One Sided Arrow - written by Jenny Tran

Chapter 13

That night Kathy returned to her parents’ home to eat dinner with them while Neil went out to a bar with his co-workers. The same bar that Kelly and her model friends go to every weekend to chat and have fun. He’s been there since he found out that she appeared there every Saturday but never once has he dared to approach her and say hi.

But Neil decided to change it that night. He was going to approach her and attempt conversation. While his friends were drinking and flirting with other girls, he was watching Kelly. When her friends left her, she sat there by herself and he knew it was a once in a lifetime chance. He walked over carefully and unbuttoned the top button of his collar navy blue shirt “Hey Kel.” He said casually.

She looked up and wrinkled her eyebrows “Do I know you?”

He wondered if she was drunk or it was so dark that she didn’t recognize him “It’s Neil… uh, the photographer.” He smiled when she nodded. “Where did your friends go?”

Kelly snickered as she leaned on her cheek on her hand “Bathroom.”

“I see….” He said slowly. He took a gulp of his beer and was feeling nervous again. The awkward silence was killing him. He didn’t know what to say when he was around her. But he didn’t have to try when a fight broke out and a crowd was hovering over the two guys.

Kelly looked over with interest “What’s going on?”

Neil shrugged “Just a stupid fight.”

“I want to see.” She said with much curiosity. Kelly got up and walked closer with Neil following her from behind. He wondered why she was so interested in the fight. When the two got closer she instantly recognized one of the guys as the head Red Dragon Triad. “It’s Mel…” she breathed.

“Who’s Mel?” Neil asked from behind her. Whoever he was, the fight was obvious in his favor.

“The most dangerous guy there is.” She giggled like a little girl with a crush “He is sooo Hot!” Kelly turned to up to Neil “He’s the Dai Lou of Red Dragon.”

“The gang?” he asked with shock. He couldn’t believe she was interested in those kind of guys. Suddenly he felt defeated, like he had no chance with her. “Hey, I’m gonna go now, I’ll see you at work.”

Kelly replied without looking back “Uh huh…bye Neo.”

He turned to her “It’s….Neil…” he mumbled when he realized she wasn’t even listening.

Back at the apartment, he entered it feeling down and in the dumps. But when he heard Kathy’s cry of pain he rushed into the room and found her pushing a bed into the corner room. She looked up and he noticed she was sweating “A little help?” she widened her eyes.

He forgot his bad night and instantly came over to push her “Where did you get this bed? And why are you doing heavy labor, couldn’t you wait for me to come back?”

Kathy wiped the sweat off the back of her hand “My mom had it stored away so I took it. I didn’t know how late you would be. You know me, I’m anal about my stuff being in certain spots.”

Neil used the last bit of strength to push the bed into a perfect corner “How could I forget. When I moved your alarm clock, you practically attacked me with the hot dog you were eating.”

She laughed “You still remember that? It was ages ago.”

“I remember everything we’ve done together.” He said solemnly “You’re my best friend, Kathy. I could never forget you or anything that you’ve done for me.”

She smiled to herself “Don’t turn all mushy on me now. So…where did you go tonight?”

He sighed as he sat down on her bed and lied back down on the mattress “Don’t ask.” She quickly caught the disappointment in his voice.

“What’s wrong?” she propped her head on her right palm as she laid next to him.

“Why do all pretty girls like bad boys?” he looked over at Kathy.

“You’re asking me? Are you calling me pretty?” she teased in a singing voice.

Neil laughed “You’ve always been pretty in my eyes. I just never said it cause it would not be manly to say those stuff. Hey, but since we’re older, I’m not afraid to tell you. So tell me Kathy, is there something about the bad boys that certain girls find attractive?”

She was still smiling at his comment about her being pretty. He had to nudge her to bring her back to reality “Huh? Oh…bad boys…um, I don’t know. Personally, I don’t like bad boys cause they only bring you problems. The more powerful they are the more problems they will bring.” Of course it was from her own experience with Mel.

Neil turned his head and looked at her strangely “You talk like you had experienced it or something. Which reminds me, we never talked about what you did in Canada. Was it fun? How is it like over there? Did you meet anyone?” he was cautious with the last question. Half of him hoped that she would have forgotten about the letter he wrote five years before. But he knew it was selfish of him to hope that.

“It was okay. The weather is really cold but the people are friendly. I had a full time schedule going to school and I took a few dance classes at night to keep myself busy. I met a lot of people, but if you’re trying to ask if I have a boyfriend, no. I don’t. And thanks for the reminder.” She sat back up and began unpacking her luggage.

He looked guilty “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…”

“It’s okay. I was just teasing.” She shrugged it off.

“How about I make it up to you? We’ll go out to dinner tomorrow.” He offered brightly.

Kathy laughed and return to the bed next to him “I should make you feel guilty more often. Free dinner? You’re on!” she spun over on her belly “So who’s this Kelly girl?”

He propped his head up on his hand “I told you. We went to the same high school with us. Remember the girl I wanted to take to prom with?”

“Oh…the popular girl. So she’s a model now?” Kathy was pretending to be interested but in her heart she knew he liked Kelly for the wrong reasons. Sure she admit if it was a fight in the end, Kathy would lose because Neil was not attracted to her in that way.

“Yeah, she’s so sweet.” He sighed dreamily and Kathy had to smile. She wanted to be happy for him but that part of her was nagging at her conscience. She was jealous. He went on and on about Kelly while Kathy smiled and nodded ever once in a while. But her mind was somewhere else.

***********

Monday came quick and Kathy woke up extra early to get ready for her new job. She brushed aside the fact that her dinner date with Neil last night was filled with awkward silence. She was down because of his constant reminder about how great Kelly was. But his spirits were drenched when he realized she would not like him because he was too nice.

She put on her black slacks and a black and white top with a v-neck. She looked very hip and fashionable. Her taste had changed since Neil had last seen her. So when she walked out of the room, he was sitting at the dining room table with his cup of coffee. He let out a short whistle. Kathy smiled and gave a little curtsy “Thank you.” She said sweetly.

Neil looked at her with his usual grin “Don’t you look nice today.”

“Gotta follow the trend if you want to work at Blush.” She sang happily. He almost spat out the mouthful of coffee he was sipping. She gave him a strange look “What’s the matter with you?”

“Blush??” he coughed out “I work there!”

Kathy laughed “You’re kidding right?” when he shook his head solemnly, she dropped her jaw in shock “Really? We’re gonna be co-workers? What floor are you on?”

“29th…but that’s for the studio shoots. I think fashion design is on the 26th floor.” He recalled seeing the floor rosters.

She nodded “Right on the nose. I guess I’ll see you around.” She reached for her black handbag and Neil quickly got up.

“I’ll take you.” He offered.

Kathy nodded with a grin “Sure. Come on, driver.” She linked her arm around his arm and they walked down to the parking structure chatting away happily.

The elevators of the tall building was as full as ever when Kathy and Neil got there. They stepped inside and more people poured into the machine. They were pushed into a tight corner. Kathy had her bag up on her chest while Neil was pushed closer to her. He was taller so he watched for the floors each time it stopped. When it reached to hers he quickly pushed everyone aside “Sorry…this is our floor.” He made a little walkway for Kathy to go through.

She turned to him before stepping out “You don’t have to walk me in, I’ll see you later.” She waved good bye and went on her way.

Neil nodded with a smile and the girl next to him commented “That’s so sweet how you made sure your girlfriend got out safely. I wish my boyfriend was more considerate.”

He turned over to her with raised eyebrows “She’s not my girlfriend, just my best friend.”

“Same thing.” The girl shrugged “That’s how my boyfriend and I started. We were best friends for years. I had to make the first move cause he was too shy.”

Neil nodded with a smile “That’s cool. But Kathy and I are really just friends.” The girl nodded unconvincingly and it made Neil wonder to himself. But he searched his heart and it told him he didn’t see Kathy that way. He never had butterflies when he was around her not like it got when he saw Kelly. But he could always trust Kathy to be there for him. He quickly brushed the thought away.

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

Kathy found the reception desk with ease as the girl directed her to Mr. Cheung’s office. She knocked on the closed door and the man answered “Come in.”

She opened the door and peeked in “Mr. Cheung? I’m Kathy Lau.” She walked in with confidence and shook his hand.

He looked her up and down with a satisfied grin “My, I wouldn’t have guessed what a beauty you are from just your voice. How was Canada?” he spoke with her a week prior to her arrival. He especially liked her personality and decided to hire her over the phone, which was something he never did.

“It was very cold. I love it a lot, quite peaceful…at times. But Hong Kong is still my home.” She took a seat when he pointed for her to sit. “I’m really happy about this opportunity.

The man laughed “I should be thanking you. I’ve seen your work, its amazing.” He gushed. “Some of the people here are not half as talented as you.”

“You’re too kind, Sir.” She smiled graciously.

He shook his head “No, no, I mean every word of it. Why don’t I take you out and meet the people.” He took her outside where cubicles were placed in the center of the room while offices surrounded it. He pointed to one of the smaller offices “That is your office and Jill here will be helping you.” He pointed to a petite but cute girl. “She’s your assistant.”

Kathy raised her eyebrows with surprise, she didn’t know she would be getting an assistant “Nice to meet you, Jill.” She smiled warmly at the young girl.

“Same here. If you need anything just call me.” She said with a welcoming smile.

“Oh, I will. I don’t even know where the bathroom is.” She joked and the other people laughed.

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

Kathy blended in well with the group, everyone seemed extra friendly but maybe because she was the new girl. She concentrated on learning names and knowing where to go and where not to go the whole morning. When noon came around, she was busy making her own map of the floor that she didn’t see Neil standing by her door. “Not bad.” He commented looking at her office.

She gasped and clutched her heart “Jesus! Don’t you do that again!” she scolded.

He looked at her with concern “You still have asthma?”

She nodded “A little. It’s not as bad as it use to be. But I can’t be startled.”

Neil smiled “I’ll definitely remember that. Anyways, time for lunch. Don’t pretend like you have work cause I know you don’t.”

Kathy laughed “You’re right, I’m just sitting here sipping on hot cocoa and eating chocolate covered strawberries.” She said with sarcasm. She waved him over “Wanna see what I made?” she held up the map that she carefully hand drew.

He was impressed “Not bad. Maybe you should have gone into architectural?”

“Nah, it’s just for fun. I can’t do it on a regular basis. Where are you taking me?” she grabbed her purse “I’m hungry.”

“Now there’s the Kathy I know and love. We’re gonna have sushi.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulder as they walked out of the place. A few people glanced in their direction. Some began to gossip as they recognized Neil as the photographer.

Chapter 14

Kathy and Neil ended up at a Sushi restaurant on the 1st floor of the building. She looked around the restaurant while Neil smiled at her “You look like a tourist.”

She laughed “I am. I haven’t been back for so many years. Everything’s changed.”

“Yeah. But only for the better.” He nodded firmly “So, what are you doing this weekend?”

“Hmm…nothing.” She shrugged. She was use to not doing much, her life was as boring as it got. Little did she know about his little obsession every Saturday. “Why? What did you have in mind?”

“Wanna meet Kelly?” he asked brightly. He wanted Kathy to personally meet Kelly, afterall if she was to become his girlfriend, she would have to get along with the other important woman in his life.

“Not really.” Kathy said casually. His face fell and she instantly laughed “I’m teasing. Sure, I’d like to meet her.”

“She comes to this bar called Midnite every Saturday…” he began explaining.

Kathy pointed a finger at him “OH! Is that where you go. Tsk, tsk, tsk…Neil, your obsession is getting worse by the year.” She laughed when he threw her a mean look. “Have you talked to her? And I don’t mean ‘hi’ and ‘bye’, I mean a full on conversation.”

“We’re getting there.” He nodded without revealing more.

She sighed as she took a sip of her ice tea “That bad huh?”

He looked offended “No. I’ve chatted with her. One time, we talked about this other model on how she gained this little pouch under her tummy and the guys that do the layout have to airbrush her imperfections.” He nodded with wide eyes.

Kathy chuckled with her hand over her mouth “Oh my gosh, she thinks your gay.”

Neil frowned “No, she doesn’t.”

She gave him an exasperated look “Are you kidding me? No guy in the right mind would talk trash about another girl unless he was a girl…” she nodded as he slowly widened his eyes. Kathy put up a hand before he had a chance to talk “But don’t worry. Just one session with Kathy Lau and you’ll be manlier than Andy Lau!!”

He laughed but gave in to her “Fine, but if I turn out looking like some wannabe gangster, I’m not going to let you off the hook.”

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

That weekend, the two dressed up, ready to go to the bar. Kathy was dressed in a black strapless dress. It was tight fitting so her curves showed through the skin tight dress. Neil looked at her like he was in a daze. “Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?” he’s never seen her dressed like that. For a minute he almost mistaken her for Kelly since she tend to dress like that.

Kathy leaned her head to one side “Is that a compliment? I am Kathy…I told you people change. And my style has changed too.” She spun around and walked over to him in a sultry step “Get use to it, baby.” She breathed as she passed him and hit him on the butt with her purse. “Come on before your girlfriend gets picked up by a gangster.”

He shook his head with a short laugh but followed her. They arrived at the bar and it was in full swing. The music was blaring and a lot of people were dancing. All of whom looked very classy, it was not as slutty as some of the bars she’s seen in Canada. Kathy looked around and pointed to the bar “There’s two empty seats over there. Come on.” She pulled Neil by the arm but he pulled away.

He fixed his blazer “Hey, don’t be touching me in here. She might see us together.”

Kathy frowned “So what?” she sounded hurt.

“I have to look like I’m single.” He said coolly as he strutted over to the bar.

She raised an eyebrow at him as she watched how he walked. He was trying way too hard. But she eventually took the seat next to him. She smiled at the bartender when he glanced over at her. “Martini please.” She nodded.

“Coming right up.” He winked at her and Neil looked at the both of them.

“Don’t be flirting with her.” He warned the guy.

Kathy turned her seat to face Neil “Excuse me, do I know you? Just because we’re sitting next to each other doesn’t mean we’re together.” She raised an eyebrow slyly. She was not letting him for that earlier comment.

“Ha ha.” Neil shook his head “Very funny.”

“I don’t know what your talking about.” She said innocently. Kathy took her drink and prepared to pay for it.

“Hey, I got it.” A male voice spoke up from behind her. He quickly gave the bartender the money and a tip.

Kathy turned to the guy and a slow smile came onto her face when she recognized him “Thanks.” She smiled flirtatiously but just out of spite for Neil. She was about to introduce them.

“Anytime.” He leaned into the counter and grazed her arm gently.

Neil saw and his instant reaction was to protect Kathy. He took the guy’s hand and brushed it roughly off of Kathy’s shoulder “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Mel looked down at his hand as he brushed it off on his black leather jacket “Don’t… touch… me.” He pointed to Neil threateningly.

Kathy stood up and was about to clear up the misunderstanding when Neil shook his head “Well, don’t touch her. She’s with me.” He wrapped an arm around Kathy’s waist and twisted her to his other side away from Mel.

“Hey, Neil..it’s okay…” she began.

Neil turned to her and pointed a finger to her face “No, it’s not okay. I’m not going to let some bozo pick up on you. Who the hell does he think he is? God’s gift to women?” he spat harshly. He was oblivious to the crowd that was beginning to surround them.

“What the fuck did you just say?!” Mel growled at Neil as his head moved at him threateningly.

Finally, Neil saw the crowd starting to build up but he still had no idea who the guy in front of him was. “What are you, deaf?” he asked trying to hold his composure but he was shaking and Kathy felt it against her waist.

Kathy closed her eyes, unable to believe what was happening. She pushed Neil’s hand away from her body and was about to open her mouth to comment when Mel reached for her hand and pulled her beside him “Is this asshole bugging you?” their faces were inches apart. “I’ll take care of him right now.”

She shook her head while Neil pulled his arm around her waist again and yanked her back to his side “Get lost, jerk!” He grumbled causing a hush over the crowd. He looked around strangely wondering why everyone was so interested in them, he wasn’t planning to fight the guy. “I told you she’s with me.” He widened his eyes at Mel wondering why the guy wouldn’t back off.

Mel laughed as he pulled up his hand to his face, his head tilted to one side as he grazed his thumb against his chin “Boy, you may be tall but I can kick your ass right now. Now let go of her before I really get angry.” His eyes were as hard as they can get.

Neil was immediately intimidated but he didn’t want Kathy to go with this stranger. Kathy knew Mel was a man of his words, she knew it was time to step in. She pushed Neil away “Stop it! Oh my gosh, you guys are unbelievable!” she rubbed her forehead with frustration “No violence.” She looked at the both of them with wide eyes “Got it?”

“He started it.” Neil pointed out.

Mel laughed “She doesn’t even know you.” He said sarcastically.

Kathy tilted her head at Mel “Actually, this is Neil, my best friend.”

He raised his eyebrows with interest “Really, so you’re the guy-”

She quickly covered Mel’s mouth before he said something she knew he would say “Uh…Neil, I’ll be right back. I’m gonna have a talk with my friend.”

“Friend?” Neil asked in wonder as he watched Kathy pull Mel outside. But his curiosity was burned out when Kelly walked into the bar and the crowd began to disburse. Kelly’s eyes followed the guy with Kathy and it made him even more confused. It was the same look of idolism she was staring at the guy winning the fight the weekend before.

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

Outside Kathy looked around until they were alone “If you wanted to be alone, you could have called me. I would have found a place for us.” He smiled slyly as he wrapped an arm around her small waist and pushed her up against his body.

Kathy laughed as she nudged him away gently “What did I tell you about flirting?”

He raised his palm up defensively “Right, I almost forgot.” He smiled “So, how have you been besides causing men to start fights in bars.”

“Good…look, I know I told you a lot about Neil. And you are probably under the impression that I’m …like in love with him or something. But I’m not.” She said nervously “I don’t want him to know who you are.”

Mel widened his eyes “You’re ashamed of me?” he pretended to clutch his heart as if heartbroken.

She sighed “You know I’m not.”

He patted her on the right cheek of her face “I’m just teasin’. You look good.” He glanced at her up and down.

Instinctively, she began to cover herself “Don’t do that, you know it makes me nervous.”

He laughed “Do what?” he smiled crookedly.

“That!” Kathy pointed to him “You’re not keeping any promises.” She looked around and found a couple of people giving them strange looks. “So…has anything happened since I last saw you?”

“You mean if I was attacked?” he asked straightforwardly.

Kathy nodded “Yeah.”

“I got in a fight with one of Old Chuck’s boys the other weekend in this bar. I guess that’s why people were surrounding us earlier. You better tell your little man to keep his trap shut. You don’t know when he’ll get himself into shit.” He warned.

She smiled “He only gets that way cause he thought you were picking on me. Neil always wants to protect me.”

Mel nodded with a cool face “I see, so it’s like that eh?… it’s okay if he protects you. You get all fired up when I send you a few bodyguards.” He was teasing but she knew somewhere in that tone was a hurt guy.

Kathy shook her head vehemently “That’s not the same. Your boys scared the crap out of me. Neil has never done that.”

“Okay, I’m sick of hearing his name…so I’m gonna go now.” He gave her a quick wink before walking away.

“Why did you come here anyways?” she asked.

Mel turned but kept walking “Business.” He said shortly.

Kathy laughed as she returned to the bar. She found Neil and Kelly talking to each other. He caught her eye but he gave his head a little shake indicating for her not to come over just yet. She sighed and walked over to the end of the bar and asked for another drink as she sat by herself most of the night.

Chapter 15

The ride home that night had more tension than being locked up with a mute person. Kathy and Neil kept to themselves. He felt guilty for making her sit by herself most of the night. He was even tempted to get up and leave Kelly when a couple of guys started hitting on Kathy. But little did he know that she was well capable of taking care of herself.

“Uh….so did you have a good time?” Neil broke the silence. Kathy shrugged without feeling. “Is that a yes?” he glanced over at her when they hit a red light. Again she didn’t answer but gave him a grim smile. “You still mad?” he finally asked the right question.

She snickered “Mad? Why should I be mad? Just because you dragged me to this bar, almost got into a fight with my friend and made me sit by myself for the rest of the night?? No…I’m thrilled it happen!” she let it out.

Neil sighed “Okay, I know it was wrong of me…”

“Wrong? You? No!! Never, not the perfect Neil Chan.” She rolled her eyes and turned away.

“Can I get a chance to redeem myself??” he asked with a touch of annoyance. It was their first fight after all those years of being best friends.

Kathy shrugged again “Knock yourself out.”

“I’m sorry that I took you to a place you didn’t want to go.” He said in a softer tone “Secondly, I was not planning to fight that guy. I didn’t know you knew him, I thought you were just doing it out of spite like you did when you flirted with the bartender. Had I known he was your friend, I would not have butt in. Lastly, I finally had my first talk with Kelly…it was…uh…interesting. She told me what she wanted in a man. You know all my life, you’ve always been the mediator between my dates and myself. Honestly, your presence makes me nervous.”

She turned to him with furrowed brows “Really?”

“Yes, because in my eyes, you will always be the special girl in my life. The girl that I trusted every secret with. There will be no girl that I can find out there who will take over your position in my heart.” He said with sincerity.

Kathy smiled as she looked down at her hands shyly “That’s very sweet Neil.”

“No, I’m not being a sweettalker. I’ve never been more serious in my life. With you or Kelly…she’s very different. She’s this person that makes my heart jump and I get butterflies in my stomach when I’m around her. And if you were to be there, I would get even more nervous because I know Kelly can never be you, the person that I can talk to about everything and anything. It’s very intimidating.” He concluded.

She smiled but her heart still ached when he spoke about Kelly “So what do you want me to do?”

This time Neil shrugged “I don’t know…be your own sweet self, I need a friend more than ever now. We’re not in high school anymore, I can’t ask for your help every time I run into a girl that I get nervous around.”

“So, I’ll just stand around and hold a towel. When you start sweating, I’ll give it to you.” She was back to her old self as the two laughed together. “But in all honesty, I do want to help you. I’ve never seen you crush over a girl that long. What kind of men does she like?”

He turned his head widely over to her “I told you the other night…dangerous guys. She likes those gangsters or wannabe tough guys that is not afraid to get dirty.”

“You’re willing to change your image for her?” she asked.

Neil seem to be thinking as he pulled into the parking lot. He got out and opened the car door for her “I don’t think it’s a big deal…cause it is just an image, I am who I am.”

Kathy nodded “You’ve got a good point. Okay, I think there is only one person that can help you turn tough.”

“Who?” he was curious to know what she had hidden up her sleeves.

“You’ll know next week.” She said secretly.

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

It was close to 2am in the morning and Mel was racing through the streets of Hong Kong with his motorcycle. He got a call in from Roach that Old Chuck had gotten a hold of Snow. He was suppose to meet her that night at Midnite but they beat him to it. His boys were meeting him there too but he would definitely be the first one there. He drove out to a secluded area with little light and a huge storage room. He came with no weapons just a small knife he kept inside his boots.

He came upon the metal doors as he slid them open. Inside the room was Snow tied to a chair. Her hair was a mess and there was a gag around her mouth. She looked tired and beaten up. Her skirt was ripped to shreds and her shirt was barely visible. Only one light shown over her. His heart ached at the sight of the girl he once loved. “Fuckin’ cowards!!” he cried with a vengeance.

Mel inched closer when there was no one answered he saw Snow’s head look up. She began shaking her head vehemently but he continued on, determined to save her “Tsk, tsk, tsk…you know what your problem is?” Mel looked around to see where the voice was coming from and he saw a shadow coming up next to Snow “You have a soft spot for women. You should know the only thing they’re good for is fucking.” Old Chuck roared with laughter when he saw Mel’s angry face.

“You fucking touch her….” But he didn’t get to finish as Old Chuck began laughing again.

“Oh…I did more than touch her.” He laughed as he leaned down and groped Snow’s thigh. She twinge with disgust as she tried hard to cry out. Her eyes full of tears as she glared at Old Chuck and swinging her body away from him.

“I’m gonna KILL you!!” Mel charged at the guy but soon stopped when more than 30 guys appeared out of the dark and the lights were turned on. Old Chuck was ready for him.

“What? Scared? Come on, you chicken shit!! You wanted to KILL me?” Old Chuck tempted him.

Mel didn’t step back “You only want me dead, so leave her out of it.” His voice was deep and firm.

The blue streaked hair guy only laughed “Don’t you know that anyone that is connected to you will eventually die? Your precious girlfriends will all die. I hated you since the day you took the Dai Lou position of Red Dragon. I was suppose to get the prestige, I did more things for the Red Dragon than you ever did! All you ever fuckin did was follow around Joe like a little puppy.” He spat with jealously. “I was waiting for the day when that bastard would choke.”

Mel’s blood was boiling as he clenched his fists together. He only wanted to kill him with his own bare hands. Snow loosened the ties on her leg as she pulled it under Old Chuck and tripped him forward. Mel reacted quickly as he pulled out his knife and lunged over the fallen guy “Take a step closer and I’ll fuckin slit his throat.” He warned the guys that were ready to attack. Mel pulled Old Chuck up, his knife dangerously close to his neck.

“You’re not getting away…” the guy tried to intimidate Mel.

Mel laughed “Even if I die, I’ll take you with me.” His smile grew when he heard motorcycles driving through the door. He never took his eyes off of Old Chuck, not giving him any chance to escape. Roach and Wong had brought at least 30 guys with them. Some came in cars. “Roach, get her.” He ordered.

Instantly Roach came over to Snow and untied her. Snow got up as she stood facing her rapist, she used her full force and kicked Old Chuck in the balls. She grunted “How do you like that, you bastard!!” he fell to his knees in pain while Mel pulled him up again.

“You bitch!” Old Chuck managed to cry out.

“Come on.” Mel nodded to his guys to leave. Snow rode on the bike with Roach as they slowly backed out of the storage room. Before they hit the exit, Mel gave Old Chuck one good push as they raced out of the place. The scene before them was like a night racing club, motorcycles and fixed up cars zoomed off into the night. They split up on the streets to keep the cops from getting suspicious.

The four of them met up at Mel’s hiding place. An old run down restaurant that no one used. Wong was the first to arrive with Roach and Snow close behind. Mel parked his bike in the back and came through the darkened room. He lit a few candles that he set up for light. He instantly came over to Snow who was sitting down on an old stool “How did he find you?”

She snickered “By luck I guess. He saw me at the bar. I tried to hide but he had too many guys with him. They pulled a knife on me and took me away.”

Mel pounded his fist against one of the old tables causing it to collapse on the floor “Fuckin asshole!!” his eyes softened at the thought of her being raped probably by more than just Old Chuck.

Snow knew what he was thinking as she let out a sigh “I’m okay…its just like working a full week in one night.” She joked.

He shook his head “It’s not funny Snow. Its all my fault, I shouldn’t have contacted you in Canada.”

She laughed “You know that’s not the reason why he kidnapped me. He only got me so he can get to you. If you get worked up about it now, then he’s already won. You’ll need more guys to fight back with him. Let me know if you need help.”

“No, you’ve done enough.” He shook his head. He turned to Roach and Wong “Make sure she gets bandaged and clean up. I’ve gotta go check on someone.” The two guys nodded in reply.

“You’re new girlfriend?” Snow asked while her eyes turned to envy.

Mel looked over at her “I told you before, she’s not my girlfriend.”

“You talking about Kathy?” Roach asked Snow and she nodded “She only did a favor for Mel Gor. I hope she doesn’t get pulled into this.” He was fond of Kathy and only wished she would be safe until they ended the war with Old Chuck.

“That’s where I’m goin.” Mel replied. He bent down on his knee in front of Snow “I’m sorry this happened to you, I really am. My name is not Mel if I don’t get revenge from that mother fucker. Now, I want you to stay safe. Don’t work…” he warned.

Snow nodded “I know.” Her eyes followed Mel as he raced out to find Kathy. “He loves her doesn’t he?” she asked quietly. When the guys did not answer, she looked up at them.

Roach shrugged, personally he liked Kathy and Snow “I don’t know. But all I know is they live in two different worlds. Its like water and oil don’t mix.”

“Actually, I think he is just worried that something will happen to her. Afterall, she was the one that saved his life. You know Mel Gor.” Wong said to Snow. “You’re still into him?” he didn’t mean to pry but it was almost too obvious.

Snow chuckled sarcastically “Still? I never stopped loving him. Damn bastard.” Roach and Wong laughed along as they escorted Snow to a nearby hotel where she was able to clean up.

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