The Zodiac of PRA IV: The Return
Chapter 31
Vivian Leung – Erin Yeung aka Scorpio
Joyce Tang – Reina Ng aka Gemini
Charlene Choi – Jenna Cheung aka Aries
Daniel Wu – Michael Wu
Flora CHan - Julie Wu
As promised the night before Erin, Reina and Jenna headed to Michael’s home. Erin was the driver while the other two sat in the back “Do you remember how to get there?” Jenna asked.
“Yes, Madam. I could drive there even if I was blind.” She kidded. Erin had long ago forgotten her blind days and she was able to pull the humor off.
“Wait! Stop here!” Reina suddenly cried when they passed by a grocery shop. The car came to a halted stop causing the girls to whip back into their seats “I said stop not give me whiplash.” Reina mocked while rubbing her neck painfully.
“Miss, this is how a taxi drives.” Erin replied annoyingly but she had a smile on her face “What are you doing anyways?”
Reina pushed the car door open and rushed into the store “She’s a peculiar person.” Jenna commented.
“Yes. She is.” Erin happily agreed. Minutes later, Reina emerged with a basket of fruit. Erin turned herself to the backseat and stared at Reina’s basket “I think they have fruit.”
Jenna burst into giggles but soon found the window more interesting after Reina threw her a glare “I was taught never to go to a person’s house without a gift.”
Erin grin widened “He taught you that?” she winked at her roommate knowingly.
“Who?” Jenna butt in.
“It’s not good for kids to disrupt adults when they talk.” Reina snapped “And for you information, yes. He did.” She closed her lips shut while Erin turned back to the wheel and shook her head with a smile.
They reached Michael’s large mansion while Jenna stared in awe “It’s as big as Darren’s home.” She sighed.
“It’s not that big.” Reina commented.
“Still sour?” Erin teased.
“No. I’m over it. But I don’t think he is.” Reina replied. She got out of the car hurriedly “How do I look?” she asked Erin.
She frowned at her strangely “You act like you’re going to see HIM. It’s only your sister and your brother in law that you hate.” Erin said nonchalantly “And yes, you look beautiful.” She rolled her eyes while approaching the door.
“I saw that.” Reina warned. Jenna widened her eyes fearfully at the girl “I have eyes in the back of my head.” She confirmed.
Erin rang the doorbell and the butler opened it “Yes?” he was a broad shoulder man with round glasses and a balding head.
“We’re here to see Michael and Julie.” Erin replied.
“May I ask who you are?” He replied politely, obviously well trained.
“No.” Jenna quipped with a laugh. Reina turned to her with ruffled brows “What? He asked.”
Erin smiled “Tell them its Erin, Reina and Jenna. He’ll know who we are.”
“And if he doesn’t, tell him I want my sister back.” Reina added. She couldn’t help adding the line.
“No, don’t tell him that.” Erin insisted while looking sternly at Reina.
“Fung Bak, who is that?” a female voice asked from behind.
He opened the door wider and appeared a pregnant Julie at the doorway “Ga Jei?” she was the first person she saw “Erin.” She smiled with a polite nod.
Reina clumsily held the basket as she smiled, looking like a nervous mother “Um…this is for you.” She reached it out to Julie but figured it better go to the butler as she practically tossed it into his hands. The three girls entered the large home.
“When did you get out?” Julie looked sentimental as she took a hold of Reina’s hand, unable to believe she was out of jail and looking so healthy and she was standing with Erin.
“A couple of weeks already.” Reina replied, “You look good.”
“You do too!” Julie reached out suddenly and hugged her sister, it had been years since they’ve seen each other and they ended it on bad terms the last time she can remember. Her emotional wave was at it’s peak due to her pregnancy as she cried openly “I’m glad your okay.”
Reina was too choked up to respond as she held onto her sister tightly. Erin smiled, happy that they finally had a good reunion. She turned to Jenna, who quickly wiped away a tear “Just some dust.” She whispered in response. Erin nodded with a knowing grin.
“Honey, who was that…” Michael called from the stairwell. He stopped when he noticed Julie was hugging someone that resembled Reina. He then saw Erin and another girl he did not recognize “Erin?” he rushed down the steps and walked over to embrace his old friend “How are you?”
“I’m good.” She laughed while pulling away “You remember Reina.” She said carefully.
Reina pulled away and turned to Michael with teary eyes “Hey.” she nodded casually.
“Hi.” He replied reluctantly.
“I’m on the good team now.” Reina answered the question that was stirring in his mind.
“Oh.” He sighed “Welcome back.” He dared to hug her as she was taken aback by the gesture but soon, she relaxed after catching Julie’s happy smile. Michael pulled away and turned to Jenna, who stood their quietly and patiently “And you are…”
Erin chuckled “You don’t have to pretend, we already know.”
Michael furrowed his brows “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
She was about to reply when Jenna tapped her on the shoulder “Is this Michael?” she asked Erin, who in turned nodded “That’s not the man that helped me.”
“What?” Erin and Reina said simultaneously.
“Jinx.” Reina pointed at Erin “What do you mean? Who was the guy then? You said it was Michael.”
Jenna shook her head “No, I said I thought it was Michael. But the guy was a little shorter, probably older by a couple of years. He had a very nice smile.” She turned to Michael “Not that you don’t.” she quickly added. He nodded with a crooked grin “He said he knew you, Erin.”
“Darn it!” Reina cursed.
“Thanks.” Erin smiled at Jenna, who looked confused “I don’t know who else would have the authority to help you that knows me.”
“Okay, if I wasn’t confused before, I am now.” Michael stopped them “Can we have a seat and discuss this?”
The girls nodded at each other as they were ushered into living room while they were treated with hot tea and English bread and butter. Erin did most of the explaining until Jenna began about the man the helped her. Michael and Julie were considered family so they were told about the undercover work.
After they were done explaining, Michael turned to Julie “Can you think of anyone that would have the power to work with Robert Kwok? Personally, I’ve only dealt with him probably three times and we said a total of two sentences. He’s actually very private and has his people deal with clients.”
Julie quickly agreed “Michael’s right. I’ve met him once and remembered that he appeared to be very cold. Maybe you guys can get an update on the socialites around town. It has been a few years since we’ve settled down. Michael barely goes to the office anymore. We spend more time together at home.” She touched her belly indicating he was ready to be a good father.
“I can ask around for you.” Michael promised.
Jenna nodded “Thanks. But maybe you know something else. He told me he had two sons. Have you met them? Or heard of them?”
His brows wrinkled thoughtfully as he tried to recall meeting them at a social event “Wait! I do remember. He had a son, quite handsome actually, around your age. He was very polite but it was a brief moment. I remember another young gentleman by his side. He never introduced us, but I only assume it’s his other son.”
“If you saw a picture of one of them, would you recognize him?” Jenna pressed.
Michael nodded surely “Yes. Definitely, I don’t forget faces.”
“Jenna, what do you know that we don’t?” Erin looked suspiciously at the girl.
“I’ll explain on the way back to headquarters. We’ve got to let Matt know.” Jenna insisted.
“Ga Jei, you’re going too?” Julie asked.
Reina nodded “I’m with the team now. But don’t worry, we’ll keep in touch.” She assured her baby sister.
The girls rushed into Erin’s car as she sped into the streets “Okay, can you tell us now?”
“Yeah, why did you ask Michael that? Do you know who the sons are?” Reina pushed but the girl would not budge.
“I’ll tell you when I see Matt.” She replied firmly. Reina looked at her with curious eyes while Jenna tried hard to ignore it “Stop it. Erin, make her stop!” she reached over and pulled at Erin’s sleeve.
She only turned slightly and smiled at the corner of her lips “Watch out!” Reina pointed at a car speeding at them.
Erin reacted quickly as she swerved over causing the car to screech against the pavement. Jenna pulled her window down as she cried after the car “Watch where you’re going, jerk!!!”
Reina laughed at her reaction despite their near death experience. Erin on the other hand was shaken up “Does she remind you of Mia or what?”
“Yeah.” Erin replied without feeling.
“What’s the matter?” Reina asked, quickly noticing that she was not herself.
“I think that was Chris.” Erin whispered eerily “But it can’t be…can it?”
Reina turned to Jenna “You don’t know what Chris looks like do you?” Jenna shook her head, she was the only one that got a good view of the driver.
“Seems I can’t recognize anyone at all lately. First the man that helped me and I thought it was Michael and now you’re telling me the guy that caused Mia to go into a coma is running free? Wow…” Jenna sighed.
“Wait.” Erin stopped her “Maybe the guy that helped you in the office was trying to warn us something?”
“What do you mean?” Reina asked.
Erin stopped the car as she pulled it to the side of the road and turned to the girls “Let’s say it’s someone that’s trying to help us. It doesn’t matter if he knows me, but he’s obviously trying to help. Jenna assumed he was Michael, but he never confirmed if he was or wasn’t. So maybe he was trying to tell us something?”
Reina quickly caught on “Michael!” She pointed back “They’re in danger!”
She didn’t have to say anything else as Erin pulled her car into a sharp u-turn and sped back to Michael’s house, hoping it’s not too late. Jenna was holding on for dear life “So you think this guy was trying to warn us that Michael was going to be attacked? That’s why he never revealed himself, so that I would be suspicious and come to Erin for help? Then we would confront Michael?”
“Bingo!” Reina pointed to the young agent.
“I hope we’re not too late.” Jenna looked worried.
“Me too.” Erin added. She came in time to see the car that almost ran into them earlier sped off, leaving a cloud of dust. She halted the car and turned to Reina “Go and check inside the house, I’ll follow him.”
Reina nodded as she thrust the door open and raced outside with Jenna. The girls noticed the door was ajar “Careful.” Reina warned. Jenna nodded and together they kicked the door down and walked inside. A trail of blood started from the living room carpet and dragged into the kitchen. Jenna pointed and Reina raised her index finger over her lips. They stepped carefully, following the trail, it looked hastily done and maybe the killer was trying to leave through the back door.
When the two reached the kitchen, they found a male figure dragging Michael’s lifeless body against the tile floors “What are you doing?!” Jenna demanded.
The guy panicked as he dropped the figure and raced into the backyard. Jenna was about to chase him when Reina stopped her “Wait! Check out Michael first.” They bent over and checked his pulse “Slow beating.”
“We need to get him to the hospital. His head is bleeding.” Jenna noticed. Reina was ahead of her as she called for the ambulance but when she was dialing, they heard sirens getting closer “That was quick.”
“I didn’t even get through yet.” Reina said.
“Creepy.” Jenna commented while the emergency crew burst into the kitchen and noticed the girls “Well, it’s about time!” Jenna exclaimed in a huffy voice.
“We came as fast as we could.” The head crew replied, “I could have sworn it was a man that called for us.”
Reina and Jenna looked at each other while the emergency crew worked at reviving Michael. He had lost a lot of blood and was unconscious, but Reina felt better that they were able to keep him stable. They rode together in the van to the hospital while calling Erin at the same time.
Jenna hung up her cell phone and Reina raised her brows curiously “She lost him. She’s on her way to the hospital too.”
“Did she mention Julie?” Reina asked worriedly.
“No.” Jenna replied sadly “I’m sure she’s safe.”
“Actually, I know she’s safe.” Her eyes darkened as she remember Chris’s obsession towards her sister.
BR>
Chapter 32
Aaron Kwok – Ted Kwong aka Libra
Nick Cheung – Darren Chiu aka Taurus
Julian Cheung - Doug Chung aka Virgo
Kenix Kwok – Rebecca Heung aka Cancer
Maggie Cheung – Sara Liu
Patrick Tam – Devin Hsu
Ted spent most of his nights in his new apartment, it was cozy but he couldn’t help but dwell on the fact that his relationship with Erin has not yet been resolved. That night, he was interrupted by a knock. He was surprised to see Doug and Darren at the door “Hi!” Doug greeted happily.
“What are you guys doing here?” he asked while letting them in.
“No time to chat, let’s go out. Change.” Doug replied hurriedly as he pushed Ted into his bedroom to change.
“Where are we going?” Ted laughed.
Doug sighed tiredly “A bar, where else do guys go? Now come on before Becca realizes I’m gone and tracks me down.”
“You are so lucky Mia isn’t here.” Darren snickered.
“Oh, you can talk!” Doug said with sarcasm “I thought you were busy sulking that you forgot about your true friends. I don’t know about you guys but if you didn’t notice, we’ve been having a lot of problems lately and I think it’s good to get out and clear your mind once in a while. I mean, maybe something will hit you and boom! You find an answer.”
Darren frowned hesitantly “You know Doug, Mia’s been down lately since Bon Bon was taken away. I think she needs me right now.”
He began to leave when Doug yanked him back “No! We’re going to have a guy’s night out whether you like it or not!”
Ted crossed his arms with a stern expression “Something tells me this night is for you, not for us.”
“Great, now that that’s understood, let’s go!” Doug cried merrily. The guys reached the bar and it was Doug who ordered the drinks. Ted was not in his best mood while Darren’s mind was on another world “Beers. A manly drink!” Doug announced as he came back with three bottles. Thrusting them into Darren and Ted’s hand, he clinked the glasses together and gave a good gulp. He sighed with satisfaction but quickly noticed the other two did not drink “You guys are worse than the guys in the help group I go to.”
It caught Darren’s attention “You go to a help group?”
“Yeah, for the men-who-married-too-early help group.” He answered nonchalantly.
Ted and Darren exchanged smiles “She’s got you wrapped around her little finger doesn’t she?” Ted joked. He took a sip of his drink and looked around, his smile faded as he pointed to a girl at the corner of the bar being harassed by a guy “Hey Doug, is that Sara?”
The three looked together and Doug nodded confirming “Yeah, who’s that guy that’s bugging her?”
“I don’t know but a girl should not go to a bar by herself.” Ted said with sincerity.
Doug brushed it off lightly “She can take care of herself. Anyways, as I was saying—”
“We should do something about it.” Darren cut in.
Ted quickly agreed “I’ve got a plan, come on.” He and Darren walked to the restroom to discuss their plan leaving Doug opened mouth and in shock. They returned outside with their t-shirts cut at the sleeves showing off their muscles and a little water fixed their normally combed hair to a spike position.
The three walked out coolly and approached Sara and the guy who was standing too close to her and obviously drunk. Ted used his chest to push the guy aside “Hi baby.” He cooed at Sara.
The guy was not pleased from the interruption “Who…the hell are you?” he sputtered drunkily while reaching for Ted.
“Don’t touch him!” Darren growled as he pushed the guy back roughly “Don’t you know who this is??” he demanded.
“Who is he?” the guy asked with little interest, his eyes grazed Sarah’s slender legs.
Doug quickly blocked his cousin’s figure and crossed his arms “Listen tight, he is the head of the largest gang in Sa Tin. Ever heard of the Red Dragon?” The guy shook his head but began to fear the guys “The most vicious killer in the history of Hong Kong gangs.” He stepped closer to the guy until he backed up and eventually rushed out of the bar. He turned to Sara with a proud grin “You’re welcome cous'.”
Sara sighed as she shook her head at the guys “Yeah, thanks.”
“I’m surprised at you Sara, what happened to the inner lion in you? I remembered when we were five, I took your blankie as a joke and you gave me a black eye.”
“Again, feel lucky that Mia isn’t here.” Darren commented.
She looked past the guys and nodded at her team “It’s okay. They’re friends.” She confirmed. Sara turned to the confused guys “I’m undercover.”
“Oops.” Doug smiled guiltily “Sorry, we thought you were being picked on.”
“I looked uncomfortable because he reeked of bitter smelling beer.” She said grotesquely. The guys quickly hid their beers behind their backs while she laughed.
Ted cleared his throat while changing the subject “Why are you working with the other team again? Don’t they have enough people?”
One of the cops overheard and he quickly chimed in “We don’t have any female cops as pretty as Sara.”
“I have to agree with that.” Ted smiled “But I don’t like the fact that my teammate has to work extra hard cause you guys can’t settle for an average looking girl.” His authority worked as the guy quickly backed down.
“I’m sorry Kwong Sir, but Sara offered.”
“Well, I’m using my superior authority to let her off tonight. If your captain has a problem, tell him to come see me tomorrow.” Ted said firmly.
“Yes, sir.” He replied and quickly retrieved his team.
Doug and Darren stood there with sly grins “What?” Ted asked.
“Nothing. Oh my, look at the time. Becca is probably having a heart attack right now. I’ve got to go.” Doug announced suddenly.
“Yeah, I should get back to Mia.” Darren caught on as the two guys quickly deserted their third wheel.
Ted let out a short sigh “Well, my ride just left me. Looks like I have to hitch a ride with you.” He smiled at Sara.
“Actually, you just scared away MY ride.” She laughed with a shaking head “The bus sound good?”
“Yeah.” Ted laughed as they walked out together “Where do you live again?” Sara raised her brows surprisingly at him “I was drunk last time, I can’t remember.”
She smiled with a nod “True. I live a couple of blocks down this street.” She pointed, “Are you hungry, Si hing?”
He nodded “A little. What do you feel like? My treat. I owed you from the last time you helped me.”
“Seafood?” she suggested. Ted agreed and together they found a little food place outside by the marketplace. It was busy as any other night. The two ordered crab legs and another fish dish. He was use to being a gentlemen as he offered her the first peace breaking off the shells for her “I want to change departments.”
Her comment was sudden making Ted stop as he turned to her “What?”
“I think they need me more.” She replied without looking at him in the eye.
“And you don’t think we need you?” he asked hurtfully.
Sara shook her head vehemently “No, it’s not that. I just think…I don’t know, it seems like they appreciate me more.”
“If you’re not happy about something, let me know. I’ll fix the problem, but that’s not a good enough reason to leave.” Ted finished.
“Si hing—”
He raised a hand to silence her “I’ve decided. You’re not going anywhere. Believe me, the Prostitution Illegal Department doesn’t need you THAT much. Anyways, you like being groped by drunken strangers?”
“Well, if you say it that way, no one would agree to that.” She pointed out with a hidden smile.
“I paint a good picture huh?” He grinned, “So you change your mind?” She nodded slowly making him smile wider “Great!” cracking another leg as he placed it on her plate “This is really good, we should come here again.” Sara chuckled with a nod.
**************
Doug came home that night trying to gently close the door but her voice startled him “Where have you been?!” she demanded suddenly.
He patted his chest “Dear Lord, you could kill me when I’m fifty.”
“I have been paging you all night!” Becca cried.
“Oh really?” he asked innocently while checking his pager “Well…look at that, I must have accidentally turned it off.” He shrugged off the carelessness and moved into the bedroom “Good night, honey.”
“Good night?” Becca stood at the door looking furious “You think I paged you for nothing?” she walked in and towered over him as he took off his shoes “Douglas, you have no idea what happened do you?” He quickly blocked himself when she flared her hands in the air “Are you afraid of me?” she asked with a sudden laugh that threw him off.
“Of course not!” he cried while straightening his back.
“Yes, you are.” She pointed out “Mia should get a good laugh out of this.”
Doug cleared his throat as he asked, “So, what’s the emergency?”
“Oh, right!” Becca snapped her fingers “Erin called, Michael and Julie were attacked. He’s in the hospital, the doctors said he lost a lot of blood in his brain and is currently in a coma. Chris had apparently kidnapped Julie, who’s pregnant.”
“All this happened while I was gone?” Doug asked in shock.
“No stupid, she's been pregnant for a few months." her mocking tone earned a roll of the eyes from Doug "It happened this morning but Erin, Reina and Jenna were present when they took Michael to the hospital. I hear someone gave Jenna a warning the day before, if not Michael would probably be dead.” Becca nodded firmly.
“Wow.” He sighed and quickly put his shoes back on “Come on. Let’s go to the hospital.”
Becca nodded in agreement as the two left their large apartment “So, you’re afraid of me. When did this start?”
Doug rolled his eyes “I thought it was obvious, the minute I met you.”
“Ahah!!" she pointed at him.
He shielded his face again "Stop that!!"
"You denided it before." she pointed out victoriously.
Doug snickered "Save me some male dignity."
“I don’t like that tone in your voice.” She warned.
“Sorry.” He backed down.
Chapter 33
Aaron Kwok – Ted Kwong aka Libra
Vivian Leung – Erin Yeung aka Scorpio
Ruby Lin – Mia Lam aka Pisces
Nick Cheung – Darren Chiu aka Taurus
Julian Cheung - Doug Chung aka Virgo
Kenix Kwok – Rebecca Heung aka Cancer
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
Nicholas Tse – Riley Kwok aka Leo
Myolie Wu – Leah Hong aka Aquarius
Raymond Lam – Mark Chiu aka Capricorn
Andy Lau – General Joseph Cheung (head of security)
Daniel Wu – Michael Wu
Patrick Tam – Devin Hsu
By the time Becca and Doug reached the hospital, the rest had already arrived. Erin sat quietly in the gurney that the nurses made her wear inside Michael’s room, which was kept from germs and contamination “I know you could hear me Michael.” She began quietly “Don’t worry, who ever did this to you will pay. I’ll find Julie and bring her back in one piece as well as your unborn child. This is not just about the P.R.A. anymore.”
“It never was.” She turned to see a familiar face that she did not want to see.
“What are you doing here?” she asked calmly while returning to Michael’s lifeless body. The only sign of his breathing heart was the rhythmic sound of the heartbeat machine.
Devin smiled “You would like to know wouldn’t you?”
She snickered at the egotistic comment “Don’t get a big head, I really don’t care. But it seems every time something happens with the team, you are there.”
“You’ve learned to accept it haven’t you?” he asked with a crooked smile that she could picture in her head “To be honest, I am very much intrigued with the team as I am with you.”
“I have nothing you want.” She replied coldly “Now get out before I have to make you.”
“I thought we had already determined that I am stronger?” he added, tempting her short fuse.
Erin turned to him as she stood up and stepped closer, he didn’t budge, only smiled at her with the same teasing grin. She looked at the ground and her eyes slowly moved up. Her eyes said it all with anger and fire shooting out at him. Throwing a punch to his left, she surprised him but could have knocked him out if it weren’t for his fast reflexes. He shifted away while she kicked him high above the head. Millimeters from his nose as he whipped his head back to block it. They went at it for minutes and he still refused to fight back with her.
Soon, she grew tired of his blocking game “Stop that!” she said annoyingly.
Devin laughed as he shrugged “I already won, it wouldn’t matter if you win this time.” Slipping her body fluidly to the ground, she spun her leg in a circle while supporting her body with her left hand to the ground. She managed to trip him as he fell back on his butt painfully “Is that any way to treat a life saver?”
Erin looked down at him strangely as she bent over on one knee “What did you say?”
“Nothing.” He shook his head.
“No. You…it was you that helped Jenna. Why did you do it?” Erin demanded, “What do you want from the team?”
“Same answer, nothing.” He concluded while rubbing his butt painfully. Erin stood up as she crossed her arms sternly. Devin smiled as he reached up a hand. She looked at it and hesitantly helped him up “Thank you. I’ll remember to stay on my toes we I see you again.”
“You still didn’t answer my question.” She pressed.
Devin let out a tired sigh “Erin. You of all people should know that being patient is the best virtue an agent could ever learn. Apparently, that was one lesson you never passed.”
She knew he was turning the tables on her. Slowly nodded, she admitted “You’re right.” Returning to her seat next to Michael “Until next time, Devin.”
He smiled and gave her a quick bow of the head before retrieving to the door. He walked out side and slipped by the crowd without anyone noticing him. Jenna gave the figure a double glance, he looked familiar but she couldn’t catch his face “She’s been in there for a while.” Mia declared.
Ted turned to her with a quiet jealous look while Darren jabbed her in the ribs, causing Mia to twitch. She threw him an evil look while he nodded towards Ted. Mia’s face softened as she smiled guiltily “It’s okay Darren.” Ted shook his head lightly.
“Finally!” Becca sighed when Erin emerged from the hallway “What took so long?” she asked, “How is he?”
“Coma. Undetermined. I think it was Chris.” Erin was firm about her notion.
“That’s a given.” Mia nodded “But you think someone else is behind all this?”
Riley added, “No, I don’t think so. He’s the only one with the history of hatred towards the team.”
But it was Ryan that disagreed “I think you’re forgetting about Robert Kwok. He has a history with the team.”
“Do you know what it is?” Riley asked.
“No, but as my brother said, he does not like the team. Whatever happened was probably bad enough for him to not trust us.” Ryan said with good reason.
“That doesn’t explain anything.” Riley snickered.
“Hey guys. It’s bad enough the people related to the team are being attacked one by one. We don’t need to turn against each other.” Mark pointed out.
The two guys with obvious friction turned away “Mark’s right.” Jenna agreed, “Whatever Robert has against us, it’s not important. We have to work at warning the rest of the people on the list and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
“Jenna has a good point.” Ted agreed. He turned to Matt who looked extra quiet “Do we have a plan?”
“Let’s wait for Joe.” Was all Matt said as he called for the team to retrieve to their homes “Erin, you and Ted stay back and watch after Michael. We’ll take turns every day, just to make sure that they don’t finish him off.”
“Yes, sir.” The two said simultaneously.
*************
Jenna returned that night to see two black luggages in her shared home with Joe “Are you home, Joe?” she asked loudly. There was no answer. She walked into his room where she heard water running. He was showering “Perfect!” she whispered to herself and rushed into the kitchen to conjure up his favorite Italian dish. Pesto fettucine in white sauce.
Joe walked out with a towel around his neck and he was dressed in pajamas “Jenna? Are you cooking?” it had been ages since he’s tasted her cooking, considering she went to culinary arts school.
“Yeah, it’ll be ready in a minute!” She called. Perfecting her dish, she added the perfectly grown basil leaf at the edge of the dish. She peeked her head into the living room and found him watching television “Hi Joe!” she cooed while giving him a rub on the neck “Wow, you seem tense, was the flight long?” she asked with exaggerated sincerity.
Joe sensed it quick “What is it and why are you acting like a real daughter?”
Jenna moved her hands away as she touched her neck carefully “Why Joe! I’m stunned. Here I am trying to be a good daughter and you accuse me of wanting something? I’m ashamed…not to mentioned hurt and disappointed and very hurt and—”
“And the list goes on.” Joe waved his hand dramatically with a laugh “What is it? Tell me before I grow goosebumps.” He teased.
She grinned adoringly “After dinner.” She raced into the kitchen and retrieved the plates of ready pasta. Pulling up the coffee table, she pushed the magazines onto the floor and set the plates on the glass top “Dinner is served.” She presented it beautifully.
Joe moved his eyes carefully from the dish to his girl “Hmm…my favorite.” His radar was up since the minute he smelled the alfredo sauce brewing.
“Yes! See what a good daughter I am?” Jenna pointed out.
“Yes and it’s scares me.” He teased but couldn’t help picking up the dish. He took a large bite and groaned with satisfaction.
“It’s good?” Jenna asked with a proud grin.
Joe nodded as he took another bite and suddenly spit it back on his plate while Jenna’s smile faded “Okay, I’ve eaten the forbidden fruit, what curse are you going to bring on me now?”
She dropped her jaw in shock “Why must you use metaphors? You know I don’t like them.”
“What’s your point?” he put down the plate and crossed his arms “Jenna, you know daddy doesn’t like it when you beat around the bush.”
“And Joe, you know I hate it when you use the ‘D’ word.” Jenna mocked.
He tilted his head sternly “Jenna.”
“Fine, fine, stop pressuring me!” She raised her palms in defense “Don’t start using that fatherly tone on me. I’m not use to it.”
His face softened “Jenna, I know I haven’t been a good father. Since you turned 15, you have been pretty much living on your own. Your mother died when you were too young and I didn’t think it was right to remarry...”
She shook her head “No, you’re not a bad father. It’s just sometimes I think I need a little discipline but since my father has important things to do, I just learned it on my own.” He was always proud of his little girl. She was a definite mix of his and his past wife’s personalities. Her curious for the spy work was from him but her quickness and wit were from her mother.
“You remind me so much of her.” He sighed. Even after all the years have gone by, there was still a place in his heart for missing his true love.
Jenna smiled softly “I know. You tell me that a lot.” When she felt the mood was turning mushy, she quickly whipped her head from side to side “Hey, you’re making me lose my path of thought. I was saying…Ryan and I did a little work on our own. We discovered something that we have not told anyone yet. And I want to tell you first.” she smiled proudly.
“What is it?” he put on his serious face for her.
“Riley Kwok. I mean, first he shows up on the street out of nowhere and asks Erin to take him into the team. Then he continues to stand up for Robert Kwok. Something is definitely fishy last night when Ryan and I caught him talking to Robert Kwok at an exclusive bar downtown.”
Joe listened intently until she finished “So?”
Jenna was surprised at his cool reaction “What? That’s all you have to say? I mean, doesn’t the fact that they have the same initials as well as last names ring a bell? He could be one of Robert’s sons! Plus he is snooping around behind the team doing God knows what. Ryan and I think he killed Shelly. The clues are there—”
He quickly cut in “You what?”
She backed up her words “I said…we think he killed Shelly.”
“You are in no position to make that kind of judgement.” Joe replied sternly at his daughter. He was acting like a boss than a father.
“Why not? I am entitled to my own opinion. Don’t you trust me?!” She argued louder.
“Yes, but this kind of opinion can tear the team apart. This is not an issue about trust, it’s about following orders and I do not remember assigning you or Ryan to Shelly’s murder case. This is why we are called the Team. We work together.”
“Blah, blah, blah…save it for someone who cares!” she belted out “I can’t believe you would not believe my words. If this team goes down, it’s because of him. I trust my gut and I trust Ryan’s instincts.”
Joe sighed, “Honey, Ryan is biased towards this case from the start. This is his wife that died, not some ordinary friend he met on the street. His suspicions have already clouded his logic. He cannot be taken seriously.”
“No, I think it’s YOU that have been clouded by the dark and evil forces of clear blindness! You’re never here, how would you even begin to know so much? It’s such a joke that my father would be the head of security for a whole country when he can barely handle one small little agency.” She spat harshly “I hope you like your dinner.” She reached for her jacket and bag while heading towards the door.
“Where are you going?” Joe asked tiredly while he rubbed the bridge between his eyes.
“Anywhere but here.” Jenna replied without turning back. With that, she slammed the door shut and raced towards the elevators before he came after her. She hopped into a cab and turned to the entrance of the home but didn’t find Joe following her. Anger boiled inside as she replayed the fight in her mind.
She paid the driver and stepped onto the curb. Letting out a sigh, she approached the large double doors. Hitting the doorbell, she waited until footsteps got closer. Reina rubbed her eyes tiredly as she wondered who it was. She knew that Erin would be at the hospital all night “Jenna?” she found the distraught girl on the doorstep.
“Can I stay here?” she asked with saddened puppy eyes.
“Come in.” Reina said through a yawn. Taking her to a furnished bedroom, she gestured inside the room “The blankets are in that closet.” She pointed to the left “Good night.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” Jenna blurted out.
Reina nodded with raised brows “Okay.” She turned to leave.
“I got in a fight with Joe.” She began babbling about the fight. Reina yawned as she entered the room and sat on the bed next to Jenna while she talked.
SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004
