The Zodiac of P.R.A.

Chapter 22

Guest Star:
Jessica Hsuan – Naja Lu
Aaron Kwok – Ted Kwong aka Libra
Julian Cheung - Douglas Chung aka Virgo

By the time Dennis and Brad came back, Erin was a mess. She rushed over to them “Mia’s gone…I don’t know where she went but I think Reina has something to do with this. We have to save them…how can we find them, what did the head say?”

Dennis patted the hysterical girl “Calm down Erin. We’ll find them…my only guess is that Reina contacted Mia since she knows she would be desperate to see Darren.”

“What now?” Brad asked with concern.

“Wait…” Dennis sighed “Why does she want Darren anyways?” he asked more to himself.

In the mist of the whole dramatic day, Erin almost forgot an important note “The key. She wants the key.” She looked up at them “Darren told me where the key that can open the metal box. It holds some sort of files that Reina wants.”

Dennis nodded “I see, Doug, I want you to go with Erin and get that key before they figure out where it is. Brad, we’ll go talk to Ted.” Brad’s gaze lingered when Erin nodded and disappeared with Doug “If you like her, why don’t you tell her?”

Brad shook his head “It’s not that…I only see her as sister.”

Dennis frowned “Really? Brad, don’t kid yourself, you like her and you know it. You’ve been on enough missions with each other to know how you feel. I could see a spark, why can’t you just admit it?”

He turned away slowly “Let’s go see Ted.” He has never asked himself about his feelings towards Erin. She was always a good friend but nothing more in his mind. But in his heart, it was the first time he questioned it, yet at the same time he could not find the answer.

Erin retrieved the key from where Darren told her. Although the building was closed, they were still able to sneak through security and find their way up to Darren’s office. Doug and Erin returned to headquarters with the key. Dennis and Brad were already back “How is Ted?” Erin asked.

“He’s going to be resting for at least another month according to the doctors.” Dennis announced “His temporary stay with the P.R.A. is over, he will be returning to the police force after his recovery.”

She nodded understandingly “What’s our next plan?”

“Wait…Reina will surely contact us after she figures out you have the key.” Dennis said wisely.

Doug was curious “How are we going to get those files?”

“Sneak into the orphanage.” Brad offered.

Dennis shook his head “No, they’ll be waiting for us. It’s just another trap. We must get to Reina first.”

“But how? We don’t know where they are.” Erin sighed “I’m so useless I lost two people!”

“It’s not your fault Erin.” Doug reassured her “You tried your best.”

She smiled gratefully “Thanks.” She looked down at her hands and suddenly came in contact with her ear piece. She forgot they had it “Does it still work?” she looked around as the guys put them on. There was a bit of static “Mia, can you hear us?” she asked while pressing on her button to activate it.

There was no answer “I think Reina was quick enough to retrieve it.” Dennis was disappointed “Why don’t you guys go home and rest.” He advised.

Doug and Brad nodded while Erin shook her head “I want to stay with Timmy.”

Dennis nodded “That’s fine. You know your way around right?” She nodded with a smile and he eventually left. Brad gave her a lingering look but knew it would be too uncomfortable at the moment to discuss their issue, so he too left.

The following morning Erin received a phone call on her cell, she didn’t know the number “Hello?”

“Good Morning.” Reina’s voice was loud and clear.

Erin frowned “It’s not that good since you’re still alive.”

Reina laughed “Picking up a few quips from Mia, I see…she’s looking very pale you know.”

“What did you do to her?!!” Erin exclaimed.

“Oh nothing…she has a great 10 floor view of the city. You remember she’s afraid of heights right? She’s practically dying as we speak.” Reina was enjoying the moment too much.

Erin felt her face get hot with anger “You just want the key, so why are you torturing them?”

“You know about the key? Where is it?” Reina’s voice was urgent and desperate.

It was Erin’s turn to laugh “Look who’s begging now… I can give it to you, but you have to promise to let Mia and Darren go.”

“You’ve got a deal.” She quickly gave Erin directions to the place.

Erin hung up and raced out but stopped in her steps when she realized Timmy would be alone. She didn’t have to worry when Dennis came by. She greeted him hastily and rushed out. She got to the building and hit the rooftop button. When she got there, her eyes widened at the scene before her. Darren was unconscious while tied to a wooden pole and Mia was tied to one but she was facing the ledge of the roof. She couldn’t see her face but she knew her friend face was probably pale like a ghost “Mia!!”

Mia had her eyes closed and eventually they were tired of squinting shut. She turned her head to the side “Erin?”

“You!!” Erin turned to Reina, who was sitting next to Mia by the ledge with a smirk on her face “Evil…” she shook her head sadly at the girl.

“Evil? Why thank you.” Reina bowed like it was some sort of compliment “You should see her face…” she pointed to Mia with a laugh before getting up “You have the key?”

Erin pulled it out of her pocket to show her “Let them go.”

“How do I know if it’s real?” Reina asked with pure suspicion.

“Suit yourself.” Erin shrugged as she took the key and gave her hand a throw while Reina looked at her in horror following her hand which aimed over the ledge to her left.

“You!!” Reina cried “You’ll pay for that.”

Erin laughed “Believe me now don’t you?” she opened her hands and the key was still there “Let them go.” She said coldly.

Reina turned to Andrew “Let them go.”

He frowned but did as he was told, he quickly untied Darren who slumped to the ground, Erin fought the urge to run and help him but she knew Reina would disapprove. Mia was weak in the knees by the time she was loose. She wobbled her way over to Darren and helped him up but she was too weak to do it and they came stumbling down to the ground making Reina roar with laughter “I did let them go, it’s just taking too long for them to move.”

Erin took a step forward and Andrew quickly intervened “I wouldn’t do that.” He warned.

“I can’t even help them?” Erin looked over at Reina with disgust.

Reina shook her head with a smile, her eyes widened “Nope, just sit back and enjoy the show. You’ve got one person ready to bleed to death and another person going to be sick to death. It’s fun if you ask me.”

Naja shook her head sadly “Ah Mui, why do you have to do this?”

“Shut up! All you do is help them….we’re sisters. You’re supposed to be on my side.” Reina cried angrily “Don’t think I didn’t know that you helped her out that last time I had a good shot at her pretty little head.”

Erin turned to Naja who ducked her head shamelessly “You saved me?” she asked “But why?”

“Because my soft hearted sister is in love with your Brad. After he kissed her, she only can think of him.” Reina spat harshly “What an idiot! I told her he only had eyes for you… and before you know it, she’s turned against me…saving the enemies.” Her eyes leered at Naja with hatred and it grew to amusement when she saw Mia and Darren struggling to get up. Reina turned to Erin “I’m surprised you came by yourself. I guess girls are dumber.” She said to Mia specifically.

Erin snickered “Mia was just worried about Darren. She isn’t dumb. Anyways, who said I came alone?” she smiled slyly.

Reina took a step towards Erin “What?!!”

As if on cue, the doors to the elevators opened and appeared Brad along with Doug “I called a few reinforcements if you don’t mind.” Erin smiled even though the battle was not over.

Brad saw the scene as he rushed to Erin’s side “Did she get the key?” Erin looked up and shook her head. He looked around and saw Naja standing behind Reina while Andrew stood next to her. His eyes were surprised but soon hardened “Why you?” he asked Naja.

Naja turned away while Reina looked at her sister to Brad “Unfortunately, she is my sister…but….” She smiled at them “The more the merrier.”

When Mia finally was able to help Darren, Doug quickly took over as he supported Darren with ease “Get him out of here.” Brad ordered.

“Not…so…fast.” Reina pulled out her gun again.

Erin wasn’t about to be threatened again as she took the key in her hand and rushed over to the ledge with her hand spread out “Shoot and I’ll lose this key.”

Reina dropped her arm instantly “You…”

Erin turned to the team “Go! It’s your only chance.”

“You guys won’t get away with this.” Reina warned.

“We’ll see about that.” Erin narrowed her eyes. She turned to Brad and nodded, they had a plan but she just hoped it’ll work. He was to wait downstairs with a big rig truck full of carton boxes and Erin would jump down into it to break her fall.

Brad slowly inched towards the exit with Doug and Darren. Mia on the other hand lingered behind “Mia, come on!” Brad cried from the elevator.

She shook her head “I need an answer…” she watched the doors close and then turned back to Reina “Why?”

“Why what?” She crossed her arms without interest.

Mia backed away until she stood next to Erin “Why did you become this way? Like as if the world owed you a favor.”

Reina turned away with her eyes rolling upwards “I blame everyone. From the Chiu family to the orphanage for my life. Thanks to your boyfriend’s help, he placed me in a madhouse. The family didn’t want to adopt me, they wanted a slave. I cooked, clean did everything in that damn household!!!” her eyes glossed over at the thought of it “The jerk which was a so called father took away the only dignity I had left. I was only 14 when he raped me! Should I be grateful??” her eyes welled up with tears as a few dripped down while she didn’t bother to wipe it off.

“Why didn’t you tell someone?” Mia asked with questioning eyes. Her heart came out to the girl but at the same time she was angry at her for hurting Darren.

“Tell who?? The mother?? The woman was so afraid of her husband that she would leave each time he wanted to have his way with me.” Her lips trembled with anger “I learned not to care and I learned where exactly he left his little pistol…and I knew exactly where to shoot where he’ll bleed to death.” A smiled crawled on her face despite the tears that stained it “You should have seen the bastard shrivel up and die. It took him a while though, three hours to be exact…could you believe the wife didn’t even return that night?”

Erin and Mia exchanged glances, Erin felt bad for the girl yet it was not right what she was doing “Darren isn’t to blame for it…it’s your fate to meet that family. I’m sorry it happened but killing others is not the best answer.”

Reina snapped her head up “Fate? If that jerk gave me enough attention as he did you, I would have been placed in a better home and it wouldn’t be a problem to look for my sister.” She spat angrily. “Key or no key, you guys will die today.” She pulled up her gun and aimed it at the girls.

“What now?” Mia whispered.

“You should have ran when you had the chance.” Erin muttered “We have to jump now.”

Mia widened her eyes but she refused to look down over her shoulder “I’m not jumping.” She shook her head at Erin.

“Ah mui! Please, let them go…” Naja begged as she covered the gun that was aiming at the girls.

“Get out of my way.” Reina widened her eyes “You will not ruin my plans again. I will kill you…” she threatened.

Erin shook her head “You’ve gone over the hill now. Even your sister you would kill? Naja, don’t waste your breath, she won’t let us go.” She took Mia’s hand as they inched back closer to the ledge.

Naja would not give up as she took the gun and pointed it to her heart “You can kill me, I don’t care….but you must stop this angry war. It’s no ones fault, Ah Jan.”

“Ga Jei…I warned you.” Reina closed her eyes as she let the bullet fly into Naja’s heart. Andrew was taken aback as he stumbled behind.

“Naja!” Erin cried the same time Mia did.

Reina tried to shake Naja off the gun but she wouldn’t budge while the gun shots continued to run through her organs “Run…” she muttered a barely audible sound.

Erin and Mia looked at each other “Come on…”

“But…” Mia shook her head “I can’t…”

Erin took her hand as she pulled her up on the ledge “Close your eyes.” She said to Mia who did exactly just that “Now, jump!!” the girls bounced off the ledge and came flying down. Mia’s arms were flaring from side to side on the jump down while Erin balled herself up before the crash. Mia screamed all the way down even until she hit the boxes she was still crying in pain. “Mia!! We’re free…” she shook at her friend when the car started to drive away. Brad was in the driver seat as he took off.

Mia slowly opened her eyes “We did it?” she asked in shock.

Erin nodded “Yup.” She looked up where Reina stood over the ledge, her face angry as ever “But Naja….” Her eyes saddened.

Mia was comfortable lying down as she let out a sigh “She was innocent all this time. I can’t believe she saved us.”

Erin sighed too as she laid down next to Mia “I know. I guess she really liked him.”

“You jealous?” Mia asked.

She shook her head “No, just envious. She would die for him…and me? I can’t even come out and tell that I like him. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be?” she raised her brows.

Chapter 23

Guest Star:
Julian Cheung - Douglas Chung aka Virgo
Andy Lau – General Joseph Cheung (head of security)

Brad drove them back to the hospital where Darren was placed to take out the bullet. The three rushed inside to be greeted by Dennis and Doug “How is he?” Mia asked.

Dennis smiled “He’ll be fine. The doctors said he lost a lot of blood but it’s not life threatening. How did you girls do?”

Erin and Mia exchanged looks “We’re okay…but an innocent life was wasted.”

“Who?” Brad asked, he would never guess Reina would have the heart to kill her own sister. “Andrew?”

Mia shook her head sadly “Naja.”

“She died? How?” Brad asked with concern.

“Reina killed her.” Erin replied “She’s gone crazy. What can we do to stop her? She’s not going to stop until that file is in her hands.”

Dennis shook his head “The only person that knows is Darren. We’ll wait to hear from him first.”

“We can see him?” Mia asked incredulously.

Dennis nodded “Of course.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” she cried while stomping her way over to the receptionist desk to ask for his room.

Dennis laughed “I wanted her to be the first to see him.” He let out a sigh “It’s so hard to be a good person.”

The team chuckled while they gave her some alone time with Darren. His eyes were closed when she entered the room careful not to wake him. She smiled at his peaceful face while she pulled a few strands of hair away from his face “Darren…” she whispered.

His eyes fluttered and an instant smile grew over his face “I thought I’d never see you again.”

She grew more emotional at their close shave with death. She whimpered back the cries while biting her lip “Me too.”

He pulled himself up with one hand and Mia quickly supported him “Don’t cry…we’re okay now. I’ll never let anything happen to you now. We’ll get bodyguards 24/7, Reina would never get to us.” He assured her.

Mia only nodded while she leaned onto his chest comfortably. Suddenly the door cracked open and Erin’s head popped in “Boo…” she whispered breaking the two apart “Sorry, was I disturbing you?” she frowned at her insensitivity.

Darren smiled while Mia shook her head “Come in. This is coming from the girl that wanted to kill me. Why the sudden change of heart?” he teased.

Erin was no longer bothered by his once annoying attitude “Someone saved my life.” She tilted her head with a smile.

“That’s all it took?” Darren asked jokingly “Why, I should have done that a long time ago.”

“I’m sorry.” Erin smiled apologetically “I really shouldn’t have given you a hard time. You and Mia truly match.” She said firmly “I’m happy for you two.”

“See!” Mia cried while looking at Darren knowingly “I told you she was nice.”

Darren laughed “Okay, I believe you now. It was hard to tell between the evil glares and the threats. But then I had my share of it all too. You had a strong will for putting up with me.” Erin looked down shyly with a smile.

“What’s this? A party?” Dennis asked from the door. Darren waved them in with his free arm and slowly Doug and Brad appeared.

“You okay, man?” Brad asked genuinely.

Darren nodded “Yeah.”

Dennis smiled “Good. Since I have you all here, I have an announcement to make.” Their eyes turned to give him their full attention “I am taking a long leave of absence. For my family’s sake. I’m not even sure if I will come back. Many things have happened in the past few months. We’ve lost two great agents…unfortunately, it had to end like this. Brad and I had a short meeting earlier. This will be the first time you guys will get to meet the head. I had the pleasure of meeting him last night. He will be taking over until they find a better candidate. Brad will continue to be the captain and the team will consist of all of you.”

“Except for Darren, right?” Mia added in smartly.

Dennis shook his head “Including Darren.” He met eye to eye with Darren “Your application has been accepted by the head. Due to your past donations, the P.R.A. have been very honored to have you help them out for so many years.” Mia raised her eyebrows at Darren and he gave her a wink while his grin grew wider “I am proud to announce your final teammate Taurus, Darren Chiu.”

There was a round of applause that broke into the room. So loud that the nurse had to peek in and ask them to be quiet. The group chuckled silently together. Mia was proud and happy at the same time “You’ll need to go through some training.” Mia began her authoritive voice.

Dennis laughed “He’s already done it.”

“He has?” Erin was surprised “When did you have the time?” she wondered.

Darren smiled “I took a few classes a couple of months back in martial arts. Just for fun actually. But apparently, that was the basic training that I needed.”

“I’ll leave you guys to get more acquainted. This won’t be goodbye forever…but it is goodbye for now.” Dennis said almost sadly. He saluted them as a final joke. They reacted quickly with a salute also.

After he left, Mia’s smile disappeared “I wonder what the head looks like.”

“Hopefully not handsome…just in case it gets Taurus here jealous.” Erin teased.

Darren shrugged it off lightly while Mia stifled a laugh “I’m not afraid. Bring him on! He can’t be that handsome.” He said with pure confidence.

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

The following morning, everyone met up at the headquarters Even Darren came in with a cast on his arm. It was to be there for one month until he was able to do the normal things again. They were in high spirits chatting away and laughing at jokes Doug said.

No one paid any attention to the handsome distinguished thirty something year old man standing by the door. His hands placed behind his dark gray suit as he looked at them with a smile

Brad was the first to notice him as he stood up and saluted while belting out “Good Morning Sir!!” the rest of the gang repeated his action with the same greeting.

Joseph nodded with a smile “Dennis warned me about your inside joke. Must I remind you it’s not the military?”

Everyone laughed nervously not sure if he was kidding or was being serious “Sorry, Sir, we’re so use to it.” Brad explained before motioning for the gang to sit down.

“You must be captain Brad Chung.” He reached out his hand and shook Brad’s ready hand “I’m General Joseph Cheung. But please call me Joe.”

Mia and Erin exchanged glances while they hid their smiles “Damn, he’s cute!” Mia gushed.

Joe looked over at the girls “Thank you…Mia, right?” he smiled as he walked over to shake her hand. Her face turned a bright red while she shook it firmly “I have great hearing.” He laughed when she dropped her jaw in awe. He smiled over at Darren “Isn’t she a little firecracker? How do you handle her, Darren?”

Darren was amazed at how the man knew their names so well already “She’s a handful alright.” He joked.

“This must be Erin, the ever so tough and sometimes cold hearted Scorpio.” He smiled with his hand abroad.

Erin laughed “I’m not sure about tough. I can name a few times when I almost broke down. But cold hearted would suit me well. I take it Dennis told you about us all?”

Joe grinned “You can say that.” He reached over the table “And you must be Doug. Welcome to the team. I hear you’re new to the team too?”

Doug nodded respectfully “Yes, Sir. Hopefully I’ll be a useful addition.”

“Yeah, let’s hope.” Darren muttered.

“How long are you gonna be handicap?” Doug snapped at Darren with a grin.

Joe let out a humorous laugh “Looks like you guys haven’t had time to get acquainted yet.” He walked back to the front and pulled out the control to the monitor as he pressed the button and the flat screen popped through the wall “But I’ve got some news for all of you. We have found the person behind the drug dealing with St. Mary’s Orphanage. His name is Michael Wu (Daniel Wu – soon to appear) also known as ‘the shark’ due to his vicious nature.” A picture of a very young twenty something year old guy appeared. He had dark eyes and perfect hair.

“Yummy…” Mia muttered under her breath, loud enough for Erin to hear.

She shook her head at her friend “What’s with you and bad boys?” Mia giggled while she tried to dodge the look Darren gave her.

Joe clicked another picture “This building belongs to this young millionaire. Darren, looks like you two know each other.” He pointed out to the next picture with Darren and Michael shaking hands for the magazine shot.

Darren nodded “Unfortunately we do. He’s my company’s biggest competitor. Not to mention, he’ll do anything to get a deal. His father was behind the scandal that closed out the harbor causing everyone to be laid off. The same harbor that Reina’s dad worked on years before.” He explained.

“Correct!” Joe pointed out “After his father died, Michael took over everything. You know where Reina get’s her funds from? Michael. She’s been working for him since she began her work here with the P.R.A. We’ve known this for a year now but have not had the evidence to catch her in the act.”

Brad tapped his chin thoughtfully “So how do we get this guy?”

“Easy.” Joe put down the control “Darren, where would you find a rich man during the night of October 31st?”

Darren smiled with a nod “The annual Filty Rich Halloween Ball.”

“Filthy Rich?” Mia asked “That’s a bit on the snobby side don’t you think?”

Darren nodded “This name was made up to make a point. Only the richest of the rich were able to get an invitation.”

“Which means you will be invited.” Erin pointed to Darren.

“Smart.” Joe nodded at Erin “There’s our ticket inside. Our plan is not difficult. Its to warn him of our presence, that we are on the lookout for him. He will not back off too easily but we should intimidate him….plus we’ve got two beautiful girls on the team. Surely he will catch someone’s eye.”

Darren reached over and took Mia’s hand “She’s taken.” He announced.

Everyone turned to Erin “I don’t know how to seduce someone.” She said with emphasis.

Mia laughed as she leaned over to Erin “It’s easy...bat your eye lashes and giggle at everything he says. Then pretend to hit him when he says something unjust. Guys love that!” she gushed

Darren eyed her carefully until she looked over at him “And how do you know that?”

Mia smiled sweetly “Because that’s how I got you.” She giggled along with Erin who was pointing to Darren.

“Okay girls, enough teasing our handicap.” Joe smiled when Doug covered his grin and Brad too had to turn away to hide his smile “Why don’t we all rest first and stay away from the eyes of the public for now.” He said to Darren “Rest well since we have a month to spare. Take care of your health and continue to train until that day comes. We will come in contact then. Meeting adjourned.” He nodded to the group and prepared to leave. But he stopped in front of Brad “Can I speak with you for a minute?”

Brad stood up with a surprised look “Sure.”

“Erin, you too.” Joe called for her.

Mia was nosy as she yanked at Erin’s arm “Tell me later.” She whispered.

Erin smiled with her head shaking “Okay.” The girls have grown closer since their near death experience with Reina. They’ve learned to rely and trust each other more, never to let any of them stray if they ever felt the need to. She walked outside with Joe and Brad. She greeted them with a nod “What is it Sir?”

Joe crossed his arms “I have sensed a tension between you two since I walked into the room. Now, if we are to work as a team, I want everything to be out on the table. I heard from Dennis that you now know how Erin feels about you. What do you have to say?” he asked Brad first.

Brad was caught off guard with the sudden question as he stuttered “I…well…I never thought of Erin in that way…”

Erin looked down to the ground “I sensed it, that’s why I didn’t want to tell anyone. But somehow, the whole world found out before you did.” She glanced up at Brad but felt uncomfortable with Joe there “Can we not talk about this now? To be honest, it’s very awkward.”

Brad nodded quickly in agreement “Yes. It is.”

Joe let out a sigh “Guys, you two are adults…two smart adults. I know there is some interest in you both with each other, so why can’t you swallow your pride and admit it?” when the two did not speak up, Joe shook his head “I know I cannot make you two speak, but at least think about it.” With that he left the two of them to speak for themselves.

The moment Joe was gone, Erin mumbled her goodbye and walked down the streets by herself in a quick paced step. Brad put up his hand to stop her, instead her followed her “Erin.” He called, but when she didn’t stop he called out louder “Erin! Stop.”

This time she stopped and turned to him “If you don’t like me, you don’t have to explain, but just tell me.”

Brad shook his head “It’s not that….I just never thought about it before.”

“Neither did I. Trust me, I tried to hide my feelings as much as possible but apparently I am easy to read…but not for you, obviously.” Erin wasn’t sure why she was angry with him. Maybe because she felt the feelings were mutual but now he confirmed that it wasn’t.

“I’m sorry…but my work is very important. And you know our field asks for our complete devotion and lives. I don’t know when I’ll die…this is the last thing I want to think about. I don’t want to hurt anyone.” He explained finally. The hesitant answer he didn’t ever want to tell.

Erin stepped back “Bullshit!” she cursed “Look at Mia and Darren. Don’t you think that they know what the consequences are? Just because you don’t want to ask yourself that question, doesn’t mean the answer isn’t there.” She pointed out “If you like me and you’re hiding your feelings, then I’m sorry to say that I have misjudged you. I thought you were more of a man than that.” She turned and ran away before he had a chance to stop her.

Chapter 24

Guest Role:
Andy Lau - Joseph aka The Head
Daniel Wu - Michael Wu
Sonjia Kwok - Christina Chan

Despite Joe’s advice about resting, the gang decided to go into training mode. Everyone trained harder than they ever had. They were fit and ready for any mission, especially a mission with dancing involved. Mia and Darren were a pair while Erin and Brad were put together by Joe. They didn’t do too well, so he made Doug try out with Erin. Surprisingly these two were a better fit at the waltz and tango. A month soon passed and the ball was well underway. It was all over the newspapers as well as the media. Darren got his invitation and he was able to bring as many guests as he wanted since he was one of the top 5 richest men in Hong Kong.

Mia and Erin went out shopping for their gowns while the guys got their tuxes, courtesy of Chiu Corp. That night everyone headed out to the headquarters to set up and take last minute advices from Joe. The girls came in a separate car since they had to get ready together. The minute they walked into the conference room, all eyes turned to them. A few of which lingered amongst the two beauties in gorgeous gowns.

Erin wore a dark turquoise dress with a one sided strap, with a diamond butterfly to match the diamond butterfly clip that tied half of her relaxed curls back. Mia thought it looked sophisticated and definitely classy. Her lace and satin dress fell down to the floor with a ruffle that match her one sided strap. There was a short tail that followed her against the floor.

Mia went for a more ball gown look, her dress was a baby pink strapless dress which was supported by her petite waist. The dress flared delicately to the floor, she wore a matching pair of shoes and her hair was straigtened with a slight curl that shaped around her face.

Darren was the first to compliment as his eyes covered Mia’s slender body, he let out a short whistle making Mia blush as she shifted from side to side “You look…amazing.” He was barely able to let it out.

Mia couldn’t help her smile from growing “Really?” she uttered.

Joe smiled at the girls “Michael sure will have a hard time breathing tonight if you ask me.” He turned to Brad, who’s eyes never left Erin the minute she walked into the room “Looks like it’s working already.” He laughed when Brad turned away with embarrassment.

Doug was the charmer as he walked up to Mia and took her hand as he leaned down to kiss it, he caught Darren’s glare and quickly replaced it with a shake “You look great, Mia.” He walked over to Erin and took her hand as he kissed it gently “You are exquisite.”

Erin smiled “Thank you.”

“Okay guys. I have some good news.” Joe interrupted “These are the new headsets courtesy of our anonymous donator.” He winked at Darren who smiled with pride “They are touch activated, which means they sit deep in your ear and all you have to do is touch your ear for them to work. It is the newest invention in the spy market today and we have the pleasure of trying it first.” He quickly passed them out to everyone “The girls are luckier since they have their hair to cover it, guys just be careful not too get within 3 inches of a person. They will be able to see the devices.”

“It’s like Mission Impossible!!” Mia exclaimed with glee.

Erin laughed “Except we’re not perfect like Tom Cruise….” Darren cleared his throat and Erin smiled as she added “Except for Darren of course.”

Mia ruffled her brows “Oh gag me! I kinda liked it when you guys didn’t get along.”

Darren laughed “She’s just jealous.” He brushed it off as he took Erin’s hand and linked it through his own as he led her towards the exit.

Mia placed her manicured fingers on the edge of her waist “Darren Chiu!” her warning voice was threatening.

Erin unlinked her arm as she walked back to Mia “He’s just teasing. Come on.” The girls held hands as they walked out together while Darren looked flabbergasted.

They all shared a limo which belonged to, of course Darren and when they pulled up to the giant mansion that belonged to an old President but was now just a historical site due to it’s age and design. The limo driver stopped and opened the door for the guests to exit. Joe turned to the group before they entered “Remember, no violence tonight, just some plain mingling and eye catching the target.” He said it mostly to the girls “You can use your regular names tonight when you talk to each other and remember never, ever leave with anyone. We have to stick together and watch out for one another.”

“Where will you be?” Brad asked.

Joe shook his head “That’s not important. I will keep in touch if we need to. Now go and have fun.” He smiled.

Once they were inside, it was beyond their imagination with acres of beautifully colored crystal tile floors. The stairwell lead up to the second floor was in the center of the living room with two ways that take you to the next floor. Mia was at awe with the entire design “Wow….” She gushed lightly.

“You can say that again.” Doug nodded with a grin so wide that his dimple sunk into his cheek.

There were waiters walking around with plates of appetizers as well as chilled champagne. The five collected their own glasses as they stood together and clinked their glasses “To completing the mission.” Brad said confidently.

“I’ll drink to that!” Mia exclaimed while the others smiled at her excitement. They took a sip and began to split up to begin mingling and to find Michael Wu “Ooh, so many cute guys….so little time.” She muttered to herself.

Darren shook his head “I can hear you, honey.”

Erin smiled “We all can, Mia.”

“Guys…target is here. 9 o’clock sharp.” Brad’s voice came in loud and clear.

They were spread out amongst the crowd as they turned towards the entrance, he came in with a beautiful woman on his arms. She wore the most gorgeous sky blue gown. A few men had to stop and stare while the women turned their heads to the handsome man with a smirk on his face.

“Let’s see how long it’ll take him to take the bait.” Doug mumbled.

Mia smiled to herself “Looks like it didn’t take long for the girl to get your attention, Doug.” She saw Michael’s girl looking over at Doug with special interest.

“Be careful, thats Michael’s fiancé.” Darren warned.

“Looks like Doug is not the only she’s paying attention to.” Erin commented when the girl broke away from Michael to talk to Brad.

“Do I sense a little jealously?” Darren teased.

Erin smiled “No, but you’re about to be very jealous. He took the bait with Mia.” She turned to catch Darren’s eye and nodded to her left where Mia was and where Michael was approaching.

“Hi there.” Michael said coolly to Mia as he smiled crookedly “You’re new this year.”

Mia tilted her head playfully “Actually, I’ve been to this ball before. You’ve just never noticed me.”

He laughed with his head shaking “Surely I would remember such a beauty.”

She played the ‘coy’ card to perfection as she giggled amusingly and turned away. But the minute she saw Darren approaching them, her smile faded “Honey, I’ve been looking all over the place for you.” He reached over and took Mia’s hand.

After a moment, Michael cleared his throat since it was obvious Darren would not acknowledge him. Mia smiled “Oh, sweetie…this is….I didn’t catch your name.” she smiled at Michael.

“Michael Wu.” Darren finished for her.

Michael smiled “It’s been a while Darren…I thought you were dead, like your father.” The smirk on his face was enough for Darren wanting to punch him in his pretty little face.

“No, I’m very much alive. Even if I was dead, your company will still be loosing to mine in the market.” Darren snapped with a sarcastic grin.

Mia knew the conversation would not go well if they continued to stand there. She linked her arms through Darren’s “Come on, I wanna go dance.” She cooed.

Darren didn’t take his eyes off of Michael “Sure…”

“Well, that went well.” Doug said sarcastically. He turned in circles and found Brad talking to Christina, Michael’s fiancé “Lets hope Brad has more luck.”

Brad’s eyes were settled on Erin eventhough Christina was full on flirting with him. Her fingers trailed his tux collar “So, where are you from?”

He looked down at the girl with a cool exterior “If your asking if I’m filthy rich, I’m sorry to disappoint you. I’m poorer than a full time teacher and I came here with a friend.”

She immediately backed away “You think I care about money?” she touched her collar bone with her specially designed manicured fingernails. She laughed with her head shaking “I have more money than your generation will ever make with their low life incomes. I care about what’s inside.” She pointed at his chest flirtatiously.

“Brad, I wouldn’t get to close, Michael is looking.” Darren warned as he led Mia out to the dance floor and began their waltz.

“How do you know?” Mia asked.

“Because I’m a guy.” Darren smiled while he took the lead as her dress swayed against his leg side.

“Erin, where are you?” Doug asked when he could not find her within the crowd.

“By the bar.” She muttered. She figured the dress wasn't cutting it for her and Michael would not take the bait “I give up guys.”

Doug came up from behind her and tapped her on the shoulder “May I have this dance?” he bent out a hand with politeness.

Erin smiled gratefully, she was beginning to feel out of it “Of course.” He led her out to the dance floor and they began dancing as they have been practicing for days.

“Anyone see Brad?” Mia asked with concern.

“He’s being trapped by the white face woman.” Doug snickered when the girl practically dragged him out to the dance floor “Looks like she took his bait…maybe a little too well.” He looked down and found Erin’s head turning away “I’m sorry.” He touched his ear piece to cut off the connection, she too did the same “I didn’t mean…”

She shook her head with a smile “It’s okay…he’s made it quite clear that he did not like me.”

Doug smiled with a sigh “He’d be lucky to have a girl like you.” She shook her head again and he asked “Do you still like him?”

Erin nodded “Somehow he’s not too easy to forget.”

“So there is still a chance. Trust me, everyone can see he has a thing for you. But he’s just too stupid to admit it.” Doug convinced.

“He’s not stupid…he’s just unsure.” Erin felt the need to help Brad explain.

Doug snorted “So what’s the difference? A guy who can’t make a decision is a guy who's just stupid.”

Erin smiled “I can’t argue with that profound observation.”

Suddenly Doug stopped dancing as the two were in the center of the waltz, Erin followed his gaze behind her shoulder and was face to face with Michael Wu. His smile was confident as he brought out a hand “May I have this dance?” he said directly to Erin and completely ignoring Doug’s presence.

Erin turned up to Doug who touched his ear and nodded to her “I suppose.” She said eventually turning back to Michael. Before she took his hand, she pretended to fix her hair but barely touching her ear to deactivate the headsets.

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