Chapter Text
The funeral was huge. No, the word huge was a total understatement. Grace Cahill, the elderly woman who had passed away, was basically famous. Granted, she never appeared in magazines or TV or the news or anything of the sort, but she knew so many people and had so many friends it was nearly mind-blowing. Her relatives were people you expected to see at her funeral. But there was also close friends, past and present presidents, mayors, lawyers, doctors, ambassadors, actors, global superstars, and a few other individuals who knew Grace in some way, but never had the chance to become friends. It was insane.
When Emmett Cahill stumbled onto the scene, wearing a black dress shirt and black tie, he was awe-struck. He'd been lucky enough to be related to Grace. Well, not biologically, but same difference. Grace had two children; Hope Cahill, whom she'd had with a man named Nathaniel Hartford, and another nobody knew about.
Originally, Grace had been told she couldn't have children. She always anticipated having kids of her own, though, so she ended up adopting a little girl. Grace was 21 years old at the time.
This little girl was only a few months old, and her biological mother had died while giving birth. The father had killed himself just days after, unable to handle a child and the loss of his lover.
Grace adopted the little girl and named her Jade — Jade Mariah Cahill. However, at the time, Grace had no idea that her new child was a Janus; a member of the Cahill branch dedicated to talents, arts, and charm.
When Jade was 14 years old, Grace ended up getting pregnant, with Hope. By this time, Grace had found out about Jade's parents and her relation to the Janus. Jade lived with them until Hope was five years old, and then moved out, and unsurprisingly disappeared off the face of the earth.
Grace found out about her first grandson, Emmett, just fifteen years later. Jade had contracted a foreign virus while travelling over seas, and sent Emmett, only a year old, to go live with Grace.
Hope had also had a kid; Amelia, or Amy, Cahill. Amy and Emmett were the same age.
Grace took care of Emmett, and loved him unconditionally. But, in Jade's will, her main wish was for Emmett to become the best and strongest Madrigal agent in the world. While hunting for clues, Jade had seen just how cruel the Cahills were. She had wanted to make a difference, but could not, as she passed away prematurely. It was her wish for her son to follow her dream for her.
For some reason, Grace complied. From the ripe age of 4, Grace began training Emmett in martial arts, languages, lock picking, code cracking, defusing bombs, as well as other essential skills.
Everything changed when Hope and Arthur died in the fire.
Grace was so busy training Emmett, she knew that she couldn't watch over Amy and Dan as well. So she was forced to send them to her sister, Beatrice. Beatrice was nasty and awful, but it was the only choice. When Amy and Dan visited on certain weekends, Grace sent Emmett to special training camps. If Emmett wanted to be the best agent, he had to keep his identity a secret.
By the age of 10, Emmett was climbing the charts of the most successful Madrigal agents. Grace was unbelievably proud, but also immensely worried. She knew Emmett was in for more danger than a 10-year-old should handle. Emmett was trustworthy, even though he was so young.
Now Grace was dead. Emmett was 15, and was dubbed a top Madrigal agent, capable of things no one could imagine.
The funeral service was long, and horribly depressing. It was very emotional for Emmett, since he had spent his whole life with Grace. But nobody was allowed to know that, so he sat quietly in the back corner, keeping a straight face.
When Mr McIntyre made an announcement about certain people having invites to a reading of Grace's will, he locked eyes with Emmett. He nodded ever so slightly, and Emmett noticed, quickly looking away after.
Emmett didn't have an invitation, because he didn't need one. Grace's will was just asking the younger generation of Cahills — Amy and Dan, the Kabras, the Starlings, the Holts, and Jonah Wizard — as well as a few others to join in the hunt for the 39 Clues. Emmett, being a top Madrigal agent, had already successfully found all 39 Clues. It was his job to make sure nobody else did.
One, because the serum was incredibly deadly and dangerous and was most definitely not meant for human use, and two, because it was the serum that divided the original Cahills in the first place. In order to bring the Cahill family back together, he, and the other Madrigals, had to make sure that no one assembled all the clues.
The funeral finished, and all the guests entered the mansion for a luncheon, and to chit chat. Meanwhile, the invited guests were brought into a secure room to watch Grace's video.
Emmett, once again, sat in the back corner. As the video played, Emmett gazed at each and every person in the room. Most of the adults seem enraged. The teens seemed intrigued.
The video cut off and McIntyre stated, "Taped to the bottom of your chairs is 2 million dollars. You can walk out now with the money, and never turn back."
Immediately, several people took the money and stormed out, yelling insults as they went.
McIntyre grimaced. "Or," he continued. "You can partake in the hunt for the clues. Make your decisions now."
The Kabras took the first hint to the clues, and walked out. As did Jonah, the Starlings, Irina Spasky, and Alistair Oh. The Holts were still discussing things in hushed tones, and Amy was nervously speaking to Dan.
Hamilton Holt, the eldest of the Holt children, turned his head and caught Emmett's eye. He obviously hasn't seen Emmett before, because he frowned at his presence.
Emmett was frozen in shock. His eyes were so blue. Not to mention he was undoubtedly attractive. Having grown up focused on training, Emmett had zero experience with relationships or romance. But from his knowledge (or lack thereof), he understood that he was incredibly "hot."
Hamilton's dad called his name, and he was shaken from his thoughts, facing his family again. Emmett turned his head as well and waited, growing more impatient by the second.
The Holts chose the clues. Soon after, Amy and Dan did as well. By then it was just McIntyre and Emmett in the room. Silence hung in the air.
"You know, black hair suits you much better."
Emmett smiled, and let out a short laugh. He'd nearly forgot that he had to dye his hair blonde, in order to maintain his secret identity. He stood up and walked over to him. "Yeah, well, I needed a disguise, remember?"
"Yes, indeed I do." He cleared his throat. "Are you prepared for the road that lies ahead of you?"
Emmett folded his arms, muscles straining against the tight fabric of his shirt. "Of course I am."
"Very well. Remember the mission, remember your duties, and most importantly, remember to—"
"Trust no one," Emmett interrupted, smiling again. "I got it."
"Good. I'd like weeky reports from you. And—" he choked up, frowning at the floor. He managed a grim smile. "Grace would be so proud of you."
Emmett felt hot tears sting his eyes. "Thanks, Mac."