The Zodiac of PRA V: The Finale

Chapter 28

Jessie was sitting with a patient when her office door burst open appearing Doug “Excuse you—” Jessie start to scold him when he brushed her off.

“Sorry Mr., I’m sure you have a really bad mental problem, but I have to steal Dr. Lai for a few minutes.” Doug hastily apologized as he walked around her desk and reached for her hand.

“Doug, I will call security! I’m so sorry Mr. Wong…” She said sincerely while trying to pull away from his tight grip.

“Call all you want, I’ll just kick all their asses.” Doug replied simply, still pulling her by the wrist.

“Doug! Let go! I mean it.” Jessie warned.

He halted in the hallway after a few people turned to stare. Doug spun around to face her “Look, you want to do this the hard way? I will pick you up like a baby and carry you out myself. Now be a good girl.”

Her brows knitted carefully “What’s with the sudden manly attitude?” suspicious by his sudden change of personality.

Eyes dodging hers as he began moving again “Nevermind the smart remarks. Come on.” He led her to his car and drove towards the city “You will thank me after all this is done, I guarantee it.”

Jessie was curious to know but wasn’t going to beg for information as she sat patiently waiting for him to reach his destination. He pulled up to the front of a well known hotel, leaving the car with the valet guy, who looked at the beat up yellow car strangely. Opening the door for her, he pulled her out by the hand “Doug, if you think I’m going to sleep with you…”

His abrupt laugh caught her off guard “Dear little shrink doctor, you don’t have that kind of luck.” Still laughing as he led her into the hotel without looking twice at the concierge desk. They entered one of the four elevators and he quickly pressed the number 18. Jessie looked confused as she pondered what he was doing. As if reading her mind, he laughed again “Are you going to break a blood vessel thinking of what I’m doing bringing you here?”

“Is it that obvious?” she touched her temple.

“We’re here!” he exclaimed brightly while taking her hand again.

“I can walk on my own, thank you.” Jessie yanked her hand away as she wrung out her wrist and followed him.

“Are you ready?” he turned to her after they stopped at room 8865.

“Ready for what? I’m not even sure why I’m here!” she threw her hands up in frustration.

“Okay! I’m glad you’re excited.” Doug ignored her outburst as he knocked on the door politely “Room service!” he called. Jessie turned to him and he quickly pushed his finger to his lips.

A female voice talking moved closer to the door “Well, it’s about time!” she yanked it open dressed in a sexy black lingerie. Her tone changed quickly at one glance at Doug’s adorable dimple “Well, hi there. I had no idea this hotel had such cute bellboys. Although, shouldn’t you be wearing your uniform? And why is this maid not in her pink uniform?” she pointed a lazy finger at Jessie.

Doug pulled out his wallet and flashed something at her “CID, we have good evidence that an illegal business is running in this room. We need to do a search.” He pushed her out of the way and entered the room with long strides.

“That wasn’t a badge, that was your license.” The girl rolled her eyes.

Doug stopped at the foot of the room, his eyes widened “Uh…Jessie, maybe you shouldn’t see this.” He quickly stopped her before she stepped into the room.

“Why? Now you don’t want me to see? What’s the matter with you? You dragged me all the way out of the hospital to tell me I shouldn’t see it?” she shifted away from him and walked inside. The sight she saw made her gasped, hand over mouth “Greg Kwong!” on the bed sprawled out was the commissioner, dressed in nothing but a pair of boxers. His hands hand legs were tied to the corners of the bed.

“Jessie!” he was clearly embarrassed as his face turned a crimson red “I…I…I’m working…eh…undercover! Yeah, it’s just undercover work. This girl is under arrest the minute I get these ties off… You should leave now.” he hinted.

Doug clapped his hands “Not bad. It would have been believable if you didn’t stutter and was lying there tied to a bed in your underwear!” he spat disgustedly “Come on Jessie.”

“Yes, go, I’ll explain later.” He begged.

Jessie was horrified as she spun to him “Okay, explain now.” She sat on the edge of the bed staring at him “Go on, I’m listening!”

“I…I’m sorry…please, forgive me. It’s just a little slip, it won’t happen again.” He promised, “But honey, we should talk later, when there is less people.”

“Oh, I think I’m gonna hurl.” Doug groaned as he turned to see the girl in the sexy lingerie close the door and locked it carefully. His gut told him it wasn’t a good sign “Come on Jessie, this guy is useless. Let’s just go.”

She stood up and shook her head “No, not yet.” Looking around, she found his slacks on the other bed as she reached inside to take out his office key “Greg, this is the final straw. I could let it go if I didn’t see it but unfortunately I think I’ve seen too much. I’ll take my stuff from your office and leave the key with my cousin, Captain Ted Kwong.”

“Not so fast.” The girl stopped them.

Doug pulled Jessie behind him “You work for Hung Gor don’t you?” he said.

“I don’t know how you know and I don’t care who you are, but tell that girl to leave the key and her pretty little head won’t be cut off.” She threatened while pulling out a large dagger from the desk drawer.

“I tried to warn you guys.” Greg sighed “Miss, take whatever you want but don’t hurt Jessie. Please…”

“Shut up! You got me into this!” Jessie cried angrily “Actually, you did!” She pushed Doug with force “You can’t just leave well enough alone?”

“What? This is the thanks I get for helping you open your eyes? Jessie, look at him! He’s in his boxers and tied to a bed!” Doug yelled even louder.

The girl turned her back to the door “Keep your voices down.” She warned with the dagger waving at them.

Doug winked carefully at Jessie as she continued to raise her voice “Why can’t you just mind your own business?!! If I needed your help, I would have asked!”

“I can’t believe this!” Doug shook his head in disbelief “I’ll remember that next time.”

“There won’t be a next time!” Jessie cried louder.

The girl with the weapon had enough as she stepped closer “I said keep your—”

Doug slid swiftly to her armed hand as he twisted the wrist and forced the weapon to the ground “Jessie, run!” he ordered while fighting with the girl. Jessie nodded but each time she tried to move around, the girl forced Doug to block her way. She made a quick split and reached for the weapon but Jessie was quick to kick it under the bed.

“Nuisance!” the girl cried as she changed her target to Jessie. She was able to get Jessie into a head lock and was choking her when Doug placed the dagger on the girl’s neck threateningly.

“You wanna see who’s faster? Your arm or this sharp dagger?” Doug shifted himself to the front as he made sure she loosened Jessie’s neck. Coughing as she stepped closer to Doug’s side, her face red from lack of blood “Get on the floor.” He pointed to the ground. The girl had no choice but do as he asked, “Untie him.” Doug instructed Jessie.

She nodded and untied Greg’s arms and legs “I’m really sorry Jessie.” He apologized.

“Save it, Greg.” She didn’t want to look at his face as she returned to Doug’s side where he finished tying the girl’s arms together with his belt “Should we call the police?”

“No! Please, I wouldn’t know how to explain.” Greg begged.

Doug frowned as he turned to the commissioner “Yes, I suppose it would be hard to explain that the commissioner would commit an illegal crime of calling a prostitute!” his words dripping with sarcasm.

Lowering his head in shame as he began putting on his clothes. Jessie turned away, appalled by the whole situation “You’re lucky Doug decided to come. She probably would have killed you after she gets the keys to your office.” She pointed to the girl, who remained still on the ground.

“Thank you.” Greg obliged as he smiled at Doug.

Doug didn’t bother to acknowledge him while Jessie snickered “You should really thank the P.R.A.”

“P.R.A?” Greg turned to Doug “You work for the team?”

Waving his hand nonchalantly, he answered “Yeah.” Bending on his knees, he moved the girl but she was still as can be “Jessie…” he looked up at her with widened eyes.

She looked at him strangely as she bent over and felt the girl’s pulse on her neck “No heartbeat.”

Doug flipped her over and noticed her darkened lips and graying skin “Not again…” he sighed, “Damn it!!”

“I got it!” Greg snapped his fingers “We’ll just report that she was trying to kidnap me and I was clever enough to call Jessie with my cell and it was in my pocket the whole time. She brought an agent to come and help me. You fight with the attacker and she committed suicide because she could not succeed.” He grinned brightly, proud of his story.

Doug looked at Greg and back at Jessie “You were going to marry him?”

She laughed weakly “Pathetic aren’t I?” pulling off her ring, she tossed it back to Greg “I changed my mind.”

“Good choice!” Doug agreed but quickly remembered the dying corpse “I’m calling Ted.” He advised, disregarding Greg’s attempt to deny the decision “Unless you have a better idea on what to do about her body?” Doug paused his dial as he pointed to the lifeless figure.

“No…” Greg replied.

From Doug’s warning, Ted came by himself with only a few trustworthy teammates. They removed the body with caution through the back exit. When they reached the car, Ted turned to Greg “Sir, I will need a statement from you.”

“Of course, I understand it is your job.” He nodded carefully “Jessie and…”

“Doug.” He replied dryly.

“Doug! Yes, we will all go back to the station and I’ll explain exactly what happened.” He said with much authority “Jessie, come on.”

She stood her ground and moved away from him “No, I came here with my friend Doug, he’ll give me a ride.”

“Yes.” Doug nodded before throwing in a sarcastic salute “Sir!”

Greg had no choice as he nodded “Fine, we’ll meet there in ten minutes.”

After he left, Ted turned to them strangely “Okay, what happened? I thought you and Kwong Sir were getting married?” he turned to her empty fourth finger “Where’s your ring?”

Sighing, she answered “Long story.”

Chapter 29

Becca, Ah Gam and the rest of the assassins stood against the wall in a straight line requested by Hung Gor, who was smoking a cigar behind his desk “Has she called yet?” he asked carefully enjoying the smoke.

“Not yet.” Ah Gam answered.

“What time is it?” Hung Gor asked calmly. The group turned to each other strangely; he had a clock at the center of his desk “Is that a difficult question?”

“3pm.” Becca answered as she pointed to his desk “Do you need new batteries for your clock?”

He tilted his head, refusing to acknowledge the clock sitting in front of him “How clever of you. Did I pay you people to be smart? No, I pay you guys to work!! Three failures in three months is not acceptable. I can’t afford to have anymore dead assassins! If you guys want to die, I’ll just kill you all right now!!” pulling out the gun, he pointed to them. A few were taken aback as he squirmed uncomfortably.

“We’re sorry Hung Gor. It won’t happen again.” Ah Gam promised with a lowered head.

“Yes, Hung Gor.” The rest answered simultaneously.

“Blah, blah, blah…” waving his gun in the air “Get out, worthless shitheads…except for you two.” He pointed to Ah Gam and Becca. When the last person left the room, Hung Gor began laughing amusingly “I almost lost my temper.” Shaking his head as he sighed, “So, what’s new?”

Becca raised her brows strangely, he was a peculiar man she had not yet got acquainted with. Constantly hot and cold with his drastic mood swings “Our plan with Time Square is working perfectly.”

“Yes, they won’t know what hit them.” Ah Gam promised.

“Good…” Hung Gor looked satisfied as he nodded “Did you find her?”

Ah Gam nodded “Yes, I gave her the check.”

“Apparently the money was too little, the check was never cashed.” Hung Gor hated being rejected. He pulled out his check book again and wrote another check, twice the amount from the first “Give this to her and I want to see it deducted from my account next month. Got it?”

“Yes, Hung Gor.” Ah Gam promised.

The powerful boss waved them out “Okay, get that done. Now get out of my face before I throw up my breakfast, you guys make me sick.” Suddenly raising his hand, he gestured to Becca “Wait, I take that back, because you’re not so bad to look at.”

“Uh…thanks…” Becca was unsure if it was a compliment. When they left the room, she quickened her pace to catch up with Ah Gam “Hey, who’s that check for?”

He slid it into his shirt pocket carefully “It’s none of your concern.”

“I thought we were on the same team?” Becca asked in offense.

Ah Gam smiled crookedly “I’m not so sure about that.” Turning as he began heading towards the exit. Becca jogged after him.

“What does that suppose to mean? You think I’m a traitor?” she accused “Maybe YOU are the traitor…I wonder if Hung Gor knows about your college years, being friends with two agents in your past can alter his decision—”

“How did you know?!” he turned to her abruptly and demanded.

Becca calmed herself with a laugh “Oh, I touched a sensitive spot? Let’s just say, I still have a few good friends at the police department.”

“You have nothing against me.” Ah Gam decided as he continued to his destination, catching a cab “Don’t follow me!” He pointed his index finger at her before getting into the taxi. Becca watched until the taxi turned the street corner and quickly called for her taxi to follow him.

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

After the questioning was over at the police station, Doug took Jessie home. She looked exhausted as she rested against the head rest “Hey, if you need someone to talk to, I’m here.”

“Crap! My patient!!” Jessie suddenly remembered “Take me to the hospital!” scrambling for her cell phone as she called into the receptionist “Jane, is Mr. Wong still there? It’s Jessie.” She covered her forehead with frustration “Okay…nevermind. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She cursed again to herself while throwing her phone in the purse.

Doug wasn’t sure how to handle the situation as he turned to her “It’s okay, I’m sure he’s fine. At least he wasn’t a suicide victim or anything….” He laughed nervously while Jessie turned her beady eyes towards him “Oh my God, he was?!”

“That is if he didn’t jump off the building yet!” Jessie exclaimed, “The next time you decide to barge into my office again, warn me please.”

“Don’t get snippy with me Missy! If it weren’t for your cheating boyfriend, we wouldn’t be in this situation. I was only trying to be a good and supportive friend.” Doug said in his own defense.

“Friend? Since when?” Jessie was amused by his choice of words.

“Well…yeah…I guess. I know you work for the team, but it doesn’t mean we can’t be friends right?” Doug pressed until she cracked a smile “Ah…that’s much better. You frown too much, all the wrinkles are going to catch up with you.”

Jessie touched her forehead while laughing, “I thought you said I looked eighteen.”

He shrugged “Not anymore.” She nodded with a silent smile “Is that good?”

“What do you think?” she tilted her head playfully.

“Oh, now you look sixteen.” He teased. Taking her straight to her home as he watched her enter the apartment gates safely “Talk to you later!!” he called. Jessie turned with a smile as she waved at him. Feeling happy as he drove home singing along to a song on the radio.

**********

“Why is he not home yet?” Jenna asked as she paced the living room carpet.

Erin and Ryan moved their heads each time she blocked their view of the television “He’s a big boy, I’m sure he’ll find his way home.” Erin waved vigorously for Jenna to move away.

“It’s dinner time and he’s not even home.” Jenna continued to pace disregarding Erin’s hand.

Ryan smiled at her as he shook his head “Maybe he had too much fun with Jessie.” Jenna snickered at the remark “But are you sure the information you got was valid? I hardly think Doug would take Dr. Lai to the hotel when they haven’t even dated yet. Anyways, isn’t she engaged?”

“That’s what I want to know!” Jenna exclaimed “My friend was taking photographs of the city life when she snapped a picture of Doug and Dr. Lai. She recognized him and called me at once. I wouldn’t have known if it wasn’t for her.”

“Ah, the power of gossip.” Erin said sarcastically as she got up “I’m going to eat first. Jenna’s pacing is very unsettling.” Just as she was heading into the kitchen, the front door opened appearing a surprised Doug “Oh great, your daughter’s been waiting up for you.”

“Where have you been? Don’t you know what time it is?” Jenna asked with her hands on her hips.

Doug rolled his eyes “What’s with the third degree? Can’t you eat without me?” he took a seat next to Ryan on the couch “Is it that time of the month?” he whispered.

Ryan reached over to the table lamp and took off the cover as he pointed the bulb at Doug “Mr. Chung, you have the right to remain silent but what you say may be used against you in the court of Jenna. Where were you today at approximately 12:35pm?”

He leaned away from Ryan “What?”

“Answer the question!” Jenna bellowed as she blocked Doug’s escape.

“I want to talk to my lawyer!” Doug exclaimed. Just then, Erin walked out of the kitchen “Lawyer Yeung is here!! I demand to be treated like a human.” Raising his hand in the air.

Chewing on a fried chicken leg as she waved her hand casually “Just fess up, we all know you were Jessie today.”

“What? How…how did you guys know?” Doug stammered.

“So you admit it!!” Jenna pointed, “You two are dating! But she’s engaged Doug, how could you do such a despicable thing?”

Doug pushed his way up to a standing position “We’re not dating and she’s no longer engaged.”

“Oh my God, you killed the commissioner?” Jenna gasped.

Ryan snorted, “Of course he didn’t!” his smile faded as he turned to Doug “Did you?”

“No!” Doug defended himself “But I wish I did…that scum bag. Did you know he cheats on her? With numerous different women a week too and she lets it go with one eye open and one eye closed. I don’t understand women. Jenna, if you were dating Ryan and he was cheating on you, would you be able to take it?”

Jenna’s face turned beet red as she diverge her vision elsewhere “Who…eh…who said we were dating.”

Doug looked at her with an odd expression “I said ‘IF’, what’s the matter with you? Are you blushing?!” he pointed specifically to her face.

Erin decided to rescue the poor girl as she stepped between them “Hey, don’t get off subject, so what happened? Did you catch the commissioner at the hotel and decided to take Jessie there?”

“Yes!” Doug nodded “Oh, it was disgusting, Erin. You would be so sick to your stomach if you saw what I saw. I almost threw up my lunch.”

She looked down at her drumstick and back at Doug “Don’t tell me then.”

“Tell me! I wanna know!” Jenna said excitedly. Doug grinned as he waved her closer, he whispered something that made her eyes widened “Ew…” she groaned, “So she broke up with him?”

“Yup.” Doug nodded proudly.

“So you have a chance?” Jenna asked, throwing him off guard.

“Ye—I mean, no!” shaking his head vehemently “I know you guys are trying to get rid of me, but I just don’t see it happening with Jessie. She’s cute and all but I’m not sure about a girl that would allow her fiancé to cheat on her without stopping it. If that’s not insecurity, I don’t know what is.”

“Right, because you prefer the dominatrix type of women.” Erin nodded making Jenna and Ryan suppress their laughter.

“Ha ha…you are so funny.” Doug said with exaggeration “All I know is that guy is lucky that we came. If not, that assassin would have killed him definitely.”

Erin looked at him curiously “You didn’t mention any assassin.”

“Oh…” Doug pondered as he recalled telling the story “I must have told Ted about it…Anyways, I think this Hung Gor is really after us. He’s got a plan, too bad we don’t know how to get close to him enough to find out what he’s trying to do.”

Ryan nodded thoughtfully “You think maybe Becca is working undercover?”

Erin shook her head “I already thought of that. If she was, she wouldn’t have to quit over half a year ago, we just found out about Hung Gor recently.”

“But he’s probably been around for years?” Jenna suggested.

“No doubt about that, but Becca would be the last person Devin chooses to go undercover.” Erin was certain of her conclusion.

“Devin?” Doug asked with raised brows “First name basis?”

Erin rolled her eyes at the lame attempt to pin her on the spot “When have I ever called him Mr. Hsu?”

“But you rarely call him at all.” Jenna pointed out teasingly.

“And I remember why I don’t.” she nodded to the smiling hyenas on the couch and Jenna’s playful grin “Anyways, I’m going to eat dinner, unless you monkeys want to continue this conversation and make me start cleaning again?” she threatened.

“Ooh, can you start with my room?” Doug asked, “You didn’t finish that last time.” She flicked a brow up and shook her head while walking to the kitchen “It was worth a shot.” He shrugged at Jenna and Ryan who were grinning at him.

Chapter 30

“Reina!!” Matt called from the kitchen. After hearing his call, she scurried into the kitchen “Taste this for me.”

She sipped the soup he was brewing and nodded with satisfaction “Very tasty.” Matt sighed with relief from her compliment. She tilted her head with a grin “I’ve never seen you so nervous. You act like the president is coming to eat dinner, it’s just your Ryan and his roommates.”

He laughed “I just want to make this perfect for him.” Sighing as he began stirring “We’ve drifted apart since Shelly passed away. I tried to be supportive but realizing that I didn’t have a knack for it didn’t help. Thank God for Erin and the others.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself, you tried. I’m sure Ryan understands.” Reina comforted. When the doorbell rang, she chuckled “They’re early.”

“Don’t let them in the kitchen!” Matt called.

Reina grinned as she opened the door “You guys—” her smile dropped the minute she saw him “What are you doing here?” she asked coldly.

“Is that any way to welcome your ex-partner?” Ah Gam greeted with a smug grin.

She turned her back to make sure Matt wasn’t around. When it was clear, she stepped out the door and pushed him away “What do you want?”

“Nothing. Just a message from Hung Gor…he wasn’t very happy that you didn’t take his money. So, he asked me to bring you another check and will not take no for an answer this time.” Handing her the check, she didn’t bother to glance at it “Reina, don’t say I didn’t warn you but Hung Gor is not as lenient as he use to be. He has a plan and won’t stop until it’s accomplished. If you don’t cash this check, who knows what he’ll do.”

She was desperate “Isn’t there any way you can ask him to let me out? I know I disappeared without a trace but I don’t want that lifestyle anymore. I’m different now, I have a fiancé and I have friends. I work for the team. Please…” she begged.

His eyes softened “You have changed. I’ve never known Reina to beg for anything even when there was a gun to her head.” He stepped backwards down the porch “Weaknesses only give your enemies a weapon to use against you. Remember that…” he turned and rushed towards the taxi.

Reina was lost in her thoughts when the door opened causing her to jump “Reina, who—I’m sorry, did I scare you?” Matt asked.

Shaking her head as she smiled “No. There were…a few kids playing tricks on us. I was just scaring them away.”

Matt laughed, “Should that be a warning that you don’t want kids?” he ushered her inside when suddenly there was a car honk. It was the guests of honor “Crap! My soup!” he ran inside to check on the damage while Reina shook her head.

“Reina!!” Jenna bounced her way over and handed her a basket of fruit “Just a little thought, you don’t need to thank me.”

“I don’t think she was going to.” Doug remarked.

“Actually, I was.” Reina winked at Jenna and turned to greet Erin and Ryan “Hi guys. Come inside, it’s a little cold out here.”

“Not to Jenna.” Doug teased her with a nudge making her blush as she pushed her way inside the house. He laughed while Reina looked at him strangely “Inside joke.”

“Don’t mind him, he had too much sugar today.” Erin nodded for them to go inside “There’s something we need to discuss with you and Matt. Doug had a little discovery yesterday.”

“Dinner is served!” Matt announced from the kitchen.

Doug was excited as he ushered everyone into the kitchen “Eat first, talk later.”

Jenna was the first to notice the dishes “Hey, it’s all of Ryan’s favorite dishes.”

“And you would know?” Doug asked with wide eyes.

“Stop.” Erin scolded “It looks great, Matt. You really outdid yourself this time.” She complimented.

“It’s okay.” Doug chewed on a piece of Hainan chicken.

Matt turned his head “You don’t like chicken?”

Jenna shook her head “It’s not his favorite.”

“Sorry Doug, I’m not a very broad cook.” Matt apologized.

“I’m kidding Matt. The food is very good.” He said convincingly while caving down the food from his rice bowl.

“Good, I wouldn’t have to punish you with a hundred pushups because you didn’t like my food.” He joked.

Reina appeared to be extra quiet and Erin noticed after a couple of minutes when she was staring at the chicken in her bowl “If you stare at it any longer, it might come to life.” Erin’s comment made Reina snap out of her daze “What’s wrong? You seem out if it.”

“Nothing.” She shook her head “So, what was the discovery?”

“Doug.” Erin nodded at her teammate, who had a mouthful of food. Matt and Reina turned their full attention to him.

Jenna placed her bowl down and raised her hands in a defense “Whatever you do, don’t make him laugh!!” she warned, “He will explode, he’s done it before.”

Matt quickly opened his napkin and covered his face “Thanks for the warning.” Ryan and Jenna began laughing hysterically from the action making Doug chuckle.

Erin and Reina exchanged glances “He’s gonna blow.” Reina cracked. Doug couldn’t take it as he got off his seat and ran to the sink.

“Isn’t this fun?” Jenna exclaimed.

“I swear you do that on purpose!” Doug pointed threateningly at Jenna, who raised her brows innocently “Don’t give me that puppy face. You know you get a kick out of watching me hold in laughter.”

Jenna raised her hand guiltily “You’re right, your honor, I’m guilty.”

Matt shook his head with a laugh “Okay, let’s get serious, what did you find out Doug?” he briefly explained the incident with the Commissioner and assassin. The lieutenant nodded thoughtfully “So they are aiming for the people we assumed they would. Anything from Michael or Riley?” he asked, “It’s been a few weeks.”

“Nothing.” Erin shook her head “Maybe they got what they wanted?”

“I don’t think so.” Reina spoke up. Everyone turned to her for an explanation “I read up on this Hung Gor, he works slyly and just when you think you are a step ahead of him, he throws you a curve ball. I think his plan is more than just taking out business men and erasing police files. He’s targeting us.”

“You mean he wants to bring down the P.R.A.?” Ryan asked. She nodded in reply “Why? What’s the motive? All the past enemies of the team have reasons, up to three months ago, we haven’t even heard about the guy.”

Doug nodded “The kid’s got a good point. We don’t know why Hung Gor wants to eliminate us. Does anyone in the team know the guy?” he asked.

Matt glanced at Reina, who lowered her head “No, not that I know of.” He was quick to deny it “Maybe this has something to do with Joe? Remember Robert Kwok? We had no idea, I mean Joe didn’t tell us about the history behind the agency’s name.”

“That’s true.” Jenna nodded in agreement “He looks to be around Joe’s age.”

“No one knows how to find this guy?” Doug asked.

“Bait.” Erin said shortly. They turned to her “Undercover…Matt, I’ve been meaning to ask you. And please answer us truthfully, is Becca working undercover?”

Sighing, Matt shook his head slowly “I wish I could say yes. It’s always disappointing when an agent turns on the team. Unfortunately, she is one.”

Doug sat back “This is all my fault. If I didn’t divorce her, this wouldn’t have happened. Mia would be pregnant and this Hung Gor would not know about our operations and codes.”

“This is not the time to self blame.” Erin cautioned, “Anyways, she was the one that stood out from the team. She was different, I’ve known her for years. This is actually not surprising to me.”

“And you didn’t bother to warn me??!!” Doug was appalled “A little heads up would have helped…like say oh, my friend is a little crazy in the head, don’t date her!!”

Erin winced from his high pitch shriek “I didn’t know you would fall for her.”

“It’s too late to change the past.” Reina said, her eyes distant.

Matt saw as he reached out and squeezed her hand “Yes, we should concentrate on the present and future. Everything can be fixed as long as you don’t let the past haunt you.”

Doug raised his brows “That’s deep, Matt.” He winked at Ryan and made a drunk face towards Matt. Ryan shook his head slightly indicating that his brother wasn’t drunk.

“You two okay?” Erin asked Reina and Matt, they were different.

“Yeah.” Matt replied quickly “It’s just this case is getting to me. We still don’t have any leads after so many months.”

“Is it okay if I see Ted tomorrow?” Erin asked.

Doug shook his head “I think it’s still a little too soon. I mean he’s barely settling down in his marriage—”

“Not about that!” Erin was defensive “To ask him about the assassin’s death report. Maybe they left back a clue?”

“I don’t see any harm in that.” Matt nodded.

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

That night Matt and Reina went to bed early, they were going to train early the next morning. It was a regular routine for them at least three times a week. When he was in a deep sleep, Reina found her chance to slip out of the room. She changed her jeans and wore a trench coat and hid her hair under a hat.

She took the car and drove out to the underground bar she knew years ago. It was still there, hidden behind a spaghetti house restaurant. She knocked three times and the tiny circle window opened “What do you want?!” the guy demanded forcefully.

“Two spaghettis togo.” She answered calmly.

“With meatballs?” he asked.

“No. Just the sauce.” She replied.

He opened the door for her and stared at her up and down “Come in.”

She entered and was instantly stared at. Walking in cautiously as a few men grunted at her and a few bumped her on the shoulder purposely. They glared down at her waiting for her to make a move but she stepped around them and continued to the back of the room. She didn’t realize a closure was formed behind her until one of the men blocked her way. She tried to sidestep him but he followed her motion “Who are you looking for?” he asked.

“Hung Gor.” She replied, her eyes fixated on the shadow growing behind her. The guy prepared to attack her from the back as she spun around and blocked his arm. Grabbing a hold of his wrist, she twisted him around her back and slammed him against the floor. It began a whirlwind of attacks as each one took their turn to try to take her down. Reina knew how to handle each one viciously beating them with whatever weapon she could find. From a stool to a beer bottle.

One guy motioned for the rest to step back as he whipped out a pocket knife, swinging it in a circle motion as it appeared sharp and shiny. Taking stabs at her as she circled her body against the bar, she missed each one by centimeters. She jumped on the counter and kicked the beer bottles at the guy as they hit him randomly. He gave one final slash at her legs as she somersaulted to the ground losing her hat and appeared her long mane. Reina stood in her stance but the group backed away. Suddenly a monotone clap came from behind her. Reina straightened herself and turned to the man in control “Hung Gor!!” the men bellowed with respect.

SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004