Two Sided Bow

Chapter 7

As planned the guys set out to Toronto leaving a group behind waiting for the next flight. Addy wanted to come along but her father had denied her request and made sure her bodyguards watched her carefully. She wasn’t allowed to come near the airport.

A few nights later, Addy was planning to escape her bodyguards but wanted to drop by Mel’s bar to see if Roach had heard from Mel yet. He sat at the bar drinking a beer when he noticed Addy “Siu Jei.” He said respectfully.

“Roach, have you heard from Mel Gor yet?” she asked with a concerned tone.

“No…” he said flatly and then smiled “He’s a big boy, I’m sure he can take care of himself.”

“Ha ha.” Addy narrowed her eyes. She turned to her bodyguards “I have to go to the bathroom, you guys wait here.” Her little escape plan didn’t work when she started walking away and noticed two shadows close behind her.

Roach watched with a grin on his face as his head began to shake. She was sure a handful, he felt sorry for the guy that would have to endure such an attitude. His eyes glanced over at the figure at the entrance and it did a double take. Were his eyes deceiving him? When she turned with a smile, he knew it was her “Kathy?” he asked when she rushed over to him.

“Hey Roach.” She smiled happily as if seeing an old friend “I know this is sudden…and maybe I should have called Mel first. But…well…is he around?” she stuttered embarrassingly.

“You just missed him. If you came over a few days ago, you would have caught him.” He answered sympathetically.

“Where did he go?” Kathy asked with concern.

Roach smiled “Business.”

Kathy nodded slowly “Of course…well, tell him I dropped by.” She said sadly and turned to leave.

Addy walked out of the bathroom and caught a girl talking to Roach. She looked too innocent to be hanging around bars at night. She looked at Kathy and she nodded politely with a short smile “Wait.” Addy put her hand up and two of her bodyguards walked in front of Kathy and blocked her.

Kathy turned to the unfamiliar girl “Yes?”

“Who are you looking for?” Addy asked with her arms crossed and her head tilted.

Roach knew if he didn’t intervene, Addy would only harm Kathy “She’s looking for me. Just an old girlfriend.” He laughed nervously “I told you I don’t want to get back with you.” He said harshly to Kathy who was wrinkling her eyes in confusion. He flicked his head towards the door but stopped the minute Addy turned to him with suspicious eyes. She wasn’t buying the lie.

“Ex girlfriend?” she asked Kathy.

Kathy eventually caught on as she nodded “Yeah…” she began to turn but was still blocked. She spun around towards Addy “What do you want?”

“I think you’re lying.” Addy smiled amusingly. “Now are you gonna be a good girl and tell more or do I have to use force?” she took a seat at the bar stool and crossed her legs.

Roach turned to Addy pleadingly “Siu Jei…please, let her go. She can’t be harmed. If Mel Gor finds out…” he faded away when he couldn’t catch his words in time.

“Mel Gor?” Addy raised her eyebrows with interest “Hm…what do you have to do with Mel Gor?” Kathy turned to Roach for help but Addy quickly snapped her fingers at Kathy “Hey, hey, don’t be looking at him for help. Answer my question and I won’t hurt your pretty little face.”

Kathy turned to the ground “What’s it to you bitch?!” Snow’s voice broke into her worried thoughts. She looked up and found Snow at the door as she rushed in as she pushed the body guards aside. Kathy smiled, happy to see another helping face “You lay a hand on her and Mel Gor will personally punish you.” Snow threatened.

Addy’s solemn face turned into a slow smile “Oh….so this is the girl.” She nodded as she popped off of the stool “Hi…I’m Addy.” She brought out a hand to Kathy with an overly friendly grin.

“Whatever!” Snow snapped as she whacked Addy’s hand aside and pulled Kathy behind her “Don’t pretend like you’re all nice.”

Addy’s head snapped up as she widened her eyes at Snow “This is none of your business. What are you doing here?”

“Same as Kathy…looking for Mel.” Roach answered for her.

Snow nodded “Is he here?” she had good news for him. He wouldn’t have to pay for her anymore, she had found a good and secure job.

Roach shook his head and Addy answered for him “Awww…too bad. You just missed him. He’s on a business trip.”

“Where?” Snow asked with her brows furrowed. She knew ‘business’ meant a dangerous exchange.

“Toronto.” Roach replied.

Addy threw him an evil glare “That’s confidential information. You’re not suppose to say anything!” she scolded “If you weren’t Mel’s best friend, I would have turned you into Daddy.”

Kathy frowned “Is it dangerous?” she asked Roach.

He smiled “It’s always dangerous but Mel Gor always manages to come home with just a few cuts and bruises. Don’t worry, this time won’t be any different.”

Snow patted Kathy on the shoulder “It’s okay. I have a feeling he’ll be fine.”

“Of course he will!” Addy cried in Mel’s defense.

Kathy on the other hand had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach “I’m not so sure. Maybe I should call him?” she looked at Snow and Roach for reassurance.

The two shrugged while Addy snickered “He doesn’t even answer my calls, why should he answer yours? Anyways, I’ve been calling him for days, he has his phone off.”

Kathy wasn’t listening as she dialed his name and waited for it to ring. He didn’t pick up until the third ring “Mel?” she asked when the line picked up. Addy’s head quickly snapped over to Kathy who was holding onto her cell phone for dear life.

“Katie? Why are you calling?” he seemed a little more than distracted.

Her face fell “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

“Yeah..of course.” He said hastily “How have you been?” he asked with a little more interest “Still as cute as ever I presume? Whoops…not suppose to say that in front of Neil huh? Is he around?”

Kathy smiled “No…actually, I’m in your bar with Roach, Snow and Addy.”

“Addy? Do not listen to anything she says.” He warned and Kathy turned to Addy with wondering eyes.

“What did he say?” Addy asked hurriedly “Let me talk to him.” She reached for Kathy’s cell and Snow quickly snapped Addy’s reaching hand away.

Mel frowned “Give the phone to Roach.” He ordered Kathy.

Kathy did as she was told and handed it to Roach who answered it with only “Yes and hmm…” after a few minutes he finally gave the phone back to Kathy.

“I can’t talk to you right now…how about we talk some other time? I’ll call you.” He promised but she knew he wouldn’t from the sound of his voice.

“Sure.” Her voice was saddened “Bye.”

Addy sighed “I told you to give me the phone. I wanted to talk to Mel Gor.” She whined.

Kathy smiled apologetically “Sorry… I think he was busy.” She turned to Snow and Roach “It’s getting late. I have to go home.”

Snow looked over at Addy who had an evil grin on her face “I’ll walk you home…” she turned to Kathy and pulled her by the hand.

Addy smiled after the girls “Run…run all you want but you can’t hide.” She snapped her fingers at her boys and they rushed out after the two girls.

Roach frowned as he snuck away towards the back entrance. Outside, Kathy was confused at Snow’s behavior “What is the matter with you?” she asked when the two practically sprinted down a block. “I live that way.” She pointed to the opposite direction.

Snow spun her head back and found the two guys close on their backs “Not tonight you don’t.” she pulled at Kathy’s arm as they rushed off but they were quickly blocked by two guys dressed in black who came from the back alley way. The girls turned to opposite way and again were blocked by the other two guys.

The four men were closing in on the two girls when Roach appeared from behind “Hey, Siu Jei is calling for you guys.” The guys looked at him suspiciously “You don’t believe me? She wasn’t feeling too good…I think she has to go to the hospital.”

The guys began to slowly take the bait as they backed away “Come on.” One of the guys nodded to the other three as they rushed back to the bar.

Roach made sure they were far away as he turned to Snow and Kathy “Come on.” He reached for Kathy’s arm and pulled her away. They speed walked to a more crowded part of town and stopped “I think you’re safe now.”

Kathy laughed “She’s just a girl. What harm could she do?”

Snow snickered “Kidnap, threaten and who knows what else she is capable of doing.”

“Really?” Kathy frowned “She did that to you?”

“She thought I was Mel’s girl.” Snow laughed but quickly stopped when Kathy winced at the comment “Apparently Addy has a mad crush on Mel. She’s Cheung Gor’s daughter. He’s the head of Red Dragon.” She explained.

Kathy nodded “I see…what does that got to do with me? I’m not Mel’s girl.”

Roach smiled “You may not be his girl, but everyone knows how much Mel likes you. He told me earlier to make sure you stay away from Addy. She might not be dangerous but she will make your life a living hell. Come on, let’s get out of here before she finds us.”

Chapter 8

It has been over a week and still no call from Mel, Kathy had began to worry. The pit of her stomach turned to knots each time her cell phone rang. But to her disappointment, it was always someone else. It wasn’t until 9 days had passed that she decided to fly to Toronto. She may have little chance of finding him but at least she tried. The night she was heading out to the airport, she dropped by the bar to see Roach.

The guy was greeting some guests when he spotted her. He walked over with a welcoming smile “You’re lucky, Addy didn’t drop by tonight.”

“I guess.” Kathy said shortly “I’m going, Roach.”

“Where?” he asked.

She smiled “I’m not sure why I’m going.”

He let out a short sigh “Toronto?” Kathy nodded “It’s too dangerous. What if you don’t find Mel? You don’t even know where he is.”

“I know. I just want to ease my worries. I just have this bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.” She said honestly.

Roach knew he shouldn’t tell her but he knew how much Mel would love to see Kathy. He pulled out a card from his back pocket “This is one of the bars that Mel will be at. But if anyone asks, you found it on the street.” He gave her a quick wink before returning to his duties.

“Thanks Roach.” Kathy said gratefully. She headed to the airport and prepared for the flight.

*******Toronto********

Mel sat in the crowded, smoke filled bar located not far from ‘Johnny’s’, the same exact bar he had a talk with Kathy years ago. It now belonged to the Red Dragon. So far business was booming. He didn’t run into much trouble, but that very night would change all that. When he noticed a group of guys stopped drinking as their eyes were glued to the doorway, Mel too turned into that direction.

A sexy girl walked in with a sultry walk. Her eyes were on Mel. He smiled and stood up “Long time no see.” He spoke when she was not too far from him. Mel pointed to the chair across from him “Have a seat.”

Janet smiled with a nod “Thanks.”

“So what brings you here?” Mel asked with amusement. He always thought that she would have returned to Hong Kong, but she decided to stay back in Canada.

“Waiting for my boyfriend.” She answered while looking around. Mel raised his eyebrows and she quickly laughed “No…not you. I’m over you.”

He nodded with a laugh “Well, that’s good to hear. Do I know the guy?”

Janet shrugged “I don’t know.” Suddenly Mel’s face changed, his eyes hardened at the figure behind coming up to them. Janet turned and saw Luke along with 5 other guys, Phil of course was there. “Speak of the devil.” Janet smiled and stood up to greet her boyfriend. “Luke…this is-”

Before she even introduced the guys, she earned a huge slap across the face. Mel instantly stood up “What the fuck is wrong with you!” he roared at Luke.

Luke laughed humorously “She’s MY girlfriend, I can do whatever I want with her. She loves the abuse right?” he pulled at Janet’s long mane downward making her gasp in pain, instantly forgetting about the stinging sensation on her cheek. Janet managed to nod her head and Luke quickly let go “I told you never to talk to other men if I’m not around. That’s very disrespectful.” He leaned in close to her face and threatened her “Remember we talked about the consequences?”

Janet lowered her head embarrassed to look at Mel in the eye “Sorry, Luke.”

“That’s better.” Luke said soothingly as he wrapped an arm around her waist and pushed her body against his own “Now go wait in the car like a good little bitch.” With that, he pushed her away as Phil had to catch her before she fell to the ground. Janet mumbled a little thank you and then left the bar.

Mel’s blood was boiling, never had he mistreated Janet like that and to watch another guy treat her like dirt was unbearable “You’re a sick bastard.” He mumbled before taking a seat again.

Luke laughed with his head shaking “Thank you. I didn’t know you liked to kiss ass too.”

“What the fuck do you want?” Mel grumbled as he pulled out a cigarette to light it up so it could help calm him.

“Just wanted to claim my bar back.” Luke said a matter of factly as he took a seat across from Mel.

Mel snorted “You’re bar? Last time I heard, we had dibs on it. Look, I don’t want to fight tonight, my arms are a little tired from beating your boys up that other night. Why don’t you just fuck off?” he asked nicely making Luke’s face turn to a boiling red.

“So you’re the mother fucker that gave my boys a black eye.” Luke asked as he tightened his fist.

“No, I’m not.” Mel said coolly as he took a whiff of his cigarette “I gave them two black eyes each.”

Luke suddenly flipped over the tiny round table standing between Mel and himself “Don’t fuck with me, boy. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll get the hell out of here.”

“And what if I don’t?” Mel asked uninterestingly.

“This…” Luke said and without warning, he took a quick swing at Mel’s face. But Mel was ready as he easily dodged it. Within seconds, the whole bar became a fighting scene. Everyone threw punches at each other while Luke and Mel wrestled with each other. Phil stood on the sidelines watching and waiting until there was a chance for him to help Luke.

Soon Mel and Luke were bruised on the face as they carried the fight outside. The night was dark but the guys continued to brawl for a good 10 minutes. Luke turned to Phil and nodded at him indicating for him to help take down Mel. It was two guys against one and Mel was losing badly. They kicked him to the ground and started to beat him pretty badly. Suddenly they heard police sirens calling in the background “What now?” Phil asked.

“Fuck!” Luke cursed as he put out his hands “Give me the metal stick.” Phil pulled out a 3 inch metal bar that he kept in his pocket just in case and handed it to Luke. “Have fun bitch!” he roared before taking a full swing at Mel’s head.

Mel let out a painful groan so loud that anyone would easily hear it from blocks away. The two guys whistled for their guys to leave as they left Mel behind to bleed himself into unconsciousness. His head was throbbing while his vision was blurred by the blood that poured over his closing eyes. Mel could hear the sirens coming closer and then eventually, it was pitch black.

The ambulance took him away to the Toronto Medical Hospital which was a few miles down from the bar. The emergency crew worked fast to keep him alive as uv tubes were needled into his arm and a bag of blood was stuck into his other arm to keep him alive. Doctors worked fast to patch up the broken skull and it took a good three hours for him to be pulled out of the emergency room.

After he was settled into intensive care, the nurses bustled around each other wondering who would be assigned to the new guy. Caitlyn had just left one of the patients room when she ran into the conversation “So, who’s gonna take him? I heard he was fighting at a club…couldn’t be that good of a guy.” Nurse Judy gossiped.

“Who are you guys talking about?” Caitlyn asked as she wrote down notes for the patient in Rm 101.

“That guy they just brought in earlier. Fractured skull, bruised ribs and broken leg. Must be a gangster of some sort.” Judy replied.

Caitlyn stopped as she looked up “That bad? Sounds like he was beat up pretty bad.” She was the new nurse, which everyone made fun of because of her emotional attachment she always had with every patient she was assigned to. “Who’s gonna be his nurse?”

“Don’t know yet.” Judy shrugged. We’ll wait for Dr. Chu.”

Caitlyn nodded as she returned to her duties and checked on her patients. She ran across Rm 106 where Mel was placed. She looked around and nosy as she was, she entered the room and closed it behind her. She saw the young man who was bandaged from head to toe. His right leg was hanging from a sling and his head was bandaged tightly. She checked his heartbeat and water level. The light was barely dimmed so she could not see his face that clearly.

It had been an hour after his operation so he began to come to. He groaned in pain as he moved his head back and forth, his eyes were heavy but they blinked open. He saw a stranger in a white uniform staring down at him with a smile “You’re awake.” Caitlyn said brightly “Normally it takes a full night to recover for most patients. You’re pretty good.”

Mel looked around and found himself bandaged “Where am I?” his eyes closed as he tried to recall what had happen but it was blank.

“You were in a pretty bad fight.” Caitlyn explained as she brightened the room a little more. She noticed that his eyes were glossy. “How are you feeling? Do you remember what happened?”

He shook his head after a while when he squeezed his brain for memories but they were completely blank. “I don’t know…” he said slowly. Suddenly a surge of memories flashed against his eyes. “OW!!!” he groaned in pain as he reached his free hand up to his head and pushed it downward to relieve the pain.

“No, don’t do that!” Caitlyn cried as she pulled his hand back “You’ll make the cut bleed. The doctors just patched it up.”

“It hurts!!” He twisted painfully while trying to fight against her hands which were holding him down. “Let me go!!” he cried finally and used his last bit of strength to push her away. He succeeded when she fell back and dropped the metal pan next to his bedside which contained his medication. The door to his room suddenly opened and the nurses ran in to help Caitlyn while the others controlled Mel. Judy took the needle as she filled it up with Vikadin and shot it through the uv water tube that connected to Mel’s hand. He slowly closed his eyes disappearing into dreamland.

“Everyone out.” Judy commanded. Her eyes landed on Caitlyn who looked away guiltily.

Everyone gathered around the center desk of the Intensive Care Unit. Judy turned to the group of nurses with a scowl on her face “What did I tell you guys about seeing patients that have not been assigned?” she looked directly at Caitlyn.

“I’m sorry.” The petite girl replied with much remorse.

“Not only is that dangerous to your health but to the patient. They have not been cleared by the head surgeon, you cannot come in to see them. I will let it pass this time because you are new here, Caitlyn. But remember the rules are here for your own protection.” Judy concluded. She turned to the double doors and it opened as Dr. Chu walked in. “Dr. Chu.” She greeted with a nod.

The man was a ripe age of 50 and he had kind eyes “I heard.” He put up a hand when Judy was about to explain. “I want a word with Caitlyn.”

Everyone began to scatter away leaving Caitlyn with the head surgeon. “I’m sorry…I didn’t think it would be a problem.” She began.

Dr. Chu raised his hand to pause her “I understand you are new here. You are probably anxious to help the patients. Perhaps if it were anyone else, it wouldn’t have become this bad. But this one is special. He was in a vicious brawl, he could have easily lost his life if the cops did not get a call from the bar. When I was patching up the cut on his forehead, I noticed a vessel had been broken. Looks like a hard object hit it.”

“Why are you telling me all this?” Caitlyn wondered out loud.

He smiled at the naïve girl “Because you will be assigned to him.” He waved for her to follow him “According to his license, he’s from Hong Kong. Looks like you two got something in common.” Caitlyn smiled with a nod of the head “From my many years of experience, I can say that this young man has waken up with amnesia. The vessel that broke was lying under his right temple. It doesn’t look too good for him.”

“Amnesia?” Caitlyn shook her head sympathetically “So he won’t even remember any family members…that is if he has any.” She let out a short sigh.

Dr. Chu suddenly became worried as he stopped at the door to Mel’s room “Caitlyn, you know what the number one mistake for a new nurse is?” She shook her head “Getting too attached. I’ve seen you…although it is good to know your patients on a personal level, it will only hurt you in the long run when you get too emotionally involved. This patient is in an even more special situation. He will wake up and not remember anyone but he will soon rely on you for everything. Because you will be the only person he will trust and come in contact with. I know this is a tough case, but I think you are ready.” He patted her on the shoulder.

“Thank you, Dr. Chu.” She sighed as he opened the door to let her into the room. She turned and caught the elderly man smiling with a nod of the head as he walked away leaving her to get acquainted with Mel, her new patient.

Chapter 9

Caitlyn entered the room cautiously this time even though she knew Mel would be out cold for a couple of hours. She began to clean up the room and every once in a while, she would turn to look at him. When she was done, she placed herself on the chair next to Mel’s bed. “Hi there…I know you can’t hear me. But it looks like we’re going to be seeing a lot of each other from now on. My name is Caitlyn. I’m your nurse for the next few weeks.” She began softly speaking to him.

She knew there was a good chance that he would not remember the dialogue but she felt the need to explain herself. She told him a little about herself “I’m the only child and I was raised in Hong Kong..looks like you are from there too. I’ve been a nurse for a few months now and I really enjoy helping the people…” she let her words faded when she heard grumbling from Mel.

“Katie….” He whispered dreamily.

“Katie?” Caitlyn asked herself. “Must be a girlfriend…” she guessed “Maybe you won’t have complete amnesia.”

***********

Kathy got off the plane and settled in a hotel close to where Mel lived years ago. She knew there was a good chance he might still keep the same apartment. She rested early that night and then searched for the bar that Roach had given her the address to. But to her dismay, no one seems to know who Mel Gor is. She felt uneasy again, how could they not have heard of him? He was after all the lead of the bar.

She decided to give a call to Roach and see but it looked like her luck was out. His cell phone did not pick up either. That night she roamed around the streets until she hit “Johnny’s” which was an old bar that she remember Mel use to hang out in. Kathy let her instincts take her inside as she looked around. The place looked trashier than she last remembered. The hookers were in every corner and the men looked even more perverted. But Kathy had a goal and she was determined to get to the end of it.

Approaching the bar, she could see the bartender was drunk himself “Excuse me.” She asked casually.

The guy turned to her and glanced at her up and down “Yes?” he was tipsy just leaning on the bar counter.

“Is Mel Gor here?” Kathy asked hesitantly.

“Who’s asking?” a familiar female voice asked from behind Kathy. She turned and found Janet sitting at one of the tables sipping on a bottle of beer.

Kathy knew she did not need the trouble that night as she shook her head “Nevermind.” She mumbled and began walking away.

Janet pulled out her net stocking leg as she blocked Kathy’s way “Just a second. I remember you…” she narrowed her eyes as she remembered her rival’s face “You’re that one bitch that beat me in pool. You’re Mel’s girl aren’t you?”

Kathy began to stutter “Well…no…not…I’m not…” she knew she was caught. She could only guess what Janet would do to her.

“You’re too late…” she said with much disappointment making Kathy feel nauseous in the stomach.

“What do you mean?” Kathy had shivers up her spine.

Janet looked at Kathy from head to toe “I didn’t know Mel was into that innocent look?” she let out a short laugh and got up “Come with me.” She led Kathy outside and they walked until they reached the subway. Janet kept a close eye on Kathy but her distance made them look like strangers to the naked eye.

She finally got off the subway after half an hour as they headed uptown. Kathy continued to follow without questioning Janet. They reached the harbor “Where are you taking me?” Kathy couldn’t hold her patience any longer.

Janet turned and looked around the whole area, when she realized they were finally safe from Luke’s men. She began to explain “Mel is in deep shit.”

Kathy grabbed a hold of Janet’s arms “What do you mean? Where is he? What happened to him?!” she was near frantic.

“I don’t know. All I know is that he got in a vicious fight the other night with Luke and his boys. I sat in the car and witnessed everything…” her eyes darkened as she recalled the night she phoned the police to come. If not, Mel would have died easily under Luke and Phil’s hands.

“He’s dead?” Kathy asked as she imagined the worse.

Janet smiled sympathetically “No…but he might as well be dead. I heard he was taken to the hospital. He woke up with amnesia.”

“How do you know all this?!” Kathy was panicking.

“Luke’s guys have big mouths.” Janet snickered but her face turned solemn “They’re following Mel around to make sure he doesn’t remember anything. Because the minute he does, they’ll finish him off. Lucky for him the hospital is a safe place. I hear he’s got a cute nurse helping him recover.”

Kathy’s face fell. She was not worried about the cute nurse, she was worried that Mel would be in more trouble. Her heart ached as she yearned to see him that very second “What hospital?” she asked. Janet turned away with a laugh “Please…I have to see him.” Kathy begged. When Janet continued to give her the silent treatment, she kneeled down “Please…I’m begging you.” Her eyes were tearful and her voice was beginning to crack “I need to see him.”

Janet wasn’t aware that Kathy was kneeling until she turned and saw her on the cement bawling. She felt sorry for the girl as she pulled her to her feet “Look…even if I tell you. You will only be heartbroken when you realize he doesn’t remember you.”

“No…I don’t care. I just want to see him safe and sound.” Kathy wiped her tears with the back of her hand.

Janet let out a sigh “What does he do to us women? Why do all of them fall under his spell? Is he that charming?” she laughed sarcastically as she was too under the spell years before. Her eyes dazed away as she thought about Luke “If he finds you…he’ll kill you.” Kathy turned to her with a confused expression “I’m talking about Luke. He’s Mel’s worse enemy…also the guy that caused him amnesia. If he finds out you are Mel’s girl…you’ll be in deeper shit.”

Kathy shook her head vehemently, never understanding why they kept assuming she was his girl “I’m not his girl…” she insisted. But deep down, she knew she would be if Mel would accept her.

“Sure, keep telling yourself that and maybe you’ll believe it. I saw the way he looked at you. It wasn’t just a crush…he loves you.” Janet said it enviously. Kathy turned her eyes away as they began to dwell up with tears.

“Why are you telling me all this? Who is this Luke guy to you?” Kathy wondered.

“He’s my boyfriend….what a mistake he is. Everything that Mel isn’t…he is.” Janet laughed painfully “But I can’t get out now…it’s too late. He’ll kill me if I dared to leave him.”

Kathy’s heart came out to the girl, she felt sorry for her “I’m sure there’s a way out.”

Janet shook her head “No…I can’t take that chance. The only person that could help me doesn’t remember me.” Her own eyes were glossy. “I can’t stay out for long. He’ll be looking for me. Mel is at Toronto Medical Hospital.”

“Thank you.” Kathy sighed. She watched Janet walk away into the tiger’s mouth. “Be careful.” She breathed but Janet could not hear her anymore.

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

Caitlyn eventually fell asleep next to Mel who was still out from the medication. But hours later, he began to wake up again. This time he did not panic as he recognized the girl next to him. He tapped her on the head to wake her up.

She snapped her eyes open and turned upwards “You’re awake.” She sighed with a grin.

“It makes no difference.” He spoke softly. He pushed himself upwards trying to sit up.

“I’ll help you.” She offered and to her surprise he let her help him up. “How are you feeling? Do you remember anything?” she asked cautiously.

Mel’s eyes dazed over and he slowly shook his head “No…I don’t even know my name.”

Caitlyn smiled in spite of the situation “That’s easy. You’re name is Melvin Lam.” She pulled out the metal necklace that was secured around his neck. A silver charm with his name was engraved on it. “See…” she pointed with a grin.

“Melvin…” he spoke the name like it was foreign to him. “That’s a geeky name.”

She laughed at his comment “It may be geeky but it’s your name. You should get use to it. Maybe if I call you that more often, part of your memory will return?”

“So what do I do now?” he asked almost sadly.

“Well, there have been no one to come by and claim you…so I’m guessing your family doesn’t know you’re here. I’m positive you came from Hong Kong.” She smiled as she pulled out his wallet which she carried for him in her uniform pocket “See…” she pointed.

Mel frowned “Hong Kong?...I can’t remember…” he said slowly. Another surge of pain shot through his temple as he grabbed it in pain.

Caitlyn looked worried as she gently pulled his hand away from the cut “That will make the bruise worse. Here, let me try.” She pried his fingers away and took her own as she rubbed his forehead in a circular motion. When his winced expression calmed down she smiled “Better?” he nodded with a smile.

“Thanks…Caitlyn, right?” he asked with wide eyes.

“How did you know?” her jaw dropped in shock.

“It says it on your badge.” He pointed to the clear name printed on her tag.

She laughed at her silly self “Stupid me…” she giggled.

Mel’s face titled thoughtfully “You remind me of someone.”

Caitlyn raised her eyebrows “You remember?”

He shook his head “Not exactly…but something about the way you giggled reminded me of someone..someone that I can’t remember. But it’s really familiar.” She frowned and he laughed “That doesn’t make any sense does it?”

She shook her head vehemently “No.. it does. Maybe it’s someone that left a good impression on your mind that eventhough you have amnesia, you can still remember her? Oh…which reminds me. Earlier when you were sleeping…you called out a name.”

“I did?” he asked in confusion.

“Yeah…it was Katie…does that sound familiar?” Caitlyn asked.

Mel shook his head “Not really.”

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