The Zodiac of P.R.A.

Chapter 4

By the time the group returned to headquarters, they were all exhausted from the short mission. It was one of the most active missions they have been on. All five were trained to do everyone and anything, but sometimes fear was still standing in the way. The group were in high spirits by the time they reached the conference room, but Dennis didn’t look very please “Sit down.” He ordered.

Everyone exchanged glances but did as they were told “Is something the matter?” Brad was the only one with the guts to ask.

Dennis nodded slowly “We’re on the news.”

There was a hush that ran through the crowd “How can that be?” Erin asked “We didn’t tell anyone and we used our code names as usual.”

Brad stood up suddenly “I’m sorry Sir, it was me.” The girls looked up at Brad with confusion “I accidentally told the terrorist that was holding Mia hostage. Maybe one of the victims overheard it?”

Dennis shook his head with disappointment “Brad, you are the captain when I am not on the mission with you guys. How could you let it slip like that?”

“Sir, I’m sure he didn’t mean for it to happen. It’s not that big of a deal is it?” Erin asked.

The wise senior smiled with a nod of his head “Not big of a deal?” he turned to the television at the corner right wall and pulled out the control from the drawer behind him as he clicked for a news channel. He clicked channel after channel and all it talked about was the ship that was taken over by terrorists and one particular victim wrapped in a brown towel was yapping away about heroic people that called themselves P.R.A.

Erin closed her eyes and shook her head, she didn’t expect it to blow up that way. Brad looked at everyone with sincerity “I’m sorry guys…”

Dennis turned off the TV and advised the group “I hope this will be a lesson for you guys.”

“Brad is not going to be kicked out is he?” Mia stood up suddenly.

The lieutenant tapped his chin thoughtfully “No…” his answer gave the team a sigh of relief “You guys are lucky this time.” Everyone looked at him strangely “Apparently, the guy that claimed to have heard Brad say the word P.R.A. was sent to a mental hospital afterwards, he was a little insane to begin with.”

“How did you find that out?” Erin was suspicious. She knew the P.R.A. was involved with the head of security. She suspected that maybe they labeled the guy as ‘crazy’ so they would be off the hook.

“My dear, there are a lot of things that I know which YOU don’t know.” Dennis smiled slyly as he got up “Now, if you don’t mind. I’m exhausted and I want to go home to my wife and kids. You guys should return and rest too. Brad, we’ll worry about your punishment tomorrow.”

Brad nodded “I understand.”

The group then dispersed and everyone returned home to wherever they were. Brad was especially down that night, Andrew tried to comfort him but nothing seemed to work. Brad lingered behind while everyone was gone, or so he thought “Erin?” he asked when he saw her outside their headquarters, which looked like a pizza factory but behind the walls was a powerful operation.

She smiled “Hey…” Erin smiled brightly.

Brad tilted his head thoughtfully “What’s with the big smile, happy I’m punished?”

Erin shook her head with a bigger grin “Of course not. Come on, I want to show you something.” She reached out and took his hand as she dragged him out to the marketplace. There were still plenty of people around.

“Erin, whatever it is, it can’t be that…” he let the words slipped when he saw it. “How in the world did you find this?” he let go of her hand to run over the table where old artifacts were being sold. Brad was flabbergasted as he turned to Erin with wide eyes.

“It was by chance really.” She said modestly “I know you loved to collect swords and weapons. Frankly, I don’t know why…but I happen to cross it’s path the other day and almost forgot to tell you about it.”

Brad was busy looking over the 18th century dagger he was looking for since he could remember. He was grinning when he turned to the lady who owned the shop “How much is it?”

The woman smiled “Sorry, this has been sold.” She leaned her head over to look at Erin “This young lady bought it, she told me to hold it for her until she could come and pick it up.”

He turned to her with a smile while Erin shrugged carelessly “I couldn’t take the chance of someone buying it first. If you play your cards right, maybe I’ll sell it to you.” She teased.

Brad laughed “Now what would you do with an 18th century dagger?”

Erin placed her hands on her hips “My question to you exactly.” His face fell as he pondered the question, he never understood why he had a love for old things. “See, you don’t even know why. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going home.” She began walking away but suddenly stopped and turned as she yanked the dagger out of his hands “Until you give me a good reason why you collect old things, I’m going to keep this.”

He crossed his arms with a grin as he stared after her, thinking that she would walk back any minute. Instead she kept going and soon his smile faded when he realized she was serious. Brad dropped his arms and raced after her as he easily caught up with her. He ran past her and turned to block her way “You’re kidding right?” he asked incredulously.

She looked at him with a serious expression “Do I look like I’m kidding?”

Brad’s face merged into a puppy face “Aww…Erin!” he gave her a pout and reached out as he pulled at her sleeve.

“Don’t whine, it won’t make the situation better.” She warned with a motherly tone. He laughed suddenly catching her off guard “What’s so funny?” she asked stubbornly.

“You sound like my mom when you say that.” He laughed harder when her face grew sour.

Erin crossed her arms and hid the dagger between her forearm and biceps “Say that again and you’ll never see this dagger again.” She threatened.

“Okay…okay…sheesh, someone can’t take a joke.” He put up his hands in defense “That should be a compliment, my mom is the only woman I love.”

Her face abruptly blushed over at his comment, she thrust the dagger in his hands “Whatever…just keep it.” She muttered before turning and speed walking towards the apartment building where she lived.

Brad looked from the dagger to Erin’s tiny body walking away “What’s with her?” he wondered out loud.

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

Erin didn’t dare to look back to see if Brad was chasing after her, when she found the guts to turn, he was no where in sight. Disappointed, she walked through the metal gates where she would have to pass a parking lot to get to the building. Her steps slowed down when she felt a pair of eyes looking at her. She turned slowly and saw a black limo with a driver standing outside looking at her intently.

Her eyes moved away slowly as she continued walking “Are you Miss Yeung?” the man called out.

Erin stopped as she turned “What if I am?”

“My boss would like to have a word with you.” The man bent over and spread out an arm at the passenger door on the limo.

With that, the windows scrolled down and appeared a very young and handsome man smiling at her. He had a powerful aura that she could feel through the smile he gave her “Would you care to join me in the limo, please?” he spoke eloquently and with control, she knew he definitely came from an upper class family. When she hesitated to move, he chuckled “If you are afraid I might kidnap you or kill you, I can assure you it won’t happen.”

“Why should I take your word for it?” Erin asked, her instincts told her that he was harmless yet she didn’t want to take her chances.

Darren smiled “If you don’t, I might have to use force.” He leaned back in his seat and looked forward as the windows scrolled up.

The driver moved up and opened the other door for Erin “Please.” He offered.

Erin felt awkward yet she knew if he did try to harm her, she would be able to get away. Her eyes darted behind her to see if Brad would be around “Miss Yeung, I will not wait all night.” Darren’s voice broke into her thoughts.

She let out a small sigh and said a prayer for herself. Hopefully, she made the right decision. Erin walked over and entered the limo, which closed behind her and the driver pulled the car out and drove off “Where are you taking me?” she asked coolly.

Darren smiled mysteriously “Now…my question to you, Miss Yeung, is are you interested in working for me?”

She almost felt a sigh of relief escape her lips “That’s all?” she wondered why he would go through all this just to offer her a job?

“I would like to remind you not to reprimand my question. You did not answer.” He said with a bit of frustration.

Erin leaned back comfortably in her seat “As long as you are paying me to do a good deed, I will not mind doing it. But if it is anything else, I will turn it down.”

His laughter gave her chills as he threw his head back “Great! I will take that as a yes.” He confirmed.

She leaned towards him with her hand up “Wait…you didn’t tell me what job it is. And who are you?” she didn’t even know who he was.

Darren smiled crookedly which gave him more charm “Unless you have been living under a rock, surely you’ve seen my face graze the daily newspapers as well as magazines?” Erin frowned and shook her head innocently “I was recently on Idol’s magazine as the 20 most eligible and richest bachelors in Hong Kong.”

Erin snickered “I still don’t know who you are but I know you have an ego bigger than Hong Kong itself. Anyways, I didn’t agree to take the job.”

He ignored her comment and pressed the button on his left side “Biu, are we there yet?” he asked into the intercom that connected with the driver.

“Yes sir.” The man said with the utmost respect.

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

Reina was in the mist of walking home when she felt footsteps follow her every step. She stopped and turned ready to attack, but when she saw Mia she let out a sigh “Mia…what are you doing?”

The round eyed girl twisted her lips “I’m bored.”

Reina laughed “Shouldn’t that be my line? I am a Gemini after all…”

“Shhh…you know we’re not suppose to talk about that.” Mia hissed as she walked closer. Reina rolled her eyes and continued on along with Mia by her side “So where are you going?”

“Home.” Reina replied shortly.

“Can I go with you?” Mia asked.

“Why?” Reina began to feel suffocated with her friend always on her back “What good reason would you possibly not want to…” before she finished a round of thunder and lightning flashed against the sky. She instantly felt Mia crawl behind her with fear. Reina let out a sigh “For someone’s who trained to kill and attack, you sure are a chicken.”

Mia whimpered as she clutch onto Reina’s arm “You know I hate thunder and lightning… even worse than my fear of heights. I saw on the weather channel early this morning and it said we’re going to have a storm soon. Can I please stay with you?? Please??????” she begged.

Reina laughed as she shook her head and wrapped an arm around Mia’s shoulder “Sure…I guess it doesn’t hurt.” Mia smiled as she hugged her friend “Just don’t make it a habit.” Reina warned as she led her friend along with her.

Chapter 5

Darren turned to Erin when the car stopped “I believe you will change your mind when you see this.” His door opened and he got out. Instead of letting the butler help her out, he did it himself with his hand sprawled out ready to assist her. But Erin was no ordinary girl, she was independent and surely did not need help to get out of a car.

Erin dismissed his ready hand and took the car door instead, she squeezed past him while he retrieved his hand with a small smile. Her eyes cringed with confusion as she stood in front of the orphanage that helped raise her. “St. Mary’s Orphanage….” She whispered to herself.

“I see you haven’t forgotten your roots.” Darren nodded approvingly.

“My job has something to do with the orphanage?” she asked him more curiously.

Darren nodded as he placed his hands behind his back “You can say that. Do you know what my relation is with this particular orphanage?”

Erin shrugged “Don’t tell me you were an orphan.”

His eyes darkened “No…but I might as well be.” He said with much bitter but as quick as the weather, his mood changed “But enough about that. I was the creator of this orphanage, my idea when I was a mere five year old with big goals. I’ve worked at making this one of the top orphanage when it comes to placing a child with a good home. But there was one girl…I remember, she was returned each time someone found her a home. A girl by the name of Erin Yeung.” He paused to look at her.

Erin stood motionless as her eyes narrowed “So, what’s your point?”

Darren smiled as he turned and walked over to her “My point, Miss Yeung, is I want to know why you did not do well with the homes?”

“This happened years ago, why should you care now?” she snapped roughly.

“I care because this orphanage is me, I am the orphanage. It gives me great pride to know that I am making a difference, but for you…you will always be the girl that I failed to give happiness to. Darren Chiu doesn’t fail…ever.” His eyes hardened.

Erin smiled “So I was a failed mission.” She thought how ironic it was that she too had a failed mission, yet hers was a lot more important.

“You can say that.” He turned back to the orphanage “Your job would be help each child find a happy home. Normally, I would do the research myself but I cannot find the time. I thought who would be more perfect than you to do this job.”

Erin turned her back to him “Sorry, Mr. Chiu, I will have to turn down this job. If you don’t mind, please take me back home.”

“No one says ‘no’ to Darren Chiu.” He spoke loudly but didn’t budge from his place.

She spun around to face him “There’s a first for everything.” Erin said firmly. “If you’re not going to take me home, I will just hitch a ride with the taxi.” She didn’t give him time to stop her as she continued down the hill, the orphanage was in a deserted part of the rural part of the country. Located on a tiny hill, the walk down would be tiring but Erin wasn’t about to complain.

It wasn’t until she hit the bottom of the hill when she heard a call pull up behind her. Obviously, it was Darren’s limo “Miss Yeung, please get in the car.” Even though he said it politely, there was a touch of demand that she did not like “I refuse to allow you to walk home.”

Erin turned to him “I am well capable of finding my way home, if you don’t mind.” She said sternly. Suddenly her eyes turned up and winced when a single headlight flashed in her eyes. It was a motorcycle.

The guy stood there and took off his helmet “Miss, is this bozo bothering you?”

She smiled at the guy “No, he’s just offering me a ride home.”

“Well, I can take you home.” The guy picked up an extra helmet as he held it out to her.

Erin looked at Darren who was emotionless and the guy on the motorcycle “I’ve never been on a motorcycle.” She took the helmet and prepared to put it on.

“You will regret it Miss Yeung.” Darren’s voice rang out before the car disappeared.

Erin let out a sigh of relief “Thanks Andrew, if you didn’t drive by…I don’t know what would have happened.”

The goofy smile appeared on his face “So you wanna thank me?” he asked slyly.

She rolled her eyes “I already did. Here…I’ll just walk from here.” She gave him back the helmet and continued.

“Wait, Erin!” Andrew called as he walked his bike next to her “I can take you home, it’s miles from the city.”

She shook her head “It’s okay…motorcycles are never safe.”

“So you don’t trust my skills? Come on, I’ve been driving this thing for ages. Just hop on.” Andrew insisted.

Erin was hesitant but she knew it would be hell to wait for a taxi there “Okay, just don’t drive so fast.” She warned as she put on the helmet.

Andrew nodded as he pulled down the eye shield on his helmet “Just hold on.” He felt her fingers tighten on the back part of his jacket as he let out a laugh “You’re going to fall off if you hold that part, wrap your arms around my waist.” He ordered.

She felt even more awkward as she reached up slowly and wrapped it around his waist. With that he took off quickly making her jolt back before tightening her grip “Take it easy there!” she scolded. He laughed while he sped up, making her lock her fingers together, the motion was pulling her back and she was getting queasy in the stomach. He drove through the city with no fear and soon they came to her part of town “Stop!!” she cried when he was about to past her building.

Andrew gave the brake a jolt as they stopped abruptly “Almost missed it huh?” he laughed when she got off the bike with shaky legs.

“Remind me not to get on the bike with you ever again, you drive like a maniac.” She said with a shaky voice.

“Life should be as exhilarating as driving a motorcycle.” He commented with a serious tone.

Erin shook her head “Not in my life.” She gave him back the helmet “See you around.” He nodded and took off.

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

Mia was sleeping on the ground next to Reina’s bed when she felt her phone vibrating. She looked at it sleepily and noticed his name flashing “Hello?” she answered groggily.

“Mia…hi baby…I miss you…” he sounded completely drunk.

“It’s 2 in the morning, why are you calling me now? Are…are you drunk?” she whispered, careful not to wake up Reina.

The guy chuckled as he let out a short burp “I want to see you.”

“Who’s that?” Reina asked as she stirred in her bed.

“My brother…” Mia lied “He’s not feeling well. I have to go to my mom’s.”

Reina nodded “Okay, just lock the door on your way out.” Her words were barely coherent.

Mia was fully awake by the time she reached the gates to his house “Miss Lam, master has been waiting for you.” The speaker announced before she had a chance to present herself. The large blue gates opened and she was let into the estate. It was the same place she had been for months, that is until they broke up.

The lights to the walkway automatically turned on with each step she took, before she even reached the steps, the door opened. She walked up and found the butler nodding politely at her “Master Chiu has…not been himself.” He searched for the right words.

“I heard…” she snorted before climbing the stairs. She entered his room, which was the corner right, just like his office “Darren?” she knocked on the door and let herself in. When she saw him sprawled out on his bed, his blazer was taken off and his white collared shirt was open while his tie was dangling around his neck. Mia let out a sigh “Why are you drinking again?” she groaned as she did the same routine, take the drink from his hand, took off his shirt which was always spilled with some kind of alcohol, lastly she took off his shoes.

Suddenly, he popped upright and pulled her hands into his own “Mia…you still care about me.”

She let out a sigh “Of course I still care.” Mia narrowed her eyes “You’re not drunk are you?” her faced reddened when he smiled “Oh!!” her voice grumbled angrily “Why do I always fall for that same trick?!”

He smiled with a head tilted “Because you love me.”

“No, because I’m an idiot!” she was angry and he found it amusing. She let out a sarcastic sob “Why do you hate me?”

Darren laughed “I believe it is the opposite.”

Mia shook her head “No, Darren. If you love someone you should never hurt the person nor will you stop them from moving on. You need to let me go.”

His smile faded as his powerful aura returned. He stood up and placed his hands behind his back, a sign Mia understood as relentless. It meant he was going to do something, something bad. She could almost feel it in her bones “Mia, you know the consequences of not doing what I ask.”

She turned away “Yes, I know all too well. But you cannot kill me, you’ve tried too many times. You’ve always given up at the last minute.”

Darren laughed heartily “You know me too well Mia. But there’s one thing you don’t know, I’ve changed. Killing just doesn’t appeal to me anymore…I’ve been looking towards…torture.”

Mia knew he was a man of his words and Darren Chiu was willing to do anything to get what he wanted and he would kill anyone with a blink of an eye if they stood in his way. She backed away from the door “I’m leaving.” She announced.”

“Sure, you can hide today, but I’ll always find you tomorrow, or the next day. You know better than to try to run from me, Mia.” Darren threatened.

Her hand slipped from the doorknob as she turned to him “What do you want from me, Darren?”

His face brightened as he smiled and walked over to her “I want you by my side. Quit your teaching job, I’ll support you.” He reached down for her hands but she pulled back and instantly, his face fell “Mia…” he warned.

“Darren, it’s not going to work between us. You know that. You’re rich, I’m poor, you’re business, I’m volunteer work. This is the reason why we broke up, remember?” she reminded him.

“I can change for you.” He offered with not much feeling.

“How? Give up your fancy life? Sell your business?” she shook her head sadly “Who are you kidding Darren, I bet even YOU don’t believe you could give up your luxurious life for a small town girl like myself. Couldn’t we let bygones be bygones and forget about the past?” she was trying to talk some sense into him.

Darren shook his head “No…I’m not giving up that easily.”

“Suit yourself, but I have to get back home. I’ll find a ride home.” She added quickly when he was about to open his mouth. “Bye.”

He watched as she rushed down the stairs and out the door “You’ll come back to me…one day.” His voice was low and his eyes dark. It would be his ultimate goal for the next few months. No matter how long it takes, he would succeed, he had to.

Chapter 6

The next morning, the five received a page from the P.R.A. headquarters. Wherever their plans were, it was abruptly changed. Brad was the first to arrive as he met up with Dennis in the conference room “I didn’t expect such an early call.”

Dennis smiled “Me neither.”

“New mission?” Erin asked from the door. She placed her card inside her shirt pocket to keep it from falling out. It was a new feature the P.R.A. came up with. The six would have to flash their ‘badge’ in order to enter. Of course there were a few disagreements since if the card was ever stolen, someone would easily get inside the headquarters.

“Let’s wait for the rest before we talk.” Dennis advised. The two exchanged glances but decided to take a seat instead.

Brad pointed to the chair next to him for Erin to sit. Instead she took the seat furthest from him. He wrinkled his brows “What’s wrong? I have koodies this morning or what?”

Erin smiled “No…I might be coming up with a cold, I don’t want to get everyone sick.” Her normal seat next to him was filled with Mia. Brad couldn’t help but look at his friend funny, she was acting strange that day but he didn’t want to push her, maybe she was sick and was not feeling good.

“Great, now that everyone’s here…” Dennis began as he turned to the wall behind him. He used a control in his hand as he clicked it and the walls opened up showing a huge flat screen monitor.

“Wow…that’s cute.” Mia muttered.

The other four looked at each other and smiled, it was another new gift from the head of security. Dennis cleared his throat to bring their attention back “Now that everyone’s done admire the new screen.” He smiled crookedly “Our next mission is him.” He clicked on the controller in his hand and appeared a face on the screen. He turned to see Mia turning her head away as she sunk slowly in her seat. Andrew and Erin exchanged glances while Brad and Reina looked at the screen blankly.

“Is that that millionaire…uh…what’s his name?” Reina snapped her fingers trying to remember.

“Darren…Chu?” Brad offered, he remembered seeing the guy on a magazine.

Reina turned to him thoughtfully “No…it’s not, it’s Chiu I think.”

Dennis turned to the group with a grin “Don’t need to pick your brain, just ask Mia.”

“Mia?” Reina asked. The two were close friends, but she did not know of Mia’s affair with Darren. The four turned to Mia, whose face was as red as a tomato.

She covered her face with her hands as he elbows propped up on the table, she only peeked through the holes of her finger “Sorry…oh gosh, I had no idea this was coming!”

Erin frowned “What’s your relation to this jerk?”

Mia dropped her hands as she turned to Erin “Why is he a jerk?”

She snickered “He threatened me last night. I think it was an offer to work for him, but it was more like ‘if you don’t do it, I’ll kill you’. Good thing Andrew was driving by and helped me.”

Andrew grinned like a monkey “Yeah, I was the hero that saved a beautiful maiden’s life. Now she owes me big time.” He winked at Erin who refused to meet him in the eye. She hated owing favors and she knew she owed him one.

“So what bad thing did he do?” Brad asked, breaking the silence.

Dennis clicked on the button and the screen appeared St. Mary’s Orphanage. He turned to Erin “I believe this mission has more to do with you than anyone in here.”

She frowned “I was there last night.”

“Mr. Darren Chiu is the proud owner of this Orphanage and we have suspicions that he is working these kids illegally. They are all underage but he uses them to smuggle drugs into the country. We do not have proof but we have evidence that this operation is happening inside the orphanage. It’s been going on for years and for a while we could not get enough evidence to prosecute him, but we’ve picked up some clues along the way.”

Mia shook her head in disbelief “I know he is a tough business man, but he couldn’t possibly be using kids to do his dirty work. It’s unlike Darren.”

“Apparently, he had you blinded…” Reina retorted.

Mia looked down at her hands, she understood why Reina was upset with her “I didn’t want to tell anyone because I was afraid you all you would look down on me for dating a rich guy. If the media knew, they would say I was climbing up the executive ladder because of my boyfriend. I didn’t want that.”

Andrew patted Mia on the left shoulder “It’s okay. No one will judge you here.” He turned to Reina and whipped his head towards Mia as his eyes widened.

Reina sighed “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be so rough on you. I guess I’m just hurt to know the truth.”

Mia looked up, her eyes glossy “I understand.” She smiled at her friend.

Dennis once again cleared his throat “This is all very touching, but can we get back to the mission?” everyone turned back with their full attention “Erin, what did Darren ask you exactly?”

“He offered me a job as a caretaker. I would be in charge of finding the children appropriate homes. At first, I figured it would be a good deed, but when I hesitated to answer him right away, he snapped and then threatened me.” Erin explained it like it was.

“I see.” Dennis nodded “Well, you need to contact him and tell him that you will do it.”

Erin frowned “You want me to be a spy?” she found it strange since the P.R.A. was a small group, they’ve been on undercover missions before but she didn’t find it necessary for this one “If we have enough evidence, why can’t we just get hard evidence?”

Brad nodded when he understood Dennis’s request for Erin “That’s where you come in.”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea.” Erin spoke up.

“Why?” Dennis crossed his arm.

“Because I might accidentally kill him if he threatens me again. I just have a very bad gut feeling about this guy.” Erin answered.

Dennis stood there firmly staring at her “Erin, this is the head’s order, we cannot reject it. You have to do this or you’re out.”

The four turned to Erin with earnest eyes “It’s not worth it Erin, we need you here too much.” Brad was concerned.

Reina smiled at her friend “Think of it this way, the quicker you find the evidence, the faster he’ll be behind bars and the kids will be free again.”

“It’s up to you, Erin.” Dennis didn’t want to pressure her, he knew how strong headed she could be.

“Fine. I’ll do it.” Erin said after a moment causing a sigh of relief from the group.

Dennis smiled happily “Great! Erin, you contact Darren. Brad, I want you to sneak inside and set up some hidden cameras. Reina and Andrew, you guys try to dig up some more dirt on Mr. Chiu.”

Mia pouted “How about me?”

The lieutenant’s face fell “I’m sorry Mia, because of your relation with Mr. Chiu, the head of security is requesting that you remain out of this case. You can follow it with me and if there is a time that we need you, we’ll add you.”

“Okay…” Mia was reluctant. She was never left out of a mission before.

“Is there anything I need to know about Mr. Chiu before I work for him?” Erin asked Mia.

The girl smiled with sarcasm “Yeah, don’t ask too many questions. Oh and never ever touch him, he hates it.” Dennis nodded for the group to start their jobs when Mia clapped her hands “Oh, I almost forgot…don’t ever, I mean NEVER ask him about his father. I made that mistake one time and he locked me in a room for 3 days, of course he said it was a joke, but I knew better.”

“Sounds like a charmer…” Erin snickered.

“He is once you get past that torture and threatening exterior.” Reina nodded jokingly.

Andrew laughed while Brad shook his head with a grin. Mia’s face fell “No, he really is a nice guy once you get to know him better.” She insisted. Erin and Reina nodded unconvincingly while Mia followed them trying to convince them otherwise.

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

Erin knew she would have to get it over with, so she decided to come up to Darren’s office himself and talk to him. She looked at the card that Dennis had given her, even the trims were made of real silver, in the center read ‘Darren Chiu – Owner’. The taxi dropped her off in the front of the high rise building as she entered along with the people in dark suits and some carried suitcases.

She entered casually and instantly two security guards came over to greet her “Miss, you are not authorized to enter.”

She looked up strangely “But Darren told me to come, he said I should have no problem getting in.” she smiled when the guards became flustered, she had hit the right spot “He’s expecting me at 3pm, it’s now 2:58pm. I don’t think he would appreciate you boys keeping me down here.”

“Where’s your proof?” the guy asked harshly.

Erin held up the business card “This is your proof. Now if you will excuse me…” she briskly passed them before they could even begin to stop her. She let out a sigh of relief when she got in the elevator. When the doors opened on the top floor, she was at aw the with the place. Not only was the architectural beautiful beyond imagination, the designs in itself were very homey, not at all stiff like most office buildings.

“Miss, are you here on appointment?” the receptionist asked when she saw the stranger.

“I want to see Mr. Chiu.” Erin cut to the chase.

The girl smiled sweetly “Sorry Miss, no one sees Mr. Chiu without his consent. Did he ask you to come?”

“No.” Erin shook her head.

Her face slowly faded “How did you get through security?”

“You know, I don’t have time to explain this to you…but if Mr. Chiu would like to know, I can tell him. Now, how do I get to see the all powerful owner?” Erin smiled even sweeter, but there were daggers behind the look.

The girl was easily intimidated as she dialed Darren’s personal assistant “Janice, there is a young woman here to see Mr. Chiu.” The girl paused as her brows wrinkled “Yes…she does have long hair.” Erin tilted her head strangely wondering why his assistant would ask such a question. But she wasn’t prepared for the last comment “Well, yeah, I guess she is attractive.”

Erin raised an eyebrow when the receptionist hung up and pointed down the hall “Go down to the left wing and it’s the corner office on your right, Janice will let you in.”

“Thank you.” Erin nodded. She walked down the hallway with a new admiration for the designs of the company, at least he had good taste. When she reached the end of the way, she entered a room that was bigger than her home, in it was a girl behind a desk “Are you Janice?”

The petite girl looked up at Erin with a smile “Hi…you must be Mia.” She reached out to shake Erin’s hand “My boss talks about you all the time. Although we’ve never met, he’s always described you to me. It’s a pleasure finally meeting you.”

Erin’s eyes darted away and then returned the girl’s welcoming smile “Is he available?”

Janice nodded “He is always available for you.” She picked up the phone and paged Darren’s office. “Mr. Chiu, Mia is here to see you.” The girl smiled as she hung up the phone “He’s ready for you now.”

SIUBINGLIBRARY