Forewords
Here is the cast:
Patrick Tam – Devin Hsu
Vivian Leung – Erin Yeung aka Scorpio
Ruby Lin – Mia Lam-Chiu aka Pisces
Nick Cheung – Darren Chiu aka Taurus
Louis Koo – Luke Yam
Julian Cheung - Doug Chung aka Virgo
Gallen Lo – Matt Tong aka M.T.
Joyce Tang – Reina Ng aka Gemini
Charlene Choi – Jenna Cheung aka Aries
Edison Chan - Ryan Tong aka Sagittarius
Aaron Kwok – Ted Kwong aka Libra
Maggie Cheung – Sara Liu
Jessica Huen – Carmen Hui
Annie Man – Jessica Lai
Bobby Au Yeung - Charles Lam aka Chuck
Esther Kwan – Evelyn Fong
Ekin Cheng – Ethan Chan
Kenix Kwok – Rebecca Heung-Chung
Daniel Wu – Michael Wu
Flora Chan - Julie
Jordan Chan - Ah Bat
Nicholas Tse – Riley Kwok
Myolie – Leah Hong
Maybe more will be added and maybe more will be taken out permanently...hahhaa...get ready for some real twists! =D
Chapter 1
Six Months LaterManiac: “Hello, hello everyone! Thank you for tuning into station 268.8FM
tonight. You are all in for a treat because we have some very special guests
with us tonight. We have some members of the famous P.R.A.!!! These secret
agents have been working under the dark to protect us from harm. For their
protection, they will use their secret code names and security is surrounding
the station so that no one can see them eventhough you might have a glimpse here
and there from newspaper articles. Although I don’t see why they might need
security since they kick butt everyday! Also, I heard rumors that they are all
very beautiful and handsome individuals too, but I’ll be the judge of that.
Ok, without further a do... let's begin the interview!”
___________________________________________________________________
SCORPIO
Maniac: “First of all, thank you Scorpio for coming. I heard that you are no longer with the team. Why is that? Won't you feel like you lost a bit of yourself being that you are one of the originals chosen for this special team?”
Scorpio: “Of course I feel like a part of me is missing. I have been with the team for almost 8 years now. They are my second family. But if I had to go against my own morals and belief, I would much rather lose this part of me. I feel it is in the team’s best interest that I leave. It’s hard working with a person that you hate, wouldn’t you agree?”
Maniac: Taps chin “Hmm…I noticed that you singled out a ‘person’. So who is it that you hate so much that you would leave the team? Is it Gemini? I hear that you two hated each other at one time and both wanted to kill the other.”
Scorpio: Smiles “What’s in the past stays in the past. The most important thing is that we’re over it and have become friends through her return. Sorry, I cannot tell you who the person is, although nice catch.”
Maniac: “Ok, what about romance? Surely a girl as pretty as you must have guys trailing behind you like bee chasing after honey!”
Scorpio: Laughs “Not that I’ve noticed. But let’s just say I have had my fair share of stalkers, obsessed men and not to mention the incurable bad boy.”
Maniac: “I heard the team’s trainer is getting married later this month. Can you reveal to us what the team will present as the wedding gift?”
Scorpio: “If I reveal it on air, it won’t be a surprise anymore.”
____________________________________________________________________
PISCES
Maniac: “Oh my God! Here she is!! PISCES!! I am your biggest fan! Can I please have a hug? And an autograph?”
Pisces: “Okay! Why not, Taurus never said anything about hugging girls!” hugs Maniac but she does not want to let go “Uh…too long.” Maniac lets go embarrassingly.
Maniac: “COOOOOOOOOLIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU SO SO SO SO MUCH! You have absolutely NO idea what a big fan base you have in Hong Kong!!! Anyways, I am sure many people like myself want to know more about your love life. So is it true that you and Taurus are married? What do you find in Taurus that's so attractive that you even gave up on Dr. Chan?”
Pisces: “Wow, you are my biggest fan if you know about Ethan.” Laughs “Yes, Taurus and I are married and have a two year old daughter together. He is very different from the other men, not that Ethan wasn’t unique. But Taurus…he’s almost indescribable the way he makes me feel, the way I can be so comfortable around him and his dedication to our daughter is enough to make me fall in love with him all over again.”
Maniac: Sighs dreamily “You are so lucky.”
Pisces: Smiles and nods “I know. So, anything else you want to know?”
Maniac: “You bet, Pisces! How was your family vacation? Anything interesting to tell? Did you go skydiving? Can you teach me how to do some Charlie Angels’ moves later?”
Pisces: Gloating “Personally, I think that movie copied OUR moves.” Cracks up with laughter “But sure, I’d be glad to show you…you…you’re not afraid of heights are you?” Maniac shakes head vehemently “Sorry, I am.” Grins sweetly.
_____________________________________________________________________
VIRGO
Maniac: “And next we have the cutest guy in the team. Ladies, the rumors are true, I can confirm that he does have dimples! And in the right places I might add.” winks “I heard about the divorce between you and your wife. I am sorry it didn't work out. My question for you is after this, what do you look for in your next girl?”
Virgo: Grins at the attention “Hmm, depends, are you busy Saturday?” flirts openly.
Maniac: Blushes “I’m sure you say that to all the girls.”
Virgo: “Of course not! Only to the cute girls. But let’s get back to the question. What do I look for in a girl? Hmm, someone that treats me with respect and loves me wholeheartedly. Someone who I can love back with the same passion, where I can look into her eyes and just know that she’s the one I want to spend the rest of my life with.” Smiles, happy with his answer and waits for Maniac “Miss Maniac?”
Maniac: Breaks away from daze “Oh, I’m so sorry…I just got lost in your eyes.” Fans herself “My next question is after being in PRA for so long, what did you get out of it? Other than the long lasting friendships, of course. What are your gains and losses?”
Virgo: “Boy you ask tough questions. I have to say Mia because she’d kill me if I didn’t say this…Long live the Dorks.” Maniac looks at Virgo strangely “Don’t ask. But like you said friendships, that’s definitely a gain. My loss…” turns solemn “A girl that I loved with all my heart, witnessing her leave me forever.” Sighs sadly.
Maniac: “Was that Cancer that you are talking about?” Virgo nods “I’m sorry to bring up your sad memories.”
Virgo: “I’m okay.” Lips trembling “Excuse me, I have to use the bathroom.” Sprints out of the room.
Maniac: “Eh…okay…well that was Virgo.”
_______________________________________________________________________
ARIES & SAGITTARIUS
Maniac: “Next, we have the two youngest members of the team but that does not make them any less significant. I hope you don’t mind me interviewing you both at the same time…” pauses when Virgo walks back into the recording room “I’m sorry Virgo, I thought we were done?”
Virgo: Pouts “Is that how soon you forget me?” Maniac blushes again “I’m teasing. Actually, I believe Aries and Sagittarius is more comfortable with me in the room.”
Aries: Rolls eyes “Or so he thinks.” Pointing thumb at Virgo.
Sagittarius: Laughs “Yes, we like to humor him.”
Virgo: “Ahem!” glares at the two stifling a laugh “I think what these two children are saying is that we’re like the three musketeers. We’ve been through thick and thin together and are inseparable.”
Maniac: “Okay, I see, so you three like to stick together. How does it feel to have an older brother suddenly Aries and Sagittarius?”
Aries: Quickly says “No fun!”
Sagittarius: “Like a monster breathing down your neck.” Sighs tiredly.
Virgo: Looks hurt “Well! If I was never insulted, now I am officially.” Gets up haughtily.
Aries: Laughs and pulls Virgo back on the seat “Shut up! You know we love you.”
Sagittarius: Chimes in “Yes!”
Virgo: “That’s more like it.” Sits down happily.
Aries: Looks more serious “Virgo is like the big brother I never had. I grew up with only a father, so it’s a different feeling of joy that I get when I see him. Or when he picks a fight with guys that try to pick me up at bars…it’s hilarious! There was this one time-”
Sagittarius: “I wanna tell the story!” cuts in.
Virgo: “Now Sagittarius, Aries was starting the story…it’s rude to butt in. Remember what we talked about?” turns to Maniac “See, this is my job. I am the mediator, without me, these two would be at each other’s throats every day.” Shakes his head “Kids nowadays.” Sighs.
Maniac: “I see…eh…we don’t have time for a story Aries, but can I ask one more question? I see that you are very close to these two handsome gents. Are there any chances for you to hook up with one of them?”
Aries: Turns to the other two smiling hyenas “No.” she shakes her head at Maniac “They are too close. I know them too well…the bad and the ugly.” Winks while Maniac laughs.
________________________________________________________________________
TAURUS
Maniac: “I just spoke to your wife earlier in the interview, I am such a big fan of hers! Anyways, I heard that you used to be cold and evil. Suddenly you became so forgiving. Where would you be now if Pisces didn't choose to be with you a few years back? Can you imagine?”
Taurus: Lights a cigarette and puffs out the fumes “It seems like years ago when I first met my lovely little ‘Fish’…”
Maniac: “I’m sorry to interrupt, but there’s no smoking in the studio.”
Taurus: Points cigarette dangerously at Maniac “I could buy this stinking place if I wanted so I damn well can smoke if I want to!”
Maniac: Widens eyes fearfully “I…I’m…so…sorry-” Taurus starts laughing and kills the cigarette butt in his cup of water.
Taurus: “I’m only kidding. You see Maniac, if it was years ago, I would have reacted like that. But this Taurus is a changed man, I’m much more mellow. You can thank Pisces for that.” Maniac calms down and smiles, looking more relieved “To answer your question, if Pisces didn’t come into my life, I would most likely be serving 30 years in prison for a white collar crime or possibly murder of random people that treated me bad. I use to hold a grudge like no other but today, I’m better than that. Nothing bothers me.”
Maniac: Nods “Even if Pisces is still seeing Dr. Chan?”
Taurus: Face drops “What? She still sees him? Damn! I’m gonna kill him with my own bare hands!! What the hell is wrong with this guy? She’s married! Jesus, if—”
Maniac: Grunts “Damn, you’re sexy!” she covers her mouth and turns to her director and gives an apology sign “No? I can’t say damn? It’s a bad word? Okay.” Gives thumbs up sign “Sorry Taurus, but you must contain your bad self from cursing. This is a family station, we have a ten second delay…. Anyways, other than Pisces, who is the most important to you in this world?”
Taurus: “Why my daughter of course.” Smiles perfectly.
_______________________________________________________________________
GEMINI
Maniac: “And finally, the newly appointed Captain of the P.R.A., Gemini. To be the Captain, you probably have something everyone else in the team doesn't have. What do you think it is?”
Gemini: “Balls.” Says wryly.
Maniac: Laughs nervously “How does it feel to be the first female Captain ever in the history of the team?”
Gemini: “Girls rock.”
Maniac: “Totally agree!” Gemini gives no emotion “I am curious, it is reported that you killed your own sister and brother. How do you feel about that?”
Gemini: “No comment.” Says coolly.
Maniac: “O…Ok..ay…I am pretty sure the audience is wondering what's inside Gemini. You always seem to have two sides?”
Gemini: “I do have two sides.” Smiles crookedly.
Maniac: Smiles nervously “You…you’re not going to kill me are you?”
Gemini: Laughs merrily. Maniac laughs too and Gemini suddenly stops “What’s so funny?”
Maniac: “I…I was just…eh…”
Gemini: Smiles “I’m just playing with you. I like you, kid. Tell me, where did the name Maniac come from? Its very different.”
Maniac: “Well, it’s a bit embarrassing. It’s a nickname a couple of my friends gave me because I get obsessed over certain things or people that I become sometimes like a … maniac… ever heard of Mel Gor?” Gemini arch brows “It’s stupid, anyways, let’s get back to you… Due to your violent history with the team, many people will be suspicious as to why you are willing to come back and work with them. So, why did you come back?”
Gemini: “Naturally, I had to. If not, how will I plan to destroy the team once and for all?”
Maniac: Dumfounded “Oh…eh…wow…”
Gemini: Laughs “This is too easy.”
Maniac: Sigh of relief “Thank God! I thought you were serious.”
Gemini: “I could be.” Smiles crookedly “But to answer your question, I came back because I knew I belonged there. And they took me back despite the fact that I tried to kill them all, that my friend is loyalty.”
Chapter 2
Patrick Tam – Devin HsuThe flight was bumpy and long but Darren was use to the frequent flights. His wife sat peacefully next to him in first class. When she made a few giggles, he turned to see that she was dreaming and smiling. Curious, he folded his magazine and stared at her. She murmured a few incoherent words “Mia.” He shook her, after a few minutes he decided to wake and ask her what she was dreaming “Mia!”
It only took one violent shake for her to wake “What? Are we home?” she snapped upwards.
Darren smiled “No, you were dreaming.” She let out a long yawn while nodding “What were you dreaming about? You were smiling the whole time.”
“I was?” she stretched her arms.
“Yeah, tell me.” He urged.
Mia grinned, “You want to know don’t you? Beg me…and maybe I’ll tell you.”
Darren arched a brow as he sat back in his seat “I’m not falling for that again.”
“Oh come on! It’s so fun, you know you like it.” She teased her husband.
He pushed his nose into the magazine without looking at her “Mia, I’m not Doug, only he would fall for your tricks over and over again. If I begged, you would make me do some other request and when I do, you suddenly forget what you were going to tell me.”
“When did you become so boring?” she asked.
Darren smiled as he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek “When I married you.”
“Ha ha.” She smirked “Hey, where’s Bonnie?”
“She went to get me a drink.” He replied nonchalantly.
“Darren!” she cried disgustedly “How dare you. At least get me a drink too!” he laughed with a shaking head “Wait a minute, didn’t they announce earlier that no more drinks would be served?”
He nodded “Why do you think I asked Bonnie to get me a drink?” seconds later, Bonnie returned with a cup of orange juice “Thank you angel.”
“You’re welcome daddy.” She smiled perfectly while squishing herself onto her mother’s lap “Mommy, do you want a drink?”
Mia shook her head “No sweetie. I’m fine.” She turned to Darren “Is she looking more like me everyday?”
“No, she has my features, dear.” He replied calmly.
“Oh no…not again.” Bonnie said with her hands to her ears.
Mia smiled down at her daughter “It’s okay honey, we promised that we would not argue in front of you anymore.”
“Because the nice lady told you not to?” she asked innocently.
Darren sighed “I told you not to tell her about the marriage counselor.”
“Honey, can you get me a bottled water?” Mia asked Bonnie sweetly. The girl bounced from her lap and rushed down the aisle to the flight attendant “The doctor said it was healthy to tell you kids the truth. She’s at a curious age, it’s natural she would ask.”
“Last time I heard, you offered her the information.” Darren snickered.
“Hey! That’s not fair! I have no friends in the USA, I was stuck at home watching Oprah all day while you did business. Anyways, I thought this was a family vacation?” she spited.
Darren calmed his face as he turned to her apologetically “I know Mia, I’m sorry for that. I guess no matter where I go, I’ll always find some kind of business to do. It’s in my blood. I promise, when we get back home, I’ll spend more time with you and Bonnie. Three days a week?”
“Make it four and I’ll tell you about my dream.” Mia offered.
“Done!” he promised.
She turned her body towards him with a clap of the hand “Okay, so we were all in this studio—”
“Who’s we?” he cut in.
“The team.” She answered shortly “Anyways, we were in this radio like station thing…and there was this girl—”
“What’s her name?” he interrupted again.
“Maniac.” Mia answered curtly “Let me finish.”
“I’m sorry.” He put up two hands in defense “Go ahead.”
She nodded “Anyways, she was interviewing all of us. And when it came to my turn, she was like Oh, I’m your biggest fan and can I have a hug and she wanted me to teach her how to sky dive and stuff…it was funny.”
Darren wrinkled his brows “That’s all? You made me put in four days a week just for that? What a rip.” He shook his head and turned back to his magazine and juice.
Mia scratched her head “It was funnier in my head…”
“Anything is.” He teased, “When did you realize it was a dream? When the girl asked you for advice how to sky dive or when she appeared to be your biggest fan?” he chuckled at the thought.
“I guess it was too good to be true.” Admitting defeat. She moved her attention to her bundle of joy rushing back to her. She didn’t notice Bonnie looked scared until she curled in her lap “Where’s my water dear?”
“Mommy…a bad man.” She whispered while pointing to the curtained area where the flight attendants served food and drinks.
“Hijacker, one o’clock.” Mia turned to Darren when she saw the man holding a metal bread knife to one of the uniformed women.
“Don’t anyone move!!” the man announced as he stared dangerously at the group “Shut up!!” he cried louder when a few people uttered cries and fearful gasps.
Darren and Mia exchanged glances. Mia widened her eyes while Darren shook his head slightly, a sign not to do anything drastic yet. He wanted to feel it out and see when they could stop the hijackers. He glanced at his watch, it was an hour until landing at Hong Kong Airport. The guy yanked the attendant’s hair bun as he waited for his accomplice “We’re ready.” Another guy quickly pushed his way through the curtains “Clear. We can take over now.”
“How far until we have a target?” the guy leading asked.
“40 minutes.” One guy quickly answered.
“The cock pit is closed.” Another said.
“Damn!” the leader cursed. He looked around and caught eyes on Mia “You! Come over here.” He waved harshly. A few of the women around Mia squealed, thinking it was them that he was pointing at “YOU!” he pointed at Mia again. This time she turned to Darren and stood up cautiously.
She inched her way to them “Please…don’t hurt me…” she uttered with puppy eyes.
“I won’t if you do what I ask.” The man wrapped his thick arm around her neck “You’re going to get us into the cockpit.”
“H…How?” Mia asked with a fake shaky voice.
“They’ll let us in if they know we’re killing the passengers.” A few people heard his threat as they began to whimper and some women burst into tears.
Mia’s heart was thumping as the four men dragged her closer to the front of the business and economy class seats. Darren turned to his daughter “Whatever you hear, do not move from this seat.” He said urgently.
“Yes daddy.” Bonnie replied with tearful eyes.
He kissed her on the top of her head “Don’t be scared, daddy’s here.” He whispered and turned to follow the group.
“You can all thank the pilot after I kill most of you. We’re going to start with this pretty lady.” He pointed the knife to Mia’s neck while his three accomplice laughed. He nodded to one guy as he quickly yanked the speaker that connected to the cockpit “Captain Cheung, are you going to unlock the pit?”
“By law, we are not to open for any reason.” The captain replied firmly.
“Suit yourself.” He threw the speaker against the wall “If you come back, make sure you haunt that son of a bitch that let me do this…” he yanked his arm back and prepared to stab her in the neck.
Mia remained calm as she saw Darren sneaking up behind. The arm came down fast but not faster than Darren’s block. The guy turned in time to see Darren’s free hand punching him across the jaw “And feel free to come back and haunt me for doing that.” He growled.
“You sure picked the wrong girl to kill.” Mia placed her hands on her hips. The other three stepped back, looking afraid “You want to attack together or one at a time? I have no problem with three…” she stood in a stance with a hand ready and challenging.
“Get them!” The leader commanded. The three were obviously inexperienced as they attacked Darren and Mia weakly. Soon the passengers realized the good was winning as they began to applaud and a few men jumped up to help.
Mia pinned one guy to the ground as she yanked off her white lace scarf and tied his hands together “Not a bad color on you.” She grinned and winked at Darren.
He smiled as he finished off the leader “Who the hell are you people?” the bruised guy grumbled while struggling with his tied up hands.
Darren crossed his arms “You would like to know huh?” the guy gathered the spit in his mouth as he aimed for Darren, who already guessed ahead as he swiftly move his head away “Nice try.” He slapped his face playfully “Just for that, I’m not gonna tell.”
“Thank you! Thank you so much…you…you both saved us all.” A flight attendant gushed gratefully.
“Oh it was nothing.” Mia waved her hand nonchalantly.
“No, no…we must let the media know once we land.” Another attendant announced.
Darren shook his head with a laugh while Mia grinned, “In that case, my name is Mia. That’s M-I-A and married name is Chiu, that’s C-”
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is the captain speaking. Please return to your seats and get ready for landing.”
Mia shrugged her shoulders as she took Darren’s hand and stepped over the tied up hijackers and returned to her first class seat “Daddy! Mommy!” Bonnie greeted happily.
“I told you we’d be okay.” Darren gathered her into his arms.
The plane landed smoothly as the Captain announced, “We have arrived to our destination, Hong Kong International Airport. I want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Chiu for saving the day and not giving into terrorists. This incident was reported to the police and please be prepared for thorough searches when you leave the plane. Again, thank you for flying with Asiana.”
***********
Erin glanced at her watch for the fifth time “Where are they?” She muttered to herself. Their flight was already fifteen minutes delayed. She turned to look at the board again, shaking her head she wondered what had happened, the arrival time was not altered. Suddenly, she saw a few figures sprinting to her left; she easily recognized Reina and Matt rushing sporadically through the crowd.
Instincts told her a mission was in progress, curiosity taking the best of her as she followed towards their direction but was stopped by a guard “Sorry Miss, you are not allowed inside the terminal only in the waiting area.” He pointed her away.
“Reina!” Erin called.
She turned to the voice “Erin? What are you doing here?”
“Picking up Mia and Darren, what’s going on?” she questioned.
Reina turned to Matt who shook his head “Sorry, it’s confidential. You’re not with the team anymore, I can’t tell you.” She smiled apologetically and quickly rushed away while Erin was block by the guard when she tried to run after them.
“Miss…”
“Yes, I know.” She sighed and walked out of the guarded area. The scene unfolded into a chaotically controlled place. No one was allowed to leave the airport without being searched from head to toe. The metal detectors were not used, but were filled with policemen and obvious FBI agents as well as the team. They were able to move through the airport with ease. She felt defeated and left out as she sat at the seating area waiting for the arrival of her friends’ flight.
She felt the seat next to her being occupied “If you want to know, come back to the team.”
Erin rolled her eyes, she recognized the voice in her worse nightmares “I don’t change my decisions that easily.” Her eyes moved towards his dangerously.
Devin smiled his crooked smile “Suit yourself but I know deep down you’re scratching yourself trying to figure out the scene. What’s going on? Have you figured it out?” he tempted “Look at it, Erin. Controlled, every inch covered by a team of specialists…”
“I don’t care to know.” She lied and he knew it.
He raised his brows in wonder “Really? Okay, well in that case… back to work for me.” Tapping his ear he activated the earpiece “Team, check in.” he walked away coolly without looking back. His black suit fit his tall stature with perfection. But if looks could burn, the glare she gave him would turn his suit to ashes.
Chapter 3
Patrick Tam – Devin HsuHalf an hour easily passed while the people exiting were searched. Erin was restless as she pretended not to be bothered by the growing amount of special agents moving around. Her eyes stopped when she realized Devin was staring at her, the taunting smile that she tried hard to forget “Psst!” an obvious call for her. She turned to see Jenna hiding behind a pillar “Psst!!” she hissed louder.
Erin turned her eyes away from Devin after he was distracted by a uniformed officer “Yes?” she asked without getting up.
“It’s me, Jenna!” She whispered loudly.
Her brows wrinkled strangely “I know.”
“Shh!!” she hushed and waved her over behind the pillar. Erin got up and approached her “Uncle Devin would kill me if he knew…but we’re surrounded.”
“How so?” Erin crossed her arms curiously.
“Terrorists.” She looked around carefully “I heard that a couple of flights were being hijacked. Apparently, they wanted to repeat 9-11, you know the Twin Towers in New York?” Erin nodded “But luckily, all three flights were contained. I think Mia and Darren’s were attacked too.”
“I’m sure their fine.” Erin said with much confidence.
“Me too.” She nodded in agreement and looked around again “Anyways, there’s a code white in the airport as we speak.”
“Code white?” she looked confused.
Jenna hit her head with a roll of the eyes “Right, I forgot. You don’t know about it. It was Uncle Devin’s idea to come up with these codes for the types of missions. White is for terrorists. They’re all over the airport, but we don’t know what they look like. They could be the nicest guy or normal looking woman.”
“So they sent in the cops to search everyone? That’s not going to help, we need—”
“Crap!” Jenna cursed, “He saw me.”
“Who?” she turned and found Devin arching his neck in their direction “It’s okay…” Erin turned to see Jenna crouching over and rushing to another pillar. Letting out a sigh, she couldn’t brush away the helpless feeling.
Jenna moved in circles until she was out of eyesight from Erin. Devin made eye contact with his niece and nodded for her to come to him. She moved briskly around the crowd “Step one to Operation Scorpio accomplished.” Their high five was quick and barely visible to the people surrounding.
Devin smiled as he continued to converse with the officer. Ryan was checking a guy twice his size when he saw the hand action between Devin and Jenna. He waved her over with his head “What was that?”
“What?” she asked innocently while helping him search the people.
“That high five.” He nodded.
“Oh that…” She chuckled “It’s just something we do for good luck. You know how I use to call my dad by his first name?” Ryan nodded “Well, I thought it would be cute to come up with this thing with Uncle Devin. You know to make him feel welcomed and stuff.”
Ryan snickered “Sounds like a bunch of bull to me.”
“Yeah.” The guy being searched answered in agreement.
“See?” Ryan pointed out.
“Shut up! You’re a suspect right now.” Jenna barked. She quickly searched his pocket “What is this?” she pulled out a lighter.
The guy narrowed his eyes “It’s called a lighter. That’s what us smokers used to light up a cigarette.” He pulled out a pack sarcastically.
“I know what it is! Do you know it’s considered a weapon? How do we know you’re not going to burn down the airport?” Jenna challenged.
Ryan laughed with a shaking head “You’re clear.” He advised the obvious annoyed man “Take this with you.” He yanked the lighter from Jenna’s hand and tossed it towards him.
The guy caught it with perfection “Thanks.” He muttered.
“Anyways…have you seen Mia and Darren?” Jenna asked. She crunched her brows when Ryan didn’t respond “Hello…” she waved her hand in front of him.
“That guy had a tattoo.” Ryan pointed, “When he reached to catch the lighter, I saw a tattoo…”
“Was it a flower?” Jenna teased while waving to the next impatient person in line.
“No, it was a Nazi sign…” he said slowly.
Jenna turned to him “Like the one in the picture!” She turned and halted the guy with her voice “You!! Big man, wait!!”
The guy paused for a second and then quickened his pace “Stop him!” Ryan pointed to the man as a few officers within distance rushed to the guy. But it was impossible, he was a quarterback compared to the scrawny officers.
Erin stood up when she heard Ryan’s cries and she quickly noticed the huge guy running towards the exit and pushing everyone out of his way. Without thinking, she pushed herself over the seats and sprinted at him. He didn’t see it coming as she used all her strength to tackle him to the floor. The man was strong enough to push her off of him but was not prepared for her quick punches into the gut. He groaned in pain but knew he had to fight her to get free. Rolling on his back, he took a hold of her hands and used one foot to kick her over his head.
She sucked in the pain and held onto his hand to control her stance. Erin used her feet to push on his forehead “Thanks.” Letting go of one arm, she took full control of another arm and forced him to turn on his stomach. By the time she was in control, ten police officers came rushing to her as she allowed them to take over. Devin jogged over to her “You’re welcome.” She smiled.
“What do you think you’re doing?” he asked in a commanding voice.
Her smile faded “Helping. That’s the thanks I get?”
“You could have endangered the innocent victims around.” He reasoned.
“Like how the guy did when he pushed them out of the way?” She asked in disbelief “No one was hurt and I stopped him.”
“Erin, you are NOT an agent. Which means you are not allowed to fight or attack anyone, regardless if you are trained or not. You are no more than a simple civilian.” He dared her with his darkened eyes.
She glared at him hard “You are being a complete jerk right now.”
“So what’s the difference before?” he quipped.
“Erin!!!” Mia’s voice broke into their quarrel as she rushed through the searching area and over to her friend.
Erin’s face quickly softened as Mia came running over to hug her “Oh my gosh! It’s been so long! Wow, you look so different!!” she pulled away long enough to notice Devin standing behind Erin “Hi boss!”
“Hey Mia, glad you guys made it back safely.” He smiled and nodded to Darren, who was carrying the sleeping Bonnie in his arms.
“Yeah, no one tries to take over MY plane!” Mia said with a laugh.
“So what happened?” Erin asked.
Devin turned to her “I believe this is confidential.”
“No, this is my friend telling me what happened during her flight.” Erin argued with clenched teeth.
Darren and Mia exchanged glances “Wow…”
“What?” Erin turned to him.
“You can cut the sexual tension with a knife.” Mia snorted.
Devin slipped out a sly grin while Erin huffed “Don’t say that ever again.” She warned.
“What? Sexual tension?” Mia teased “Come on, we all know.”
“Know what?” Erin was outraged, her eyes narrowed and head tilted “Did Luke tell you this crap?”
Mia nodded “It’s not crap, he actually has a good point.”
“It’s crap to me.” Erin said with disgust as she reached for Mia’s hand luggage harshly “Come on! You’re probably tired from your long flight! Let’s go home already!”
She paused when Devin lifted a hand to stop her “I’m sorry, but you will have to go through a search before we can let you out.” Erin opened her mouth to say something smart but quickly shut it as she placed Mia’s bag gently on the ground and raised her hands parallel to the ground.
“You’re kidding.” Darren was surprised when Devin began doing a search on Erin.
“No…no he’s not.” Mia widened her eyes.
After he was done, he waved for Erin to leave “You can go now.” Her face was redder than a tomato as she grabbed the bag and walked off without waiting for them.
“That’s not how to get her back on your good side.” Mia advised.
Devin smiled “Who said I was trying to get on her good side? Girls aren’t the only people that can hold a grudge. I still remember that humiliating slap.” He gave them a nod and walked to the back of the terminal to gather his team “Meeting tomorrow at nine a.m. sharp!” he said.
“Damn!” Mia grunted, “I thought I was going to get to sleep in.”
Darren laughed “Come on before another bomb explodes.” He nodded at Erin, who obviously impatient when she had to go through another search. The car ride was rough with the angry Erin swerving around cars, after another close shave with death, Darren chuckled nervously “Hey, take it easy girl. I just had airplane food. Unless you want to know what mixed veggies and dried steak smells like, I suggest you cool the crazy driving.”
“I can’t stand that guy!” Erin blurted out.
“Well don’t take it out on us! I’m too young to die!” Mia gripped onto the door handle. She turned to Darren “I call these God handles for moments like these.”
Erin turned to her friend who was holding on to dear life and quickly paced her driving skills “I’m sorry guys. I shouldn’t put you guys in danger because I’m pissed off at that jerk!” easing up on the gas as she slowed down to speed limit.
“It’s okay, we understand.” Darren said.
“Yeah…I mean, he can be a jerk sometimes.” Mia agreed with wide eyes.
“Really?” Erin asked.
She laughed, “No, he’s the best boss ever! Did you know he sent over these coloring books for Bonnie and he even gave me some tape books for me cause he knew I was bored at home with Darren always out…oh and he even called just to check—Ow!” she rubbed the place on the back of her head where Darren flicked her “What gives?!”
He whipped his head towards Erin and Mia quickly caught on “It’s okay.” Erin said, “I don’t expect you guys to hate him just because I do. He never did anything wrong to you guys.”
Darren let out a sigh “Isn’t there a way for you two to live among us without hating each other? Actually, I think it’s only a one sided arrow.”
“You mean Erin’s the only one that hates him?” Mia asked, “Well duh! Obviously.” Rolling her eyes at her husband.
Erin smiled and turned to her friend “Not bad.”
“I trained her well.” Darren winked at the rear view mirror while Erin laughed.
“Oh, you mean the metaphors…yeah, they are your friends.” Mia nodded “That’s what Dr. Phil on Oprah said.”
Erin flicked a brow up “Dear Lord, she was forced to watch Oprah all day? Do you know what that does to a person Darren? Do you know the damage it will cause for MIA?”
Darren laughed evilly “My plan is working…”
“Back to reality.” Mia emphasized, “So Erin, what are you working at now? I heard that you were fired at the receptionist job at the Hilton.”
“Yeah, there was this lady that insisted I treated her unfairly. She made such a big scene that the manager had to come out. He was very sorry to let me go.” Erin sighed “But I’ve moved on. I’m a hostess at one of the top restaurants in Sa Tin and no one will fire me.”
“Chucky hired you?” Mia asked.
She grinned, “Naturally, I am his niece.”
Darren knew better “He was shorthanded?”
Erin’s smile dropped “Yeah, he has been too busy with the wedding to take care of the deli and plus his usual waitress quit last week. Can you believe he said I was too mean to customers? I am very courteous.” Mia snorted, “You don’t agree?” Erin questioned.
“Honey, you are only nice to people depending on your mood. You are curt with guys that try to hit on you and you are twice as rude to those supposed mean customers…not that they don’t deserve it sometimes but working in the customer service world, you need to follow the first rule of thumb. The customer is always right.” Mia nodded proudly “Unquote, Dr. Phil.”
Erin turned to the rear view mirror, watching Darren stifle a laugh “You created a monster.” He couldn’t hold in the laugh as he began chuckling “Yeah, good luck sleeping with it tonight.” He tilted his head confused “Time difference.” It was Erin’s turn to smile.
SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004
