Two Sided Bow

Chapter 4

Kathy Lau – Vivian Leung
Neil Chan – Daniel Wu
Jill Cheng – Miriam Yeung

After the last argument with Neil, Kathy became more distant but she did not ignore him. Because she knew it wasn’t his fault there were girls that still crushed over him. She continued with her work as normal, working late but this time she paid more attention to her surroundings. She heard laughter outside of her closed office door. Kathy got up curiously and peeked through the window of her office, she found Neil and Jill laughing comfortably. Apparently he said something so funny that she got a case of giggles in which she couldn’t stop laughing.

Kathy had to smile at the scene before her, she’s never seen him so happy either. It didn’t bother her that the fact another girl was making him laugh so humorously. Neil noticed Kathy looking at them with a distant smile and he quickly stopped laughing. Jill turned to the window and found Kathy nodding to them. She opened the door and walked out to the two “I know this might sound strange but do you always stay back when I work late?” she was asking Jill.

“Yes.” Jill nodded and turned to Neil “I felt sorry for him that first time I came back because I forgot my cell phone and saw him sitting on one of the chairs and staring off into space.”

Neil agreed “She keeps me company.”

Kathy let out a slow sigh “I’m sorry. I’ve been such a bad girlfriend.” She shook her head with a laugh “Can you believe this is the first time I realized that Jill has been staying back with us?” she looked at Neil apologetically.

His heart quickly ached watching her with remorse. Neil got up and walked over to hug her “You’re a great girlfriend…but you’re a better employee.” He smiled before pulling away. “I think we have some things to discuss.”

Jill knew her cue was to leave, she got up brightly “I know when I’m not needed. I’ll see you two tomorrow.” She gave them a quick smile and walked towards the elevator.

****************

The next few days, Snow tried hard to find a new job. She knew if she wasn’t going to do it soon, Mel was gonna end up renting her a new place and she couldn’t afford to owe him anymore. She looked around at the restaurants but all of them were not good. The managers took one look at her rough exterior and were completely scared. Maybe she shouldn’t have told them about her previous job as an escort? They simply looked down on her.

She stopped at a tiny café shop where a ‘wanted’ sign hung. Snow took her chances as she walked inside. It was a cozy little place, small but very clean. She reminded herself not to tell them about her previous job. She approached the counter where an elder lady sat. Snow cleared her throat “Excuse me.”

The woman looked up with friendly eyes “Yes?”

Snow suddenly felt nervous “I…uh…”

The woman seemed to read her mind “You wanted to interview for the waitress job?”

Snow nodded with a smile “Yes. Thank you, who do I speak to?”

“Well, my son would be here any second. But I’m the owner here, I guess I’m just getting old, it’s about time to hand it down to the youngsters.” The woman said with tired eyes.

“You’re not old!” Snow proclaimed “I mean, you couldn’t possibly be older than 39.” The woman laughed comfortably making Snow feel at ease.

“You’re a sweetheart.” The owner smiled “Oh, here’s my son now.” She nodded towards the door.

Snow looked up and a slow smile spread across her face “I’m not stalking you, I swear.” She laughed when Gary widened his eyes at her.

“You two know each other?” the elder woman asked.

Gary nodded “I met her…on the job the other night.” He almost slipped about the bar mishap, which was really the first time he met her.

“Well, that’s great, you can interview her. But I don’t think it’s necessary, son. I like her.” She gave him a quick wink of the eye indicating so. Snow smiled shyly before the woman walked away to take an order.

“So, you looking for a job?” he asked casually.

Snow nodded “I guess it’s about time I did something legal.” She laughed but realized that he was still a cop “Uh…just pretend you didn’t hear that.”

“Hear what?” he asked innocently and she smiled. “Now Miss…I never caught your name.”

“Snow.” She replied.

Gary nodded “Cute. Do you have a last name?”

Her smile quickly faded “I don’t know what it is.” He frowned and she explained “My brother and I are orphans. Our parents died when I was only two. We didn’t want to live in an orphanage due to the chance of getting separated so we depended on each other. We lived on the streets most of our lives and had no desire to be adopted.”

He seemed more interested to hear about her background, it sounded like a tragic movie “I’m sorry to hear that. But didn’t you two have any family?”

Snow shook her head sadly “Even if we did, we never met them. My parents were all the family we ever knew of. Naturally, my brother turned to the life of crime when he was old enough to understand how life worked. He understood how wrong it was and in all honesty, he didn’t mean to commit any crime. It’s just that was the only road he knew how to walk in. As for me…well, I don’t want to get to personal.”

Gary smiled “You’re hired.”

She raised her eyebrows “Just from that? Don’t tell me you pity me cause I’ll-”

He quickly stopped her from continuing “No. It’s not because of that. I want to give you the job because I think you can do it.” He stood behind the counter with a boss like aura. “There’s your first job. Take his order.” He pointed to a male walking into the tiny café.

Snow smiled “Got it, boss.” She was happy for the chance.

*************

Neil and Kathy took a long walk on the beach before they went out to dinner which he made reservations for earlier that week. She was quiet as they walked along the sand with the cool breeze blowing at them “Why are you so quiet?” Neil asked breaking the silence.

Kathy looked up and smiled “Just thinking.”

“What about?” he asked curiously. He realized how hard it was to read her mind after they started dating. He never had a problem with it when they were friends. Maybe it was a sign.

“About us. Do you get the feeling that….” She was reluctant but knew it had to come out. Kathy stopped in her steps and turned to Neil “that…we’re better off as friends?” she winced waiting for the worst to happen. She was afraid of hurting him.

Neil laughed at the situation “I was just thinking the same thing.”

She let out a relief sigh “Gosh, I was afraid it was only me.”

He smiled “Can you read my mind right now?”

Kathy giggled amusingly “Hmm…let me see…you’re hungry?”

“How did you know?” he dropped his jaw with a stunned expression.

She laughed “I heard your stomach growling since we started walking on the beach.” She glanced at her watch “It’s about time. Where did you make reservations for?”

Neil smiled “You remember the first place we went to eat when we both got summer jobs?”

Kathy widened her eyes “Up at the hill top? Oh my gosh…I almost forgot about that place. We haven’t been there for years.” It was a fancy restaurant facing the city.

“I know.” He said proudly. Neil brought out a open arm and she happily linked through it as they walked toward the car and to their destination.

The two had a simple and peaceful dinner. There was no awkward silence as they yapped away about old times and Prom night. Then he suddenly remembered that they didn’t get to dance. But Kathy was way ahead of him as she looked toward the dance floor where soft music was being played “We never did get to dance, huh?”

“You read my mind.” Neil smiled.

Kathy laughed “Isn’t it funny how we do that? I thought we had lost it when we started dating.”

“Me too.” He got up and brought out a hand in front of her with a slight bend of his back “May I?”

“It would be my honor.” She smiled as she took his hand and let him lead her to the floor where they were practically the only couple out there. Maybe to other people watching, they looked like a loving pair, but in truth the two of them had finally settled their differences. They were finally coming into terms with their relationship. Kathy smiled up at Neil “Why do you suppose we even started to date? I knew I had a crush on you, but it had disappeared the minute I returned to Hong Kong. I think I was holding onto something…a question whether or not you liked me.”

Neil nodded as he continued for her “I know what you mean. I found the note within a month of you moving in and then it dawned on me. You liked me. I felt torn apart, like I owed you something. The love of a boyfriend that you never got. So I convinced myself of liking you. But in truth it was all pity.”

Kathy was no longer mad at the whole situation “Exactly.” She pointed out. Tilting her head as she looked up at him with a grin “Wanna know a secret?” she asked amusingly.

“Always.” Neil nodded firmly.

Kathy leaned up and whispered “It felt really odd when we kissed.”

He threw his head back with a laugh, never would he have guessed that was what she wanted to say “Like kissing a sister.” He added with another laugh.

Her face turned solemn suddenly “Hey, that’s taking it a bit too far.” Neil instantly stopped laughing afraid that he would have offended her but Kathy laughed instead “Gotcha!”

Neil shook his head while she giggled uncontrollably, he pulled her hands up to his neck and hugged her tightly “I’m gonna miss you so much.”

“This isn’t the end you’ll see of me.” She hugged him warmly as they swayed gently to the music.

“I know.” He pulled away and noticed she had tears in her eyes. Neil wiped them for her while her eyes continued to smile.

“You’re gonna help me move right?” she asked with widened eyes.

He nodded, not surprised of her decision. After all it would be odd for the two of them to continue to live together “Of course. But not until you find a new place.”

When the music stopped, the two stood there and clapped their hands joining with the crowd while everyone smiled at them with envy. Kathy took his hand comfortably as she led him back to their table. They paid for dinner and left the restaurant with a renewed feeling towards their friendship.

On the drive home, she seemed to sense his questioning gaze “I won’t mind if you and Jill start.”

Neil frowned “What are you talking about?”

Kathy turned towards the window with a smile “Don’t tell me you don’t feel that spark between you two. I’ve never seen you laugh like that… ever.”

Just thinking about Jill made his lips curl up into a grin “You don’t mind?”

“I don’t.” she shook her head firmly and turned to him to confirm her words “I’m happy for you. At least you are no longer chasing a dream that would never come true.”

Neil laughed “I was wondering when you would slap that Kelly fling in my face. She was way out of my league wasn’t she?”

“No, she wasn’t out of your league. You were just caught up in the moment. Like me.” Kathy was right and Neil knew it. “One thing I learned from this is that it’s not good to hide your feelings. People tend to dwell on the useless stuff.”

“You’ve matured.” He tapped her hand gently “I know what you mean. If people get it out in the open then there wouldn’t be any misunderstandings.”

 

 

 

Chapter 5

Mel Lam – Nick Cheung
Kathy Lau – Vivian Leung
Adriene “Addy” Lu – Jessica Hsuen
Neil Chan – Daniel Wu
Snow – Joyce Tang

Snow got off of work one night feeling especially happy. Not only did Gary’s mom compliment her about her work ethics, she said Snow was very pretty. And Gary agreed making Snow blush for a long time. Her mind was somewhere else because she didn’t see the big van sitting in front of the restaurant with a driver staring at her.

She walked passed the van without thinking twice when suddenly the doors opened up and about 10 guys jumped out. Snow turned when she heard some noise, she saw the guys running towards her. Her instincts told her to run and so she did. But there were too many as they caught up to her with ease. One guy grabbed a hold of her waist with one hand and covered her screams with another hand. Another guy got a hold of her kicking feet as they dragged her back to the van. The guys quickly gagged and blindfolded her.

Her heart was racing, the last time this happened to her, she was raped over and over. But Old Chuck was dead, she witnessed his death so she could not think of anyone else wanting to harm her. Snow continued to struggle with her gags but the guys didn’t appear to want to hurt her. Because the worse they did was hold her down so she wouldn’t move.

She heard the van stopped as they pulled her up and out of the van, her foot hit the ground and she knew it was some kind of dirt. They were in a remote area. They took her to vacant shipping lot where huge rigs were set up ready to be shipped from the dock. Snow knew she heard the ocean when her eyes arched towards the harbor. The guys pushed her roughly “Keep moving.” One guy ordered.

The metal doors opened and she was placed on a chair. She shifted her head when she felt someone pulling off her blindfold. Snow squinted as she tried to focus her tired eyes “What do you want?” she saw a blurry person standing before her.

“So…you’re Mel’s girl.” It was a female voice. Snow shook her head trying to focus under the dim light but it was too hard.

Snow frowned “Who are you?”

“That’s not important.” The girl said with authority “Answer my question and maybe I’ll think about keeping you alive. Why are you with Mel?”

“It’s none of your business.” Snow snapped.

The girl laughed humorously “None of my business?” the girl suddenly kicked the chair from under Snow making her stumble to the ground with her hands tied behind her back. “Look bitch, I don’t have the time to play games with you. Tell me all you know about Mel.”

Snow made herself comfortable on the floor “He’s definitely not attracted to you.” She laughed when she realized she was in no danger. It was just a girl that liked Mel.

Addy snapped her fingers and the lights were turned on inside the rig. There were about five guys standing guard behind her. Snow winced at the sudden light, when she looked up and focused, she noticed it was the same girl that Mel had to get rid of the other night. Snow laughed and Addy was quickly confused “What’s so funny?”

“I’m just laughing at the look on your face when Mel finds out you kidnapped me.” Snow shook her head feeling pity for the girl.

Addy smiled viciously “Maybe he won’t find out? Maybe he’ll find your dead body dumped out in the harbor. We could easily make a suicide scene.” She was threatening Snow.

But she didn’t budge nor was she even the least bit scared “Look, you’re not Mel’s type. Trust me…he doesn’t find chicken legs cute.” Snow snickered at Addy’s thin legs.

“Don’t fuck with me!” Addy growled as she leaned down and grabbed Snow’s face harshly. “Now tell me or you won’t see sunlight ever.”

Snow pulled away roughly from Addy’s grasp “I told you, he won’t go for you.”

“So he likes hookers?” Addy snorted with her eyes rolled as she stood back up towering over Snow “What does he see in you anyways?”

She felt sorry for the girl “What a pity.” She sighed and continued “You couldn’t even tell that I was putting on a show with Mel that one night? He was just trying to get rid of you. Mel Lam does not do hookers. He likes a more…special girl.”

Addy frowned “What kind of girl? I can be every kind of girl that he finds attractive.”

Snow laughed sarcastically “First of all, I don’t know what type of girl he likes. His taste changes within the years. Trust me honey, you aint got a chance with this girl he’s been dying over.”

Addy bent down on one knee as she leered at Snow to make sure she wasn’t lying to her “What girl? How come I never heard him mention her?”

“That girl has got a boyfriend but he’s still in love with her. I don’t think he’ll ever love anyone else…” she said it almost sadly making Addy feel hopeless.

“No…I don’t believe you!” Addy cried as she pushed her away and stood up. Suddenly the doors opened up and Mel stood there, his face was fuming with anger “Mel Gor…shit!” she whispered more to herself.

Mel was quickly blocked by the two guys standing guard but he looked up with flaring eyes and they turned to Addy who nodded and they quickly stepped aside “What the hell are you doing?” he cried angrily as he reached down to Snow and quickly undid her hand and leg gags.

Addy laughed nervously “Just having a little fun. I didn’t hurt her and I wasn’t planning to hurt her either.” She explained.

“You okay?” Mel asked Snow and she nodded with a grim expression. He turned to Addy with his finger pointing to her “If you try something like this again, I swear your dad will hear about it.”

“Why are you so mad? Is there a scratch on her?” Addy asked haughtily unable to apologize just yet “How did you find us anyways?!”

He snickered “That’s not important.” Mel turned to Snow “Come on.”

Snow followed him without saying anything as they left the frustrated looking Addy behind. When they were away from the harbor, Snow pulled at Mel to stop him “Hey…I didn’t want to say anything in there. But she didn’t hurt me.”

Mel turned to her “That’s not the point. No one treats my friends like that.”

“She likes you.” Snow said flatly.

He closed his eyes and shook his head slowly “Fuck!” He muttered.

“I take it you don’t like that idea.” She titled her head “What’s wrong with her? You really need to move on, Mel. She’s got a boyfriend.”

Mel rubbed his eyes harshly “I know! But Addy? No…there’s no way. She’s Dai Lou’s daughter. He made it clear she was off limits.”

Snow smiled “So if your Dai Lou said it was okay for you to date her, you would?”

He shook his head “No.”

“Why not?” she asked curiously.

“Because she’s not her.” He said darkly and began walking away, a sure sign to end the conversation. Snow turned her head to where he was walking and shook her head slowly. “Come on!” he yelled without looking back.

**********************

Kathy only took a few days to find a new place. She had started packing her bags the night she and Neil broke up. He was kind enough to help her move her stuff to the new apartment which was miles from his own place. When he finally dropped the last heavy box in her empty apartment, he wiped his forehead tiredly.

“You okay?” Kathy smiled when he was panting like a dying man.

He laughed “I’m good. Just a little out of breath.” He took one deep breath and let it out. “This is good…but why did you have to move so far?” he was still in his worried stage.

“I’m just a phone call away daddy…” she said with sarcasm but then noticed the grim expression on his face “I’ll be fine.” She insisted sympathetically.

Neil nodded “I know.” He turned towards her balcony on the 5th floor “So…are you going to tell him?”

Kathy raised her eyebrows with confusion “Who?” he smiled and she instantly knew he was talking about Mel. She shook her head slowly after a moment “I don’t know if I should say anything to him. I mean…maybe he’s moved on?”

“I highly doubt that.” He smiled as he stroked her hair affectionately “It’s a little hard to forget Kathy.”

She smiled shyly at the ground “He’s not a regular guy. He’s got girls surrounding him every few days. How could I ever compete with them?” Neil sighed with his head shaking and Kathy quickly added “Besides, maybe he’s already forgotten about me.”

She began unpacking while Neil continued to shake his head at her. He knew she was stubborn and she was such a pessimist at times that he wondered if she would ever take a chance at love. He knew she was attracted to Mel since he met him at Midnite. But knowing Kathy, she would have to decide on her own whether or not she would ever do anything about the crush.

 

 

 

Chapter 6

Mel Lam – Nick Cheung
Adriene “Addy” Lu – Jessica Hsuen
Luke Cheung - Roger Kwok
Roach – Jordan Chan
Phil - Wong Hei

The annual Red Dragon meeting was the least busy day for the cops since the gangs tended to close out all business for one day to get together. They collected at a building owned by the head of the gang. It was a hall with chairs lined up in front of a podium. The back door led to a special office that was designed for the Dai Lou. To a normal person, it looked more like a candidate was running for mayor. But to a gangster, they new it was to show respect for their Dai Gor, Lu Kin Cheung (Man Zhi Leung). The head of the gang which has been passed down for generations by his father, uncles and so forth. Cheung Gor is what he goes by to his boys.

Mel sat in the corner while everyone around him set up for the big meeting. They knew better than to disturb him when he was in his peaceful stage. He was holding onto his metal lighter and flicking the cap open and then closing it. He was lost in his own thoughts but it was quickly interrupted by someone that dared to disturb him “Mel Gor!” Addy said brightly as she took a seat next to him.

His eyes wandered up to the grinning face “What is it?” he asked almost tiredly.

She shrugged her shoulders carelessly “Nothing. What’s that?” she reached over and grabbed the lighter from his hand.

Mel sat upright and took the lighter back in one swift hand movement “Never…touch my lighter.” He warned.

Addy flicked an eyebrow upwards “Excuse me.” She said in defense. But like the weather, her mood changed instantly. She was smiling again “So, what do you think Daddy will say today? I hear he’s got a huge plan going down in Toronto. I put in a good word for you.” She gave him a slight wink of the eye.

“Thanks, but no thanks.” Mel smiled when she began to pout “If your father already has someone in mind, it doesn’t matter what you say.” He was quick to remember his place. She was still the big guy’s daughter.

She smiled thoughtfully “That’s not true. Daddy is always saying nice things about you.”

Suddenly his smirk changed into a wide grin. He quickly stood up showing respect when Cheung Gor walked into the room. Everyone stopped what they were doing and greeted him simultaneously “Cheung Gor!” He was getting older by the years and his black hair had turn gray at the front and sideburns.

The big man smiled happily at his boys but his smile grew when he saw Mel. He saw his daughter running to him “Daddy.” She hugged him affectionately.

“Good girl.” He patted her head like a puppy. His smile turned to Mel “Long time no see.”

“Cheung Gor.” Mel nodded respectfully.

“Hmm.” The man seldom spoke but when he did, everyone listened.

Addy linked her arm through her dad’s “So, who’s your choice for the next big plan?” she hinted with her eyes towards Mel.

Cheung Gor laughed heartily with his head whipping back as he patted his daughter’s hands “Silly girl…daddy already have someone in mind.” He turned to Mel with a smile “Let’s start the meeting.”

“Yes, Cheung Gor.” Mel nodded and then turned to the guys as he let out a loud whistle to call the meeting in order. Everyone gathered in an orderly manner and sat in their seats. The smaller rank guys stood in the back and on the sides against the walls. Mel took his place in the front seat with Addy and Roach.

Cheung Gor took his place in front of the podium as he cleared his throat to silence the crowd “You all know our annual meeting is about updates and new plans. I have a new area in Toronto that needs to be watched. This job will be a good step up for anyone. I have a person in mind and I’m sure you all will support him. He is the best candidate for this job because of all the loyal years he’s put into this gang. I can proudly say, without him we would not have successful bars, which in turn we get our income.” He paused and looked around the crowded room until it landed on Mel.

Addy squealed happily as she turned to him “I told you…” she said to Mel.

“I’m sure everyone knows who I’m talking about…” Cheung Gor continued but their meeting was quickly disturbed when the double doors were swung open. The man’s face turned solemn.

The guys that stood guard began to round up and tried to push the group out but one roar from Cheung Gor, they were moved aside and appeared Luke Cheung along with 15 of his other guys. They looked at the other guys threateningly while Luke looked cool and collect as he strolled into the meeting with authority. He pulled off his sunglasses and bowed at Cheung Gor with lack of respect “Hi.” He said flatly.

The seated Red Dragon members stood up at the same time as they faced towards Luke ready to attack if he made any sudden movements. “Now now…that is no way to greet a guest.” Cheung Gor said amusingly as he waved for his guys to back down. He stepped of the podium and walked down the center aisle towards Luke “How’s your father?”

Luke shrugged carelessly “The old man is gonna go in the hole soon…I think it’s about time.”

“I feel sorry for your dad!” a voice cried out from the group and everyone began laughing humorously.

The young guy did not falter, instead he stood his ground and faced Cheung Gor without fear “Can we talk?”

Cheung Gor laughed “Is that all?” he snickered “Come in my office.” Cheung Gor led him back to the room and nodded to Mel indicating for him to follow. Addy wasn’t about to be left behind as she followed the group inside. Luke only took his special guy along. Phil was shorter guy but he was built with pure muscles and his eyes were hollow. He only did as he was told and never asked any questions, so he easily climbed his way to the top under Luke, who was a Dai Lou of the Tiger gang. He took it over when his father became ill and went in the hospital. It was a shame because the old man was best friends with Cheung Gor. As for Luke, he always had his own plans on how to run a gang successfully.

Luke made himself company as he poured himself a glass of XO Cognac, one of the most expensive alcohol anyone with money could get. Cheung Gor snickered as he took a seat on his leather chair. Mel sat on the couch while Addy looked at Luke with much hatred. “No one said you could have any.” She retorted.

Cheung Gor turned to his daughter and shook his head. She quickly took her seat next to Mel “So, what do you want?” the powerful man asked.

“Wait.” Luke held up his hand rudely and turned to Addy with a grinning interest “Is this little Addy?” he smiled seductively as his eyes wandered over her body. “You’re looking more beautiful than I last remembered.”

Addy rolled her eyes “And you’re still the same ass kissing pervert I met years ago.”

Luke laughed hysterically “Still a tough little bitch aren’t you?” his eyes hardened as they turned back to Cheung Gor “I hear you took over those bars in Toronto. I just wanted to tell you that the Tiger Gang is claiming it.”

“Oh really?” Cheung Gor raised his eyebrows “Isn’t it a little too early in the day to be dreaming?”

Addy giggled while Mel gave a snicker. Luke’s face fell “It’s only a dream if it doesn’t come true. We claim what is ours and I say it’s ours.” He got up and reached for a cigar from a closed box on the coffee table. Luke pointed it to Cheung Gor “You don’t mind do you?”

“Do you think you own this place?” Addy stood up and yanked the cigar from Luke’s hands.

Cheung Gor snickered “Addy, it’s okay.” Luke instantly smiled and yanked the cigar back as he puckered his lips and made a kissing sound at Addy. She turned to her dad and he shook his head again. She stomped her way back to Mel and sat down “You must excuse my daughter, she doesn’t have any manners.”

Luke broke the cigar in half and smelled it “Cheap imports.” He wrinkled his nose.

Mel laughed “They’re shipped from Cuba and each one is worth at least $1000. U.S. dollars. I guess you could say they are too cheap for Cheung Gor…but they’re perfect for you.” He said with pure sarcasm. Addy laughed with her hands clapping at the quip.

“You…aren’t you that dead beat that followed Joe? Shit, and all these years I thought you were dead.” Luke managed to spurt out a bad comeback.

“You would die before Mel Gor even breaks his arm!” Addy retorted.

Cheung Gor sat motionless until he could no longer take the useless dialogue from Luke “Any other reason why you came here?” he asked directly to the overly egotistical guy.

“Yes. I knew it was your annual meeting…so I decided to drop in and join the party. But it looks like I’m not welcomed here. But I will warn you this, no one takes anything from the Tiger gang. If you got the balls to fight with us, we’ll see you on the battlefield. But remember…bring your best boys and not those cheesy fucknuts that look like they used too much hair gel.” He nodded to Mel.

“So you’re other reason to come here was to talk out of your ass?” Cheung Gor growled. “Tsk, tsk, tsk…I feel so sorry for your father. His only son is going to destroy all the years of hard work.”

Luke looked away rudely “Whatever old man. You need to go home and retire. Leave the fun stuff to the youngsters…” he snapped his finger and Phil quickly opened the door for him as they walked out of the place with much authority.

“What an ass.” Addy snickered. She turned to her dad “How could you let him talk to you like that?”

Cheung Gor’s face softened when Luke left “What do you expect me to do? Beat him up?”

“No, but you can get Mel or Roach to do it.” Addy said matter of factly.

“What do you know?” the man scolded his daughter and she quickly pouted and turned away stubbornly. He turned to the quiet Mel “You think you can take him on?”

Mel smiled with confidence “Him and those 15 sissies he brought along for the show.”

“Take 20 guys with you to Toronto.” It was more of an order than a question.

“Just 20?” Addy asked “He’ll probably bring 50 guys.”

Cheung Gor smiled “I know he will.” He said to his daughter who looked more confused “You know why?” he asked Mel.

Mel thought for a minute and then slowly nodded “Yeah.”

The man laughed comfortably “Great! I knew I didn’t pick the wrong guy!” he got up and walked towards the door “Let’s continue the meeting.”

Addy was still scratching her head “I don’t know why.” Her father only smiled and walked outside. She pulled at Mel’s arm “Can you tell me?”

Mel let out a sigh “If I bring 50 guys, Luke will bring 100 guys. I will lose no matter what. I bring 20 guys, then he will only bring 40 guys. Just enough to beat us. But what he doesn’t know is that the next group of 30 guys will come on the next flight after our plane hits Toronto.”

Addy began to smile as she understood the plan “Oh…I see…”

 

 

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