The Zodiac of PRA IV: The Return

Chapter 22

Ted drove around the city at top speed, he didn’t know what to do or where to go. He was not upset that Erin hid the pictures from him, but he was sad that she wasn’t able to come out and tell him. The more he drove the more he thought about the fight and how much he was hurting inside. When he was pulled over for the fifth time, he knew he needed to get out of the car. Although all the policemen let him go when they realized who he was.

Going to the nearest club he could find, he quickly order drinks and drowned himself in misery. The alcohol made him feel horrible because within an hour he was throwing up in the men’s bathroom. He sat on the floor for a long time until he eventually pulled himself up and washed his face. His eyes were bloodshot in the mirror and he looked drained of energy.

His head was spinning but he somehow managed to walk outside. His eyes blurred as he concentrated on a female figure by the bar, she was being groped by a perverted looking guy. Ted stumbled over as he leaned into the girl, totally ignoring the guy “Sara? What are you doing here? Why are you dressed like a hooker?” he asked drunkily.

The guy was not pleased by the interruption as he pushed Ted away with force “Fuck off, I found her first!” wrapping an arm around Sara’s bare shoulders, he pulled her closer causing Ted’s fury to grow.

“Let her go!!” he charged at the guy but he missed and hit a stool instead.

The guy laughed humorously while Sara contained herself to reach out and help him “What an ass!!” he pointed “Come on honey, let’s go have some REAL fun.” He whispered to Sara.

She threw a glance back at Ted and quickly gave the guy a smile to assure him she was having a good time. Suddenly, the guy fell to his knees when Ted threw a stool at him viciously “You’re the ass!” his words were slurring horribly “I mean that literally.” He pointed to the guy’s butt pointed in the air.

His anger was fed by Ted’s words as he got up and pointed at him “You and me outside!”

“What’s wrong? You can’t fight inside?” Ted laughed at his own joke.

Sara was looking around for back up but could not find any of her teammates. The crowd surrounding them was growing by the second “I can take you right here!” the angry man yelled as he pushed up his fist in a boxing motion as he aimed for Ted’s face. Even in his drunken stage, he was able to dodge the punches but every swing he gave only earned him a greeting with the floor. Pushing himself up, he was quickly kicked in the stomach as he rolled to the ground angrily “You wuss!” the guy growled “She’s MINE tonight.” He pointed to himself victoriously.

Ted’s eyes turned to fire as he charged at the guy suddenly and tackled him to the floor, punching him in the face as he swung with all his might “Jerk!! She’s mine! She belongs to me!!!”

Sara knew there was no time to wait for the others as she quickly pulled Ted’s hand back “Si Hing…calm down! Si Hing!” she called him several times but he seemed completely out of it and was in his own state of mind. When he backup finally broke their way through, three guys had to pry Ted off of the injured guy.

“I’m gonna sue you!!” The man promised.

“Unless you can get out after you earn a few years in jail for picking up a prostitute.” Sara challenged as she pulled out her badge “You’re under arrest.” She turned back to Ted, who was slumped back on the ground “Si Hing?” Sara knelt down in front of him “Are you okay? I’m fine, it was just undercover work.” She assured him.

He looked dazed and his eyes were wet, she didn’t know that he was crying. Ted turned his head up and without warning wrapped his arms around her neck as he buried his face into her neck “Why?”

She wasn’t sure what caused the heartache but guessed it had something to do with his relationship “Come on, I’ll take you home.” She coaxed while gently tugging him upward.

“No…I don’t want to go home.” Ted shook his head as he leaned on her for support.

Sara nodded “Okay, we’ll go back to my place. Come on. Where’s your car?” He pointed to his pocket as she pulled out the keys and assisted him out of the club.

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

Since Chuck heard through Erin about the list that was mailed to the P.R.A., he learned to keep his distance from Eve. He knew she was targeted because of him. He stopped going to the night classes and instead, worked harder at the deli to keep it alive. That night, he was figuring the books when a shadow covered his light “Move, you’re covering my light!” he scolded thinking it was one of the waiters.

“I’m sorry.” Eve replied softly.

His eyes snapped up “Eve?” a quick smile was plastered on “What are you doing here?”

“I noticed that you haven’t been to the last three classes? Are you okay?” she asked with a touch of sincerity.

“Oh, I’m fine.” He assured her with a nodding head and even bigger smile “I just think the classes weren’t for me. I was never a good student.”

Eve looked disappointed “So you’re giving up?”

“Yeah. I guess.” He nodded “Do you want something to eat? We’re about to close but I can fix you something really quick.”

She smiled “I am a little hungry…”

“Say no more!” he chuckled and raced into the kitchen to fix her a dish.

Eve seated herself on the booth and looked around while the waiters mopped and cleaned out the place “Chucky!!” a female voice called from the entrance.

“He’s in the kitchen.” Eve answered with a smile, she recognized the girl as well as the other four people “Hi there.”

“Oh crap! It’s her!” Leah hissed at Jenna.

The five froze in their places “I know, I see her!” Jenna whispered back.

“What should we do?” Mark asked.

Ryan looked at them strangely “What are we afraid of? She’s harmless.” He dared to take a seat across from her “I’m Ryan. We never got a proper introduction.”

Eve shook his hand with a welcoming smile “I’m Eve, but I guess you guys already know that.”

Jenna smiled nervously “We’re sorry about that last time…”

“It’s okay. I was a little shaken up but I realized you guys didn’t mean any harm.” Eve said reasonably.

“Wow, she’s nice.” Leah commented.

Eve couldn’t help but laugh “Thanks, I take it Chuck told you I was a witch?”

“No, he said no such things.” Riley answered, “He raves about you—Ow! Hey, what was that for?” he said to Leah, who jabbed him in the rib.

“She doesn’t know!!” Leah said in a low voice.

“She does now.” Mark smiled at Eve, who lowered her head shyly.

Jenna pushed Ryan aside as she moved herself into the booth “So you like Chucky?” she asked nosily.

“I…I…don’t know.” Eve answered reluctantly.

“He might seem a little fat and sometimes strange, but he’s really a nice guy.” Jenna said convincingly.

Eve smiled at the description “Who are you guys to him? Is he a teacher too?”

Jenna turned to Ryan “Well, sort of…” Ryan began.

“Rice with barbeque pork!” Chuck exclaimed as he walked out with the ready dish. He stopped abruptly when he saw the five of them with Eve.

“Hi!” Jenna greeted brightly with a wave.

His face turned a crimson red “What…what are you guys doing here?” he slapped on a smile that was obviously fake.

Leah was enjoying his uncomfortable presence “Oh, we were just talking to our new friend Eve.” She pushed Jenna’s arm aside and squeezed into the booth, sandwiching her next to Ryan “She’s been telling us a lot about you.” Throwing Eve an exaggerated wink.

Mark and Riley exchanged knowing smiles “It seems, Eve has been dating this guy for five months and it seems very serious.” Riley added with an honest face.

Chuck kept the fake smile as he placed the plate in front of Eve “Why you nosy little…” grumbling through gritted teeth “What do you guys want?” he asked impatiently.

“To see our favorite person in the whole wide world!!” Jenna exclaimed giddily.

“I can’t breath!!” Ryan proclaimed as he pushed Jenna aside causing Leah to fall to the ground. Riley was laughing as he helped her up at the same time.

Eve smiled at the youthful group “Are you a teacher?” she asked Chuck.

“No.” he answered shortly and earned raised brows from the five and he quickly corrected himself “Yes, yes I am! I teach them…eh….eh…” he eyed Jenna for help.

She smiled sweetly while resting her chin on the palms of her hand “How to shoot. Chuck’s a great target shooter.”

“You mean, real guns?” Eve asked.

Ryan nodded “Yes, but the bullets are fake.”

“All five of you are his pupils?” Eve wondered out loud.

Chuck laughed, “Is that surprising? Sometimes I have over ten students at a time.”

“To be honest, I’ve always wanted to learn.”

“What?” Ryan and Jenna said simultaneously.

Eve laughed, “My brother was a cop and he was a great shooter. One of the best.”

“What happened to him?” Leah asked after she pulled up a chair from one of the empty tables.

“He was killed in a line of duty.” Eve said sadly “But it’s been years. So, what do you say Chuck? Teach me?”

He smiled hesitantly “Your boyfriend won’t mind?”

The question caused the five of them to stifle their laughs. Eve shook her head at the group “They were just teasing. I’m still single. I don’t say it proudly.”

It suddenly grabbed Chuck’s attention again “Really? Wow, I’m surprised. But okay, sure, I can teach you, when are you free?”

“Anytime I’m not teaching at night.” Eve looked down at her plate “This smells delicious, thank you.”

Jenna leaned into the plate and took a whiff “You’re right, it does smell great.” She quickly grabbed her stomach “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry. My stomach is growling, was it too loud?” she asked with puppy eyes at Chuck.

“No that was mine.” Ryan insisted.

“Wow, is that mine or yours?” Leah asked Riley.

Mark laughed “I think it was mine.”

Chuck looked unimpressed as she moved out of the booth “Yeah, yeah…I can take a hint. You all owe me ten bucks for each plate!”

“Put it on my tab!” Jenna called while the others laughed.

Chapter 23

Sara quickly dug into her purse to find her keys while trying to balance the drunk Ted with one arm “Don’t throw up.” She begged silently.

Once the door opened, Ted stumbled inside as he crawled to the couch and lied down tiredly. She let out a short sigh while shaking her head “Erin…Why? Why?” he muttered incoherently.

“Si hing?” Sara called as she seated herself on the ground in front of his face “Ted?” it sounded strange to call him by his real name but she had always hoped they would be close enough to be on a first name basis “Let me get you a hot towel.” She felt his forehead was clammy and cold.

At the same time, she got him a ready cup of hot tea. Lifting him up with one arm, she pushed him into a sitting position. Sara watched as he sipped the hot tea carefully, relief taking over as she realized he was sobering up “Thanks.” He managed to say before lying on the sofa again, the room was still spinning and he had to close his eyes to relax.

“You know, you can talk to me if you want to get something off your chest.” She offered gently.

Ted opened his eyes and turned to her, her smile was earnest “Have you ever met someone and instantly knew you would be with her or him?” Sara shook her head slowly “I knew the minute I met Erin that she was different.”

“But is it possible that it wasn’t meant to be?” she tried, afraid he would be upset with her honesty.

He smiled despite his lack of feeling “To be honest, it’s the first time I’m feeling doubtful.”

“What are you going to do?”

Ted shrugged “I don’t think it’s right for me to live in the same house with her anymore. I’m going to get my stuff tomorrow and find a new place.”

“Just like that?” She questioned. He turned to her curiously and she quickly smiled “Do you know what kind of impression you gave me when I first met you?” He shook his head “I thought you were very controlled and you were happier than most of the people that I know. You know what you want and you have what you need, you never need to have more. I was quite envious of you and Erin. To find someone you are so in love with is…it’s almost impossible in this day and age.”

He chuckled “I guess tonight doesn’t exactly showcase that part of me huh?”

She smiled with a slow giggle “No…but it doesn’t change what I think about you.” The simple hints were being picked up as Ted’s face fell. Sara looked worried as she quickly explained “I don’t mean it in any way. I don’t want you to think that I like you… because I don’t…well, only as a friend and co-worker…”

Ted nodded understandingly “That’s good. I don’t want to lead you on. You’re a great girl, Sara. There’s a better guy out there for you.”

She grinned showing him that she was indeed fine “It’s getting late. Let me get you an extra blanket.”

“Thanks again.” He relaxed against the couch pillow under his neck and covered his eyes with his hand. Never seeing the disappointed look on her face as she left the room to retrieve the blanket for him.

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

Darren’s eyes were drooping as he sat in his daughter’s room watching her. His head began to nod off “Daddy!”

His eyes looked unnaturally large “Yes, Bon Bon?”

“Mommy always reads the WHOLE book.” Smiling sweetly as she pointed to the book on his lap.

“Mommy isn’t here.” He reminded the two year old mischief “Daddy only reads three chapters.”

Bonnie sat up in her bed “I miss Mommy. When is she coming home?”

“Not for a while sweetie.” Darren let out a loud yawn “Now come on, we have a long day tomorrow. You’re coming with Daddy to work! Aren’t you excited?” he asked the little girl who did not look flabbergasted.

“Not really. Mommy says you sit in your office and play games on the computer.”

He lifted a brow upwards “Oh really? Well Mommy’s wrong, I do work.”

“Mommy says she’s never wrong.” Bonnie concluded.

“Mommy’s ALWAYS wrong.” Darren imprinted it in her head. Waving her onto his lap, he cradled her “Since Mommy left us for a couple of days, let’s go over some new stuff…”

Bonnie giggled as she pointed to her father “Mommy told me when Daddy starts talking to close my ears.” She did just that making Darren grow more frustrated. It seems Mia had brainwashed their darling. He would have a lot of work to do.

He pulled down her hands gently “I know Bon Bon doesn’t like to sleep in the dark, but Mommy forgets to put on the night light for you. Do you want to stay on Daddy’s bed tonight?” The girl seemed to be at lost for words, trying to think if her mother ever mentioned about staying on their bed “No? Maybe I’ll just turn off the lights and let you sleep.” He began to get up only to be yanked down by her arms around his neck.

“I want to stay with you tonight, Daddy.” The little girl pleaded adoringly.

Darren hugged her little body as he picked her up with ease “That’s Daddy’s little girl.”

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

The girls exited the plane feeling exhausted from the six hours flight. The airport was huge and each terminal was filled with people walking to and from. Mia stretched her arms in the air and twisted her body while Becca and Erin watched her in disgust “I feel sorry for Darren, he has to wake up to that every morning.” Becca teased.

“Oh please, he loves that…” Mia let out a short yawn as she reached to the ground to get her duffel bag when a person bumped straight into her causing her to stumble forward “Hey! It’s okay, you don’t have to apologize!” she called after the person that kept running.

Erin’s smile fell as she noticed the group of uniformed policemen coming towards them “Look guys.” She nodded as the two turned to the back.

“Who do you think they’re chasing?” Mia asked as she collected her belongings.

“Don’t know, don’t care. We’re not in Hong Kong, this is a vacation baby! I’m not working! You hear me?” Becca exclaimed.

Erin and Mia exchanged glances “Too much coffee?”

Becca nodded “Three cups. I wanted to stay awake in the plane so I can see where we’re flying. I have a fear of not knowing where I’m going. I have to see everything!”

“Psychotic?” Mia asked Erin.

“No, controlling.” Erin corrected as the girls burst into giggles leaving Becca scowling.

They checked into their hotel room with only two queen size beds “I get this one by myself!” Becca claimed as she dropped her bags and bounced onto the bed tummy first.

“No fair!!” Mia whined.

“Finders keepers, losers weepers!” Becca laughed hysterically.

Mia frown as she looked at Erin, who only shrugged her shoulders “She’s got a point. A little 5th grade but she’s right. It’s like calling shotgun.”

“Fine, then I’m showering first.” Mia said as she sprinted to the bathroom.

The following morning, the girls woke up to find Erin had disappeared. They found a note left behind saying to meet her down in the lobby café “What time is it?” Becca asked while covering a yawn.

“Eleven.” Mia rubbed her eyes tiredly.

“Does it say what time to meet her?” Becca asked. She shook her head “Two more hours of sleep please.” Mia nodded in agreement as she crawled back into bed to sleep some more.

Erin sat downstairs at the café shop going through Luke’s files. She studied it numerous times but never really found a clue inside. Sipping her coffee, she failed to put the cup on the table completely as it tipped over. Reacting, she was about to reach out to catch it when a male hand caught it for her. Sitting up, she turned to the face, he looked familiar yet he wasn’t “Thank you.” She smiled politely.

“Anytime.” The handsome gentlemen had a smile so kind, that she questioned it immediately “I thought you were a friend of mine and were about to say hi when I noticed the cut tipping over.”

“I guess you’re disappointed.” Erin joked.

He shook his head “Not really, my friend is not as striking as you. I’m Devin, by the way.” Bring out a hand, she shook it with ease.

“Erin.”

“Pretty name for a pretty lady.” The grin returned and the corner of his eyes smiled with him “Can I sit down?”

“Of course.” Erin nodded.

He nodded to the papers in her hands “You working on a vacation?”

“How did you know I was on vacation?” Erin asked, his perception was quicker than the average person.

“Your accent tells me you’re from Hong Kong.” He smiled, while speaking to her in her native tongue “Anyways, you’re too pretty to be from China. The girls here are just average.”

She tilted her head, unimpressed by his compliments “What do you need from me?” she asked straightforwardly.

Devin’s smile faded and his eyes became intensely dark “I think you already know.”

Erin’s eyes moved away and she remembered where she saw him. He was the guy that bumped into Mia and were chased by the China Police “You left something behind.” It wasn’t a question, she guessed.

“See, you do know.” He smiled crookedly “I want it back.”

“I’m sorry, I have no control over that.” Erin collected her things as she began to get up.

Devin quickly stood up and blocked her way, inches from her body “Wrong answer.” Erin smirked as she ignored his block and sidestepped to move away but he quickly grabbed her wrist and yanked her back as she threw a punch with the other hand. He blocked it with ease and laughed “You’re a vicious little one.”

“You haven’t seen it all.” Erin snickered a she threw a kick at his hand and he quickly let go of her wrist. Putting up her fist in a fighting mode, she stood grounded ready to fight.

“I don’t hit women.” Devin said calmly with his hands rested behind his back.

Erin smiled “Bullshit.” She pressed on his sensitive button as she flicked a brow upwards “Come on, you know you want to.” He threw his head back with a laugh and slowly nodded, she didn’t wait for him to start knowing that he wouldn’t charge at her if she didn’t make the first move. The two entangled into a ruthless fight with people watching as they soon retrieved away from the two.

She underestimated his abilities when at one point, he pinned her arm to her back as she winced in pain “You’re not bad. But just a little too persistent.” Devin commented with a snicker.

Erin’s blood was boiling as she twisted herself around and threw him another air kick and he blocked it with crossed arms. At the same time Mia and Becca noticed the fight was between Erin and a man as they raced over to assist her “Erin!” Mia came to her side “What’s going on?”

She relaxed her arms and smiled at Devin “It seems he left something with you.”

Mia turned to give the stranger a good look “You…you’re the guy that bumped into me without apologizing. The Police were chasing you.” She pointed out.

He shrugged, looking bored “So?”

“Aren’t you the little cocky one?” Becca snorted “Come on, I’ll take you one on one.” She raised her fists as Erin patted her on the shoulder to stop her.

“Listen to you friend.” Devin laughed as he turned to Mia “Meet me in two days at the Guang Chow city hall. I expect to see you there. If not, I’ll make sure you three won’t make it back safely.” He threatened before turning and walking out the hotel with ease.

Security was finally called as they rushed over to the girls “Are you ladies alright?”

Erin nodded “We’re not hurt.”

“We’ll make sure he doesn’t return to bother you.” The uniformed man insisted.

Chapter 24

Jenna sat lazily at her station, typing up a letter Mr. Kwok asked her to do that morning. It was her third day and she still was not allowed in his office. By the rate it was going, she would never get close to the door. She knew he had a hobby of coming into work on time and he always had two bodyguards with him. He drank black coffee with one cube of sugar.

She let out a long yawn and suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder. Straightening up, she quickly apologized without looking up “I’m sorry, Mr. Kwok, I wasn’t being lazy. I’ll get that letter-” She stopped when a sudden laughed cut her off.

It was the HR manager, Mr. Lui. He was an old and balding man, with a perverted smile and gestures that made her shiver with disgust. He often came over just to harass her and touch her on the shoulders and sometimes arms. She fought every bit of strength to beat him silly “Hello Jamie.” He purred.

“Mr. Lui.” She said through a fake smile and clenched teeth.

“What are you doing?” he leaned over her shoulder to be centimeters from her face. She felt her blood rising as he accidentally grazed her face with his cheek “Oh I’m sorry. I can’t see that far. I like to be up close.” He cooed, his breath reeked of rotting teeth.

Jenna slowly moved away from the man with a hesitant giggle “That’s alright. I’m typing a letter for Mr. Kwok.”

“I see.” The words sounded disgustingly seductive and Jenna was trying to calm her nerves by telling herself to hold it in “I’ve never noticed before, but you’ve got the smoothest skin I’ve ever felt…” he reached the back of his right hand out and grazed her bare shoulders until she had goosebumps “That feels good?” he asked with a smile she was ready to wipe off with her feet.

Suddenly, a slow sly smirk crossed her face as she twitched her arm and punched him in the face “Oh my God, I’m so sorry!”

“Are you crazy?!” he demanded as he rubbed his face painfully.

“I have a little twitch in my right arm.” Jenna quickly explained while twitching away, eventually she tied it down with her left hand “When I was young, I played with these gangsters and then got in a fight one time. They sliced my muscle open and the doctors said I would have a permanent twitch in this arm. If anyone touched it, it will attack automatically.” She said with sincere eyes.

He didn’t look convinced but could not prove her wrong “You should have advised that in your resume.” Mr. Lui was trying hard to stay calm.

“I apologize. You’re right, I will make sure to send you a full report on it after I’m done with Mr. Kwok’s letter.” She assured him.

He seemed almost fearful of her suddenly as he nodded and muttered “Okay…” he quickly walked away leaving Jenna curious as to why he looked like a frightened kitten.

It was then that she heard a rhythmic clapping, turning around she saw Robert there with a smile across his face “Mr. Kwok.” She nodded politely.

“That was great.” He admired the young girl. She was quick and knew how to deal with any kind of situation. He had been watching her each morning and could see she was being harassed but she disappointed him every morning when she allowed Mr. Lui to grope her “You have been patient for too long.”

Jenna frowned “You know…?” she pointed to where Mr. Lui’s office was.

Robert nodded “I see everything. Just remember that.” He turned to his bodyguard who stood inches from him “I want to take a ride.” He began walking and stopped to turn to Jenna “Would you like to come along?”

“Would I?!” Jenna exclaimed with a wide grin and quickly returned to her composure “I’m sorry. I mean, I would love to.”

His lips curled up ever so slowly “Get the car ready.” He advised and spun on his heels and walked to the elevator with Jenna rushing close behind only to be stopped by the other bodyguard “It’s okay.” Robert said with authority.

Jenna felt like a criminal when she was frisked and scanned for metal objects by the bodyguard before he allowed her into the limo. Robert was quiet and seemed to be collecting his thoughts, his eyes closed as he rested against the seat. The ride felt bumpy and long to Jenna as she sat quietly and trying hard to be patient. Her eyes darted out the window when she realized they were in the country side. Was he planning to kill her? She wondered if he knew about her true identity.

The car halted and the driver got out to open the door for his passengers. Robert turned to Jenna and nodded for her to exit first. She got out of the car and straightened her suit pants, “Where are we?”

“A place I like to call heaven.” Robert answered. He nodded to his bodyguards “Stay here.”

“But Sir—” the guard quickly bowed down when Robert threw him a glare, he was not to doubt his boss.

Jenna noticed how powerful his glare was but he quickly returned to his usual face. Turning to her, she noticed his eyes were gentle “Come.”

She nodded and followed him down a trail. The day was cool but the sun was high above them. Eventually he got hot and pulled off his suit jacket and loosened his tie “Let me get that for you.” She said carefully and took the coat from his hand and helped him pull off the tie and unbuttoned the top two buttons for him “I don’t know how men do it. I’d be sweating like a pig by now.”

He laughed for the first time “My daughter use to say that.”

“You have a daughter?” she questioned, pretending to be curious as he continued to lead the way.

“Yes. Her name was Jasmine. She would have been your age…”

“Would have been? Did she pass away?” Jenna asked softly. He nodded without answering “I’m sorry to hear that.”

He smiled “So am I. She was on her way to London and was in a plane crash. Engine failure, it appeared. She was on the phone with me while she was crumbling to her death. I won’t ever forget her last words…Be happy daddy, I’ll always be by your side. I love you.” Tears came easily as he spoke about his only girl. They stopped at a gated grass meadow area.

“I can imagine how devastating it must be.” Jenna said sincerely. She felt his pain and knew if Joe lost her, he would be torn apart.

Punching in a code on the keyboard that tied the gates together, the beeping sound allowed him to push it open. Robert stood to the side and allowed her to enter first “Jasmine really loved the country side and she would ride her bike here every weekend. After she passed away, I bought over the land and built a memorial park for her.”

They entered inside and the sweet smell of jasmines filled the air. Trees stood high against the gates to keep onlookers from peeking through. On a hilltop, stood one large gravestone and jasmines planted around it. It was a scene out of a dream to Jenna “This is gorgeous.” She gushed.

Robert smiled “Your reaction is something I imagined my daughter to do. Jamie, you remind me so much of my daughter.” His eyes saddened “But still…”

“She’s irreplaceable.” Jenna finished “To be honest, I grew up with my parents but never felt a close bond to my father. I was a momma’s girl, sort to speak. I always wished I could be as close to my father as I was with my mother. But alas, life does not give you everything you want. It’s a curse for being human.”

“I suppose.” He said with a distant look in his eyes “My wife passed away not too long ago. Jasmine was her life, I think it was too much for her to handle.”

Jenna suddenly had a different outlook towards Robert. It was a wonder why he was so cold and lonely, all his loved ones died before he did “You don’t have any other kids? I don’t mean to pity you but a person cannot live without family love.”

Robert turned his back and waved for her to follow him “I have two sons. But they are both useless, it was Jasmine that had the jewelry business down. They only learned how to spend my money and travel around the world.”

“What a shame.” Jenna sighed.

Robert stopped at a jasmine plant as he yanked off a flower, handing it to Jenna with a smile “It is a shame but I have learned to live with this fact.”

Jenna placed the stem over her ear as she allowed the flower to sit on the arch of her ear “Do I look Hawaiian?” She asked with a laugh.

Her smile was contagious “No, you’re not dark enough.” He closed the gate behind him and walked on, Jenna came into steps next to him.

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

The girls rode together in the taxi cab, Mia was in the front with the driver “Wait! Is that it?” She pointed to a building that looked similar to a hospital.

“Mam, that is the Federal building.” The driver advised with a tired sigh. It was the tenth building she pointed at.

Mia narrowed her eyes at him dangerously “Don’t get testy with me! Haven’t you heard that the customer is always right?”

“Not in this case.” He muttered.

“I could still hear you!” Mia proclaimed. Turning to Becca and Erin, she rolled her eyes “What’s with these people?”

“Be nice.” Erin advised. Suddenly her eyes darted to the left “Wait, is that it?”

The driver turned the corner as he nodded “Yes, I think it’s the Guang Chow hospital.”

“Obviously.” Mia pointed to the large sign “And you live here?”

“I came from Beijing Miss, I am not familiar with Guang Chow.” The man sighed as he asked for the cab fare.

Erin quickly paid him and got out after the other two “Are you nervous?” Becca asked her long time friend.

She shook her head “No, just impatient.”

“Well come on!” Mia pushed the two as she jogged her way into the entrance. They approached the receptionist “Can we talk to the head nurse or the Manager of the hospital?”

The girl looked at them strangely but nodded and called for the Head Nurse. She looked close to fifty but was still strong as can be. A petite woman with a wrinkled face appeared as she nodded to the girls “Follow me.” She led them into a hidden office “Which one of you is Erin?”

“I am.” She pulled the seat closer “We spoke a couple of days ago. Were you able to locate the records for the Chung family?”

“Yes.” She retrieved the folder which she had ready for Erin “It appears Mrs. Chung did have twin boys.”

“Oh my God!” Mia gasped.

“What happened to them? Why were they separated?” Erin asked urgently.

The nurse sighed, with a shaking head “I was only twenty something when it happened, I remember it clearly. After Mrs. Chung had the boys, they were put in the infant room. A man by the name of Lee Wai entered the room while the nurses were tending to the infants when he stole one of the twins. Police were called but he had escaped through the back door. By the time they found him, the baby was no longer in his captive. He claimed that he tossed the kid down a river.

“What a freak!” Mia exclaimed.

“So what happened to this Lee Wai?” Erin asked.

“Taken into custody and he was sentenced for life in prison. China’s rules were much harsh in the old days. You can probably find him in the city jail. Maybe he will tell you what happened?” the nurse tried.

Becca had other questions “But how did the Chungs’ handle the loss?”

“They were angry with the hospital security, but Mr. Chung understood that there was nothing else we could do. Because his wife was medicated during her labor, she was not aware that she had twins. He never told her and was afraid she could not handle the truth. I assume the son did not know the truth either.”

“What a tragedy.” Mia said sadly.

“Thank you, nurse.” Erin nodded to her girls and walked out of the building “Come on, we’re gonna find that freak.”

“Erin, this is China, we can’t just walk in and out of the county jail. We need more than that.” Becca raised the question of logic.

Mia’s eyes lit up as it occurred to her “Joe!”

Erin smiled “I knew your little brain wasn’t full of mush.”

“I though it was.” Becca snickered.

SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004