The Zodiac of PRA IV: The Return

Chapter 4

The weekend snuck up on them quickly as work was beginning to slow down. The group planned for a picnic at Ted and Erin’s home. The backyard was spacious enough for a party as it was set up with tables lined up in rows ready for the barbeque lunch to take place. Erin and Mia were in charge of the meats as they circled the markets to get the steak and burgers.

“How do you choose the right ones?” Mia asked as she picked up a piece of cut meat at the open meat store “I’m so use to having Yuk Jei do the shopping.”

“You are so spoiled.” Erin laughed as she shook her head at the man who looked ready to wrap the meat that Mia was holding onto “That has too much fat. We’ll go down there.” Erin pointed further down the street.

“More walking?” Mia complained “Can’t we take a taxi or something?”

“Why not a limo?” Erin was being sarcastic.

“Darren has it in the shop.” Mia replied nonchalantly. Erin stopped and tilted an exasperated look at her friend “I’m kidding!” She quickly linked her arm through Erin’s “You can never take a joke.”

Erin snickered “Not when it comes out of your mouth.” Her eyes moved up to a commotion ahead. A young guy was pushing everyone out of the way while he was being chased by a few policemen “Thief, twelve o’clock.” She said to Mia.

“Oooh!! A chase, I haven’t had one of these for a long time.” Mia rubbed her hands readily as she stepped to block the guy’s way and raised a hand motioning for him to stop. Instead he spun his body around her arm and continued running.

“Smooth.” Erin raised her brows at her friend “You’re losing your touch.”

Mia smiled crookedly “It’s not fun if I can’t chase him.” Picking up speed, she began running after the guy while Erin stopped the police and identified herself by her carry on tag. She turned and rushed to help Mia, who had caught up to him and started a fist fight. But she defeated him with a little difficulty, Mia was out of breath “Not bad…but I still win!”

He spun himself out of her lock and tried to run away but this time Erin kicked a foot at his calf making him fall on one knee “Slick. You’re experienced.” She took a hold of his hand and quickly used her other hand to block the swinging arm coming at her. She let go of him as he stood up and turned to her “If you can beat me, I’ll let you go.” She challenged.

“I don’t hit women.” The guy answered coolly.

“Hello!! What am I? A man dressed like a woman?” Mia asked with wide eyes.

“That’s why I let you win.” He answered quickly.

Mia turned to Erin “Come on, let’s beat his ass!” the girls quickly attacked him and within a few seconds he was beaten “Did you let us win this time?” Mia snorted as she hit him across the back of his head.

“It’s not fair. Two against one.” He complained.

The girls exchanged glances again and quickly let go “Can I have him? Please?” Mia begged. Erin smiled with a nod, she knew her friend was itching to beat the guy up.

“She’s got a black belt in taekwondo, you don’t have to take it easy on her.” Erin stepped back and watched the fight unfold. She studied his moves, they were strong and well trained. Whoever he was, he didn’t need to steal purses to make a living. She wondered what his background was. It took Mia a little longer to defeat him but she did it “Let him go.” Erin said to her friend.

“What??” Mia was stunned by the order.

Erin pulled Mia’s hand off his wrist, which was pinned to his back “What’s your name?”

The young guy was not a day over 25. He rubbed his wrists “What’s it to you?”

“Just answer.” Mia was growing impatient with the guy.

“Riley.” He said reluctantly giving them his real name “Who are you?”

Erin smiled “That’s not important. Tell me, why are you stealing in broad daylight? With your fighting abilities, you could do much better.”

“You mean like rob a bank?” he asked wide eyed.

“He’s funny.” Mia crossed her arms with a smile.

“Look, I don’t want any trouble. I was simply trying to help the old woman up when she fell down and her purse was on the ground so I picked it up. Suddenly out of nowhere, these cops run after me, my first instinct was to run. I kept running and then you chased after me. I didn’t steal anything.” He insisted.

Mia leaned into Erin’s ears and whispered, “I think he’s telling the truth.”

“Riley, I’m Erin and this is Mia. We’re not cops.” Erin shook his hand professionally “But how would you like to be recruited?”

“I hate cops.” Riley wrinkled his forehead.

“Me too!” Mia chimed in.

Erin raised a brow at her friend “I’ll mention that to Ted later.”

“Kidding!” Mia added.

“Are you hungry?” Erin smiled at the young guy, he was a good spirit and reminded her of Brad during his earlier years.

“I haven’t eaten since last night.” He finally showed his perfect row of teeth.

Mia giggled, “Great, we’ve got a lot of food. That is if you’re not scared…”

“No.” Riley answered truthfully.

Erin smiled “We’re having a picnic at my home. But first, we have to find some burger patties and steak.”

“I know a cheap place.” Riley offered.

Mia nudged her friend “Good job.”

The three walked together down the street talking about random things going on in Hong Kong. The girls quickly realized he was well aware of the current events and even more obsessed with the P.R.A. He collected articles in newspapers about the team and followed their every move. For security purposes, Joe didn’t allow pictures to be taken of them and they were well protected by the government after saving the Mayor’s life three years ago. Riley had never met a real agent before. The girls decided not to expose their identities until they let him meet Matt.

Riley took Mia inside the meat store to show her how to buy the good pieces while Erin stood in line for the ground beef. She paid for the package and turned too quickly bumping into a tall figure, dropping her package “I’m sorry.” She said quickly and bent over at the same time the stranger did to pick up the meat. Her heart nearly stopped as she was face to face with him.

“I should apologize, I should have warned you.” The smile was haunting and the eyes were so brown. She was frozen beyond words and the guy with Brad’s face looked worried for a second “Miss…are you alright?”

Erin quickly snapped herself out of the daze “Yes…yes…I’m okay.” Her hands were shaky as she held onto the meat for support “Excuse me.”

He nodded with a smile as he watched her walk away. She looked oddly familiar but he couldn’t place his finger on it. Erin’s head was spinning. She saw him three years ago when she first moved into her new home. But from that day forth, she never saw him again. Was it fate that they met again? She always assumed he lived in her neighborhood but learned he was only visiting after she did some spying.

Mia and Riley had a few pounds of steak as they looked around for Erin “There she is.” Riley pointed.

“Hey, what took you so long?” Mia asked.

Erin debated on whether or not she should tell her friend but after a moment, she decided not to “The line was long.”

“Yeah, that’s what you get for cheap meat.” Riley nodded.

But Mia was more concerned about her pale friend, she was different “Erin, what’s with you? You look like you just saw a ghost.”

Erin snickered at the irony in her words “I just ran into an old high school friend and he asked about Brad. I was just reminded.” She lied.

Mia nodded understandingly “No wonder you look so pale.”

“Who’s Brad?” Riley asked.

Mia frowned at the curious lad “Rule number one, don’t ask questions. Only speak if you are asked a question. Got it?”

“Are you guys from some cult or something? Hey…I don’t want to join that shit…” he thrust the meat in Mia’s hand and began walking away.

“Didn’t you say you wanted to meet the P.R.A.?” Erin called after him, knowing it was the only way to catch his attention.

Riley paused in steps and turned to the girls “No…it can’t be…” he shook his head and walked back to them “You two are…” Mia and Erin smiled with a nodding head “No way!” he cried suddenly, startling the two “Sorry.” He quickly apologized “Oh my God! I can’t believe it…I’m being recruited??”

“There’s still a training process.” Mia reminded the overwhelmingly ecstatic guy.

“That is if Matt approves.” Erin said to her friend.

“Well come on! Let’s go already. My future is calling!” Riley began walking down the street while the girls laughed.

Mia shaped her hands around her mouth “It’s that way!!” she pointed across the street.

When they reached the home, they were greeted at the door by Chuck in an apron that read ‘kiss the cook’. He looked annoyed “Where have you two been?? I’ve got a hungry mob inside ready to chop me up for steak!”

“Uncle Chuck, what did I tell you about exaggerating?” Erin teased and stood aside for Riley and Mia to walk inside.

They headed to the backyard and could easily hear the chanting from the group “We want meat!! We want meat!!”

Erin raised her brows at Mia while Chuck turned to them “I wasn’t exaggerating, was I?” he grabbed the patties from Erin’s hand and raced to the barbeque.

“Wow…is this the team?” Riley asked, completely at awed “They look so…average.”

Mia laughed at his reaction “What did you expect? A group of body builders?” she took his arm and pulled him towards Matt “Come on, let’s meet the Lieutenant.”

Erin smiled as she nodded to Ted to follow them to the head of the table “Let me guess, you found a new boyfriend?!” Matt teased Mia. He winked at Darren, who looked just as curious as the other teammates.

“This is Riley.” Mia introduced “He’s a huge fan of the P.R.A. and quite trained himself if I might add.”

“Mia is being too kind.” Riley smiled shyly while shaking Matt’s ready hand “I really admire your work. I mean all of your work!” he turned to the group with a wide grin “It would be an honor and pleasure to join the team.”

Ted looked at Erin for an explanation “We ran into him in the streets. Just a little misunderstanding but we tested his skills, he’s quick and I’m sure he’ll be a good addition to the new young team.”

Matt was unsure, they usually needed to do a background check before agreeing to add anyone. Plus it had to come from Joe but because Erin and Mia were the originals, maybe it would be an exception “You know the rules, we need Joe’s permission. I can’t promise anything.”

Jenna raised her hand “Leave that up to me. Joe will agree to anything I ask. Don’t worry Riley, you’re in.” she pointed to the empty seat across from her “Have a seat.”

“Right…we forgot about the darling daughter of Joe.” Matt shook his head at the outgoing girl “I’m not going to be responsible if Joe loses his temper again.”

“He’s a teddy bear at heart.” Jenna waved a nonchalant hand.

Mark was intrigued by her again “You’re Joe’s daughter?”

She nodded with a grin “I guess no one ever told you.”

“How could he know if you keep referring to him by Joe?” Becca pointed out.

“Burgers are ready!!” Chuck announced as he brought over the dish full of cooked meat.

“Riley, this is your new trainer.” Jenna introduced.

He wrinkled his brows and hesitantly said, “Are you sure?”

Doug laughed “He’s not just our cook, he’s a very good trainer and filled in for Matt as the Lieutenant for a couple of months too. Don’t judge his appearance, he’s quite the man.”

“Ten points!” Chuck pointed at Doug with a laugh.

“Yes!” Doug pointed his fist upward and pulled back his elbow. He turned to Darren with a smug smile “I’m leading.”

Mia raised her hands in defense “Wooh! Did I miss something? How could you start a bet without me?”

Darren turned to his wife with a grin “We’re on a bet to see who can kiss up to Chuck the most. Cause he’s in charge of the cooking and we were starving. He said who ever can do the best job at praising him, he would serve them with the first steak.”

“Obviously, I lose automatically.” Becca commented dryly.

“Is that all?” Mia asked with a laugh. She spotted her little two year old daughter by the swing set with the babysitter. Rushing over to gather the girl in her arms, she whispered something in her ear and side stepped towards Chuck. The girl repeated what her mother taught her and earned a kiss on the cheek from Uncle Chuck.

“Thank you sweetie. You get the first steak!” he pointed to Mia, who then nodded her chin at the group staring at her in wonder.

“Damn! Swiped by a little two year old.” Doug sighed.

Chapter 5

It had been a week since Erin ran into the guy that looked like Brad, she laid in bed restless every night wondering who he was and what possible relation would he have with Brad? Early one morning, she decided to go for her regular morning jog for good circulation. Ted was beat out from his part time work at the Police Department so she never bothered to drag him along. Pulling the hood over her head, she drove towards the beach and ran alongside the shore.

The crashing waves still relaxed her but she promised herself not to go out there anymore, it would only remind her of Brad. But like an invisible force, she was constantly pulled out there. For years, she’s lived in peace with Ted but the nagging feeling in her heart could not be ignored. It happened since the moment she first saw him across her new home.

When her chest felt ready to explode, Erin stopped to catch her breath. Leaning on her thighs for support, she turned her head up and caught a familiar figure not too far from her. Something told her to come closer and she did. Erin wasn’t sure if she should thank her lucky stars that she again ran into him. Determined to get his name, she cautiously approached him “Excuse me.” She interrupted his thoughts.

The handsome man was jotting down notes in a notebook when he suddenly closed it at the sound of a female voice “Yes?”

“What…um…do you have the time?” she managed to spit out. Nerves got the best of her and she couldn’t bring herself to be so forward.

He raised his brows, looking surprise by her answer but kindly gave her the time “7:16”

“Thank you.” She reluctantly walked away feeling defeated.

He watched her leave with the same odd feeling he had not too long ago. Shrugging off his worries, he continued on with the journal writing. He had no idea he was writing for over two hours until the horn of the harbor patrol crying out to the boats. Glancing at his watch briefly, he got up to go to his favorite breakfast shop. Entering, he quickly earned a few smiles and nods from people he recognized. Ordering his food, he walked towards the usual booth he practically owned. But to his surprise, a young girl was sitting there eating her omelet “You again?” he greeted.

Erin looked up and froze “Oh…am I in your seat?”

He smiled “Kind of but it’s okay. Mind if I join you?”

“Well—” she began only to be cut off by his brighter tone.

“Thanks!” he seated himself across from her “You look awfully familiar.” He said while scraping the jam on his toast.

“We met about an hour ago.” Erin was disappointed at his short term memory.

He nodded and took a bite of his toast “I know that. But I think I’ve seen you somewhere else.” Erin lowered her head shyly and he suddenly pounded the round table they shared “I remember! You’re the girl at the meat deli that I bumped into about a week ago right?”

Erin smiled “You have good memory.”

“Are you stalking me?” he tilted his head playfully “This is just too much of a coincidence if you ask me. But if I'm being stalked by more gals like you, I wouldn't mind.”

“A guy with a big ego. Wow, that’s a first.” She commented sarcastically.

He laughed with a nod “I get that all the time. But people in show business are required to carry an ego.”

“Show biz?” Erin asked curiously. Sure she didn’t watch movies but she would recognize him especially the fact that he was identical to Brad.

“Actually, radio. I do the love talk show every night at seven. Maybe you’ve heard of me. Luke the Dr. Love Lam?” he was clearly flirting with the dimple in the same exact spot as Brad’s.

Erin shook her head innocently “No, I’ve never heard of it.”

“What a shame…” he shook his head “You would enjoy last night’s show. It’s about stalkers.”

She couldn’t help but crack a smile “You’re funny.” She pointed at him with her fork.

“No, I’m serious.” He was solemn.

Erin’s smile faded “I’m not stalking you, I promise on my parents’ graves.”

He suddenly felt horrible for teasing her “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean…I was only kidding.” He nodded “If it makes you feel any better, I’m adopted.”

“No, it doesn’t.” she replied, questions began to circle inside her head again.

“I’m sorry.” He said regretfully “My name is Luke, by the way.”

“Erin.” She smiled with a friendly nod.

Luke grinned “No handshake?”

Erin shook her head “No, I don’t shake hands with guys that think I’m stalking them.” His smile was forced and she suddenly reminded that he wasn’t Brad. He couldn’t read her sarcasm “Truce.” She reached her hand out and he shook it readily.

“Hey, if you like, why don’t you come down to the station some time? I’ll let you watch the show from the sidelines.” He pulled out a business card and scribbled a number in the back “That’s my personal line. Call me when you feel bored and need to stalk me.” He laughed before leaving her to stare at the card.

“Luke Yam.” Erin said the name. It was not familiar at all but still her question remained. Who was he to Brad? Or was she reading too much into it?

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

A meeting was called the minute she walked into her home. Ted was rushing down the stairs and putting on a jacket simultaneously “Erin, Matt is paging an emergency meeting.”

She nodded in response “I’ll be down in two minutes.” Rushing into her room, she changed into her casual clothes. Luke’s card rested on her drawer as she gave it one last glance before running out to join Ted.

Most of the team were already present, Matt and Chuck stood in the front of the room talking in low voices. Mia let out a loud yawn, obviously pointing out she was bored. She turned to Erin and Ted when they entered “Looks like we have to wait.” She pointed her thumb to Matt and Chuck.

After another five minutes, the completed team were present. Eventually, the two nodded at the group “Hi guys. I’m glad you could make it.”

“Yeah, yeah cut the small talk. I’ve got a two year old at home waiting for me to take her to the park.” Mia groaned.

“We have a special guest coming in today.” Chuck announced before Mia had another chance to complain.

“Who is it?” Ted asked.

Matt turned towards the doorway “Speak of the devil.”

Joe entered the security room and opened the door to the conference room. He had earned more gray hairs since the last time the team saw him “It’s been a long time.” He greeted.

“Hi Joe!” everyone stood up and said randomly, glad to see the distinguished boss.

“Hi Joe!” Jenna said lastly.

He shook his head at his daughter “It’s dad to you.” He walked past her and pinched her cheek adoringly “Have a seat. I came down at the request of Matt. You know how busy I get in Beijing. He told me about a young fellow that Erin and Mia ran into a week ago. I’ve checked on his background and it’s a little colorful. Riley Kwok, twenty four years old and a big fan of the P.R.A. Shoplifting at the age of five and was placed in juvenal hall for two years during the ripe age of sixteen for stabbing a classmate during school hours. His reason was defense but it makes me wonder.”

The girls exchanged glances “Are you sure that’s right?” Mia asked, “He seemed really sincere and nice.”

“Looks can be deceiving.” Joe smiled “The good news is he has been doing better in the past five years. Nothing bad at the moment.”

“So you’re disagreeing to this addition?” Erin asked.

He shook his head “What’s your opinion on this kid?”

She crossed her arms thoughtfully “At first, I really did think he was a thief. But maybe he ran away from the chasing cops because of his background? Maybe by instinct. Although when I watched him fight, I thought he was very well trained. A person with so much control could not possibly be that bad. He’s still young, plenty of time to mold him into a better human.”

“My thought exactly.” Joe agreed, “He’ll be under your wing, Erin. If he falters, your out of the team.” She smiled in agreement but it was Mia that disagreed.

“Wooh, that’s not fair!” she cried.

Joe raised his brows “Fair? Nothing in this world is fair, Mia. There is a consequence to everything we do. If Erin has enough faith in Riley, then you should have faith in Erin.”

“I do, but…” she was hesitant and looked at Darren for help.

“I agree with Joe.” He answered.

Jenna nodded “Me too. I think we should give Riley the benefit of the doubt.”

“Everyone deserves a second chance.” Ted agreed.

Mia raised her hands in defense “Fine. You guys all want to be the good guy, but I’m just saying be cautious. You remember what happened the last time we trusted people too soon?”

Erin knew her friend was only watching out for the team “But if you didn’t give a chance to Reina, she wouldn’t have turned back.”

“Speaking of Reina…how many years left does she have in there?” Becca asked.

Chuck laughed “Still scared of the girl? Come on, Becca, she’s locked away, there’s no need to hide behind Doug’s pants.”

“Shut up baldy!” she snapped, “I was just asking how she’s doing. Does anyone know?”

Mia turned to her fellow teammate “I saw her about two weeks ago. She’s doing good. The guards said she is doing really well, her good behavior might knock off a year or two.”

“I hate to see her suffer like that.” Darren commented, “We really can’t get her out sooner?”

Joe shook his head “It’s out of our hands now gang. Anyways, now that we got the new guy out of the way. Our next mission.” He turned to Matt to get the information. He passed out tiny computer notebooks for the team to look at “The topic lately have been the stolen diamonds from a rich merchant by the name of Robert Kwok. He was born and raised in London. Still he keeps in touch with his Chinese heritage and brings over one of the largest shipments of diamonds in the country. Last week, a box was stolen from the shipping harbor and have yet to be uncovered. Our job is to find it.”

“Any leads?” Ted asked.

Joe shook his head “Nothing. Apparently, the thieves are professionals and probably know about us. I want you guys to split up and try to find as much information as possible.”

“Why don’t you just tell us to stick our heads in the lion’s head?” Becca snickered. The team turned to her and she quickly defended her comment “Think about it guys, we have no lead, no man, no witnesses…it’s like finding a needle at the bottom of the ocean.”

Mia winced in pain “Why did you have to use two metaphors? One isn’t enough?” The team laughed knowing it was Mia’s weakness.

“We do have a witness.” Joe pointed out when the laughter settled down. The group gave him their attention “Becca, this one’s yours. Do you remember a few years back, we had a run in with Tay Keung?”

Mia groaned, “How could we forget?” her eyes widened “Don’t tell me he’s not dead. Crap! I saw him in a pool of blood!”

Joe laughed at the over exaggerated girl “No no, he’s dead for sure. I was talking about his little partner in crime…”

“Ah Bat?!” Becca asked, “He’s a witness?”

“Yes, which means we need to keep him safe before someone finds out he knows more than he appears. I want you guys to bring him back in one piece.” He warned Becca.

“Darn, I was so looking forward to beating him up. Just for old times sake.” She punched her fist into her other palm with disappointment.

Matt laughed, “You can. Joe only said to bring him back alive, not bruised.”

“Now, now gang…don’t be finding ways around my words.” Joe smiled “But if he does not cooperate, you have my blessing to do whatever you need to bring him back. Jenna, Ryan, Mark and Leah, I want you four to stay here with me. The rest of you guys, I’ll wait for you good news.”

Chapter 6

Ted made a few phone calls to his connections in the triad world and most told him the same thing. Ah Bat had been hiding out lately and it was almost impossible to find him. But the last call of day told the team exactly where he would be “A bar in Sa Tin. Heaven is the name.”

“Surprise, surprise.” Becca mocked, “That little twerp wouldn’t know where else to go but a bar. Wait till he sees us.”

Doug snickered “I don’t think he’ll want to remember us, but he won’t forget you.” He said to his wife of one year.

“Let’s go before he moves again.” Mia said rushing the gang into the van.

They drove out to the busy city and stopped at the race track. Parking there would cause less of a diversion for they were recognizable to a lot of the public. Splitting up into two groups, the girls entered the bar first while the guys blocked all three exits just in case he made a fast getaway. It was as noisy as any other bar and there were more gangsters than usual. Erin turned to her girls after they both noticed what she evaluated “Careful.” Mia and Becca nodded in agreement.

The girls stuck together as they scoped the room for his familiar face, he wasn’t going to get off so easily like the first time. When they couldn’t locate him, Mia suggested, “Let’s split up.”

“Keep in touch.” Erin nodded while tapping her ear to activate her headset.

Becca turned the corner to a hidden hallway where she assumed was the bathroom but there were private rooms for high paying guests. The glass windows were only a square feet wide but she spotted him with ease. She smiled crookedly while watching him play a blindfold game with a few girls that were dressed like hookers and probably were “It’s your lucky day.” She muttered and pushed the door open.

“Where are you, Jane…I can hear you!!” he teased in a drunken stage. Stumbling over tables and couches, he was unsuccessful in trapping the girls. Becca pointed to the girls and gave a gesture to keep quiet. Blocking his way, she stood there arms crossed while she allowed him to grope her arms and then face. Disgusted yet she made no move to struggle from his grasp “I got you!!” he cried happily “Is this…Kelly?!! Yes, it is!!” he laughed while yanking off his blindfold to kiss the girl, instead he jumped back “Dear Lord!!”

Becca smiled as she wiped the places he touched her “I have to burn these clothes now, but it’s okay. Because your reaction was worth it.” She turned to the girls “Leave us.” They began whispering while Ah Bat shook his head at them, he didn’t want to be left alone with the mad woman “NOW!!” she commanded suddenly and sent them scurrying out of the room. She turned to the door with a satisfied grin “Long time no see.” She said while taking a seat on the ready couch “Living large, I see.”

“Come on, Dai Jei…can’t you guys just leave me alone? What do you want with me? Tay has been dead for years and the world is at peace.” He stepped far away from her and she noticed that he was easing his way to the door for an escape. She could hear Erin and Mia’s response, they were coming.

“Run, I dare you to.” Becca challenged.

He backed his way to the door, his hand on the knob but he was surprised when it opened and was pushed open, causing him to stumble forward “Going somewhere?” Mia asked in a teasing voice.

Ah Bat laughed nervously after recognizing the other two. He cornered himself furthest from the girls “I wasn’t going anywhere. I promise.”

“Oh save the bullshit!” Becca cringed with disgust “We don’t have time for it.”

“Nor the patience.” Mia added.

“What do you people want with me?” he asked in annoyance.

Erin smiled “Don’t you want protection?”

“From what?” he frowned in confusion.

“The diamonds. You witnessed them being stolen. Do you know how dangerous your life will be after those thieves find out you saw everything? I imagine you can recognize their faces too.” Erin accused.

Ah Bat continued to play dumb “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I didn’t see anything. What diamonds?”

Becca had enough of the games as she popped from her seat and reached out at a near empty beer bottle. Picking it up, she slammed it against the table as it cracked in half. Pointing it at Ah Bat, she stepped closer until she could hear his breathing quickened “I told you, we don’t have time for this crap! Do you want to be a good little boy and follow us or do you want to do this the hard way. Frankly, I love beating your ass, but honestly I’ve had a shitty day and maybe…just maybe I will be too tough and break your arm or leg or worse…” she eyed his manliness threateningly.

“You wouldn’t…” Ah Bat said hesitantly calling her bluff.

Erin and Mia exchanged grins “Actually, she’s quite serious.” Mia pointed out.

Becca waved the broken glass in front of his face “What do you say?”

Knowing she would keep her words, he eventually nodded “Fine. But I want to be treated with respect!” straightening his back, he pushed his chin up at her “And no more threats!”

“Are you trying to deal with me?” Becca asked carefully.

He had figured out why they wanted him and he wasn’t going to allow her to walk all over him “You guys only want to find out who the thieves were, if you hurt me, I will never tell. IF anything happens to me, you won’t be able to report to your superiors, am I right?”

Becca dropped her jaw in shock while Erin laughed, “He’s got a point.”

“Erin!” she disagreed.

“Come on, let’s stop scaring him. The guys are waiting. We have to bring him back to Joe.” Erin nodded. Becca admitted defeat as she roughly grabbed his arm and pulled him along. Mia shook her head with a laugh at Erin, who joined in.

They escorted him outside to where the guys were “You found him!” Doug announced, he was at the main door. Ted and Darren soon joined them “We were getting worried.”

“It wasn’t hard.” Mia commented lightly.

“No, I was talking about getting Becca to stop beating him.” Doug cracked with a laugh, he quickly examined Ah Bat’s face “No bruises…”

Becca rolled her eyes “Erin stopped me.”

“You guys didn’t see anyone suspicious did you?” Ted asked.

Erin turned to him with a worried expression “No, besides the gangsters. Nothing different. Why do you ask?”

“I just got a call from my contact and he said there are posters with Ah Bat’s pictures all over Kowloon. One million dollars for his head, dead or alive.” Ted explained.

The group turned to Ah Bat who looked ghastly white “Who would want to kill me?”

“Stop playing dumb!” Becca snapped.

“It was a figure of speech!” Ah Bat cried in defense.

Darren moved his eyes to his left “Guys, I think we better go. I have a bad feeling about this place.” He could see a few people staring at them with interest “Let’s move.” They began walking towards the race track when a giant explosion made them dive to the ground for coverage.

“Shit! What was that??!!” Ah Bat sat on his butt and turned to the back to catch the bar going up into flames.

“Scared finally?!” Becca mocked.

He widened his eyes fearfully “I don’t want to die. You guys have to protect me…please! I’ll tell you anything you want. I just don’t want to die!” he was near tears.

Mia wrinkled her brows at the hysteric guy “Get a grip. It’s just a bomb. At least you weren’t inside.”

“I think it was just a warning.” Ted said thoughtfully “We gotta tell Joe about this."

“You have a good point.” Darren nodded in agreement “Come on, let’s get out of here.”

“With pleasure!” Mia raced across the street while the rest followed close behind.

They returned to Headquarters to give Joe the news. He had just finished a session with the new group and was ready to stop the meeting when the team entered “Sorry to interrupt you Joe, but we need to talk to you.” Ted informed.

Joe nodded at the group “Come with me guys.” He walked out of the conference room leading them into his private office that was barely used “Talk.” He said after the door was closed.

“I was in the bar minding my own business when suddenly the door broke down and this girl…” Ah Bat began as he animated the situation with exaggeration. Point to Becca, he continued “came in and began beating the shit out of me like I was her dog or something! Then these girls came out of nowhere—”

Joe raised a hand to stop him “I was talking to Ted.”

Ah Bat cowered while the girls stifled a laugh. Ted crossed his arms “There was an explosion when we were outside. I think it was a warning to us. If they wanted to kill us, they had plenty of time. Who ever did this are on to us.”

He nodded thoughtfully “I see. No one was hurt?”

Becca snickered “No, but this guy almost peed in his pants.” She pointed her thumb at Ah Bat.

“You would be scared too if someone wanted your head for a million dollars!” he argued. Suddenly, his eyes widened “That’s not why you guys brought me back right? Is money that important to you? You people work for the government, you should protect and—”

"Shut up!" Mia cringed “Doesn’t this thing have batteries we can take out?” She pointed at him in a threatening manner “Be quiet and don’t talk until someone asks you…or…or…” she turned to Becca “A little help.”

Becca tightened her face as if thinking hard for a threat “Damn! Brain freeze.” she gripped her temples in pain.

“Or we’ll lock you in the same room with Becca for twenty four hours.” Doug finished. He rolled his eyes at the girls “See, it was easy.”

“Is that how she got you to marry her?” Darren teased. The group laughed despite the seriousness of their mission.

Ted noticed the General looking extra worried “What is it Joe?”

He shook his head “He can’t stay here.”

Ah Bat widened his eyes and was ready to say something when Becca growled under her breath making him lower his head “Why?” Erin asked.

Joe sighed, “We cannot risk the headquarters being demolished. Ted, I want you to go to the police and ask for a private protection unit to watch Ah Bat.” He began shaking his head vigorously in disagreement “Why?” Joe questioned.

He turned to Becca “I was asked to answer.” She snorted in answer as he continued, “I don’t want a bunch of strangers following me around. As much as I despise your team, I have to say that I trust the P.R.A. more. Couldn’t you guys take turns protecting me?”

Joe smiled “That’s a great compliment coming from someone like you. But I must stress that this team is developed for every emergency mission. They are not to protect you twenty four hours seven.”

Erin turned to Joe “I have an idea.”

“Go ahead.” He said.

“Get the new team to do it. They need a little work. Training every day can tire them out, why don’t we give them something productive to do?” she knew Ryan was weary and bored of the same old training. But with the team going, it was not necessary for the new team to be on missions “They have to learn somehow.”

“You’re using me as a guinea pig? I don’t want a bunch of youngsters protecting me, I want them!” Ah Bat said like a spoiled rich kid.

Joe flicked a brow upwards “Take it or leave it.”

The team kept their smiles to themselves while Ah Bat reluctantly muttered “Fine.”

SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004