The Zodiac of P.R.A.

Chapter 16

Guest Star:
Jessica Hsuan – Naja Lu
Aaron Kwok – Ted Kwong aka Libra

After Dennis returned, they had a short meeting about their next plans with their mission on the drugs being shipped in through the kids at the orphanage. Erin was continue to find out more than she can about Darren, Mia was to just work as the temporary teacher but she wasn’t to speak to him about anything else. Andrew was still the chauffer and their main source to where Darren was at all times.

Brad would be set up at a false Social Services just in case Naja were to get suspicious and come look for him. Ted on the other hand was in charge of digging any dirt up about Darren’s employees since he had a great first hand with the police’s files.

The following morning, Erin arrived at the police station looking for Ted. The girl said “Kwong Sir is working and is not allowed to see any visitors.” The girl said sternly.

Erin tilted her head with an exaggerated sigh “I’m his girlfriend alright? Now can I see him?”

“I didn’t know I had one.” Ted spoke up from behind. Erin spun around with a look of embarrassment. He nodded to the receptionist “It’s okay Kate. She’s my friend. I’m on a break anyways.” He turned and smiled at Erin “Since when did you become my girlfriend?”

Erin smiled awkwardly “ I am a girl…and I am your friend…that makes me your girl-friend.” She explained not so smoothly.

Ted laughed with his head shaking as he open the way for her to walk first “If you say so.” He pulled his hands behind his back “So what can I do for you, Erin?”

“I know this is illegal to even think. But want to check some individual files, I’ve had my own suspicion and it has nothing to do with Dennis’s orders. This is all me…” she stopped when he put up his hand to pause her.

“Say no more. A scorpio’s sixth sense is always accurate. Follow me.” He led her down a deserted hallway that led to a special room which needed an i.d. card to get in.

Erin smiled once they were behind closed doors “Thank you so much.”

Ted nodded “Not a problem, just don’t forget my help when you crash this case.”

“I’m not sure if I’m right. But can you look up Naja Lu for me?” she asked.

He smiled and sat down in front of one of the many computers in the room and began typing words “We have 30 matches.” He looked up at Erin who was bending over his shoulder to see “Have a seat.” He hooked his foot around one of the chair’s leg and pulled it over next to him for Erin to sit.

“Thanks.” She smiled at the cool charm he brought. He was scrolling downward on the screen when she touched his shoulder abruptly “Stop. There….” She pointed to Naja’s picture.

Ted clicked on the picture and her file popped up. He began reading it out loud “Misdemeanor for false identity. Attempted kidnapping…but the suit was dropped.” He turned to Erin who was smiling.

“I knew it!” she muttered under her breath.

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

Later the two of them returned to the headquarters together, all eyes were on them as soon as they walked into the door “You’re late.” Mia said grimly with her arms crossed.

Erin smiled at her friend “Just pulling a Mia.”

Mia dropped her jaw in shock while Dennis cleared his throat “Okay gang. Have a seat.” He told Erin and Ted “I got some clues from a reliable source that Timmy is still in the orphanage, but he’s locked up inside somewhere.”

“The maze?” Brad suggested.

Dennis nodded “Maybe.”

“Why would they take him back there?” Mia asked out loud.

Andrew raised his brows “And you still believe Darren is innocent?”

“Yes!” Mia cried.

Brad shook his head “Mia, calm yourself. Why do you get so upset over this whole thing. If you believe Darren is innocent, why don’t you sit down and think about how to help him clear his innocence?”

She slowly sat down with her eyes glaring viciously at Andrew “Fine…but stop making me mad!” she pointed to him.

Dennis crossed his arms as he turned to Erin “You think you can get back in the maze?”

She nodded and Brad quickly added “But it might be a trap.” He was afraid for her safety.

“Better than leaving him in there to rot. Who knows what they’re doing to him.” Erin was more worried for Timmy’s life.

“Looks like it’s a battle we can’t ignore.” Dennis let out a sigh “Be careful team. I want you all to follow Brad and Erin’s lead. If you guys get separated, use the contact device and don’t forget…”

“To use the code names.” Mia finished for him with a grin on her face.

Dennis nodded “Right. Get ready, I’ll set up the cameras and help you guys in.”

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

Within an hour, the five were ready to sneak into the orphanage again. Erin used the key to open the front door, they snuck in quietly and raced for the east wing. She used Timmy’s key to get through the lock. The guys pushed the door open with ease while Mia and Erin stood behind “It’s a little quiet tonight isn’t it?” Mia whispered her question.

Erin thought so too as she nodded “I was thinking the same thing. Something’s not right.”

“Just stick together and we’ll be fine.” Mia nodded as they entered the tiny file room “Where’s the trap door?”

Erin and Brad turned to each other “It’s closed this time.” They both searched the same wall for an opening but couldn’t find it. After ten minutes, Erin was close to giving up “Maybe we should try the other exit?”

“At the harbor?” Mia asked. She was pushing at the cemented wall to their left when suddenly the back wall gave way and was pushed out towards them “We’re going to be squished!” she was terrified when the wall wouldn’t stop.

But Erin and Brad knew better as they backed away far enough until the wall stopped moving “So much for staying calm.” Brad teased Mia.

The others laughed while she pouted “Well…I…yeah whatever.” She said in defeat and followed Erin while the guys stood guard behind.

The five took the stairs with extra caution. This time it was lighted and they could see the brick design on the wall. When they reached the door to the maze Brad turned to everyone “Be careful, stay together.” He instructed. He tried the handle and it opened with ease. The five walked into the maze and Brad wrinkled his brows. There was three different entrances to the maze.

“It looks different.” Erin commented, reading Brad’s mind.

He nodded “They’re ready for us.”

Ted suddenly saw a shadow appear at the third entrance “Someone’s here!” he pointed.

“Come on.” Brad said as he rushed after the person.

Erin had a knot in the pit of her stomach, it was wrong to follow that person. She raised her hand to stop them but they were already into the maze. She knew they could not separate as she quickly followed them. The minute she entered the maze an iron gate closed behind her, she spun around and by the time she turned back, everyone was gone “Leo, where are you guys?”

“In the maze, I thought you were behind us.” Brad’s voice was urgent.

Erin continued on her way, she took a left turn and spun around when a wall was suddenly created which blocked the way she had came from “Team, it’s a trap maze. The walls form on it’s own. You guys have to stick together.”

“Ah!!” Mia’s voice cried through their speaker “The wall…it just appeared.”

“Pisces, who else is with you?” Brad asked while he turned to Andrew. Ted was no where in sight.

“Just Libra.” Ted answered.

Erin spun herself in circles “Stay together.” She said with emphasis.

As she said this, a wicked laugh broke into an echo throughout the whole room “I’ve been waiting for you guys to come. I believe I have what you’re looking for.” A female voice spoke into the microphone which connected to the hidden room.

“Who are you?!” Brad cried “What do you want?”

“That’s easy…I want you all dead.” The girl said darkly.

Erin snickered “So you’re cheating by separating us? You know you can’t defeat us if we were together.” She hit it straight on the nose.

“Hmph! If you already know, why are you asking.” The girl was getting restless “Let me show you a little trick.”

“Team, be careful.” Brad warned. Suddenly a bright light came crashing down on the maze making everyone close their eyes, even the special sunglasses could not help them. When the light went away, they looked back up and the stone walls were somehow replaced with mirrors.

“Scorpio, be careful.” Ted warned while Mia threw him a smile. He looked at her strangely “What?”

“You like her don’t you?” she asked straightforwardly.

Erin shook her head “I could hear you guys.” She reminded Mia.

Mia quickly covered her mouth “Oops…not so coolio is it?” she laughed despite their dangerous situation.

Erin continued through the maze, it was useless to stand still. When she turned another corner, she had to take off her sunglasses to make sure she wasn’t hallucinating. Before her was Timmy lying down unconscious. She rushed over to him but was stopped by a mirror, it was only an image. The mirror she was looking at suddenly darkened and when it appeared again, he was no where to be found. She wrinkled her brows “There’s a lot of illusions in here. Don’t believe what you see.” She warned.

“Darren!!” she heard Mia cry out.

“Pisces, no!!” Erin cried but it was too late, her friend was now separated with Ted.

“I’ve lost Pisces.” Ted was blocked by another formed mirror wall.

Brad and Andrew continued to move on “It’s okay team, just keep in contact, Aries and I are still together.” When he turned, he noticed he was alone “Nevermind, I spoke too soon…Aries, where are you?”

“I don’t know what happened.” Andrew spun in circles while the mirrors continued to tease him “I see Timmy…”

Erin responded “Its just an illusion, I saw him too.”

“Maybe it’s not.” Andrew said thoughtfully “They have to have used a real body in order to use the illusion.

“You mean one of these mirrors are fake?” Mia asked while she began touching them to find her way around.

Erin frowned “Fake? Maybe you’ve got something there, Aries.”

“Don’t feed his ego!” Mia complained. She felt a wall that was a little shaky and gave it a push “Hey, these walls move! Just push them.” She instructed.

Ted tried his side and eventually he found his way back to Mia “Pisces and found each other. It looks like we’re in the center, can you guys get in here?”

“There’s no way to tell where the center is.” Erin continued with the maze. She felt like she was where she began. Suddenly she remembered that diamonds can scratch mirrors. She took the heart shaped charm on her ring as she scratched each mirror she crossed. Her plan worked as she eventually found she was coming to walls that she had not been too. When she round a corner, she saw Timmy again. Instead of rushing over the illusion, she tried Andrew’s suggestion. She looked at the opposite mirror where Timmy appeared and pushed at it. To her surprise, the mirror moved in an angular slide and she found Timmy inside, lying down unconscious “I found Timmy!” She exclaimed happily.

The kid opened his eyes at the sound of her voice “Jei Jei…” he smiled while she picked him up with ease. He wrapped his arms around her neck as she pushed through the maze.

Chapter 17

Guest Star:
Jessica Hsuan – Naja Lu
Aaron Kwok – Ted Kwong aka Libra

Ted and Mia looked around the bigger mirrored box, suddenly he pointed to a shadow he saw in the mirror. Mia nodded after seeing it too “Scorpio, be careful. I saw shadows lurking earlier.” Ted warned.

“What does it look like?” Brad asked.

“They were dressed in white.” Ted answered.

“Guy or girl?” Andrew asked while trying to find his way into the center.

Ted looked at Mia “Don’t look at me, I can’t tell. It was just a blob to me.” Mia replied.

Erin shook her head with a grin while she carried Timmy to safely “Blob?” she laughed “All those years in school and your best description is blob?”

Mia wrinkled her nose “Would you prefer indescribable shape?”

“Much better.” Erin teased. Suddenly her smile stopped as she was faced with about four people dressed in white, they all had masks on their faces “Team, we’ve got company.”

“Scorpio!” Brad muttered “Where are you?”

Mia shook her head “She’s in a maze, what kind of question is that?” but she too was worried for her friend. She turned to Ted “We can’t just stay here.”

He nodded in agreement “Come on.” He began pushing his way through the moving walls again.

The four people stepped towards Erin slowly as she back up against the wall, Timmy whimpered while he tightened his arms around her neck “You’re not getting away.” A deeper female voice announced.

Erin pushed at the wall and it budged, she turned back with a smile “We’ll see about that.” She slid through the crack and raced the through the maze, with her markings on the mirror, she was able to find her way around with ease. But she knew there would be no way to fight off the attackers if Timmy was still with her. She tried some of the marked mirrors and one of them budged, she placed Timmy inside the hidden trap “Stay here, sweetie. I’ll find you.”

He gave her a scared expression “I’m afraid…” his wide innocent eyes were reaching out to her.

Erin smiled while her hand stroked his soft face “Trust me. I’ll be back.” She assured him. She closed the moving wall and pushed her way through the maze to find the others. But in the game, she was the little white mouse. They quickly cornered her from each angle. She stood her stance “Let’s see what you girls got.”

“How do you know we’re all women?” a voice asked, it was hard to determine whether the person was a man or woman.

Erin shrugged “Just a hunch.”

The woman who seemed to be in the lead gave a quick wave of her hand while the other three began attacking Erin. She dodged as much throws as she could in the tiny room they had. Each punch was trying to knock her out but she wasn’t trained for years in the P.R.A. for nothing. Her mind thought fast when she received a punch straight in the stomach. She bent down to relieve the pain and at the same time pushed against a mirror, it gently gave way as she pushed through it.

Every so often, Erin would spin around to see where the white people were, they were still on her tail “Team…a little help might be nice.” She said with sarcasm. She was in true danger now. There were more of them that appeared.

“Scorpio, I can’t find you!!” Brad’s urgent voice was getting frustrated. In the mist of all the chasing, he was so angry that he punched one of the mirrors. Andrew reached up his hand to stop Brad but it was too late, his knuckles were bleeding and the glass came crashing down. Brad kneeled down with his head lowered, he felt useless for once in his life.

Andrew patted his friend on the shoulder “Don’t be like this, she needs you now. We have to keep moving.”

Brad looked up and suddenly his eyes brightened, the wall was broken, which meant all the walls could be broken “Team, I’ve got a plan!” He stood up and pulled out his metal flashlight swinging on his belt “Break the glass!”

Mia smiled “Why didn’t I think of that?!” she turned to Ted and they pulled out their own flashlights and began to break all the glass that they saw. Beteween the four doing it at the same time, their process was quick, they eventually found each other and behind them came Erin. She quickly regrouped with them “You okay?” Mia asked while Erin was completely out of breath.

“You think you could get away?” the lead lady in white cried with anger.

“We sabotaged your maze didn’t we?” Mia quipped.

Brad walked over to Erin as he touched her on the shoulder “Are you hurt?”

She shook her head and by doing so, she was in eye contact with his bleeding knuckles “What happened?” she held onto his hand gingerly “Did you punch your fist in the mirror?” she guessed it.

He only smiled “You know me…irrational.” Brad turned to the group of people in white who surrounded them. “What do you want?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” the woman laughed “I want you all dead.”

Mia stepped up “Don’t be so cocky!” she stood in her fight stance “Come on, I can’t beat you if you’re standing so far.”

The woman clasped her hands behind her back and turned herself to the left side, it was the others cue to attack as they charged at them. The five gave a good fight, never giving up even when they were hurt. The guys eventually defeated their enemy while Mia and Erin helped each other out to finish one person at a time. A long moment later, the P.R.A. have defeated each and every woman leaving the head to stand on her own “Hmph! You’ve made the P.R.A. proud.”

The group looked at each other “How did she know?” Mia whispered.

“You guys are not a big mystery in this world, there are a handful of people that know exactly what the P.R.A. is. Leo, Scorpio, Aries and Pisces…this guy…” she looked at Ted “Must be Libra.” Her voice was saddened “I’ve always admired you guys. Too bad I have to kill you.”

Erin turned to Brad and they exchanged glances, she looked over at Andrew and his eyes darkened. He took a step up towards the woman “Let them go…they have nothing to do with this.”

Mia frowned as she turned to Erin, maybe their suspicion was right. Andrew knew more than he gave himself credit for. Ted was busy scoping the place, suddenly his eyes landed on a person lying unconscious on the floor by the broken glass “Is that Darren?” he whispered to Mia.

The other three spun their heads towards the body “Darren!” Mia cried.

The woman laughed, stopping Mia from running to his side “He’s not dead…yet. Why don’t you guys join him?” she spun around and raced towards the exit as she pounded her fist against a red button.

Andrew turned to them “We have five minutes to get out, it’s going to self destruct!” he ran to Darren while Mia gave him a hand.

“Timmy!” Erin shook her head “I have to get him.”

Brad nodded “I’ll help you, you guys go first.” The three turned to him with reluctant eyes “This is an order!!” he ordered, they nodded respectfully and followed Andrew who took them to the opposite exit.

Erin retraced her steps and eventually found the mirror with the sign she left behind, she opened it and Timmy instantly smiled as he hugged her “I told you I’d come back.”

“Come on.” Brad nodded as he took Timmy from her arms so she could run faster. They raced out the exit where Andrew was headed to. When they were on safe land, Brad closed out the wooden door as they ran as fast as they could away from the secret room.

“Get down!!” Andrew cried as the whole group dived into the sand and in a second the explosion came. It was like a loud thunderstorm with an earthquake following afterwards. A few pepples flew into the air as it pounded down on the ground like rain.

Mia leaned Darren’s head against her shoulder as she and Ted helped him up “How in the world did you know that was going to happen?” her eyes leered at Andrew with suspicion.

Andrew turned away but did not answer, Brad shook his head at Mia who wanted to have her question answered “You’ve got a lot of explaining to do.” He said to his co-worker. Andrew had no intentions of getting away, he was upset that it all had to come to this.

The group returned to headquarters with their uniforms caked with sand. The victims were put in resting rooms. When they returned to conference room, Dennis frowned “What did you guys do? Go for a swim?”

“Ha ha, very funny…you try wearing tight clothing and diving into the sand when a secret passageway blew up from under your feet.” She said it all in one shot.

Brad turned to Dennis “Andrew’s got something to tell us.” He turned to Andrew and patted him on the shoulder.

Dennis arched his brows “I already know.” He let out a sigh.

Everyone turned to him unexpectedly “But…how?” Erin shook her head in disbelief.

“I’m not a lieutenant for nothing.” He pointed for everyone to sit while he stood up and paced the front of the room “I’ve suspected this has been going on for years…yet I didn’t find enough evidence to pinpoint the person.” He looked over at Erin “At first, I thought exactly like you…that Andrew was behind this.”

Mia snapped her head up “He’s not?” she too had her suspicion.

Dennis shook his head “No, he’s only a pawn in her game of chess.”

“Her?” Mia shook her head in disbelief “Who is she?” Erin and Brad exchanged glances and Mia had a questioning look “You knew? You two knew all this time and you didn’t tell me???!” she was shocked “At least I don’t feel so bad since Ted has no clue…right?” she turned to him for reassuring.

But to her dismay, he shook his head “Sorry…”

“Oh great! I’m the only stupid one!” Mia threw her hands up with exaggeration.

Erin looked at her friend sympathetically “I was afraid that after you found out, you would be too distraught that our plans would be ruined because of your feelings towards this person.”

“Who is it?!” she was growing more frustrated.

Everyone turned to Andrew, who let out a tired sigh “It’s Reina.”

Mia stood up, not sure if she heard correctly. She arched her ears at Andrew “What did you say? I thought you just said Reina.” She laughed nervously.

No one laughed but they all bowed their heads unable to confirm it with her. Everyone knew how close the two girls were but to find out from someone else that your friend was really the bad guy, it was not only hard to swallow but difficult to believe. Erin was the only comforter at the moment, she got up and smiled at Mia “We were afraid of this reaction.” She said softly while stroking her hair “I didn’t want to believe it either, but the more I researched the more fingers pointed to Reina.”

A single tear fell from Mia’s eyes as she sat down with a thump, her tear filled eyes looked up at Andrew “What do you have to do with this?”

He shook his head “I’ve been in love with Reina since the day I could remember. But she was always so angry at the world, I tried to make her happier, lead her back to the good person that she is. But the more I tried, the more she backed away. Eventually, I joined in her team but at the same time I didn’t want her to dig herself a deeper hole. I couldn’t let her live the lie anymore.”

Dennis looked up at Erin “What did you find out on Naja?”

Brad and Mia looked up startled “What? She’s involved?” Brad asked.

Mia eventually nodded “Yes…of course she is.”

“She is Reina’s older sister.” Erin let out a short sigh as she turned to Ted “We found her file, she was not convicted of many of the charges. Somehow someone always got her off. The two of them came from St. Mary’s Orphanage, their parents died in a fire and they were immediately put into the orphanage. They could not find the girls a home together so they were forced to be split up. Reina was upset, therefore it explains her hatred towards the orphanage.” Suddenly she wrinkled her brows “But I’m not sure why she would have something against Darren?”

Mia nodded “Yeah, don’t forget about Timmy.”

“It’s not just Darren, but it’s the whole Chiu family. Darren’s father was her father’s boss. She witnessed the man degrading her father at the harbor one day and it’s been etched into her heart ever since. She vowed to herself that one day she would make the Chiu family payback for all the pain and suffering they bestowed on nice families. She was in denial for too long.” Andrew explained.

Dennis nodded “I wanted her to step into the trap when I allowed her to stay overnight and watch Timmy. Little did she know that her every move was already known by the P.R.A. head. That room was built in secrecy, no one knows how to get in but the Lieutenant and Captain.” His eyes landed on Brad “Anyone else… it would have been an insider.”

Erin looked over at Andrew, she had a question that she didn’t understand “What I don’t get is why she has this special hatred towards me. I could see it in her eyes when she talks to me. I always figured it was because she and Mia were so close that she didn’t like to share. Plus Gemini usually has two faces.”

Andrew shook his head “That was something she never told me before.”

“Alright guys, you’ve all had a rough day. Why don’t you guys go freshen up?” The group was about to stand up when Dennis stopped them “For your own safety, the head has requested you all stay here for tonight. So tell your family or roommates you won’t be coming home. We don’t need a search party to be sent out.” He warned.

Chapter 18

Guest Star:
Jessica Hsuan – Naja Lu
Aaron Kwok – Ted Kwong aka Libra

The following morning, Erin woke up earlier than usual. She couldn’t sleep in a foreign bed not to mention, her mind was somewhere else. She walked to the kitchen to get some coffee and found Mia and Darren talking. She was giggling like a girl with a crush, Erin was about to walk away because she didn’t want to disturb them when Mia saw her “Erin!” she rushed over to her friend “I was just talking about you.” Her smile was natural and so full of life that it made Erin smile in return.

“What about?” she asked with interest.

“Bad things.” Darren narrowed his eyes at her.

Erin’s smile faded “I don’t know why I don’t like you.” She rolled her eyes with sarcasm and prepared to leave when Mia pulled her back again.

“He means well…I promise. I mean, now that we have proof Darren has nothing to do with the drug deal, shouldn’t you guys try to get along?” Mia gave her the most innocent puppy eyes.

“Sure, as long as he doesn’t come near me from 3 feet.” Erin warned.

“Ahem!” Dennis stood in front of them with a smile “I thought I was the early bird.”

Mia smiled “Good morning. I couldn’t sleep that well.”

“Me too.” Erin sighed “This mission is taking longer than I anticipated.”

Dennis nodded in agreement “Why don’t you go wake up Brad, he’s still sleeping.”

“Why me?” Erin asked when he looked at her directly.

Mia laughed “Honey, everyone knows it but him. Just go, it’ll give you guys a chance to chat.” She urged.

Erin’s face blushed over as she mumbled something but took her chance to escape the knowing stares. She stood in front of his room ready to knock when Ted’s voice broke her concentration “Good Morning, Erin.”

She spun around to face him “Morning.” She nodded with a smile.

“Where’s everyone else?” he asked questioningly “I’m a little lost in this place. I had no idea there were separate rooms for us.”

“Neither did I.” Erin smiled “We’ve never been asked to stay at the headquarters before. Most of them are in the kitchen. I was just going to wake Brad up.”

Ted’s eyes moved over Erin’s shoulder “I don’t think you need to.”

She turned and found Brad nodding at them “Have you seen Andrew?”

Erin frowned “He’s not in his room?” Brad shook his head “We should tell Dennis.”

The three of them walked out to find the other three walking towards the conference room “Andrew is missing.” Brad announced.

Dennis nodded, his smile fading “I know. I heard him leaving the place last night. He left behind the badge.” He pulled it out of his pocket to show everyone.

Mia shook her head sadly “You’re going to let him get away?”

Dennis let out a sigh before walking into the conference room “He feels bad about what happened, I think it’s his way of resigning.” When everyone took their seats, he smiled at the group “On the good side, we were able to save the two victims. Mr. Chiu, welcome to our humble headquarters. I’m sure Mia has filled you in on our history.”

“Please call me Darren.” He looked around the table with a grin “Thank you all for saving my life. I understand the rules very well, I will never speak of P.R.A. until the day I die.” He promised.

“I’m afraid it won’t be that easy.” Dennis took his seat and leaned back on the chair “You see, Darren. Reina is targeting you, which means you are not safe since you are the only one that can prove your own innocence. If we come out then the P.R.A. is fully exploited, it can never happen. She probably already has a plan to overturn you and get the cops to go after you for the drug dealing.”

Darren shook his head, it was the first time he had no control over anything “What should I do?”

“Stay under our watch. We promise to protect you until this case is resolved. In the meantime, I want everyone to do as much research as they can on Reina. Find out her whereabouts and her sister’s too. For all we know, the two of them are planning to blow up Darren’s company.” Dennis said with control.

“Can I protect Darren?” Mia asked with a grin.

Darren laughed “I wouldn’t mind that. But I have to warn you all, I have been training with a personal martial arts master. I think I will be able to pin you down.” He winked at Mia.

She giggled like a schoolgirl “Is that a dare?”

Dennis shook his head with a smile “No, Mia as strong and quick as you can be, I have a better person in mind.”

“Ted?” Mia suggested “Oh no…Brad, he’s definitely the candidate.”

Again, Dennis shook his head “Erin, this is your job.” He turned to her solemnly.

She was sitting quietly until he mentioned her name, she snapped her head up “What?” she wasn’t sure if she heard right. She’s made herself clear so many times that she disliked the guy, why would he put her in that situation?

“You will be in charge of protecting Darren.” Dennis repeated his order.

“I object.” She shook her head firmly.

Darren was enjoying the moment too much as he got up and leaned over the table where Erin was sitting. He propped himself on his elbows and stared at her with teasing eyes “What’s wrong? Afraid you might fall for me?”

Erin’s head did not move but her eyes darted over to his with a look of vengeance “You’re too close.” She threatened.

Mia, who was sitting next to Darren reached out and pulled him by the shirt “Shh…” she quieted him while he chuckled, his eyes still staring at Erin. Their hatred seem to be building up by the day “Don’t pester her.” She hissed.

“Am I wrong?” Darren asked snottily.

Erin snickered “Hmph! You keep dreaming. I don’t have to explain anything to you.” She snarled, but when she turned back to Dennis, her eyes softened “I have my reasons.”

“What are they?” Dennis inquired.

“I’ve told you before. I don’t like the guy. If you’re asking me to protect him, you’re asking me to lead him in the bear’s mouth. Because frankly, I don’t give a damn what happens to him.” Erin said coldly.

Darren laughed with amusement while Mia was concerned “Erin, why do you hate him so much?”

Erin sighed for the sake of her friend “I don’t hate him…we just don’t click. I don’t want to pressure myself into anything hasty. Because I won’t make good decisions, what if I’m on the job and suddenly he pisses me off with his face and I accidentally kill him?”

She was over exaggerating and everyone knew it, she would never hurt an innocent person “Erin…Dennis must have a good reason why he chose you to protect Darren.” Brad knew better.

Dennis nodded with a smile “That’s why Brad’s the captain. My reason is simple, who can provoke Reina to come out of her hole? Two people that she personally despises the most. At the same time Erin is quick enough to protect both Darren and herself from harm. That way, we can all give Reina a little surprise.”

Mia nodded with an impressed grin “You’re good…”

“Needless to say.” Dennis laughed but stopped when he turned to Erin “I don’t want to pressure you, it’s a dangerous stunt we’re pulling. But I want you to accept willingly, the P.R.A. specifically said they do not want to push anyone to do anything they don’t want to do.”

Erin shook her head “No, it’s okay. I’ll do it.” It was something she was born to do.

Dennis nodded “Great, let’s get planning.”

Everyone was about to get up when Darren let out a long sigh, the group stopped in their process to look at him “What is it Darren?” Mia asked with a tilted grin.

“Another girl I have to fight off.” He shook his head teasingly at Erin who looked ready to attack. He walked around the table and broke into her three feet rule “But I’m warning you, I only have eyes for Mia.” He turned to Mia with a wink that made her blush. The others laughed and walked out leaving Erin and the love birds.

Erin rolled her eyes in his face “Please, I haven’t had breakfast and I feel like I’m going to throw up my dinner.”

Darren titled his head and narrowed his eyes “You know…” he began but his mouth was quickly covered by Mia’s hand.

“Ehh…he’s just kidding.” Mia turned to Darren “Aren’t you?” suddenly she yanked back her hand and wrung it out in disgust “You licked my hand?!” she made a face while wiping her hand on his shirt.

Erin flicked her brow upwards while pointing to Darren “Mia, you’d be stupid if you let this sly boy go. Really, he’s a keeper.” She insisted but the sarcasm tone in her voice could not be missed.

“Better than not having the guts to tell a guy you like him.” Darren quipped just as quick as her snappy comments.

Erin widened her eyes at Mia “You told him?!!” she lowered her voice when she realized she was screaming. Mia backed away slowly but Erin was not letting her off the hook as she reached out and gripped onto her arm “I can kill you right now.” She threatened through gritted teeth.

Mia turned her head from side to side hoping that Brad would walk in so she would be free, Darren definitely could not help her “Erin, calm down…” she coaxed gently.

“I am!!” Erin raised her voice while her wild eyes told Mia otherwise.

Darren noticed Erin’s serious tone as he quickly intervened “Hey…don’t hurt her. She’s not to blame, if you had the guts….” He began to fade off when Erin threw him an evil eye while Mia pulled at his arm for him to be quiet “What? I’m not afraid of her!” he announced too loudly.

“Great, I’ll kill you too.” Erin smiled evilly while she took a step towards him.

The two clinged onto each other as they backed away slowly “What now?” Mia muttered.

Darren turned to her but continued to step backwards “I’ll bite her and you knock her unconscious.” He suggested in a kidding manner.

Mia hit him on the arm “Stop messing…she’s really upset. I told you not to say anything.” She whispered.

“What are you guys doing?” Brad’s voice broke the tension causing a sigh of relief from Mia and Darren. They rushed over to him with a nervous laugh “Picking on poor Erin?” he asked with a scolding tone.

Darren muttered under his breath “No one can pick on her.”

“What?” Brad asked in confusion.

Mia grabbed onto Darren’s arm “Nothing, we’re gonna go get some breakfast now…bye!” the two little demons ran out before Erin could get a chance to follow.

Brad tilted his head thoughtfully “What’s with them?” he wondered to Erin. She shrugged without saying a word.

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