The Zodiac of PRA IV: The Return
Chapter 46
Vivian Leung – Erin Yeung aka Scorpio
Ruby Lin – Mia Lam aka Pisces
Nick Cheung – Darren Chiu aka Taurus
Louis Koo – Luke Yam
Julian Cheung - Doug Chung aka Virgo
Kenix Kwok – Rebecca Heung aka Cancer
Joyce Tang – Reina Ng aka Gemini
Charlene Choi – Jenna Cheung aka Aries
Nicholas Tse – Riley Kwok aka Leo
Tony Leung – Robert Kwok
Dicky Cheung – Chris Wong
Patrick Tam – Devin Hsu
Erin shook her chains in desperate frustration. She didn’t know how long it had been since Devin left, but she grew restless from waiting. She finally gave up after a long moment of struggles. She closed her eyes and lowered her head in defeat.
Just then, the door crept open. She froze in her spot, wondering who it was. Devin would not enter quietly, she turned expecting to see Chris, but it was another familiar face “Riley?”
He raised a finger to his lips “Shh…not so loud. They’re still upstairs.” He reached into his pocket for the key and quickly unlocked her.
“Why are you doing this? Aren’t you Robert’s son?” she asked suspiciously.
He snickered from her words “Unfortunately. We can’t talk now. We have to get you out of here before tonight.”
“What happens tonight?” Erin asked while rubbing her red wrists.
“The team will be destroyed. They're going to send a page to Matt and asked him to bring the entire team if they want you alive.” He said hastily while taking her hand and leading her out of the basement “But really, he is going to kill you all.”
Erin yanked her hand back from him “Why are you helping me? There’s no reason for me to trust you.”
“But you do.” Riley read her mind “Something in your gut says that I’m not the bad guy, right? Just go with it.”
“How do I know you’re not leading me into a trap right now?” Erin asked with a turned head “Granted, my instincts say you are harmless but you are still Robert Kwok’s son.” She reminded him.
“He doesn’t deserve to be my father!” Riley snapped “He threw my mother out on the streets when she was only three months pregnant with me. He thought she cheated on him and the third woman framed her. We lived life on the streets, scraping for food. I grew up being teased while he lived a wealthy life! I hate him with all my guts!”
“Then why did you go back to him?” Erin asked. She felt his pain of losing his mother and growing up in poverty but there was still an unexplained answer.
“Yes son. Why did you return to me?”
His deep voice caused the two to stand still in their place “I told you he couldn’t be trusted.” Chris snickered.
Riley turned to Robert “Father…”
“You have no right to call me that! Traitor.” He growled angrily.
“This is your son you praise about?” Devin laughed with sarcasm.
“Not anymore.” Robert raised a gun pointing at Riley.
Erin pulled the young guy behind her “You’re no less than an animal if you can kill your own son.”
Devin quickly intervened between Erin and the raised gun “Robert, there are other things to do. We only have a couple of hours left.”
The man knew their plan could not fail. If the cue does not fall through, they would have wasted too much time and efforts “You’re right.” He lowered his gun “Take them in the cell.” He nodded to Chris.
Erin and Riley followed the trail back and were locked up inside the room “Now do you believe me?” he asked while pacing the floors.
“I’m not sure anymore.” She shook her head in confusion. He continued to walk back in forth like a nervous wreck “Calm down.”
“I can’t. All of Joe’s hard work…the team, the plan. Gone to waste.” He stopped and took a seat on the chair “How will I ever face him?” he lowered his face into his hands in shame.
Erin tilted her head “Who are you, Riley?”
He turned up slowly, there was no use in hiding it anymore “I’m an undercover cop. Joe recruited me and told me about the team. He was suspicious that there was corruption going on with an agent and hired me to get involved.”
“You’re a cop?” she was in disbelief.
Riley smiled “Well…not yet. I was on my last year in Cadet school and he hand picked me from the crowd and asked me to see him in private. He told me about the team and I was very much interested. I wondered why he asked me out of all the more experienced policemen. But he knew…he knew who I was. At first, I said no. I didn’t want the complications. My guts told me to go for it, so I agreed. Joe had me follow you around until I caught you in the market that one day. I came up knowing that you were an agent.”
“Joe knew I would recruit you to join.” Erin said slowly.
“It was a long shot, but he knew the fact that if I told you I was an orphan, you would soften. He was right.” Riley lowered his head “When he died, I knew I had to work harder to pin Robert Kwok to the stand. He’s been walking outside the laws like a God. Killing anyone that got in his way.”
She frowned “So it’s true…he is in revenge for his father’s capture thirty years ago.”
Riley wrinkled his brows “How did you know about that? I just found out recently when I overheard him talking to Devin.”
“Devin told me himself.” Erin replied “Do you know who he is?”
“You wouldn’t believe it if I told you.”
******************
It had been two hours since their discoveries and still no sign of Erin “Is it time to worry now?” Luke asked.
Reina was pacing the floor with a cell phone stuck to her ear “Matt, it’s me again. Where are you? Call me back please.”
“He’s still not answering?” Jenna asked.
“Where do you think he is?” Doug wondered out loud.
She shook her head “I don’t know. But this is not good. We’re missing an agent and our leader is nowhere to be found.”
“What should we do now?” Jenna didn’t like feeling trapped at a dead end “We can’t just sit here and wait.”
“She’s right.” Doug agreed “Let’s split up and find the team. Maybe we can get an answer. Should we meet at headquarters?”
Reina was the most experienced as she nodded reluctantly “One hour. Gather as many as you can.” She grabbed the keys on the table and her jacket. She turned to Luke with a pointed finger “Don’t leave the house.”
He nodded while he watched the others left. He heard the car engine turned on and the house was quiet again. An eerie feeling came over him as he sat on the couch. The doorbell startled him as he gave a little jump “Jenna forgot something.” He reasoned out loud. He came to open the door and appeared a man he didn’t recognize “Can I help you?”
Devin let himself inside with an easy aura “Maybe.” He walked into the center of the room, head looking around “Nice place.”
“I don’t know you…” Luke said uneasily.
“But I know you…Luke.” Devin smiled before pulling out a gun on him.
Luke stumbled back “Who…who are you?”
Devin didn’t expect any other visitors but to his shock Reina, Jenna and Doug returned. Jenna smiled at Reina “There was a rat sneaking around the house.”
“You don’t hide yourself too well.” Reina smiled while stepping in front of Luke “Care to pick on someone else?” she stood in a ready stance.
Doug cleared his throat as he leaned into her ear “He has a gun Reina.”
Devin laughed as he raised his gun letting it dangle from his fingers “I’d like to see an agent in action.” He flicked open the bullet carrier as the group noticed it was empty “I don’t like carrying real guns.”
Reina smiled as she charged at him. He fought with one hand behind his back while dodging her vicious punches. Jenna watched carefully “He’s good.” She whispered.
“Too good.” Doug nodded in agreement.
“Go help her!” Luke pushed.
“It’s not ethical.” Jenna replied “There’s a certain line of respect when two people are fighting. You don’t team up until its necessary.”
Luke turned up in time to see Devin twisting Reina’s wrists behind her back “I think it’s necessary.”
Doug and Jenna quickly jumped in to help making Devin release Reina’s hand as he fought with the two of them. Reina turned to her teammates “Stop!” the two stopped and returned to her side “What are you here for?”
“It was just getting fun.” Devin smiled.
“You have Erin.” Reina’s face fell.
He raised his brows in surprise “Not bad.”
“Let her go!” Luke declared with a pointed finger.
“Okay, just because you said to let her go.” Devin teased with another laugh “Pathetic. I am only sending a message, meeting with Robert Kwok at the mansion in Lam Town at twelve midnight. If you don’t come, be prepared to pick up Erin’s dead body tomorrow morning.”
“You think we’re dumb enough to walk into a trap?” Jenna asked with a snicker.
Devin smiled “You have no choice. I believe you will be on time too.” He nodded firmly as he walked over and turned to Reina “Bring all the help you want.”
The four watched him leave. Luke turned to them in stunned silence “That’s all? You’re just going to let him go? Catch him and use him as hostage.”
“That won’t help.” Doug said wisely.
Reina nodded in agreement “Come on, we have to get the others. Luke, you’re coming with us. They might come back for you.”
The four split up into two groups. Doug and Jenna headed to Mia and Darren's while Luke and Reina looked around for Matt and the others “Should we go to your place and pick up Becca? It’s on the way.”
“Let’s get Mia and Darren first.” Doug suggested. Jenna smiled secretly while she drove to the Chiu Mansion. They approached the front door and the butler announced their arrivals.
“What brings you here, wimpy. Hi Jenna.” Mia greeted casually.
“We’ve got a problem.” Jenna replied grimly.
The group drove together in Darren’s limo, Doug explained their discoveries and the encounter with Devin “Is he helping us?” Darren asked.
“That’s what I’m thinking.” Mia nodded.
“Don’t you have your own opinion?” Doug teased.
“Don’t you have a wife to fear?” Mia quipped.
Darren frowned “Speaking of Becca, are we picking her up?”
“Yes!” Jenna answered for Doug.
“Okay, you go.” Doug pointed at the young girl.
Mia rolled her eyes “You are such a chicken butt. I’ll go with you.” They reached the apartment building as the two exited the limo and entered the gated doors.
“Thanks, I need the moral support.” He sighed thankfully.
“Anytime, chicken.” She replied with a smile.
He frowned “Don’t call me that.”
“What? Chicken? I like it, it fits.” Mia laughed at the expression on his face. They exited the elevator and walked towards the door. She turned to him with raised brows “Keys. It’s not my home.” He checked his pocket and found it as he handed it to her. Stepping behind her, he waited for her to open the door “Dork.” The door was pushed open and they entered the dark apartment “Hello!” Mia called.
“Shhh!! You might wake her.” Doug pushed her roughly.
“We have to!” she yelled even louder “Becca!! It’s me Mia!!! And Chicken!!”
Doug frowned “She’s a light sleeper.”
Mia turned to him curiously “You don’t think she was kidnapped too?”
He shook his head and walked down the hallway and into his room. He turned on the light and noticed the room was untouched. He checked the closet and the drawers “She’s gone.” He sighed.
“Doug!!!” Mia cried from the living room. He rushed out to see what she found “She’s gone.”
He sighed “I know.”
She placed a letter into his hands “It says to you.”
He opened it and read it out loud “Doug, as you may notice, I have left. I was hurt when you suggested that we get a divorce. I was angry because I know I deserve better. I’ve had a lot of time to think and resentment has built up. I thought about burning all your belongings so you would return with nothing. But that is too high school. I’m an adult now. So instead, I’m leaving. The legal papers will come to you in a week. Please tell Matt that I quit the team and I apologize to anyone for any disappointment they may feel. I cannot look at you anymore. Goodbye. Becca.”
“Wow…” Mia said with widened eyes “You screwed her bad.”
“Me? Hello…did you even see us together?” Doug shook his head “No, she’s kidding. I don’t believe that she’s gone. She’s just scaring me. Waiting for the perfect time to pounce on me! I just know it.”
Mia rolled her eyes “Dude, you’ve got problems.” She turned and began to leave.
“Listen to me…” he began babbling while Mia covered her ears making him scream even louder.
Chapter 47
Aaron Kwok – Ted Kwong aka Libra
Vivian Leung – Erin Yeung aka Scorpio
Ruby Lin – Mia Lam aka Pisces
Nick Cheung – Darren Chiu aka Taurus
Louis Koo – Luke Yam
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
Tony Leung – Robert Kwok
Dicky Cheung – Chris Wong
Ekin Cheng – Ethan Chan
Maggie Cheung – Sara Liu
Patrick Tam – Devin Hsu
Reina and Luke approached Matt’s house but before they had a chance to knock, the door opened “I know.” Matt sighed.
“Did he come by?” Reina asked.
He looked confused “Who came by?”
She shook her head “Nevermind. How did you find out?”
“Robert called me.” He reached for his jacket “Ryan is out with a couple of friends, but I just paged him. We’re meeting at headquarters. Where is everyone else?”
Reina followed his quickened steps “Jenna and Doug are with Mia and Darren. I don’t know who else they got a hold of.” Luke got in the back seat while Reina was in the front with Matt driving.
“We don’t have time to worry about that now.” He pulled out of the driveway and glanced back at the rear view mirror “You must be Luke.”
He smiled “I must be.”
“I’ve heard quite a few things about you.” Matt glanced towards the back seat.
Reina laughed “He’s kidding, I haven’t said anything about you.”
Luke smiled “Not yet.”
“Oooh, you’re catching on.” Reina complimented.
**********
The four reached headquarters first and noticed no one else was there “Jenna, I think you should find your other teammates.” Mia suggested, “We’ll wait here.”
“I’ll go with you.” Darren nodded.
“Be careful.” Mia said while he handed over the sleeping Bonnie into her arms.
“We will.” He replied hastily while ushering Jenna out the door. They drove around town until they reached market “I think he lives here.”
“You think?” Jenna asked, “We don’t have time to think.”
Darren chuckled “Tell that to Mia.” They got out of the car and walked down the block towards the market “Ted lives in that building. I’ve only been there once, but I’m pretty sure that’s it.” They walked by a food stand and suddenly Darren stopped Jenna.
“What?” she turned to him strangely.
He moved back a few steps and turned to the couple sitting at one of the small tables “Ted?”
He was eating with Sara, both laughing at something funny or maybe just having a good time “Looks like someone moved on.” Jenna snickered.
“Is something wrong?” Ted asked, he began to worry.
“Where have you been?” Jenna crossed her arms “Wait…don’t answer that.” She flicked a brow at Sara.
Darren turned to her with a shaking head “Not now.” He waved for Ted to come over as the two engaged in a low conversation.
Jenna moved to the empty seat next to Sara “So…you like sloppy seconds huh?”
“Excuse me?” the girl was confused at the harsh attitude from Jenna.
“You heard me. Erin didn’t want him, so you’re taking over? Have you no shame?” Jenna asked in disgust.
Sara rolled her eyes “Please, you just said it yourself. Erin didn’t want him. I wouldn’t let a great guy like that go to waste. I would only be guilty if Erin still had feelings for him.”
Jenna’s lips curled into a smile “Not bad… I like you.” She got up and moved towards the guys. She nudged Ted “Good choice.”
He tilted his head strangely at her while Sara scratched her head in confusion “Come on, we don’t have time to screw around.” Darren nodded at the two.
“Sara, I have an emergency to take care of. I’ll see you later.” He nodded.
“Be careful!” she added quickly. He jogged towards the limo but stopped and returned to Sara, giving her a kiss on the lips “Come back.” She whispered. Ted nodded and he was off again.
They entered the car together with Jenna grinning, “What’s with the goofy grin?” Ted smiled.
“You’re in love.” She teased.
“Girl, where have YOU been?” Darren mocked.
They returned to headquarters with everyone there, except for Ryan. Mia had filled Matt in on Becca’s disappearance, there was nothing they could do. Matt glanced at his watch while staring at the door “Where is he?” he sighed tiredly “We can’t wait…okay, let’s start the plan.” He went over the drawn map of the mansion “Darren and Mia, I want you to enter the main door. Reina and I will join you there. Doug, you go through the back door. Leah, you assist Ted on the roof, get in from the fire escape to the second floor.”
“How about me?” Mark asked.
“Come with us.” Matt said firmly.
Jenna raised her hand “You forgot me.”
“No, I didn’t. You stay here and wait for Ryan. Sneak in from the backyard and into the kitchen. If you hear gunshots, be careful and run in to help us if necessary.” Matt turned to his group “Let’s stay in touch team, be careful and stay on your toes. We’re walking into a trap.”
“Yes Sir!!”
Mia turned to Jenna "Bonnie's sleeping in one of the rooms, Luke is with her but if she cries, can you take over? You know how men are." she winked.
"Okay." Jenna nodded.
The group headed towards the exit as they locked in their headsets and prepared for a fight until the death. Within five minutes of the team evacuating, Ryan called the conference room phone “Hello?” Jenna picked up.
“Jenna? You guys are still there, good…my car died in Tsim Sa Tsui.” He said hastily with the sound of cars whooshing by.
“Actually, they just left. I’ll come pick you up.” She hung up the phone and rushed out. She drove slowly down the streets, ignoring the rude honks from disagreeing drivers. She saw Ryan standing on the side with his car smoking at the engine “Need a ride?” She teased while pulling up behind him.
“Thank God! I thought you got lost.” He was grateful for being saved.
She laughed while he got inside the car “Here’s your vest, headset and gun.” She gave him the black duffel bag from the back seat "Let’s go kick some ass!”
“Wait!” he stopped her “We have to drop by somewhere first.” She ruffled her brows in confusion “Let me drive.” He shifted up so she could crawl underneath him. It was uncomfortable and awkward with her head cracked to the side.
“You can’t use the door?!” she rubbed her neck painfully while he took off speeding.
***********
The big grandfather clock chimed loudly, announcing the time “Are you sure they’ll come?” Chris asked.
“What’s your rush?” Devin leered at him.
“They’ll come.” Robert nodded firmly. Just as he said it, the door creek open and appeared a group “Welcome. I was beginning to worry that you wouldn't make it.” He said brightly.
Matt stood dead center with Mia and Darren on one side while Mark and Reina were on his other side “We wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
The dimly lit room was suddenly brightened from Robert’s two claps. Erin and Riley were hung from the ceiling. Long chains were attached to a cylinder shaped metal around their wrists. A red flashing button could be seen with the naked eye “I found a couple of rats in my home. What do you think I should do with them?” Robert asked with special interest.
“Let them go.” Mia snorted. His eyes snapped over to her dangerously “What? You asked.”
“Do you know what I do to smartass people?” he walked over to a control that looked like a wheel “What happens when I turn this?” The five turned to each other while Robert spun the small wheel.
The metal cylinder piece tightened around Erin and Riley’s wrist as they let out agonizing cries “Stop!” Darren demanded.
Robert threw his head back with a merry laugh “I thought you were having fun?”
“Shut up, what the hell do you want?” Reina asked.
He stepped closer so they could see his face “Revenge…just as simple as that.” He raised his hands up “I thought you knew?”
On the roof, Ted and Leah succeeded in climbing the iron ladder. He draped the rope around his waste while a knife sat between his teeth, he prepared to tie it to a sturdy object while Leah tied her own. Her hands shaky as she gripped onto the rope “Don’t be nervous. I’ll watch out for you.” Ted assured her.
Leah nodded “Okay.”
“You ready?” he asked. She gulped and nodded “Come on.” He moved to the edge of the two story home “Slowly.” He advised while gripping on the rope. He motioned for her to follow. Together they inched their way down to the first window, it looked to be a guest room. Ted moved closer until he was over the window, placing a large circled magnet, he pressed a button as it sucked the window out with a loud cracking sound. Leah caught the string connected to the magnet before it came crashing to the ground “Good catch.” Ted nodded as he eased his way into the room. He turned to help Leah in “Libra and Aquarius is in.”
Matt smiled after the notice “You think by killing the team, you are doing a favor to your father? He was just a thief.”
“Just a thief?” Robert’s blood boiled “He was the best in the industry, the best in the world!! Had it not been for that stupid nuisance, he would be living a grand retirement here instead of spending his days in jail in a foreign country!!”
“It was his choice to do that.” Reina added, “He chose the path, he has to live with it. Joe did the right thing.”
“You’re the one to talk. Last time I checked you were working against the team.” He smiled slowly “I know you still hate them. Don’t you remember who killed Andrew? Who caused your sister and brother to die? Who was the one that turned your baby sister against you?”
Reina turned her eyes away “That’s in the past. I’m over it, I think it’s time for you to get over yourself. You’ve killed enough people.”
“But that’s only the beginning.” Robert replied, “I want more to die, until my heart desires.”
Mia snickered “You sick bastard. You belong in hell!”
“If I do, I’m taking you all with me.” He laughed at his own quip.
In the backyard, Doug rolled through the cemented ground until he was close enough to the door. Trying the knob, he noticed it was not locked. It couldn’t be that easy, he thought to himself and moved towards the window instead. Suddenly, an explosion caused him to dive into the ground covering for safety. He turned after the smoke and dust were gone, the door had a bomb on it. He silently thanked his lucky stars and moved to break down the window instead.
The group heard the explosion as Reina leaned into Matt “Doug…” she whispered.
Robert raised his brows while laughing with glee “Oops, did I get one of your agents? Sorry…”
“Virgo is in.” Doug checked in.
Matt smiled as did the rest of the team “Not quite.”
Robert turned to Chris, who held up a walkie talkie to his lips “Kitchen assistance.”
“Who is he talking to?” Mia asked Darren.
He shook his head “I don’t see anyone else but three.”
“There’s more.” Matt nodded to the paintings on the wall, the silver holes could be seen “He’s got this place booby trapped.” Guns were pointed to them from secret locations in the house, They looked up and easily spotted the snipers ready while hanging from the chandeliers.
Chapter 48
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
Tony Leung – Robert Kwok
Dicky Cheung – Chris Wong
Patrick Tam – Devin Hsu
Ted and Leah drew their guns as it pointed to the ceiling, they kept it close to their body while carefully moving to the hallway that led to the staircase. She turned to him for instructions, when she saw the red dot in the middle of his forehead. Instinctively, she pushed him to the ground while a shot rang through.
“Sniper.” She pointed to the chandelier.
Ted moved to his knees as he pushed her behind him against the wall “There must be another way down. Look.” He nodded toward the end of the hall. She nodded and rushed down to check the rooms for another stairwell. He gripped the gun tighter while taking in a deep breath, Ted leaped across the floor while aiming the sniper in the chest. He hit his shoulder instead causing the guy to fall to the ground, cracking his back bone.
Mia flicked a brow with a crooked smile “Nice.”
Robert turned his head up and saw Ted sprinting to the end of the hall “Get him!” he growled at Chris.
“Yes, sir.” He bowed obediently.
“That’s right, be a good little dog.” Reina added causing Chris to pause in his steps.
Devin spoke up for the first time “Does her words bother you?” he asked Chris.
The petite guy looked up with fury as he continued into the control room “Move to the second floor. There are two of them up there.” He instructed. The men held their guns ready as they rushed up the stairs.
Jenna and Ryan finally arrived as they entered the home through the backyard. Sprinting, they reached the torn down door. Stepping inside with their guns drawn, they pointed it in different directions “Clear.”
“Aries and Sagittarius are in.” Ryan checked with Matt.
“Psst!” Doug peeked from behind the counter causing Jenna to jump back.
“Don’t do that!” she hissed.
“Come on.” He waved them over as the three crouched down “Okay, Matt says this place is booby trapped. We’re going to find that hidden room and kill them all before they get a chance to attack.”
“Where do we start?” Jenna asked.
Suddenly a gun was drawn to Doug’s head “How about now?”
The three froze and Jenna widened her eyes at Doug who took a chance as he turned his head and elbowed the guy in the face, pulling his armed hand towards the wall, he forced him to empty the gun before punching him to unconsciousness. Ryan and Jenna sighed with relief “I’m good, I know.” Doug fixed his collar as he moved out of the kitchen.
“I can find one person that would disagree.” Jenna mocked.
The three zig zagged through another hallway until they came upon three doors. Doug nodded for them to take down one each “I'll count to three.”
“Wait…is it after three or on three?” Jenna asked.
“On three.” Doug emphasized “One, two…three!” in unison, they kicked the door down and it was Ryan’s door that had the secret control room.
“Shit!” Ryan quickly ducked when the guns pointed at him. Doug spun around and began shooting before they had a chance to shoot, giving Ryan time to roll out of the way. Jenna lowered herself as she turned her gun inside and shot randomly catching a few guys in the legs.
Robert watched the five of them with careful eyes “More rats?”
“Counting yourself?” Mia quipped.
“You know, I don’t appreciate your mouth. When I get my hands on you, I’ll have to use the tongue remover on you.” Robert sneered at her.
Devin laughed, “My friend, you are craziest bastard with a torture fetish.”
“You should try it sometime. It’s quite a relaxer.” Robert chuckled.
When they ran out of bullets, the three charged into the room and fought with the remaining snipers that were not down. Within minutes, they had subdued the room. It looked like a long closet with weapons on the tables and holes on the walls. Jenna peeked through one “Hey, we can see the living room.” She exclaimed.
“That means there’s one more room on the other side.” Doug guessed.
“Well let’s go, our audience awaits.” Ryan said brightly before stealing a couple of guns.
Leah eventually found another trap door with a pole in the center, she checked the room with her small flashlight and noticed the pole traveled down to the basement “Leah, move!!!” Ted’s warning caused her to turn and her shoulder quickly hit a flying bullet from Chris. Ted pounced on him from behind while he watched Leah tipping over the edge, her arms flaring as she fell through the hole.
“Too bad.” Chris mocked as he wrestled with Ted. He had dropped his gun while Chris still had his. The gun inched slowly closer to Ted, who used all his might to move it a completed 90 degree turn.
“Too bad for you…” Ted replied as he pulled the trigger causing the bullet to fly into Chris’s shoulder. He groaned in pain while gathering the last bit of strength to push Ted off as he rushed away towards the stairs. Ted didn’t chase him, instead his concern came for Leah. He ran towards the room and slid down the pole, there was barely any light but he was careful not to step on her “Leah! Leah!” he felt his foot stepping on something soft, it was her leg as he moved aside and used his flashlight, the room was some sort of torture cell.
“Oww…” Leah groaned.
“Leah!” Ted smiled, glad to hear her voice “Are you okay?”
She shook her head “No…I fell on something.” She pointed weakly with her uninjured arm.
“It’s a pillow?” Ted said as he pulled it out from under her back “It’s your lucky day.” He chuckled while helping her up “Let me see that wound.”
“It didn’t hit me.” Leah turned her head to show him “It hit the vest. The only part with the least cushion.” She groaned in pain.
“Better than bleeding.” Ted laughed as he helped her up “Come on.”
“Matt, we got one room down, we’re coming to the other room. You guys are safe to move on the left side.” Doug instructed.
v
Matt smiled slowly as he nodded his group to move “For a couple rats, its sure hard for you to get rid of.”
Robert eyed them carefully and wondered why they were moving to his right “I’m getting bored, let’s turn this up another notch.” He walked over and released the red button which dropped Erin and Riley with a thump.
Mia took a step forward “What are you doing?”
He reached for Riley’s arm “This is my son. I can do whatever I want with him.” He shook him roughly. He released him causing him to stagger to the ground, his eyes dangerous as he walked over to Erin “And you…” pulling out a gun, he yanked her to her feet and pressed the barrel against her temple “Goodbye honey, it’s been fun.”
Pulling back the trigger, he froze in his place when he too was looking down a gun barrel “Not so fast.” Devin snickered “I told you before Robert, she’s MY prisoner.”
“You would turn on me for a woman?” he spat in disgust.
“I never turned. I only pretended.” He laughed “You naïve little son of a bitch, you think I would team up with you? You'd finish me off when you're done using me.”
"You know me well." Robert snorted.
Matt and the others exchanged glances “What the hell…” Mia began.
“What about the plan? To take over P.R.A.?” Robert asked.
Devin shook his head “Take over? It’s already mine…let her go.”
“Yeah!!” Mia exclaimed.
Mark knew it was his only chance as he quickly grabbed Reina by the neck and stuck a gun to her head “Don’t move!”
“Mark, what the hell are you doing?” Matt widened his eyes in shock.
Reina winced in pain but she made no sudden movements as she allowed him to drag her closer to Robert Kwok. Erin broke away from Robert’s grasped as she sidestepped towards Riley “He’s Robert’s other son.”
“You…” Darren shook his head in disbelief “You are the corruption.”
“Surprise, surprise.” He snickered “Drop the gun.” He pointed at Devin, who made no move to drop it “I said drop it!!”
Devin slowly tossed the gun to the side as she stepped back slowly with surrendering hands “You’re not getting away. You’re surrounded.”
“I know. But this house is covered in explosives, you think you can get out easily? It will blow up with one push of a button.” He nodded to Robert “Right dad?”
Robert smiled proudly “Finally, you have redeemed yourself.”
“You forgive me?” he asked with eager eyes.
He nodded slowly “Yes.”
Reina took her chance when he loosened his grip, she whipped her body to the side while giving him a good punch in the stomach. She knocked the gun from his hand “Get down!!” she motioned for the group as gunshots began to fire from the opposite walls.
Erin and Riley were released from the chains as they joined them behind the couch “What now?” she asked.
“That room.” Devin pointed, “Has an escape exit. If we can get there, we’re free.”
“Why are you helping us?” Mia asked with curiosity.
Erin turned to her friend “Because he’s Joe’s half brother.”
They looked shocked while Devin smiled “So the secret’s out.”
“Guys, there’s no time for small talk.” Matt nodded while the bullets continued to fly “Come on, the people with guns, cover those that don’t have one.”
Doug and Ryan broke down the second control room with a kick as they began firing without notice. Jenna was about to help when she saw Chris sprinting towards the back. She quickly followed “Going somewhere?” she caught up to him.
He raised his hand in a defense position “Please, don’t shoot…I don’t have a gun.”
“Neither do I.” Jenna replied. Chris’s sly grin appeared as he pulled out a gun from his back jeans. Before he had a chance to fire at her, a shot rang out and hit him in the stomach. He dropped the gun and fell to his knees a hand cover his wound while the blood continued to drain out “Just kidding.” Jenna snickered.
Doug and Ryan chased after her to make sure she was alright. Chris fell to the ground as he reached for his fallen gun, Doug raised his gun and shot him on the arm “That’s for Jessie.”
Ryan pointed a gun to his leg and shot him “That’s for Shelly.”
“This is for Joe.” Jenna aimed at his heart and let the shot kill him.
The three stood there with a light heart, revenge was sweet. Jenna and Ryan smiled at each other as they turned to leave when a shot rang out again, startling the two. Doug smiled “Ooops.”
Ryan sighed, “Scared the shit out of me.”
“Is that what that smell is?” Jenna asked plugging her nose.
“Ha ha…” he pushed her head playfully as they walked around to the front of the house to join their last teammate.
SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004
