The Zodiac of PRA IV: The Return

Chapter 16

Jenna was busy in dreamland when her annoying alarm clock rang noisily, pulling her unconscious mind from her crazy dream. Popping an eye open from under the blanket, she squinted to find the clock with her hand blindly pushing everything off her table. After what seemed like hours, she finally found the notch and turned it off. Drifting back to sleep, she continued where she left off.

“Jenna!” Joe called from the hallway. He was ready and was putting on his watch “Jenna!!” he banged on her door louder.

She groaned painfully “Let me sleep! It’s Sunday.”

He raised a brow when realizing she forgot what the day was. Trying the knob, he noticed it was lock “Jenna, open this door!” he cried with his fist pounding on the wooden door.

“No!” she replied.

Joe nodded with an unsatisfied look “Fine, I warned you.” Returning to his room, he retrieved his pick lock tools and returned to her door. Within seconds, he had accomplished in opening the door. Letting out a sigh, he noticed she was curled up under the blanket like a huge lump “Did you forget today is your training session to be a secretary? How do you expect to get the job if you sleep all day?” His hands on his hips as he lectured her on the importance of responsibility. After a few minutes, he noticed the lump wasn’t even moving “Jenna?” he turned his head suspiciously.

He moved closer until his hand rested on the lump and instantly rolled his eyes as he yanked off the blanket, uncovering the two pillows she stuffed under the sheets. Letting out a sigh as he shook his head, the only place she could hide was the closet. Walking over to her mirrored sliding doors, he opened it and appeared a curled up Jenna relaxing against her pile of clothes she didn’t have time to hang up “You found me.” She said unenthusiastically.

“Come on.” He reached out a hand and she took it unwillingly.

“Just five more minutes?” she pleaded.

Joe shook his head firmly “No.”

“Two minutes?” Jenna begged.

“You can sleep in the bathroom for two minutes. Now go before I have to use my fatherly tone on you!” Joe scowled.

It only made Jenna laugh when he attempted to use the father authority threat “Please Joe, I can’t laugh with an empty stomach!” she crouched over painfully with a grinning face.

“It’s dad when we are at home, how many times do you I have to tell you that?” he scolded.

“Hmm…let’s see. You can tell me a hundred times, a thousand times, a million times and it would still be the same. I prefer Joe.” She nodded convincingly.

The playful smile she gave him was irresistible as he pushed her head with force “Shut up and go clean up. Your breath stinks.”

“Thank you!” she breathed purposely.

Joe grimaced disgustedly “How will I ever marry you off?”

“You won’t!” she concluded before slamming the door of the bathroom closed. Ten minutes later, she emerged from her bedroom dressed in jeans and a casual shirt with a printed logo of spider-man “Ready?” she nodded.

Joe dropped his paper and got up from his seat, he did a double take on his daughter’s style of clothing “Wait.” He stopped her with a hand and looked at her up and down “What is this?” he pointed disapprovingly.

“Spider-man.” She answered a matter-of-fact “I thought the cartoon was from your time? Shouldn’t you know who he is? Are you telling me you’re THAT old?” she teased.

“I know who he is.” He sighed, “Why don’t you dress more professionally, get into the role playing a bit more.”

Jenna put on her whiny face “I don’t wanna! I’m comfortable, it’s Friday! I want to walk in my shoes and sit in my jeans and—”

“Alright!” he interrupted her as she put on an instant smile “You can wear that. Come on, we’re already late.” He rushed her out the door.

“I wasn’t the one that wanted me to change.” Jenna reminded him. Joe gave her a fatherly scowl “Ooh, that’s good. It almost looked real.” She teased openly “I think I got a goosebump.”

Joe chuckled despite how frustrated he was with his daughter “I pity the fool that’s going to fall under your spell.”

“Me too, Joe.” She nodded in agreement “Hey, who is training me?”

“Darren, Mark, Erin and Mia.” Joe answered.

“No Ryan?” Jenna asked casually.

They stepped out of the elevator and into the parking structure. He spotted his car with ease as he unlocked it and the two entered “Jenna, I want to ask you something.” He said before turning on the car.

“I don’t like him.” She read his mind.

Joe stared intently at his daughter, hoping she was being honest “He just lost a wife, the last thing a man needs is another woman.” He said wisely.

“I know. It was just a casual question.” Jenna insisted, “Now come on, we’re going to be late!”

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

The two entered the room with the four already seated and all had notes in their hands “Well, well, well…someone decided to finally come.” Mia teased.

Joe laughed “Ask the star.” He pointed a thumb at Jenna “It’s like dragging a possum from a trashcan. She didn’t want to get out bed.”

“Maybe she just forgot?” Mark came to her defense.

“Thank you!” Jenna nodded while taking a seat at the head of the table “Wow, this is really comfortable! No wonder Matt likes it here.” She cracked.

“Let me try!!” Mia exclaimed as she got up from her seat and practically yanked Jenna out of the chair so she could try. She sunk into the leather cushion with a moan “Hmm, this does feel good.”

Erin shook her head with a small smile “Come on girls, let’s get serious.”

Darren nudged her gently “She IS serious.”

Joe suddenly clapped his hands to get their attention “Okay, I leave her in your hands. I will trust that she be well trained by the end of today. Erin, you’re in charge. Darren, make sure that she doesn’t lag off.”

“Are you talking about Mia or Jenna?” Darren quipped causing Mark to burst into giggles. Mia and Jenna instead scowled at him.

“Both.” Joe concluded and waved goodbye to him.

After Joe left, Jenna let out a relieved sigh “Finally! He’s gone. Let’s get something to eat, my treat!” she offered while getting up and walking towards the door.

Erin nodded to Mark as he quickly got up and blocked her way “Sorry.” He apologized sympathetically “I have orders.”

Jenna turned to the three experienced agents “Joe’s gone, we don’t have to actually work.” She reminded them. Looking at Mia for support, she begged her with pleading eyes.

“Sorry girl, I’m with the boring people today.” Mia said with a shrugged shoulder.

“Fine!” Jenna accepted defeat as she returned to the seat and slumped down “Whatever you do, just spare my life.”

Erin smiled “Don’t be another Mia.” She turned to her friend with a wink and Mia looked bored as she nodded “Okay, let’s start with the clothes.”

Jenna quickly sat upright “Joe said I could wear whatever I want!” she lied in her own defense.

Darren raised his brows “Really? I recall it was Joe that came up with the idea that you come dressed ready for a professional interview. What did he say…” he knitted his brows at his wife.

“That it would be a sign of dedication.” Mia finished for him.

“Yes!” he smiled.

Jenna was embarrassed when caught in a lie “Whatever. Would you rather me go home and look through my pile of clothes to see if I have anything professional to wear?”

“No. We’ve wasted enough time.” Erin replied as she nodded to Mark to begin.

He got up and dimmed the light and used the huge screen to give them a slide show “I put this together last night.” He said proudly and began skimming through each pictures “This is a picture of a well dressed secretary, notice her skirt is not too short and not too long. It is enough to catch the boss’s attention but still professional. The next picture is absolutely unacceptable. Notice the bra showing and the skirt is too high above the knee…” he went through a total of twenty pictures within half an hour.

When the lights were turned on, they found Jenna asleep with her arms under her cheek “The poor kid.” Mia sympathized.

Darren shook his head as he turned to Erin “You think if we pour ice cold water in her shirt, she would wake?”

Like a daisy, Jenna popped from her sleeping stature “I’m awake!”

Erin nodded at Darren “Is that why Joe asked you to come and help. Motivation?” she stood up and asked for all of them to stand up “Let’s give Jenna a real live interview with a rich boss. Darren, you play the role. We’ll see what we have to work with.” The three moved aside for Darren and Jenna to be alone.

He molded into his role-play to perfection, but it could be that he was acting like himself. He sat at the end of the table deeply involved with his paperwork. Jenna straightened her shirt and knocked on the table “Come in.” Darren said in a deep voice without looking up.

“Mr. Chiu?” Jenna asked and waited for him to acknowledge her “I’m Jenna Cheung, here for an interview?”

“Yes. I know.” Darren replied with a hint of annoyance “Have a seat.” He glanced at her up and down with narrowed beady eyes. She sat down with a straight back and crossed legs. He leaned back on his chair in observance and began the questions “Why do you want this job?”

Jenna raised her brow “Excuse me?”

“Goodbye, I do not want to hire someone who does not understand what my questions mean.” He said briefly and began engaging in the papers under his hands again.

“Wait, wait!” Jenna argued, “Let me do it again.”

Darren sighed, “Jenna, you will not get a second chance. You have to be ready for any question, regardless of what they mean. He could throw out a horrible lose-lose question and you will never know it’s coming.”

“Is that what you do to your secretaries?” Jenna questioned.

“Sometimes.” He nodded.

“Why?” she asked.

“Because I can.” He replied with a crooked grin.

Mia turned to her friend “We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

“We better order some lunches.” Erin sighed.

“Mark?” Mia smiled at the young handsome Darren look-a-like.

“Barbeque pork and rice sounds good?” he asked. The girls nodded thankfully as he got up and left the room to fetch the lunches.

“Smart kid.” Mia commented.

Erin nodded “Too smart.”

“What do you mean? Isn’t that a good thing?” Mia questioned, she could sense when her friend was being suspicious.

“He could appear to be a know it all and give the wrong impression to fellow agents.” She said wisely.

“You mean like you?” Mia asked “But then again, you were stubborn too. That was a bad combination.”

“I suppose.” Erin smiled recalling the past.

Chapter 17

Erin came home that night exhausted from training Jenna all day long. After a 16 hour training session, the four concluded that Jenna was indeed ready. She found Ted and Ryan in a serious discussion “Hey guys.” She greeted with a careful eye.

“Erin. You’re home.” Ted smiled as he walked over to give her a hug.

“Something the matter?” she looked from Ted to Ryan.

Ted shook his head “I have to run out for a bit, you two talk.” He smiled at Ryan who gave him a grateful nod “I’ll be back.”

Erin smiled but her curiosity turned to Ryan “Okay, now that you scared Ted away.” She began while joining her brother in law on the couch.

“Ga Jei, I know this-” he began but stopped when she raised a hand.

“I don’t mean to interrupt you but now that Shelly’s gone, you don’t have to call me Ga Jei anymore. You’re still young, Ryan, there is a long life ahead of you and I don’t think you want to move along that road alone. If Shelly were standing here, she would say you need to move on. I know it sounds cold for me to say this but I am only thinking what’s best for you.” Erin knew that he was having a hard time dealing with the loss of his young wife but it was unfair for him to hold on to something that wasn’t there.

Ryan’s solemn expression returned from the thought of Shelly “I know she would want nothing more for me to move on. Do you not like it when I call you that?”

Erin smiled “I grew up alone. And then one day, I gained a sister and then an uncle and finally a brother in law. Of course I don’t mind, but I think psychologically, by calling me Ga Jei, you are associating yourself to Shelly and possibly it is the only link you have back to Shelly.”

As he listened to her reason, the smile appeared again “You’ve changed.”

She shrugged it off lightly “Maybe.”

“My main concern right now is to find Shelly’s murderer. I think I have a clue.” He said with emphasis. Catching her attention, she tilted her head thoughtfully “Do you remember the blood under her nails?”

“Yes.” Erin nodded.

“After I was hypnotized by Dr. Chan, I remembered a few distinct classifications on the person’s body. The person that was there on the day we found her. He had a tattoo under his right shoulder, it was too hazy, but I do remember the scratch marks on his right arm. Under the elbow. The other day during the meeting, I saw Riley had those same exact scratches.” Ryan paused to hear her insights.

Her eyes drifted away slowly “It could be a coincidence.”

He was disappointed that she didn’t give it another thought “I know that you have to give Riley the benefit of the doubt but we’re talking about Shelly’s killer here.”

“I know how you feel. You want to solve this case for her, but you cannot push this factor.” Erin insisted.

“Why not?” Ryan snapped.

“Ryan, listen to me. You are at a sensitive point in your life. Rationalizing is not your specialty right now. Being too emotional can only lead you to the wrong decision. Everyone deserves a second chance and if you find more clues about Riley, I hope you will calm yourself and continue to find enough evidence to pin him. If that is the case, I will catch him myself and let the justice take over.”

But there was something else that bothered him “I remember you promised Joe that Riley would not step in the wrong direction. If he did, you would be kicked out of P.R.A. I don’t want you to lose your job over this.”

“Well, let’s hope you have it wrong.” Erin replied with a sigh.

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

“Darren!!” Mia called him for the fifth time. They had dinner plans with their daughter that night after the training session with Jenna. He had promised the shower would only be five minutes but it was half an hour already “Darren Chiu!!!”

He appeared at the large oval stairwell, looking exasperated “Can I have ten minutes to dry up and change?” he walked down in a dark brown and tan color suit.

“You’re worse than a girl. At least I got ready.” She spun around in her white skirt suit outfit, a beaded pearl necklace gave her an aura of importance. Her hair pulled back halfway behind her head.

Darren smiled adoringly “That’s why I married you. If you were the typical girl, I would have gone crazy by now.” He gave her a quick peck on the cheek “Where’s Bon Bon?”

Mia pointed her thumb at the couch “You took so long, she had to take a short nap.” Their two year old was wearing a sky blue dress and matching hat that fit perfectly over her round head.

“Poor kid.” He walked over and cradled her in his arms and walked out to the waiting limo. He sat her in a comfortable position while she slept away peacefully. Mia seemed restless and Darren was quick to notice, “What’s wrong?”

When she couldn’t hold in the scratch, she reached under her suit jacket and itched the part under her bra line “Much better.” She cooed.

Darren couldn’t help but laugh “You can make the most disgusting thing look sexy.”

When they got to the restaurant, the three emerged from the limo and were greeted by the host. He nodded politely “Do you have a reservation?”

Mia smiled and turned to Darren who looked at her blankly “I thought you made it?”

“No.” she turned to the host who gave them a grim expression “Excuse us.” She pulled Darren closer to the door “You said specifically that you would call after our break today. Remember?” she pressed through clenched teeth.

He shook his head again “No, that’s when you offered to do it for me because I did most of the hard work training Jenna. Remember?” he used the same tone of voice she used on him.

Mia opened her mouth and then recalled the situation “Wait…yeah, I did.” Letting out a sigh, she walked toward the host with an enduring smile “Hi there. Would you be so kind as to get us a table?” she slyly slipped him a hundred dollar bill.

The man’s eye twitched towards the bill and back at Mia “I’m sorry Miss, I am not easily bribed. If I allowed for you to cut in line, those people will be angry with me. This restaurant’s reputation is at risk.”

“Two hundred?” she smiled sweetly.

“We will call your number when there is an open table.” The man replied firmly. He jotted down the name she gave.

Mia gave him a scowl but eventually returned to her seat next to Darren “Shut up!” she snapped before he had a chance to comment.

He nearly exploded in giggles as he witnessed his usually suave wife get what she wanted. Darren leaned closer to her with a grin “Your charm is fading. But I think someone else can help.” He shook Bonnie lightly until she woke up “Sweetie, aren’t you hungry?”

“Yes, daddy.” She nodded wide eyed.

Darren and Mia exchanged knowing smiles as they whispered a few words to their two year old. Within minutes, Darren placed her on the ground as she walked over to the host desk. Pulling on his pant leg, she quickly got his attention. The man could not resist the round eyed girl in the sky blue dress “Yes, my dear?” he bent down to be leveled with her.

“I’m hungry.” She said in a pouty tone.

“Aww, I’m sorry sweetie, but you will have to wait like everyone.” He replied softly.

Her lips quivered slightly and she began to whimper, “My mommy and daddy are having a bad day. I did not get to eat with them since three months before. Please mister, I am so hungry…” she pleaded adoringly. He began to negotiate with himself while Bonnie turned to her parents who gestured for her to do the last bit “Mister, what is divorce?”

The man’s eyes snapped over to the little darling “Where did you hear that from?”

“My mommy said it to my daddy.” She nodded with rounded eyes.

It was then that he had fallen for the trick. Smiling, he patted her bonnet “The word is nothing for you to worry about. Let me find a table for you, we wouldn't want to starve you now would we?” He gave her wink and quickly adjusted the seating arrangements with the waiters and they had a table within two minutes.

Bonnie returned to Mia’s lap “Did it work?” Mia asked.

“Chiu Family, party of three. Your table is ready.” The host announced with a friendly smile.

Darren smiled “Works every time.”

They were seated by the window, which was overlooking the city night. After ordering the food, the two turned to their bundle of joy with a proud smile “I think I gave her all my charm.” Mia said thoughtfully.

“She definitely has my quickness and good looks.” Darren commented with a hint of a growing ego.

“Oh please, she’s a girl Darren, are you trying to say that you look like a girl?” Mia rolled her eyes.

"No, I'm saying she has my good looks." Darren replied coolly.

As the two quarreled about what Bonnie inherited, the girl turned from her mother to her father until the bickering stopped “Mommy?”

“Yes dear.” Mia was flushed but still managed to smile at her angel.

“What is a divorce?” the girl asked innocently.

Mia narrowed her eyes at Darren “You had to use that one.”

“It worked didn’t it?” Darren said smugly. Reaching out his hands he pulled his girl onto his lap “Divorce is an adult word. You are too small to be using it. When you grow up one day, I will explain it to you, okay?” tapping her nose, it made her giggle as he smothered her with kisses.

Despite the bickering, Mia was always reminded why she loved Darren so much. He adored their little girl eventhough he was praying for a boy when she was pregnant. But after one look at their daughter, he was in love. Her smile drifted as she looked away at the other people around them. Most were well dressed and probably rich. She caught her eyes on a familiar face a few tables away “Look honey, it’s the Mayor. Let’s go say hi.” She pointed.

Darren turned and spotted the man, he waved to the two agents he knew well. The two pulled their chairs back and gathered Bonnie to greet the important man. Mia was busy straightening her daughter’s bonnet when suddenly Darren whipped the two around and down to the ground. On the way down, gunshots were fired. The entire restaurant screamed as a few standing people were hit while the rest dove to the ground to hide.

Minutes later, the killer left when he accomplished his mission. Mia turned up after the shots stopped “Darren!” she pointed. When he turned, he saw the Mayor’s limp head on the booth while the holes from the bullets allowed the blood to seep out.

“The list.” Darren whispered. The two forgot about Bonnie as she pointed to the dead figure and whimpered into tears. He quickly pushed her head onto his chest to cover her eyes “Shhh, it’s okay honey. Daddy’s here.” He coaxed.

The police came and asked questions from everyone in the restaurant. Ted was called for back up as he walked in and found his fellow agents there “Hey guys. You okay?” he asked sincerely.

Darren nodded “The only one shaken up is her.” He nodded to Bonnie who was asleep in his arms.

“What happened?” Ted asked.

Mia nodded to their seats “We were having a family dinner when I looked up and noticed the Mayor was over there.” She pointed “We were going to go and say hi when Darren pushed me and Bonnie to the floor. At the same time, gunshots were fired. It was a ring of shots too!”

“What did you see?” Ted turned to Darren.

“I saw a person dressed in black standing by that entrance, he looked a little suspicious and I didn’t think anything of it at first but when he pulled out a gun, my first instinct was to protect my family.” He replied, “I didn’t think the list would be starting so fast.”

Mia turned to Ted worriedly “They’ve gotten three out of the list. Reina's next.”

“We’ll wait and talk to Joe about it tomorrow. You guys go home and rest.” He advised. The two nodded as they began to leave “Be careful guys.”

“You too.” Darren smiled.

Ted looked around at the damaged, letting out a sigh “It’s going to be a long night.”

“Si hing!”

He turned to the familiar voice of the new recruited policewoman “Sara.” He greeted with a small smile.

“Coffee? One sugar and one cream!” She said brightly while handing him the hot cup.

He smiled gratefully “This isn’t your job. You don’t have to do this Sara.”

“I know. I want to. It’s going to be a long night for us. Look how many witnesses we have.” She pointed around.

Ted nodded in agreement “Why don’t you rest for a minute and then take that group.”

Sara shook her head vehemently “I’m not tired. I can work, I’ll start on that group.” She walked towards the people he had pointed to earlier.

Chapter 18

The following morning, the group waited patiently for Matt to finish his private conversation with Joe via telephone. Jenna turned to Darren with a worried look “Was Bonnie scared?”

He smiled softly “For a few seconds but she’s okay. Thanks for asking.”

“What kind of freak would murder someone in a restaurant?” Leah shook her head while she shivered away the thought.

“The poor girl was probably shaken up for the rest of the night.” Mark commented.

Darren nodded blankly, he had to hold Bonnie until she fell asleep in his arms “And I suppose no one cares about me?” Mia said with a hint of jealousy.

“I was going to ask.” Erin smiled.

“Thanks but no thanks.” Mia wrinkled her nose in the air. Erin could tell when her friend wanted attention. She turned to Ted with a smile and within seconds Mia couldn’t hold it in “I was so scared! There were just gunshots out of nowhere. If it weren’t for Darren, I don’t know what would have happened!” she gasped for air when she explained in one breath.

Doug raised his brows “And for her next trick, she will talk with her mouth closed.”

“Shut up!” Mia snapped, “Do you realize that you will never hear those words from me again if that shot hit me last night?”

“Yeah, that’s what I’LL miss.” Doug snorted.

The group was silenced when Matt walked in with a grim expression “Good morning. Darren how is your girl?”

“Oh, I’m fine but Bonnie was a little shook up.” Mia replied. The group looked at her strangely “What?” she asked.

Matt sighed “Well that’s good, because God knows if he knew you two were there, you would be gone too.”

“It’s someone that knows us?” Ryan asked.

He nodded “Could be. That’s what Joe and I think. He’s in the dark and we’re in the light, it’s almost impossible to catch him in the act. But it looks like he’s giving us a lead way. The list is very accurate, that is unless he will pull a fast one on us.” Matt stressed, “If it is correct, Reina is next.”

“We have to help her!” Mia argued.

Matt agreed, “We want to, Mia. But the legal system has rules to go by. She is not done with her sentence. We cannot pull her out because her life ‘might’ be in danger.”

“There must be something we can do?” Erin too grew worried for her once enemy.

“Unless we can prove that her life might be in danger. Then again, how will we prove that when we are outside and she is in there?” Matt questioned.

Ted turned to the lieutenant “I know the head guard at the women’s prison, maybe he’ll give me a heads up if he knows something.”

“It could be happening right now as we speak!” Mia cried with wide eyes.

Matt nodded in agreement “Ted, can you make the call now?”

“Yes, sir.” He got up and exited the conference room to make the call.

**********

The day was like any other. Routine and boring, Reina got in line to collect her lunch as usual. Her life had been calmer since she made her peace with the P.R.A. She would never admit that she was touched by what Joe said to her ‘Once a P.R.A. agent, always a P.R.A. agent.’ An easy smile spread across her face as she recalled the day.

“Next!!” the woman passing out the awful looking pile of rice barked.

Reina was quickly reminded where she was. She was in jail and she deserved to be there for killing a person. She was lucky enough to have her sentence lowered due to her good behavior and willingness to cooperate with the team three years ago and caught the psychotic man who was in it for money.

Taking her usual seat by the corner, she ate on her own as she wondered when her next visit from Mia would be. The girl was as talkative as ever, even more so with her two year old daughter. They wouldn’t allow her to bring in a child but Reina was happy just to see pictures. The girl had Mia’s features but her personality came from Darren, or so Mia explained.

Her quick perception seemed to noticed someone behind her. The steps were slow and calm and not normal. Reina moved her head to the left where the shadow appeared holding up a plastic knife in hand ready to stab Reina in the back. Had it not been for her dart movement, she would have been easily stabbed. A few girls cried out “Fight! Fight!” while some others called for reinforcements.

Reina dodged the vicious stabs from the woman she did not recognize. Each strike aimed for her face or stomach. She was pinned to a corner while the other cellmates surrounded the girls not letting the guards get through. The fight was not planned and it showed with each attack and Reina’s close shave with the weapon.

She was not prepared when another woman came from behind her and wrapped an arm around her neck to hold her in place while her obvious partner smiled showing a broken tooth. Whipping her hand back, she struck at Reina’s neck. The stab was short and painful as the woman pulled her hand back for another when the guard made it through. Using his shocker, he stopped the fight and freed Reina’s from her attacker’s grip. She fell to the ground gasping for air while covering her wound.

“Backup!!!” the man yelled out into the crowd which was slowly being contained by a group of guards. He cradled Reina’s head under his arm “Hold on, we’ll get you out of here.”

It echoed in her head until she could hear no more chaos and cries. Her hand limply fell to the ground as she was picked up by the guard. When she woke, she noticed it was the jail’s hospital room. She was chained to the bed but was happy to be alive. The wound was bandaged but it still ached from the sudden pain.

The door opened and a nurse in white appeared “Don’t move so much, you’re lucky to be alive. If the wound were a centimeter to your left, it would have hit your larynx where your blood vessel leading to your brain lays. You could have died.”

“Nice to know.” Reina whispered. Her throat was in pain as she winced away the ache.

“Now, now, it’s not time to talk yet. Give it a few days to heal.” The nurse instructed. She nodded and relaxed against the pillow “There’s someone here that wants to see you.” She smiled as she dropped off the tray of medicine and opened the door for the guest.

Matt and Ted entered the room as they thanked the nurse for giving them privacy “Long time no see.” Matt commented.

Reina was confused as she tilted her head “Why?” she managed to whisper.

“I’ll explain in a minute.” Matt nodded to Ted, who then proceeded to unlock her hand cuffs. She looked startled as she sat upright and continued to look at the two “There is someone out there that is trying to play a game with us.” Matt began “He dared to send us a letter with a long list of people that they are attempting to wipe from this earth. They have accomplished three, you are fourth.”

Her brows raised as she finally understood why she was attacked that day “If it weren’t for Joe’s quick perception of the problem, you would not be able to walk out today.” Ted continued.

“I’m free?” she said hoarsely.

Matt nodded “Joe had talked to Mayor Chan before he was murdered the night before. He presented the letter and the Mayor was worried but yet he was confident that no one would dare try to kill him. Joe could not talk him into hiring body guards but he did talk him into releasing you early.”

Ted pulled out the legal letter with the Mayor’s stamp of approval “It pretty much says if your life is in any form of danger in the next month, you will be released immediately but only if you agree to join the P.R.A. and assist us in the future missions.”

The guys waited for her nod of approval but she sat still as can be, her eyes fixated on a tiny crack in the wall. Matt’s smile slowly faded as he turned to Ted “It is your choice, Reina. We are not here to force you. But I want to remind you that this is just the first of the attempt. If you go back, they will try again.”

“Who else died?” she asked curiously.

“Shelly and Eric.” Ted replied.

Matt let out a small sigh “So are you in or out?”

The crooked smile appeared ever so slowly “I’m not stupid.”

Ted laughed “No, you’re not.”

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

Erin and Mia were planning to do something special for Reina after they got the call from Ted advising that she is signing onto the team, again. They were on their way to the party store to get decorations when Mia had to go to the restroom “I’ll take you to that gas station.” Erin pointed as she drove quickly.

“No! I can’t…they stink and they’re dirty. Your home is the closest, let’s just go there.” She pleaded.

“That’s clear across town!!” Erin argued.

Mia rolled her eyes “If you’re worried about the gas, I’ll pay for it.” She crossed her legs painfully “Come on! You know I hate public bathrooms.”

“You are so spoiled.” Erin sighed as she turned towards her home direction. Mia sat there bouncing her leg while she gripped the car handle. The minute her car came to a halt, she opened her door and raced for the door “You might need the key!!” Erin called from the car.

“I don’t have time for that!” she reached under the mailbox where she knew a copy of the key was taped there for emergencies “This is an emergency!” she said when Erin gave her an exasperated look. Leaving the door open and the key still in it’s socket she raced for the stairs into Erin’s bathroom which was located in her bedroom.

“There is one closer!” Erin pointed to the one on the first floor but it was too late. The door slammed shut as she let out a short chuckle “Freak.” She muttered while glancing through the mail in her hand. She was quickly enveloped in a letter from Ethan’s office. He had concerns about Ryan and gave her short warnings about his frequent visits. Erin had not noticed it had been 10 minutes since Mia went in the bathroom. She stood at the nape of the stairs “Are you going number two??!” she screamed upwards.

There was no answer and then it occurred to her, she left the manila envelope on her dresser. Racing up the stairs, she stopped at the door where Mia was holding the contents of the photographs and correspondences from the detective “What is this?” Mia asked, looking hurt “Who is this? Are you cheating on Ted?”

“Mia, listen to me—” Erin began only to be cut off.

“NO! Erin, I’ve always looked up to you but you have just disappointed me even more. How could you? After all he’s done for you?” Mia shook her head in dismay “Who is this guy? Why did you hire a detective after him?”

She knew there was no getting out of it as she slowly nodded “I’ll tell you.” She walked to her dresser and pulled out the wad of pictures of Luke, which showed his face up close. She kept them in a secret place just in case Ted were to accidentally find the manila folder “His name is Luke Yam.” She handed the pictures to Mia.

“Why does the name sound so familiar?” Mia wondered curiously as she took the pictures from Erin and glanced through them. Her eyes widened and with each gasp, she understood why Erin did what she did “He…he looks like…splitting image…” she was at lost for words.

“Brad.” Erin finished for her.

“Thank you!” Mia looked at Erin “Who is he?”

“I don’t know yet. But I know he was adopted in China by an old couple by the surname of Yam. I have no idea if he has any relation to Brad as of yet. But I want to find out.” Erin said earnestly “If it turns out the two are twins, I…I don’t know…I guess I have to tell him the truth.”

“So you’ve talked to this guy before?” She pointed to the picture.

Erin nodded “A few times.”

Mia tilted her head to the side “Are you being vague?”

“You know me too well.” Erin smiled.

“This I’ve got to hear.” She pulled Erin to the bed and forced her to tell the story that she’s been keeping inside for the past month and a half.

SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004