Chapter 19
Vivian Leung – Erin Yeung aka ScorpioGuest Star:
Jessica Hsuan – Naja Lu
Aaron Kwok – Ted Kwong aka Libra
Julian Cheung - Douglas Chung aka Virgo
Outside Mia and Darren were finally safe from the eyes of Erin. They walked along the streets hand in hand. She didn’t notice he was staring at her with a goofy smile until she asked him “I hungry…” Mia tilted her head with a smile “You know I don’t like it when you stare at me like that.”
He shrugged his shoulders lightly “Sometimes, its hard not to.”
“Sweet talker.” But she was beaming. Suddenly, her expression changed she saw a guy chasing another guy “He looks familiar…” she furrowed her brows.
“You know the thief?” Darren asked, he was taken aback by the idea.
Mia laughed with her head shaking “No…the other one. Come on, let’s follow them.” She began chasing the two guys leaving Darren far behind. When she stopped, she saw that the robber had been caught. She walked up slowly and tapped the guy on the shoulder. He was busy tying the guy’s hands together with his own belt that he didn’t look up.
“We’ll see how fast you run when the cops get here!” he scolded. He stood up and turned to face the person that tapped on his shoulder “Yes?” he asked blankly.
Mia frowned, maybe he didn’t remember her? She shook her head not wanting to embarrass herself “Nevermind, I thought you were someone I knew.”
The handsome stranger with the dimple smiled “Is that how girls come onto guys now?”
“I’m telling the truth!” she insisted.
“Mia, you don’t have to explain to him.” Darren said as he heard the whole conversation. He walked up to her and wrapped a protective arm around her shoulder.
The guy looked at Darren’s emphasized arm “Why don’t you just stamp the word ‘taken’ on her forehead?”
Mia stifled a laugh while Darren glared at the guy “It’s none of your business what I do. Come on Mia, it’s a waste of breath talking to low life peasants!” he spat with emphasis.
The guy shook his head with a laugh “Hey, I’m sorry. That was very rude of me, I’m Douglas Chung.” He brought out a friendly hand but Darren only looked at it with disgust “It’s clean, I assure you. I just didn’t wash my hands when I went to the bathroom earlier.” He couldn’t help himself, the guy was oozing with upper class. He hated rich men that acted like they were better than others.
Mia had to control her smiles since it was confirmed Doug was an old friend from high school, too bad he didn’t recognize her. It had been 10 years after all. He was always the smart mouth, making guys cringe and girls swoon. She too fell under the spell years ago, suddenly a light bulb flashed in her head. What if he were to provoke Brad by flirting with Erin? It was the perfect plan, but somehow she had to get him alone to talk about it. Darren would freak out if he knew what she was up to.
Darren contained his cool as he smiled crookedly “It’s not that…I don’t shake hands with people I don’t know.”
“I’m sorry, my boyfriend is a bit on the edge today.” Mia apologized.
Suddenly Doug narrowed his eyes while wagging a finger at Darren “Don’t I know you from somewhere?” he was asking more for himself “Oh, I got it!” he snapped his fingers “You’re that most richest eligible bachelor in Hong Kong under the age of 30…well, I’ll be.”
Darren flicked an eyebrow upwards “That was years ago and if you didn’t already catch what Mia said, I am already taken.” He reached down and entwined her hands with his and pointed in front of Doug’s face.
Doug raised his brows with interest as he crossed his arms “Mia? Hm…that’s a cute name.”
She knew by the tone in his voice that he had recognized her, finally. She let out a sigh “Sheesh…I thought-” but before she had a chance to explain to Darren, he began yanking her away.
“Come on. We’ve wasted enough time already, didn’t you say you were hungry?” he asked while his face softened “Let’s get western style breakfast.” He said brightly while Mia arched her neck behind. She saw Doug waving to her with a big grin on his face.
*****************
Back at headquarters, Erin and Dennis were discussing the plan she was about to embark. He wanted her to take Darren to an obvious place where Reina would be watching “Where’s that?” she wondered.
Dennis smiled “The orphanage of course.”
“Of course!” she shook her head in disappointment, she should have known that.
“We’ll be around there, just try to lure Reina out and when you’re ready, give the others the cue.”
Erin was still unsure as her face cringed “What if she’s ready for us? Would the four of us be able to take her on? And how about her gang of mystery people?”
“You’re absolutely right.” Dennis nodded “We do need another person. I’ve got to make a call into the head.”
“You still haven’t met the head yet huh?” she asked with curiosity.
Dennis shook his head “Only by phone. Curiosity kills the cat, Erin.”
She nodded with understanding “I know. Its just, everything is such a mystery around here. How it works, don’t you find it strange and sometimes creepy the way they know everything? Plus, how were they able to find a place so soon and set it up with such high tech equipment that hasn’t been out in the market yet? Where do the funds come from?”
He smiled “I can’t answer all those questions, nor have I learned to care. I use to be just like you, curious and young. But I learned after becoming a lieutenant that there are always questions unanswered that need not to be answered. The ones you asked are all of them. But I’ll tell you a little secret I just found out. Darren has been an anonymous donator to the head of security for years. That is where we get out power from.”
Erin turned away at the sound of Darren’s name “How did they find that information if he was an anonymous person?”
“It’s a matter of time for the head to find out. There’s nothing that they don’t know.” Dennis got up ready to make his call when he stopped and turned to her “Oh and the head told me to give you a piece of advice…” Erin raised her brows “Be aggressive since Brad seems to be too naïve to see your interest.”
She put her hands over her face with embarrassment “Even the head knows??!!” she groaned like she was in pain while Dennis laughed and walked away.
**************hours later*************
Mia and Darren finally returned, he was excluded in the meeting so he ended up watching Timmy for them. Mia rushed over to Erin who sat in her same spot that very morning “I’ve got good news!” she wanted to tell her about Doug.
“Good, I could use some.” Erin mumbled, but her eyes were distant.
“What’s wrong?” Mia furrowed her brows with concern.
She shook her head sadly “At this rate, the whole world will know my secret except for you know who.” Mia laughed but quickly covered her mouth when Brad walked in. Erin rolled her eyes “Yeah, that’s not obvious at all, Mia.”
Mia pouted “I’m sorry…but anyways!” she perked up quicker than a lightning strike “I’ve got a plan for you…you’ll love me forever.” She was sure of it.
Erin raised her brows “Or I’ll spend my whole life finding you so I could wring your neck with my own hands…Mia, I know what you’re capable of…your plans? They don’t work.”
Mia touched her neck with a look of fear “Don’t be so graphic. No, seriously, this will work. But I can’t tell you since B-R-A-D is here.” She dropped her jaw in shock, how could Mia do it again after her warning “Oops!” Mia covered her mouth again. She stole a look at Brad but his face was concentrating on the open file folder in front of him.
Dennis quickly called the meeting, his smile told Erin that everything was set, they were getting a new body to cover Andrew’s place “Good afternoon everyone. I’ve got some good news. I know we just had a new addition to our team…Ted. He’s done a great job hasn’t he?” everyone turned to the humble guy with nods of agreement “But a team is completed of four agents, one captain and one lieutenant. Currently we have five people. I just spoke with the head and they have sent a new body to come and join our team.”
As he said it a buzzer on their connected intercom sounded “Pizza delivery.” A male voice spoke into the speaker.
“That’s him.” Dennis smiled at the group, his eyes landed on Mia “Bring him in.”
She nodded with a smile as she rushed out of the room. When she opened the secret door, she was faced with Doug. Her eyes brightened “Doug!!”
His dimple sunk deeper while his smile grew “Mia? You work for the P.R.A.?” he was holding a pizza box in his hand.
Mia grinned “Looks like I’m not the only one….so…you do remember me?”
Doug laughed while nodding “I recognized the name, you look different. What happened to the scruffy haired girl with the braces that use to punch me until I bruised?”
“I can still do it.” She threatened with a balled up fist. Suddenly she remembered the meeting “Crap! Come on…I forgot I was suppose to take you inside.” She reached for his hand but suddenly jumped back “No…no…they can’t know that we know each other.” She shook her head firmly.
Doug frowned with puppy eyes “You’re ashamed of me?”
Mia shook her head still with the serious look in her eyes “It’s not that…I need a favor.”
“So soon? We just met, Miss.” He was playing her game to perfection.
“That’s good.” She pointed out with a smile “I need for you to get someone jealous.”
Doug grinned crookedly “That’s easy, all I have to do is look at you when Darren is around.”
Mia laughed with her head shaking “No, no…not Darren. Brad. He’s the captain. I have a friend…” she began explaining in quick detail while she led him back to the conference room.
Dennis and the group looked up “I thought you got lost there.” Dennis commented at Mia. When he saw her smiling without saying a word, he let out a sigh “The next time, I should ask the head not to give us such great looking men, apparently the girls cannot handle it.” When Erin cleared her throat Dennis laughed “Except for Erin, which leaves…” the group turned to Mia.
She looked at them defensively “What? I can handle it…just another cute guy. I’m fine, trust me…” she smiled at them convincingly. She returned to her seat with Erin grinning at her.
“He’s cute.” Erin whispered.
Mia nodded “I knew you’d like him!” she replied in a whispered tone.
“He’s perfect for you.” She winked at her friend.
“I already have a boyfriend.” Mia frowned, she thought Erin was talking about herself.
Erin rolled her eyes “I don’t see a ring on your finger.”
Mia shook her head “No way, one Darren is enough for me. You can have him too.”
“No thanks.” Erin said as she turned her chair towards Dennis who was giving a short speech about Doug’s background. He came from a line of martial arts black belt student then teacher. He’s smart and quick when it comes to solving problems. Doug’s sign will be Virgo.
Chapter 20
Vivian Leung – Erin Yeung aka ScorpioGuest Star:
Jessica Hsuan – Naja Lu
Aaron Kwok – Ted Kwong aka Libra
Julian Cheung - Douglas Chung aka Virgo
It did not take long for Doug to put on his work mode, his plan was simple to make Brad jealous. He knew it would be easy since back in high school it use to happen all the time without him having to try. After the meeting, he approached Erin “Hi…Erin isn’t it?”
She smiled with a gentle nod “Yes.” Erin prepared to walk away when he blocked her exit.
“So what’s your sign?” Doug asked with special interest.
Erin wrinkled her brows “Don’t you listen to anything Dennis says? He said everyone’s sign earlier…I’m Scorpio.”
Doug grinned flirtatiously “I would listen but he’s not as cute as you. Plus it sounds better coming from your mouth.”
Erin was not use to the attention as she blushed lightly with a contained smile “Thank you. Excuse me…” she said softly and walked around Doug who was not willing to budge. She walked straight into Mia, who was grinning at her like a hyena “What?”
“I saw you flirting with him.” She teased.
“I was not!” Erin’s face was flaming “He was flirting with me.” She whispered when Brad turned to the girls from the opposite side of the room. Ted on the other hand was busy in his own research to notice. When he learned about Erin’s interest in Brad, he knew it was his part to back off.
“So you like him?” Mia sang teasingly.
Erin shook her head “Not really…he’s a little forward. Whatever…I’m tired of guys. I just want to concentrate on this mission and get it over with. I’m gonna go check on Timmy.” She didn’t catch the disappointed look on Mia’s face.
When Erin got to the room, she found Darren singing softly to Timmy while he began to doze off. It was his nap time. He didn’t see her standing there until he tucked in the young boy. She smiled at him genuinely “You’re not bad.”
Darren eyed her slyly “Is that your way of complimenting people?”
Erin let out a short sigh “Why can’t you just say thank you and leave things alone. Do you really like to argue with me?” she frowned.
“No, it’s that YOU have something against me. Everything I say will always bother you.” He said a matter of factly “I would love to be friends, since it’s so important to Mia that we get along. But quite frankly, it takes two. You’re not willing to give it an effort, why should I?”
Erin knew the only way for them to work together in the plan is if she would suck in her pride and be nice to the jerk standing before her “Fine. I will be nice.” She tightened her teeth and smiled forcefully.
Darren shook his head “Nope, not good enough. I could still sense the hatred in your eyes. Try pretending that I’m…oh, I don’t know…Brad?” She could not take it as she lunged towards him but he was prepared as he jumped to the side and eventually backed away towards the door “I’m gonna go outside where it’s safe.” He laughed when she balled up her fists.
She took in a deep breath to bring out the bad trying to relieve her stress with the rich, spoiled guy. Erin’s face calmed down as she turned to Timmy, he was peacefully sleeping. She stroked his forehead softly and gave him a kiss. She wondered what would happen to him after the case is over.
Darren walked outside to see his girlfriend when he saw her talking to the guy they bumped into on the street earlier that morning. He shook his head in disbelief “No..it can’t be…he can’t join the P.R.A.” he whispered to himself. He took a few steps closer and saw that they were laughing about something.
Erin returned outside after seeing Timmy and caught Darren standing there frozen while his eyes were glued to Mia and the new guy, Doug. She smiled with satisfaction as she walked up behind him and then to his left side “They are a handsome couple huh?” she said with a knowing grin “He’s so tall, handsome and smooth…unlike you…short, spoiled and rude.”
Darren flung his head to the left but she had already began to walk away. His face soured up as he walked over to the group “Mia!” he called. She turned and gave him a huge smile as she came rushing over to him.
“Guess what?!” she exclaimed.
He put up his hand before she could continue “I know, he’s joined the team. Look, I don’t want to sound like a jealous boyfriend but…I must forbid you to talk to him.”
“That’s not fair!” Mia cried angrily.
Darren thought about it and then nodded “That’s true, you have to talk now that you guys are in the same team. Fine, you cannot see him or talk to him outside of work.”
Mia frowned while her lips curled up. Suddenly a smile spread across her face “You’re jealous…” she announced.
“Hmph! Of what?” Darren tried to deny it “I just think he’s a rude and definitely not a classy person.”
Mia laughed and then reached over to kissed him on the cheek “I love you too, sweetie. But don’t worry. I’m not interested in tall, dark and handsome strangers…I like you.” Darren narrowed his eyes at her comment and she rolled her eyes with exaggeration “You know what I mean!”
Dennis had announced for everyone to change into their uniforms except for Erin. She would be escorting Darren back to the orphanage later that afternoon. She sat in the conference room while Darren sat on the office seat of the table from her. She had a smirk on her face that was clear to Darren “What’s so funny?” he asked.
She shrugged “Your face.”
“Yeah, that’s mature.” He commented.
“I never said I was.” She leaned her head to one side and crossed her arms.
Darren snickered “That’s an understatement.”
“Boy, you two really hate each other don’t you?” Brad commented when he was the first to return so they can regroup before leaving on their mission.
Erin smiled “Hate is such a strong word.” She said with sly grin while her eyes did not leave Darren’s face.
“But it fits for me.” Darren snarled.
Brad shook his head at them “Erin…” she looked with up questioning eyes and he immediately hesitated “I…uh…” he turned to glance at Darren who then rolled his eyes.
“If you want me to leave, just come out and say it.” He sighed and got up to give them some peace and quiet.
Erin leered at him until he disappeared out the door. She let out a short sigh “I don’t what it is about him…” she turned to Brad who looked out of it “What’s up?”
He smiled at her while he took a seat “I know this might sound a little brotherly…or like a father would say to a daughter…” she had to stop herself from cringing when he said the word ‘brotherly’ but he didn’t seem to notice her being uncomfortable “I know you’ve been on so many missions in the past. But this one is different. We’re dealing with someone that has been on our end, she knows how we work and what we are good at. I want you to be extra careful out there. Call us if you need help, I know you always try to do things your own way, but sometimes it works to ask for a little help.”
Erin had to smile at his genuine concern for her “Yes father.” She refused to say the word brother, it was the last thing she wanted him to be.
“I’m serious Erin…” Brad said earnestly “If anything happened to you….I…I would…”
“What?” she tilted her head with a smile.
He couldn’t think of the word as he let out a short sigh “I would be very sad.”
She smiled with interest “Sad…as in…crying for two nights?”
Brad laughed “More like stab me in the heart and healing would take three years.”
Her smile slowly faded, was her ears deceiving her? He cared that much about her? Why had she never sensed that before, suddenly her memory came to her. She remembered how distraught he was when they were on the boat with the terrorists, how she was almost shot if it wasn’t for Brad “Don’t exaggerate.” Erin said softly while looking down at her hands.
Brad shook his head vehemently “No, I’m being serious. I cross my heart.” His eyes told her it was in all honesty.
“I know.” She smiled more to herself “I’ll be careful.” She assured him with her eyes. She didn’t expect him to show any sign of affection since it wasn’t like Brad to be sensitive, but he surprised her when he reached out to her face and stroked the strands that were dangling over her left eye.
“You’ve got beautiful eyes, don’t hide them.” He complimented before getting up “Let’s go. They’re meeting us outside.”
She had goose bumps from the affectionate action, even though he only touched her hair. Erin got up and followed him outside. Dennis greeted the two with a smile “Great, now we can start. Everyone put on your headsets and Erin, be on the lookout. The team will be within a 20 yards radius, so if anything happens give let them know.
Erin nodded “Yes, Sir.”
“Good, everyone know your positions?” The team nodded and Dennis announced “We’ll be in contact. Go.”
They took the side exit leading out to the front. Erin was the last to leave when suddenly she felt a pair of hands stop her on her shoulder “Erin…” it was Doug. She looked up questioningly “Be careful. We won’t be far.”
She looked down at her shoulder where his hands were. Erin wriggled free “Thank you.” She continued on her way while Brad and Mia witnessed the whole thing. Mia, who had a smile on her face while Brad was looking at the new guy with suspicious eyes “Come on.” Erin said when she passed Brad.
Erin drove with Darren in his limo while the others took the van. It was a quiet ride for the two until they reached the orphanage. It looked completely deserted after just a week. Darren began walking towards it when Erin moved closer “Don’t move so fast.” She warned in a whispered tone.
He was completely distraught “All these years of hard work…down the drain.” He let out a sad sigh “Can you show me the trapped room?”
She knew it wasn’t a good idea but she understood his pain as she nodded “Okay. Just stick by me, don’t make any hasty movements.” It was shocking to see him so obedient as he nodded blankly and followed her inside. It was like a ghost town with no a soul in sight. The dust was building up and a few spider webs were beginning to form on some rooms.
“I wonder what happened to the kids.” Darren thought out loud.
Erin nodded “I hope Reina had the decency to let them go.” She reached the room and noticed the lock was broken, she pushed open the metal door and found the files thrown down on the ground. Each file was opened and threw to the side “Oh my God.” She muttered.
Darren rubbed his forehead in frustration “She’s gone mad.”
Erin shook her head “No, she was looking for something. What do you have here that’s important? Think…”
After a moment, he shook his head “Nothing that I know of.” Suddenly his face brightened “Wait…I think I might know.” He waved for her to follow him “If my safety box is still there.” He rushed to his office, he opened it and abruptly stopped “You…” he pointed to the girl sitting in his leather chair.
Erin stepped in front of Darren with protectiveness, she took her job seriously “Reina, what do you want?”
Reina swirled in the chair with a grin while she played with a silver pistol “Isn’t it obvious? The same thing he is looking for in here. You want to make it easy and tell me how to open this steel box or you want to make it hard?” she pointed the gun threateningly.
“Team, we need help.” Erin whispered into her headset. She reached down at Darren’s hand as she gave it a quick yank “Let’s go!” with that the two ran down the hall and rushed outside only to be greeted by about 15 people dressed in white. She pulled Darren behind her “Crap…we underestimated her.”
“You’re damn right you did.” Reina tilted her head to the side with a smile as she stood by the entrance. “Tsk tsk tsk…I always thought you were smarter than that Erin. I guess I was wrong.” Her eyes hardened as she whipped her head towards her people that were ready to attack.
Chapter 21
Vivian Leung – Erin Yeung aka ScorpioGuest Star:
Jessica Hsuan – Naja Lu
Aaron Kwok – Ted Kwong aka Libra
Julian Cheung - Douglas Chung aka Virgo
The fight started too quick for Erin as she tried to protect Darren at the same time. There were moments when he tried to fight off his attackers but it didn’t go on for long with Erin there. Reina on the other hand was standing on the side with gun in her hand, she waited for the right moment to raise the pistol.
Brad was the first one to arrive in time to see Reina’s hand abroad ready to shoot Erin “She doesn’t have a bulletproof vest.” He muttered while speeding up to catch her on time.
Reina aimed straight to Erin’s heart as she let go of the trigger. Darren turned at the same time he heard the shot as he made a leap into the air to cover the shot aiming towards Erin’s back. He felt to the ground staggering in pain. Erin bent down next to Darren “Are you okay?!” she was concerned, he had saved her life.
Darren was grabbing onto his arm groaning in pain “Run…just leave me…she won’t kill me until she gets that file.”
“What file?” Erin’s eyes moved up when Reina was getting closer. She heard footsteps behind her and she turned to see the team rushing to their rescue.
“Darren!!” Mia saw his arm bleeding while Erin was supporting him.
Darren looked up at Erin “The key is in my office, taped under the floor mat of the chair.” He whispered “Run…save yourself.”
She shook her head vehemently “And let you be the hero, I wouldn’t hear of it.” She smiled despite their dangerous situation “Anyways, she’s not going to let me go.” Her eyes wandered up.
Brad rushed up to them and Reina’s gun quickly pointed to him “Stop or I’ll shoot her.” Her gun moved slowly to Erin. When the others arrived, Reina’s smile grew wider “Well, well, well…looks like the P.R.A. have gotten themselves some new agents.” Her eyes moved over to Doug who stood next to Mia.
“Reina, don’t do this…you’ll regret it.” Mia tried.
“It’s too late!” Reina yelled into the air “I can’t turn back now.” She looked at them with angry eyes until it landed on the injured Darren. She bent down on one knee while the gun was still pointed at Erin’s head “You stupid idiot! I was trying to shoot her!!”
Erin’s eyes hardened “You can kill me, but let him go…he didn’t do anything but tried to help you.”
“Help! You call that help? He split us up!! But all he had the time for was to find YOU a home!! I hate you both!!” she growled with such a vengeance that it made Erin shiver.
Darren was perspiring as he struggled to sit up, his sleeve completely drenched in blood “I helped anyone that I could. Erin didn’t want to be adopted, I didn’t know that until recently. I did try to help you and Naja…but no one wanted two daughters.” He explained.
Reina’s firey eyes turned to Darren “So you did know…you remembered her all this time didn’t you?”
Erin shook her head, pitying the girl “Reina, this is so unnecessary. It was all a misunderstanding.”
“Maybe to you!” she cried a she stood up and turned to her remaining people “Get him.”
Erin instantly stood up “Reina! Let him go….you want me, just take me. My life isn’t important.”
“Erin!” Brad called to her after hearing her say that. She was too stubborn and took her job too seriously. He understood where she came from, her mission was to protect Darren.
Reina’s eyes moved up while her people took away Darren “Right…Brad…maybe you should know a little secret before I kill her.” Her gun still pointing at Erin “She has a crush on you…well, more like fell madly in love…isn’t that right, Erin?”
Brad’s face paled over “Erin…” her name was a mere whisper.
“You should thank me Erin…I finally told him for you. Looks like you couldn’t find the balls to tell him yourself by the looks of his face.” Reina laughed wickedly “Now you can die peacefully.” Her smiled faded as she pointed the gun at Erin’s forehead.
A single tear dropped from her cheek, she didn’t have the heart to turn and look at Brad. She gently closed her eyes and prepared for the bullet. She heard the trigger pull back “No, Reina!!!” Mia cried for her friend’s sake.
The gunshot was loud and deafening against Erin’s ears but when she did not feel the pain, she opened her eyes and saw Reina’s gun was thrown to the side, someone had saved her again. But she did not need to think long as the two girls began a brutal fight with each other. The rest of the team had their own battles to fight. Mia was trying to get closer to Darren but he was already gone, they took him away. She saw the fight between Erin and Reina as she quickly joined in helping Erin. The three girls fought off their frustration and hurt. Reina was quickly defeated with two against one.
The girls were walking closer to Reina when a gun shot was fired at their feet “Andrew!” Erin announced.
He began firing away randomly to keep the team away while he saved Reina. A gun shot flew straight into Ted’s leg as he felt to his knees in pain “Ted’s down!” Brad cried “Cover him!”
Doug was the closest as he rushed over to help Ted. Andrew grabbed Reina as he held the gun up at Mia and Erin. The girls stood still while they watched them disappear in a car. Brad rushed over to them “You girls okay?”
Mia nodded with a smile “Why don’t you ask the person you really care about?”
“Erin…I…” he stuttered.
She knew it was not the time and place to talk about it “I’m okay.” She turned to Ted “Come on, let’s get him into a hospital.”
Dennis met up with the group in the hospital “How is he?” he rushed through the emergency door.
Brad looked up from his seat “They’re taking out the bullet but he should be fine.”
“One person down!” he shook his head “How are we going to do this without him.” Suddenly his eyes traveled around the group “Where’s Darren?”
Erin had her arms around Mia’s shoulder, trying to comfort her “He was kidnapped.” She shook her head sadly “He saved my life.”
Mia looked up with red eyes “You don’t hate him anymore?”
She smiled “I never hated him. We just didn’t get along. But for the past few days, I realized what a good heart he had. I was just in denial cause I didn’t want to like him. I’m strange…I know.” She added when Mia’s smile was a relieving one.
“I’m glad.” Mia nodded.
“You guys stay here, I will go back to headquarters and find out what our next plan is.” Dennis nodded. Suddenly he stopped and turned to Brad “Brad, come with me.” He ordered.
Brad looked up and then turned to Erin with worried eyes “Yes Sir.” He said hesitantly.
“I’ll watch the girls.” Doug offered and Brad smiled at him gratefully.
Mia wiped away a few tears before turning to Doug “Thanks.”
“My pleasure.” He wasn’t sure if he was to continue to flirt with Erin now that their secret is out “Erin…can I speak with you?” he felt the need to explain himself.
Mia knew what he was saying, she was about to chime in when her cell phone rang. She didn’t recognize the number as she stood up and excused herself “I’ll be back.” She walked out side to answer her call “Hello?”
“Mia! Don’t listen to her…” Darren’s voice was urgent but it quickly faded and was replaced by Reina’s laughter.
“Aww, that’s so sweet.” Reina’s sarcastic comment only made Mia’s blood boil.
“What do you want Reina?!” Mia cried into the phone.
Reina laughed even louder “You want to see your man? He could easily bleed to death now. Especially with my foot on his arm!!” she made a grunting noise while Darren cried in pain from the background.
Mia crunched her fist together “Stop it!” she gritted her teeth.
“You didn’t answer my question…do you want to see your man or what?” Reina said with more anger.
“Where are you?” Mia turned to the hospital and noticed Erin and Doug were still talking.
Reina was pleased “Come by yourself and he’ll still be alive. We’re not that far from here. Downtown on Taiwan Road in Sa Tin. The first building on your left, 10 floors. We’re at the roof.”
“The roof?” Mia muttered.
“What’s wrong? Oh…right…your fear of heights, I almost forgot.” Reina laughed humorously “You don’t have to come. But you can pick up his corpse tomorrow morning in his office.”
“No! I’ll come.” She quickly hung up the phone and gave the other two one last glance and took off to see Darren. She was walking into the tiger’s mouth, it was the chance she took to try to save Darren.
Erin was laughing at Mia’s plan after Doug described it to her “That’s my girl.” But her face paled when she looked around and notice Mia was gone “Where’s Mia?”
Doug got up after Erin as they searched outside and inside the waiting room “Where did she go?”
Erin shook her head as she called for Mia’s cell “She’s not answering.” She told Doug almost hysterical. “What are we going to do?!”
“Calm down…” he coaxed “We’ll have to wait for Dennis and Brad to come back.
*************
Mia saw Darren’s pale face first as she rushed over to him. He was tied to a wooden pole, his body sagging against the ropes “Darren!!”
Reina brought out her arm to stop Mia “Eh…not so fast. Now, I have a request. There is a key that opens his safety deposit box at the orphanage. It contains very important files that I need. Can you get your boyfriend to tell me where the key is?”
Mia turned to Darren with desperate eyes “Darren…” she began but he shook his head.
“I can’t tell her…” he whispered, his eyes barely open.
Mia was near tears seeing him in so much pain “Just tell her, then she’ll let us go.”
“Did I say that?” Reina asked innocently “I don’t think I did.” She laughed while Andrew stood on the sidelines, his eyes darkened. She was going crazy before his very eyes. Naja shook her head sadly, if only they knew Reina’s childhood, they might even feel sorry for her. It would explain her heartache and hatred towards the orphanage.
Darren leaned back against the pole “Mia…she’s evil. She’s not going to let us go if we tell her. She’ll kill us…” he muttered before passing out.
“Darren!!” Mia rushed over to him as she cradled his face in her hands “He’s fainted, you have to take him to a hospital!” she was desperate.
Reina’s eyes were cold and hard “He won’t die. I’m not done with him yet. Ga Jei, get him some medication to relieve the pain.” She nodded to her sister. Naja nodded as she got up to leave. Reina turned back to Mia “You are not going anywhere until he tells me where that key is.”
SIUBINGLIBRARY