Chapter 43
Patrick Tam – Devin HsuThat night in the conference room of the P.R.A.’s headquarters lay a melancholy mood. The same day where they buried a fellow agent, the day that begun a new life for each and every one of them. Devin concentrated on the door until it finally opened, appearing Erin, who was the last to arrive “Did you catch him?”
Shaking her head, she answered “Traffic. He had a motorcycle.”
“What do you think he wants with them?” Leah asked.
“Use them to bring down the team.” Ryan guessed.
“He doesn’t have to, it’ll happen on it’s own.” Darren muttered.
Erin turned to her friend and back at Darren “Guys…”
“I don’t feel good.” Mia looked up with puffy red eyes.
“Suck it up. This weekend, we’ll have more to worry about.” Devin turned to a small desk behind him and pulled out a red envelope. The same kind that was used for a wedding, except inside was a rainbow colored card.
“Who sent us a wedding invitation?” Jenna reached out to open it. Her eyes widened in horror as she turned up to Devin.
“Read it.” Devin nodded.
She nodded slowly “To the Puffy-Rodent-Asses. You are all cordially invited to Hung Gor’s Circus of Freaks, where humans are treated like animals. An audience awaits for all of you to put on a show. Mark your calendars for December 25, Saturday. If you cannot make it, the animals will be killed and delivered to your homes. Hope to see you there.”
“Psychotic bastard.” Ryan muttered.
“What the hell does that mean? He’s going to torture them in front of us and make us watch?” Leah asked in disgust.
Erin turned to Devin “What do you think we should do?”
“If we don’t go, they’ll all die. If we go, there’s a chance he might pull a Roger Kwok on us. Bomb us all to death. He’s capable of doing that.” Devin shook his head “It’ll be walking into a bear trap. Are you guys in?”
“It’s been a while since I kicked ass. I’m in.” Leah smiled slowly putting her hand in the center of the table. She looked around waiting for the others.
“If we die, we die with pride.” Jenna grinned and imitated Leah’s hand.
Ryan laughed, “You can’t leave me out, can you?”
“It wouldn’t be the same without me.” Erin turned to Mia and Darren, eyebrows raised.
Mia looked around the table and slowly reached her hand on the collection of hands that were piling up “I’ll go too.”
All eyes turned to Darren as he sighed and reached over with his hand “I might as well take my anger out on someone else.” He glanced briefly at her but she refused to look at him in the eye.
Devin laughed as he nodded proudly “We are missing almost half of the team, but I’m confident that we’ll walk out of there with an accomplishment. Let’s make Joe proud and knock ‘em dead!”
Eventhough their spirits were down, the group still managed to give a decent holler “Yeah!!”
***********
It was Devin’s idea to go into a strict training process within the short time that they had. One week was not enough but they were short on time. He walked around the training room and helped out the younger teammates with their stances and perfected their punches. He found Darren by the punching bag, taking out his anger.
Approaching him, Devin held onto the bag for more control to help Darren get the best out of his workout “What are you trying to do, kill the bag?”
“No, I’m imagining his face on it.” Darren grunted as he punched the bag with his wrapped up hands.
“There are some things that look too easy to assume.” Devin said wisely.
Darren stopped as he wiped away the sweat on his forehead “It’s a little hard when the answer is right in front of your face.” He walked over to a small bench where his water bottle sat and took a few gulps.
“How long have you known Mia?” Devin began.
“Six years.” Darren answered without thinking twice.
“How many years have you loved her?” he questioned, Darren gave him an exasperated look “Just answer me.”
“Almost six years.” Darren replied “I think it was love at first sight for me.” A small smile appeared as he thought of the past but soon, it faded when reality hit him again “But what the hell did I know?” getting up, he began punching the bag again.
Devin shook his head “To be in love with someone for that long is not something everyone is blessed with. Don’t throw it away just because you thought you saw something different.”
Darren paused as he turned to Devin “Do you know something I don’t?”
“Possibly.” Devin nodded but didn’t want to give all his thoughts away “Just trust me on this.”
Mia and Erin were training together in the open room, where the ground was matted and mirrors surrounded them. They punched at each other and blocked until their arms were sore. When they grew tired, Mia raised her hands into a T position “Time out.”
Erin relaxed her stance with a smile “Tired already?”
“Like you’re not!” she laughed while throwing her a bottle water. She drank the water and poured some over her head “Aww…that feels good.”
Erin raised a brow and looked down at the mat “Just don’t let Devin see that, it’s a hazard.” She said with a hint of sarcasm.
“Still making nice?” Mia shook her head “What is going on with you two? Any chance?”
“I don’t know.” She looked down at the bottle in her hand “He has a girlfriend.”
“So I heard.” Mia shrugged “So what, you’re way better than that girl. If you like him, go for it. Guys like to be pursued, I guarantee it. How do you think I got Darren?” Erin turned to her friend while Mia’s face covered with guilt “Come on, let’s continue.”
She decided not to push Mia “Okay. You attack this time.” She rolled the bottle water away and used her t-shirt to wipe the water that Mia spilled. She stood up to Mia’s hands on her hips and look that she recognized with ease “What? It is a hazard!”
************
While the people celebrated the joyous holiday, the team walked through the streets of the small city. Solemn as they ignored the lights and festive songs that people sang together. It was ironic that on the happiest day of the year, they would be facing death. Possibly their own, but there was no turning back. It was going to happen whether they liked it or not.
It was no accident that Hung Gor chose Christmas day to battle with the P.R.A. He hated that holiday and wanted nothing more than to hide in his place until it was over. But it would be different that year, he was going to destroy the team once and for all. Those that tried in the past could not do it but he knew he could. He was positive and maybe a little too cocky. But that’s what made him powerful and successful in all that he did.
The manufacture storage room became a huge circus arena with high ceilings. The walls to the cage room was broken down and the cages were visible. Lights were exaggerated, hanging from wall to wall. Hung Gor was dressed like the ring master, with a whip in hand he felt giddy to start the torture chambers. Pointed iron clad walls were hung to the side, waiting to be used. The place looked look a fetish movie ready to be taped.
Devin led the group inside as they looked around and tried not to let the torture equipments intimidate them. They turned to each other with strange looks “What the fuck is wrong with this guy?” Darren managed to spit out after almost stepping onto a pile of nails on the ground.
“Welcome!!!” A booming voice called out from a speaker system that left an echo in the hollow room “I’m glad you all could make it!”
“We wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Devin smiled calmly.
Hung Gor appeared in a sequined tux, his bow matching to his bright gold outfit. The black whip in hand as he spun in around his neck and lit a cigar “That’s all you brought?”
“That’s all we need.” Erin said with confidence.
He laughed “Balls, you guys got balls. But don’t mind if I bring a few more of my people.” He raised a hand signaling to turn on the lights. It was blindingly bright as the group had to wince to block out the flow of lights that flooded the room “I like being in the spotlight.” Hung Gor explained.
“Freak.” Mia muttered.
He tilted his head towards her “Excuse me?”
“I said FREAK! Open your ears.” She dared to mock him.
A group of people dressed in black rolled out in long rows standing behind Hung Gor. The team spotted a few familiar faces “I thought you were stabbed and left in a ditch somewhere.” Leah snickered at Ah Bat.
“Baby, I aint going nowhere.” He challenged.
“We’ll see.” Mia threatened.
Hung Gor raised another hand “I don’t have the patience for word games, how about we start?” turning to Ah Gam, he nodded for him to begin.
Using a control, the cages began to shift and move high above the group from its original positions. Long bars ran across the ceiling holding the chains in place “What are the rules?” Devin asked knowingly.
The crazy man smiled wildly “My game, my rules. One fight at a time. One person from each team will step into the center ring and fight until death. If you guys win, we will release one person in the cage. If you lose, you die. Simple enough?” He tilted his head at the group exchanged looks “I was never a big fan of rules.” Frustration building up as he waited for their answers “People, it’s not rocket science. Yes or no. No, then we kill them all.” He pulled out a gun and pointed it at one of the cages.
“Patience is definitely not one of your virtues.” Devin smiled “We’ll take the challenge.” Turning to his team, the smile faded “Guys, this is it.”
“If I die, kill that bastard to avenge my death.” Erin looked around firmly.
“Likewise.” Mia smiled.
Jenna turned to her Uncle “Any last advice?”
“Yeah, kick their asses!” he growled with a laugh causing the others to laugh along.
“I’m bored people!” Hung Gor yawned.
The group turned to face him “Who’s first?” Devin asked.
Hung Gor nodded with a confident look, pulling out his cards, he read the first one “This fight is for the handsome Riley Kwok. Son of the late Roger Kwok and now president of Kwok Jewelers. Worth at least 50 million dollars. Anyone want to claim him?”
Leah didn’t have to think twice as she stepped up “I’ll fight this one.”
Snapping his fingers, Hung Gor commanded one of his assassins to come out. Before they were put into the ring, Jenna rushed over to her friend “Don’t weaken. I know you don’t want to kill anyone but think of Riley.”
Nodding, she agreed “I know.”
“Let the fights begin.” Hung Gor announced.
The two entered the ring and bowed politely, but the second the bell rang, the opponent attacked her with full force. Leah was not prepared for the vicious attack as she spent most of the time blocking and moving swiftly away. The team watched worriedly, praying that she would be okay, the guy was twice her size and appeared to be quicker “Come on, Leah…punch him in the balls.” Jenna muttered.
Erin turned to her with a smile “Just give her a little time.”
But Leah had another thing on her mind, she was trying to exhaust him by blocking but not attacking. Soon, when he was breathing heavier, she found her chance to begin her attacks. Whipping her arm in punching motions, she aimed for his face and eyes. Her ring cut him across the edge of his eye causing him to bleed and soon was blinded by the blood. She finished him with a leg spread across the floor, tripping him. She raised a foot to stomp over him when Devin’s voice stopped her “Leah!” she turned to him “We’re not here to kill anyone. We already won.” She nodded and jumped out of the ring.
Suddenly a gunshot rang out as they turned to the ring and watched the bullet wound began to spill out with blood “Now he lost.” Hung Gor replaced the gun in its socket.
“Damn, he’s crazier than we thought.” Jenna whispered.
“Release him.” Devin pointed to Riley’s cage.
Hung Gor shrugged as he nodded to Ah Gam, who did as he asked and lowered the cage. Leah grinned happily as she rushed towards him, he was bruised from head to toe “You bastards!” She cried while supporting him.
The group laughed at their misery. Ryan quickly rushed over to help his former teammates “Sorry, my boys were itching to hit something…or someone.” Hung Gor’s lame attempt of an apology.
Chapter 44
Patrick Tam – Devin HsuThe team stared at the enemies with disgust “You people have no sense of humor!” Ah Bat retorted before throwing his head back with a laugh.
“That’s it you little wimp! Come on, you and me right now!” Jenna rolled up her sleeves ready to take him out.
“Jenna.” Devin’s warning tone calmed her as she stepped back “Your turn will come up.” Tilting his head at Hung Gor, he challenged “Next?”
He wasn’t thrilled about losing the first battle, but figured they were just lucky. Surely his team was more ruthless. Nodding, he answered, “The next person should be fun, Michael Wu. I have heard so many great things about him. But alas it is all worthless shit! So, who will fight for him?”
Jenna raised her hand “Me!”
Erin stopped the ecstatic girl with a hand on the shoulder “Wait, I promised Julie that I would bring him back in one piece. This is my fight.”
“Okay.” She retrieved, obviously disappointed. Erin walked to the ring and hopped over the ropes. The stain of the dead man hastily washed away, but it would not bother her.
“Ah, an experienced agent. I must have someone to match your stature.” Hung Gor nodded to a guy standing next to Ah Gam, his hair a bright blue and he had tattoos all over his bare tanned arms “No cheating…”
Erin was ready for the challenge as she pulled out her gun and tossed it towards Devin, who caught it easily “We don’t cheat.” She stood in her ready stance, eyes glaring at her opponent.
The tiny gong was hit, which started a fist fight “He looks familiar.” Jenna nudged Ryan.
“I was going to say that.” Ryan nodded.
“He’s the number one fist boxer in China.” Devin spoke up “He’s undefeated for the past five years and stops at nothing. During a fight, he almost killed his opponent. In the end, the guy ended up in a hospital with a concussion that put him in a coma.”
“Dear God…” Mia muttered, “Does he have a weak spot?”
“No one’s found it yet.” Devin couldn’t pull his eyes away from the fight. She was well trained but he was undefeated, he wouldn’t dare make the call “Erin! Look for a weak spot!” he noticed the guy was a little bruised on the knees section.
Taking his advice, she charged for his knees with a few lower kicks after seeing red bruises. The guy was slick as he moved and dodged it a few times. After a long moment, it seemed hard to determined who would win. The guy grew impatient since he could not bring a girl down. He growled wildly and charged at her with his arms around her stomach. Picking her up, he tried to squeeze the air out of her. Lightheaded, she used her last ounce of strength to kick him in the lower region. Instantly he let her go and fell to his knees gripping onto his manhood “Yeah!!!” Jenna cried proudly. Erin finished the guy off with a straight kick across the face making him roll a few times before catching himself.
She was out of breath but had enough strength to fight if he were to get up again. Erin had no intention of killing the guy as she reached out a hand “Good fight.” He looked at her strangely but reached out for the hand and allowed her to pull him up.
“Erin!” Mia warned.
She figured Hung Gor would pull the last stunt, linking his arm, she spun him over to the left where the bullet missed him by a few seconds. Turning to Hung Gor, she leered her eyes dangerously “His life is mine, I can do what I want.”
“I don’t think you understand the rules of the game.” Hung Gor warned.
“Well, do you understand this gun?!” Jenna yanked out her weapon and pointed it at the madman.
“Jenna.” Devin shook his head as he stepped forward “Hung Gor, it is afterall just a game. Sore loser aren’t we.” He mocked.
Veins popping in his temple, he managed to wave it off “Fine. Do what you want with him.”
Erin nodded at the boxer “I hope you won’t make another deal with the devil.” She jumped out of the ring and he followed. Before he could make his way to the exit a gunshot was fired. She turned to see him falling to the ground. Snapping her head at Hung Gor, she looked appalled “You monster!”
“Oops, it slipped.” He waved the gun in vain.
“He’s out of his mind.” Darren shook his head.
“Let him go already!!” Jenna pointed to Michael’s cage.
Yawning, he nodded to Ah Gam to handle. The cage lowered and Erin walked over to help him out of the inhuman cage. He looked completely drained of blood. She found white powder all over his mouth “What did you feed him?!”
“Only the best crack in the world.” Ah Bat answered with a loud laugh “It was my idea.”
“I’ll remember that.” Erin said with gritted teeth. She pulled him weakly to his feet while taking him back to the team’s side “We have to get him to a hospital.” She cradled his face as he came in and out of consciousness.
“He needs water.” Devin suggested.
“I have some.” Ryan pulled over his backpack and took out a water bottle. The group looked at him strangely “What? You never know when you’ll get thirsty.”
“Or go hiking.” Mia snickered.
“Are you finished?” Hung Gor asked.
“Name it.” Devin spoke up.
He took a few steps back, high above one cage “Hmm…how about the lieutenant? The coward of a man that came groveling at my feet begging me to help his dear little Reina that backstabbed the whole team. I mean, do you guys really want him back?”
“I’ll go next!” Jenna stepped forward.
“No!” Ryan stepped over to her “He’s my brother, I’ll save him.”
“Damn it!” Jenna returned to her place, scowling.
Hung Gor nodded and snapped his finger “Ah Biu, you take him.” The two entered the ring but before they announced the fight to start, Hung Gor raised a hand “Wait, let’s spice things up a bit. How about weapons? Guns don’t count.” He added. Ryan turned to Devin, who nodded once. Taking his gun out, he tossed it to him “I will choose the weapons.” Ah Bat nodded when Hung Gor turned to him. Retrieving a large sabre, he handed it to the guy dressed in an old Chinese silk uniform “Okay, ready?” Hung Gor was ready to hit the bell.
“Woooh!” Jenna halted him with a raised hand “What about Ryan?”
“What do you call his hands?” Hung Gor smiled slyly.
“That’s not fair!” she exclaimed.
He widened his eyes at her “My game, my rules!” he bellowed.
“It’s okay, I can still kick his ass with my bare hands.” Ryan nodded at his teammates. The chime rang out and the fight started. He had no time to fight back, only dodge from the slicing dagger. The guy knew exactly how to move the weapon where Ryan would have no place to hide. He was relentless, finding ways to slice open his arm. At one time, Ryan had to sacrifice his left arm to block the weapon from caving into his skull. He whipped away once the pain hit his skin.
“Ryan!” Jenna cried out worriedly while the other side laughed happily.
He backed away slowly while the guy continued to circle in front of him. Suddenly, he thought of an idea. Unbuckling his belt, he began pulling it off “Is he gonna show the guy his thing?” Mia was shocked.
Erin shook her head at her friend while Darren crossed his arms “He’s using it as a weapon.”
Ryan whipped the belt between his hands making a loud snapping noise “Come on.” He waved. The guy was a little intimidated but realized he had the upper hand with the weapon that could do more damage. He began slashing again while Ryan blocked each slice with his leather belt. He knew it would eventually cut his belt in half. Taking a chance, he caught the weapon during an attack and quickly wrapped the belt around it, giving it a hard tug in the air, the large sabre slipped out of his opponent’s hands. Freeing his right hand, he jumped up to catch it and pointed it to the guy’s neck.
“Alright, Ryan!!” Jenna cheered.
“You lose. Let my brother go!” Ryan was about to retrieve the weapon from the guy’s neck when he felt a force pulling on the weapon. The guy chugged it into his stomach as he tumbled back with the knife stuck to his body. Ryan turned away from the grueling sight.
“What a shame, I wasn’t going to kill him either.” Hung Gor sighed disappointedly.
Ryan shook his head at him “You’re a sick man.”
“Thank you.” He grinned while waving for Ah Gam to release Matt “Three out of three, maybe I’ve misjudged you people.” He watched as Ryan rushed to his brother’s side to support him.
“Gor.” He wrapped his arm around his waist to pull him up when he noticed the slashes all over his body “Gor…”
“I’m okay.” Matt muttered, “It’s just a trick. He’s not going to let us go. This is just entertainment for him. He’ll kill us all regardless of what happens.”
Ryan supported him onto the ground next to Riley “Don’t worry, we have a plan. If it backfires, we’ll all die together.”
“You okay?” Devin bent over to check on Matt. The whip scars had long ago dried, but the damage would take months to heal.
“You guys shouldn’t have come.” Matt could barely get his voice at normal level.
“Are you kidding? And miss the game?” Mia asked with a smile. He managed to push his lips upwards.
Darren agreed with a nod “Don’t worry, he’ll get what’s coming to him.”
“Be careful, he’s moody, he can change the rules whenever he wants.” Matt warned.
“He’s worse than a girl on PMS.” Jenna snorted.
Hung Gor grew restless as he raised his gun and fired at Carmen’s cage. She yelped out startled by the sudden bullet hitting her metal cage. He got their attention as the team turned to him “Let’s chose little Carmen…innocent little Carmen.” He looked up at her with darkened eyes “The only girl that could change my coldest killer to a cup of melted butter with a smile.” His eyes moved down to Ah Gam, who then lowered his head.
“At least someone is still human.” Erin snickered while eyeing her once friend Becca. The girl tightened her lip and raised her chin in defiance.
“Becca.” Hung Gor flicked a finger at her, beckoning for her to come over “You go next.”
“Yes, Hung Gor.” She turned to the team and walked over to the ring while she waited for the team to send over their person.
Jenna turned to them with an exasperated look “I have to go next!” she insisted.
Devin shook his head “No…Mia, I want you to go.” Jenna spun her head over to him with a look of awe “Close your mouth, you’ll get your turn.”
“When?” Jenna whined.
Erin pulled Mia to the side “I have a feeling she’s on the border. Did you see the shame and guilt on her face?”
“No.” Mia replied flatly.
“Well I see it.” Erin answered “Try to let her win, I’m sure she’ll weaken up and spring on her at the last minute.”
“What if you’re wrong?” Mia asked hesitantly. Not sure if her plan would work.
“Trust me. She already has the guilt of causing you the miscarriage. Use that if it doesn’t work.” Erin said wisely.
Mia nodded “That’s good.”
“Go.” Erin patted her on the back and gave her a gentle nudge. Mia was confident as she took the ring. Getting in her ready stance, she waited for the bell to ring.
Chapter 45
Patrick Tam – Devin HsuSilence filled the room as the girls stood across from each other, motionless in the ring. Mia couldn’t read her face, it was nearly impossible to tell if Becca felt at all remorseful. Swallowing the nervousness in her throat, she stood grounded. Time seemed to slow down when the bell was hit and it was Becca that made the first move. Mia blocked a few punches but allowed the one in her gut to go through.
The team looked worried while the other side began cheering on their teammate as if they already won. Mia took another quick punch on the ribs as she fell on one knee, the other supporting her arm. She turned to catch Erin’s intense look and she gave her a nod “Come on Mia…hang in there.”
“Why isn’t she fighting back?” Jenna stepped forward as she bellowed, “Come on MIA!!”
She took in a few deep breaths and stood up again, arms relaxed as she watched Becca’s fist coming at her face. Closing her eyes, she was ready to take the pain when she felt nothing. Opening her eyes, she saw Becca had froze in place “Why aren’t you fighting back?”
Mia looked at the girl with earnest eyes “It’s not your fault I lost the baby, Becca.”
Slowly, she lowered her hand and tilted her head “What?”
“I never blamed you for that. If it’s anyone’s fault it’s Ah Bat. You had nothing to do with it. But what are you doing with them?” she nodded towards the group of assassins that were growing restless “Come back to us. We’re your real friends.” Mia coaxed gently.
“Becca!!” Hung Gor roared “Kill her now!!” he commanded.
Becca turned to Mia sympathetically “I’m sorry, it’s too late to turn.” With that, she charged at Mia, who was ready this time as she blocked a kick in the neck. Pushing her face back, she curled her back and used her hands to help her with a handstand as she flipped around and landed on her feet.
Mia turned to Erin “It’s on now!” Whipping her head at Becca, she waved a finger “Come on, let’s see what you got.” Seconds later, they enveloped in a crafty fight, delicate yet brutal. Both were at the same level, the winner would be the one with the luck.
Hung Gor turned to Ah Gam and gave him the signal. He had no choice but to oblige. Pulling out a pocket knife in his pocket, he called “Becca!” she turned and he tossed it over to her. She stared at the knife as if wondering what to do until she saw Hung Gor’s hand cutting through his neck.
Flicking the knife open, she gripped onto the handle and stepped towards Mia “I’m sorry.” She mouthed and quickly attacked her with quick stabbing motions. Mia was able to dodge a couple but at one point the knife slit through her hand as she yanked it close to her body.
“Mia!” Darren stepped forward worriedly.
She turned to her husband with a short smile but only long enough to dodge another slash at her face. Mia rolled against the bouncing ropes, she stopped when Becca raised a leg to stop her. Lifting the knife, she aimed it towards Mia’s left rib. She caught her hand before the knife was pushed into her flesh, they grunted while trying hard to beat the other person. Mia pulled out all that she had and turned the knife around towards Becca. But what she didn’t expect was Becca to push herself over the knife. Mia quickly let go as she watched her once teammate stumble back with the knife stuck to her side “Becca…” she realized the girl had just saved her.
“Get her back here now!” Hung Gor commanded.
Ah Gam nodded as he rushed over to the ring to retrieve her. Yanking out the knife, he tossed it into a corner, his hand over her wound while the other supported her to her feet. She was taken to the back room to get bandaged up. Mia returned to her teammates looking dazed “You did great!!” Jenna exclaimed.
Mia smiled and turned to Erin “She stabbed herself.”
“She turned back.” Erin nodded.
“Hey, psycho! Let her go already.” Jenna pointed to Carmen’s cage.
He nodded with a short laugh “Okay.” Pounding his fist on the control the cage dropped in a second leaving a pounding echo in the large space.
They were horrified as Jenna and Ryan rushed over to help Carmen out. She was pale and lacked of nutrition “Are you okay?” Jenna asked worriedly. The weakened girl managed to nod. She threw Hung Gor an evil glare “You’ll pay.” She promised.
“So, who’s the next victim?” Hung Gor challenged. He waved for Ah Gam to step forward “This time, I know we’ll win.”
“Whom are we fighting for?” Devin asked.
Hung Gor looked bored as he looked up and pointed casually “How about this guy. I’m not even sure why we took him. Who the hell is he?” he asked Ah Gam.
“Twin brother of an ex captain on the P.R.A. team.” He answered knowingly.
“Ahh…right, so…who wants to be killed?” Hung Gor was cocky and overly confident.
“I’ll go.” Darren volunteered.
Devin turned to him “Are you sure? It took me and Erin to beat him the last time. He’s not your usual trained fighter. He can kill.”
Mia reached for her husband’s hand “Nothing can happen to you.”
Touched by her thoughtfulness, he smiled and clamped his other hand over hers “I’ll be okay. Trust me.” He kissed her hand and gave it a little squeeze before walking towards the ring to meet his opponent.
“Sorry.” Ah Gam said as he bounced in his spot to warm up his legs.
Darren turned his head strangely “What?”
“I just want to apologize first because after I kill you, you wouldn’t get to hear it.” Ah Gam smirked with confidence.
“That’s a good joke. Can I use it after I kick your ass?” he glared at him, ready to fight.
When the bell chimed, the two attacked each other with full force. Darren blocked a few punches but returned the favor with the same fists in the face. They were brutal and neither wanted to lose. Mia wrung her hands together as she watched with full concern “Still want that divorce?” Erin teased.
“Shh…I’m watching.” She put a hand up.
“How fast someone changes.” Jenna snickered. Mia turned to the girl curiously “Am I wrong? Doug’s body hasn’t even cooled and there you are moving on.”
Ryan shook his head with a laugh “Darren is her husband, I think its only logical for her to care.”
“Whatever.” Jenna waved her hand carelessly.
Erin noticed Mia’s short smile at the mention of Doug’s name but decided not to question as they returned to the fight. Darren was tripped but he bounced back up with a twist of the body. The guys circled around each other to catch their breaths. When they were rested, they attacked again. Before they knew it, the fight had been going on for almost ten minutes and it seemed Darren was growing weary but he refused to give up even after being punched in the jaw. He adjusted his face and stood in his stance ready to continue.
Ah Gam smiled crookedly as he used his signature fake punch but really kicked his opponent in the shin. Darren let out a painful cry as he fell to his knees while Ah Gam punched him in the stomach and was ready to finish him when Mia’s pleading stopped him “NO!!” she rushed over to the ring and entered it “Don’t kill him. Please…” she pulled Darren into her arms while looking up at him with pleading eyes.
“Who’s the sore loser now?” Hung Gor grinned victoriously.
Devin laughed as he nodded and stepped forward “Okay, so you win this one. How about we make the next bet more interesting?”
“Keep talking.” He was up for anything.
“One last fight. If we win, you let Jessie and Luke go. If we lose, do as you please.” Devin vowed.
“I like it.” Hung Gor nodded as he took the challenge. Whistling to Ah Gam, the assassin retrieved his steps while Mia ushered her husband off the ring “Who’s fighting this round?”
Jenna approached her Uncle and tapped him on the shoulder “Can I take this one?”
Devin smiled as he nodded “Okay.”
Hung Gor began peeling off his sequined jacket and pants revealing sweat pants underneath and he bared his top half. Muscles pounding as his tattooed body moved from each flex “Eh…actually, I think you should take this.” Jenna said weakly as she stepped back next to Ryan.
“So, who am I killing?” Hung Gor asked. Devin began unbuttoning his black shirt and vest as he left on his black tank top. Throwing his shirt and gun back to Jenna, he approached the ring with Hung Gor. His eyes didn’t leave the angry man as they jumped onto the stand and waited for the bell.
“Chan Kwok Hung, black belt winner of 1990-1995 for the annual China Karate Championships. Who would have guessed.” Devin gripped his palms into a fist and stretched out his legs readily.
“You’ve done your research.” Hung Gor said wryly.
Devin narrowed his eyes “Too bad you didn’t.” His face curled with confusion “I was the kid that beat you in 1996 breaking away your six years streak. From that day forth, you hid your face behind the crimes and terrorist assassin group. Am I right?”
“You won’t be lucky this time.” Hung Gor recalled.
He snickered at the response “We’ll see.”
“Arhh!!!” Hung Gor didn’t wait for the bell as he came at Devin with only one intention, to kill him. Each punch could take out an average person. Dodging each attack by a few hairs, Devin realized the guy had more fire inside him. He would only go mad if he were to lose. Analyzing his movement before he had a chance to punch or kick, Devin was able to block everything. But it was his turn to attack as he pulled it up a notch with quick leg movements, he was flexible enough to move from side to side.
“I think he’s a little out of shape.” Jenna whispered.
Ryan nodded in agreement “Let’s just hope he doesn’t make up a rule while they’re fighting.”
“Guys, help me.” Erin waved to them as they carried the injured people towards the exit. Peeling off her bullet proof vest, she put it over Michael and the others began doing the same for rest of the injured people “At least they’ll be safe.” She returned to fight and watched the careful movements of Hung Gor.
Secretly, he pulled out a knife from his pocket and was ready to take out Devin when he instantly kicked the weapon out of his opponent’s hand and on the turn pulled out a gun and pointed it to his head “I knew you were going to pull a stunt like that!” Eyes widening, he stepped closer to Hung Gor “Come on, fight back! What’s the matter?” he tempted.
“You cheated.” Hung Gor raised his chin daringly.
“Just like you did.” Devin challenged,“Let them go!” he kept his eyes on the madman while ordering him. Pulling back the trigger, he gave him a last warning “I don’t think you heard me.”
“Let them go!” Hung Gor yelled.
Ah Gam had no choice but to oblige. The last two cages were lowered as the team rushed over to help Luke and Jessie out of their cages. Thin and weak, they had no scars but the internal damage was far beyond medicine could help. Suddenly, Hung Gor began laughing uncontrollably “You are mad.”
“Yes…yes I am.” He said between chuckles “You guys may have saved your people, but they will die in a couple of minutes.”
“What?” Devin asked. Suddenly, they heard sirens surrounding the entire area. A bullhorn announced that they were surrounded. The head turned to him “How do you stop the bomb?! You’re not getting away no matter what.”
Hung Gor shook his head with a wild grin “There’s no way to stop it. I had the best bomb expert design indestructible bombs. They are all attached to their bodies, one movement away from the skin will blow them into pieces and anything with a radius of 3 feet.”
Devin turned his head but kept his eyes on Hung Gor “Erin, check their bodies.”
She nodded and rushed over to search Luke’s body, she felt a square device on his back. Turning him around, she pulled up his shirt and saw a bomb duct taped to his skin. She looked at the others and it was Matt that confirmed she didn’t need to check “I warned you guys…” he said weakly.
Erin stood up and turned to Devin with a look of fear, her head shaking. It was not a good sign “You damn bastard! I don’t care if we die here, we’re taking you with us!” he charged at him with the gun to the forehead as Hung Gor finally began backing away.
“You don’t care about your life, but how about them?” he nodded to the others “They have families, children to go home to. Plus, this whole building is attached with enough explosives to destroy everything within a mile’s radius.
Devin felt defeated as he wasn’t prepared for his crazy mind. Pulling out his cell phone, he dialed for Ted “Get your men out and everyone within a mile’s radius.”
“What? I can’t do that Devin-” he began arguing.
“Just do it or everyone will die! He’s got bombs attached to this building. Warn everyone around and move them out as quickly as you can.” He felt frustrated at the same time, losing at a mind game. He thought he was ready but who could be prepared to risk everyone else’s lives that shouldn’t die “You’re still not going anywhere.” Devin warned after he heard the sirens moving away.
Hung Gor shrugged “Okay, then we’ll just sit in here and see who’ll last longer.” he laughed "If you are itching to shoot me in the head, just remember that if I die, those controls attached to the bombs will be ignited."
SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004
