luna cried out in excitement.

“Let’s lay it down horizontally first.” Cullen motioned everyone to help him tilt the trunk so the top was facing upward.

Cullen squatted and sat on his heels. He opened a small pouch and pulled out two small tools: a needle file and utility tweezers. He then wiped the old lock and hardware with a polishing cloth and some lubricant.

Luna folded her arms and was tapping her foot in anticipation. Cullen looked over his shoulder, put up his hands, and said in mock distress, “If you don’t mind. I am trying to perform a very delicate operation here.”

Luna cackled. Her brother was trying to be funny and succeeded. Maybe there was hope for his sense of humor.

Chi-Chi tried to stifle a laugh. “Apologies, Dr. Locksmith.”

Cullen snapped his head around and looked at Chi-Chi. Was she flirting with him? He exaggerated clearing his throat. “A-hem.”

Ellie, Luna, and Chi-Chi moved in closer to watch. Chi-Chi’s face was inches from Cullen’s. He could feel her breath on his neck. He almost dropped the tweezers. “Room, please. This is a very delicate procedure.” He waited for everyone to give him some space. And for his silliness to subside.

“Aye-aye, sir!” Luna gave him a tap on his shoe. She knew exactly what was happening and couldn’t be more delighted. She actually got goose bumps. It reminded her of when she was with Chris Gaines. That awkward feeling.

It took a few minutes, then Cullen proclaimed, “Success!” He gingerly removed the hardware. “OK, before I open it, everyone should put on a mask in case there’s ash or dust. Luna, can you grab them and some disposable gloves, please?”