Zodiac of PRA II: Forever Heroes

Chapter 16

The day of the funeral came quick as the team set out in black suits. They trailed silently to the burial ground. A short and sweet ceremonial was performed by a priest for Jessie. Maybe God was too sad of the solemn day for the sky was as gray as smoke. It looked like it was about to rain.

The five of them lingered back with Doug as he knelt in front of Jessie’s grave for a long moment. Each of them saying their silent goodbyes to a teammate. From a distance, Erin could see Shelly and Ryan coming together. Both wearing dark clothing too. Erin had told her sister not to come but she insisted, there was something she wanted to tell Doug.

Mia looked up with a grim smile at the petite girl “You just missed the ceremony.”

Shelly nodded, she knew it. Doug did not look up when she walked over, only when she bent down next to him did he turn over. Not a single smile was on his face, his eyes were dark from crying too much and they took years out of him “I know you think I disliked Jessie or worse hate her…but I just wanted to clear something up. I didn’t…I admit to having a crush on you. Yet at the same time, I envied Jessie for having such a great guy as a boyfriend. I admired her in more ways than anyone can possibly know. If Jessie’s spirit is with us today, she will know... I’m sorry.” She felt choked up from the words. Her eyes welled up with tears, but she didn’t want to cry.

“Thank you.” Doug said sincerely with his eyes.

She couldn’t hold in the tears as she began crying silently while getting up. Ryan quickly supported her as she laid her head on his chest. Erin watched them with a smile, proud of her sister and at the same time wondered when they grew so close.

Suddenly, thunder announced the rain was coming. Darren walked over as he patted Doug on the shoulder “Come back with us.”

Doug shook his head “I want to stay with her longer.”

“We’ll stay with you.” Mia suggested.

Again his head shook “I want to be by myself.”

Brad turned up to the sky and a few drops fell onto his face. He pulled the black umbrella he was holding and covered himself and Erin. Darren, Ryan and Matt too brought umbrellas as they opened theirs before the rain started pouring. Doug remained still as water began soaking him. Matt covered him with the umbrella “Why don’t you take a short break from the P.R.A.?”

Doug knew he needed time alone to mourn as he slowly nodded. Matt turned to the group with a smile and walked on. Ryan and Shelly too left after that leaving the other four with Doug “I’m okay guys, you can leave.” Doug said without tearing his eyes from the picture of Jessie smiling on her grave.

Erin stepped over to him while Brad covered the rain for her. She bent down next to Doug “We’re expecting you to come back. Take whatever time you need, but you know there’s always a place for you here at the P.R.A.”

Mia nodded in agreement “It’s not the same without you.” She said earnestly.

“We’re here for you.” Brad added and the three turned to him awkwardly as he looked defensive “What? I have a sensitive side!”

Darren snickered “Just don’t turn gay on us.”

Doug smiled for the first time that day as he looked up to his team members “I wouldn’t miss this for the world. Mark my words, I will be back….” His head turned to Jessie’s grave as he slowly let the smile fade “Jessie would want it that way.” His hair was drenched with rain as he combed it back with his fingers. His head turned up to the sky “God, how I miss her!”

Erin’s heart went out to him as she reached out and hugged him “I know…we all do.” She whispered. She pulled away and got up and nodded at Brad, if she stayed there any longer, she would be bawling.

So much for being strong, Mia was crying by then, her eyes and nose were red as she too gave Doug a hug “You have to be strong! For us…and especially for Jessie.” She pulled away as her cold fingers lingered on his face. He nodded at her with a smile and she got up.

Darren patted him on the shoulder “See you later.” Doug nodded again as he watched the two leave down the steps of the cemetery over looking the city. His head lowered and his eyes closed while the rain pounded on his back and dripping into his skin. He would surely catch a cold, but it was worth it if it meant being with Jessie for another hour or two.

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

The team knew there was work to be done, despite their saddened moods. They cleaned up and met with Matt back at headquarters. He let out a short sigh “I know this is very hard for everyone, but we have to concentrate on our work. Mrs. Wong has already looked down on us for losing her husband. Not to mention his team of dogs have added no good words behind our backs. We cannot let this agency go down in flames due to one unsuccessful mission.”

“But how do we find Darwin? We don’t even know who attacked us.” Darren said logically.

“He’s right…” Mia added “But I have a feeling those three armed people know us. Like they were purposely aiming for each one of us.”

Matt nodded “So we can’t exclude the fact that it could be someone familiar with our operations.” He leaned back on the chair “I’m not sure bringing the P.R.A. out in public is a good idea afterall. We thought it would be a good way of advertising our services, but it looks like we are only bringing more enemies.”

“Maybe the enemies were already there to begin with?” Erin asked.

“What do you mean?” Brad turned to her questioningly “Are you saying it’s someone we know?”

She shrugged her shoulders “I don’t have a clue really. But it would only explain why we are targeted that night. They couldn’t find Darwin’s body, so it’s safe to say that he is still alive.”

Matt nodded in agreement “Good observing, Erin.” He turned to the team with a smile “I know this is not a good time to be accepting new agents, but you know the rules, six agents and one head. I'll be back in a minute.” He got up and walked outside to escort the two new agents in.

Mia quickly leaned over the table to Erin “You think it’s two guys or one guy one girl?”

Brad, who sat next to Erin shook his head at Mia “Don’t be nosy, it doesn’t matter who it is, we’ll have to work together.”

Darren’s eyes moved to the door when the three people came in “Don’t speak too soon, Brad.” He warned.

Matt caught the team’s attention as he pointed to his left “I’m sure you all know this familiar face. Ted, is rejoining the team taking Doug’s place temporarily. After all he is a big shot captain at the police department in the homicide team.”

Ted smiled with his head shaking “Matt, you are too generous. I wouldn’t call myself a big shot.”

The head laughed humorously “Okay, why don’t you have a seat.” He pointed randomly to the empty seats next to Erin and Mia. Ted was about to walk over to Erin when Mia stopped him.

“Ted, come sit next to me!” she announced and he grinned as he walked over to her side. Mia turned to Darren in a whispered voice “Smart move huh?” she was proud of herself.

Darren nodded sarcastically “Yeah, now he can look at Erin directly.”

Mia’s smile faded as she leaned back in her chair and turned to Ted who was smiling at Erin. She saw Brad’s darkened face and gave him an apologetic look. Maybe it would be better if Ted sat next to Erin.

Matt cleared his throat to get the attention again as everyone turned to the new guy “This is Eric Leung. He is one of the new fire fighters of the SatTin team. Joe and I took a few hours to chose the right person and realized we have our guy when we read about his background. Why don’t you explain it Eric?” he turned to the new team member.

Matt retrieved to his seat while Eric nodded to the group “I am somewhat of a risk taker…as in I like to do anything exciting, dangerous or just plain crazy. I love to sky dive…” he saw Mia flinch and laughed “I know your Mia now!” he pointed and she nodded while the team chuckled. “I also have a black belt in karate, aikido, taekwondo, hapkido…” he saw Darren wave his hand.

“We get it…” Darren said teasingly “No one mess with Eric.”

Eric looked down shyly “I didn’t mean to show off.”

Brad shook his head “Darren’s just kidding.”

“So you must be Brad.” Eric pointed out. His eyes turned to the quiet girl next to him “And you must be Erin.”

Erin smiled “I must be. Unless you mistaken Ted for me.” She joked.

He laughed comfortably “I think that’s a little hard. Ted’s much cuter.” His comment made the team laugh together in unison. Matt smiled, he was happy they were getting along. Eric bowed at them shortly before he took his seat “I’m Cancer by the way.”

Everyone’s smile slowly faded and Erin turned to him “That’s a tough sign to live up to.”

Eric knew the background behind the sign “I know Jessie was Cancer. I’m not here to take her place…but I hope I can be accepted.”

Mia nudged him gently “Erin didn’t mean it that way. It’s just…why that sign?”

“Because Gemini is bad…” meaning Reina’s sign. Eric was told about that too. “Capricorn…I am not deserving because of Dennis’s history here. Sagittarius is too hard to say…and everything else has been taken. Anyways, I am a true Cancer by birth.” Eric explained.

Darren nodded “Good point.” He leaned over to Mia “He’s a talker.” He whispered.

“And cute.” Mia replied as Darren's smile dropped abruptly.

Matt clapped his hands “Alright team. Let’s get started. Ted, because of your connections with the police files, I want you and Erin to work together and look at all the enemies or people that disliked Darwin Wong in the past.” The two looked at each other strangely and then back at Matt who nodded firmly “I trust my gut. You two work well together. Brad, I want you and Eric to return to the auction building and see if you can find any clues left behind.”

“How about us?!” Mia asked excitedly before waiting for Matt to continue.

He laughed “You have a special project.” Matt said “I want you two to follow Elisa Wong. We can’t skip the fact that she could be behind all this.”

Mia rolled her eyes “Whoopee!” she said without much feeling. She suddenly sat up and leaned on the table “Matt, it’s not fair. Why does everyone get to do the interesting stuff while we have to do the boring stuff?”

Erin tilted her head with a smile at her friend “You want to switch with me?”

“Sure!” Mia cried, she threw Brad a wink but he only looked at her strangely. She shook her head at him “You’re slow.”

Matt laughed when he realized what she was saying “Easy there Mia…I’ve made my choice. You guys all have jobs, so get moving.” He ordered. When they sat there chuckling and smiling at him. His smile faded “I’m not joking. Move it!!” he yelled.

The team got up “Yes, sir.” They said and left the room. Matt leaned back on his chair as he moved his hand behind his head looking smug. He liked having the authority.

Chapter 17

The three pairs split up after the meeting as they began doing research. Brad and Eric entered the building which looked to be in high security with guards patrolling the floors. When they reached the 10th floor they were scanned with metal detectors and were frisked. After they were done, they were able to walk around the staged room where it all began.

Eric turned to Brad “They’re taking this really seriously aren’t they?”

He nodded in return “I’ll take a look in the hallway, you stay in the stage room.” The guys split up as Brad turned the corner to the hallway, the carpeting was already changed, but he could still see some bullet marks on the walls. He walked down the end of the hall where it led to the stair well. Across from the door was another room. On the door read “Authorized Personel ONLY”.

He looked around before trying the knob but it was locked. He pulled out of his pocket a little tool box, it was handy during times like these. It took him a good five minutes to pick the lock. When he opened the door, a slow smile came on his face.

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

Erin sat in the file computer room as she searched for articles on Darwin Wong. Ted gave the door a short knock as she quickly gut up to open the door for him “Hot coffee coming right up!” He handed her a cup “I’m not sure how much sugar and cream you put in so I took an educated guess.”

She smiled “I can drink coffee any way.”

“Even black?” he asked, he knew most girls didn’t drink black coffee.

“Yes.” She nodded “But I prefer cream and sugar.” She turned back to the computer “I think I may have found something.”

Soon they had their researching faces on. He sat on the swivel chair next to her as she pointed to the screen “This article exposed a person who was charged for stalking Darwin Wong.”

“What’s his name?” Ted asked.

“Chris Wong.” Erin replied as she sat back “But he was released when Darwin dropped the charges.”

“Why would he do that?” Ted wondered.

She shook her head “Could be because Chris threatened Darwin? Or maybe they knew each other? We don’t know unless we go back to his company and talk to his wife.”

Ted nodded “I think the FBI will already be there investigating. This is a big case, 5 lives were killed and one person was kidnapped. Not to mentioned the people that were hurt during the crossfire. It’ll be hard for us to probe when the cops are involved.”

“Your team included?” Erin asked wisely.

“Unfortunately, yes.” He let out a short sigh “It doesn’t matter which team finds out what, I’m just worried about…” he was hesitant to tell her.

“The police would not let you leak out any information?” it was a guess on her part. But when he nodded, she knew he was in a tough position “I could talk to Matt and Joe if this is too hard for you.”

Ted shook his head vehemently “No, I like working on the P.R.A., it satisfies this secret agent in me. But I would never leave the police department, I’ve sworn my life into it.”

“I admire your dedication.” Erin smiled.

***********

Darren sat in his BMW with dark sunglasses on, his head turned from the limo ahead to his right window. Suddenly, he saw Mia walking out. She had on a red wig and dark sunglasses. Her trench coat was bulging from the stomach and her hands were covering it. She rushed into the car “Did you get it?!” Darren asked nervously.

She tilted her head sarcastically “Is that all you care about? I could have been killed in there.” She pointed out.

He rolled his eyes under the glasses “By the guy with the twinkie or the girl with the snickers?” she revealed the handful of snacks under her coat and picked up a ding dong “Ah…come to momma!” she ripped the bag open while Darren searched for his Doritos.

Darren put a chip in his mouth as he crunched away “Hmm…I’m starving.” He moaned.

Mia giggled “Don’t make that sound.”

“What?” he asked innocently, but his eye had a twinkle in it.

She was about to open her mouth when she caught the car ahead moving “She’s leaving!”

He quickly dropped the bag and pulled the gear down as they continued to follow Elisa. It was that way for almost the entire day; she would drop by a building, go inside and then come right back out. When they came to another stop, Darren turned to Mia “What do you suppose she’s doing?”

Mia shrugged carelessly, she was more into her chocolate dessert “Maybe seeing her lovers.” She peered at the hold inside the ding dong that she made “How do you suppose they get the cream in the center of these things?”

Darren frowned “Mia…” he said sternly. “We’re suppose to be working. I know it’s boring, but I’m sure Matt had his reasons to make us do this together.”

She sighed an swallowed the last of the bite “Yeah, he wanted us out of the way so the other four can do their jobs.” Darren shook his head at her and she quickly nodded “Fine…I know what you’re thinking. I don’t take my job too seriously. Okay, so let’s see… her husband is missing and she’s roaming around the city to these high rise buildings. Maybe they are her friends?” she wondered out loud.

He nodded “Good, now you’re thinking like an agent. So why is she seeing these people?”

“Borrowing money?” Mia guessed.

Suddenly Darren’s face beamed “You are so smart!!” he kissed her on the lips.

She licked her lips while her nose wrinkled upwards “Cheesy…” she turned her attention to Darren “Okay, so what great idea did I come up with now?”

“I’ll tell you later.” Darren announced “It’s getting dark, how about dinner?”

Mia nodded “Sure…where are we going?”

“Your choice.” He smiled.

“I feel like a home cooked meal. Let’s have Yuk Jei make some traditional dishes.” Mia suggested.

Darren smiled slyly “You read my mind.”

She saw the slick way he said the words as slow smile cross her face “Oohh…what are you saying? Did you plan this? Oh my gosh, it’s a candlelight dinner isn’t it? ISN’T IT?!” she squealed with excitement never noticing Darren’s stern face.

“Why are you such a good guesser?” he wanted to surprise her. But now that she’s guessed it, he was disappointed. He pulled the car into the gate and helped her out the car while the snacks dropped on the ground. They both picked it up while giggling like kids. They walked into the huge home to find the lights were dimmed and a slow ballad was playing in the background. A table was set in the middle of the living room with decorated red candles lit along the center. Dishes were covered with oval shaped metal containers.

Mia let out a gasp at the scene before her. It was beautiful “Why the special occasion?” she asked while he led her to the table and seated her carefully.

“Do I need an occasion to treat my beautifully charming fiancé to a romantic dinner?” he asked while he pushed the chair in after she sat down. Darren pulled out a box from his jacket and took out a jewelry box. Inside was a beautiful heart shaped crystal pendant in a silver chain. Behind the charm was a picture of the two of them. He pulled it around her neck and put it on her.

Mia looked up behind her and her finger automatically touched the pendant “What is it?”

Darren took a seat next to her “Take a look closely.” He nodded at the charm.

She pulled the charm closer to her eyes and a grin quickly covered her flawless face “Is that us?” she asked.

He nodded coolly “I had it especially made.”

She giggled as she threw her arms around his neck causing them to topple to the carpet “How did you find time to do this?” she ignored the pained expression on his face.

Darren laughed painfully as he rolled her over to the side, so he wasn’t lying on the chair “Don’t worry about it. I have my secrets.” He rested his head on his propped up elbow while Mia laid on her back looking at the charm adoringly. “You like it?”

“I’ll wear it forever. I’m never taking it off.” She said with a smile.

“Never say never.” Darren warned.

She laughed “Well I just did.” She sat up and stood up as she put out a helping hand and pulled him up “What’s for dinner?”

“Your favorite Chinese dishes.” He answered as he unveiled each covered dish. The two had a peaceful dinner together. Never thinking about anything else until they were finished. Mia slouched back and yawned “Full?” he asked and she nodded while patting her tummy. He smiled as he leaned towards her “Care to dance?”

“Sure, if you don’t mind my stomach hitting yours.” Mia giggled as she let him help her up. They swayed to the music and she comfortably laid her head on his shoulder “This is nice. We should do it more often.”

He snuggled against the softness of her hair “If you like, I’ll surprise you like this once a month.” Darren whispered. Suddenly, his face turned solemn “I don’t want us to turn out like Jessie and Doug. I can’t live without you Mia.”

She moved her face upward, her eyes innocent yet teasing “Don’t say that. We won’t be. I’ll always love you, even until my very last breath.”

“Only if I’m saying my last words too. Promise me…you won’t die without me.” He said earnestly.

Mia smiled, he was so emotional lately. Maybe because of what happened to Jessie. She knew he was being dramatic, but decided to calm his nerves and nodded “I promise.” Together the two swayed to the music.

Darren was staring at her as she closed her eyes, a smile still on her face. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. Mia opened her eyes and their lips quickly met as they melted into a passionate kiss. Their bodies continued to sway while their kiss grew more hungrily. He wrapped his arms around her and felt her fingers moving over his neck. He loved her so much and just the thought of losing her scared him to death. That night, they shared a loving moment together for the first time since they were engaged. Mia had originally said she wanted to save herself for their wedding night, but it was obvious that night would be way more special.

Chapter 18

The following day, Matt called a meeting around noon for the team to give him an update on their discoveries. Erin and Brad came in together talking about their case. They quickly noticed that they were not the earliest ones there. Mia and Darren were already sitting down whispering and giggling with each other. Erin took a seat next to Mia when she waved her over.

“What’s with the goofy smile?” Erin asked when Mia could not wipe off the grin on her face.

Mia shrugged her shoulders, her smile growing wider by the minute “Nothing.”

Darren turned to her with raised brows “Is that what you call nothing?”

Mia, who suddenly grew red from embarrassment, hit him playfully while he laughed. Erin looked at the two strangely “You guys act like you just did it last night.”

Her face froze as she widened her eyes at Erin “How did you know?” she whispered.

Brad and Erin exchanged glances “We thought you two have been doing it for ages?” Brad asked.

Darren and Mia shook their heads vehemently “No…just because we mess around doesn’t mean it actually happened.”

Erin covered her smile with her hands “Oh…” she reached out and hugged Mia “Well…” she pulled away suddenly “What do you say with this occasion?”

The other three shrugged their shoulders, not sure how to answer her. Their happy moment was suddenly interrupted when the last three members walked in. Matt closed the conference door and took a seat. He looked up at the team and saw that Mia was beaming and Erin was smiling, definitely not her usual self “Would you girls like to share something with us?” he asked.

Mia shook her head while Erin answered “No. Just some girl business.”

Matt nodded “Okay. Well, let’s start with Brad and Eric.”

“You guys know how security was tight that night?” everyone nodded while Brad continued “Then how could those three gunmen come in without being noticed?”

“Unless they were in the guest list.” Eric answered.

“Right.” Brad pointed at him “But another way was through the freight elevator. It was behind the door across from the stairwell door.”

“Sneaky bastards!” Darren whispered.

Matt nodded in agreement “Good job boys. Now one more thing. Check if they have video cameras. If they do, then request to look over the taping for that night. Maybe you’ll discover something new.” He turned to the smiling couple “How about you two love birds?”

Mia nodded at Darren “We discovered that Elisa spent the whole day going to different buildings. All in which seemed to be owned by people her husband knew. Each time, the person that she apparently had a meeting with would walk her down and they’d shake hands as if finalizing a deal.”

“What are you implying?” Matt asked thoughtfully.

“She is borrowing a huge amount of money from them. Maybe it’s something the kidnappers wanted?” Mia suggested.

Erin nodded “That’s what I was thinking. Which means they already contacted her. And it’s obvious why she wouldn’t go to us first.”

The team nodded while Eric looked confused “I’m confused…why wouldn’t she go to us? Didn’t her husband trust himself in our hands?” just as he asked the question, he got the answer. His lips shaping in the ‘O’ form while his head bobbed up and down “But why would she ask other people for money? Isn’t her husband filthy rich?” another question popping into his head “Or maybe the amount is so outrageously large that she can’t get enough in time?”

Matt smiled at the new member “You’re quick.” He turned to Erin and Ted “How about you two?”

Erin looked at Ted who smiled “Ladies first.”

She nodded with a small smile “Looks like Darwin has a secret admirer.”

“Ew…stalker?” Mia asked.

Erin nodded “A guy by the name of Chris Wong was arrested a couple of months ago for stalking Darwin and attempted kidnapping. But failed when a security guard caught him red handed.”

“Did he go to jail?” Matt asked.

Ted shook his head “No, the charges were dropped by Darwin.”

Matt nodded, his forehead wrinkled with new thoughts. He turned to Mia and Darren “Looks like you two have a new project.” They looked at him strangely and he answered “Talk to Elisa Wong and see if you have any new discoveries. She might be a little tough on you two, but be firm.”

“Yes, Sir.” Darren and Mia replied.

He turned over at Ted and Erin who were waiting for his next orders “Erin, I want you and Ted to pay a visit to someone.”

“Who?” Erin wondered out loud.

“You know this person very well. Michael Wu.” Matt smiled when Erin raised her brows “After what happened to Darwin, Michael has been keeping in touch with him. They became very good friends. I’m positive that Elisa will look for him, but try to get to him first. I know that he was on vacation and he will be coming back today.”

Ted smiled “I guess we’re going to have to give him an early greeting.”

Matt nodded at the team “Okay. Why don’t you guys start the jobs.” The team eventually broke apart.

Ted asked Erin to wait for him outside. She watched Mia and Darren leave and after 10 minutes, she received a tapped on the shoulder. When she turned, she found Brad smiling at her “Where’s Ted?”

His face fell “I choked him to death and left his body in the woods to rot.”

Erin tilted her head “You asked him to switch?”

Brad smiled “No. Actually, it was Ted that suggested it.” Erin lips curled into a smile “He’s not a bad guy after all.”

Erin shook her head with a grin “Really?”

“Go ahead…just say it. I know what you want to say.” Brad rolled his eyes teasingly.

“I told you so.” Erin said a matter of factly making him laugh.

He reached his arms around her petite waist naturally “How about I listen to you from now on?”

She tilted her head thoughtfully as if taking on his offer “Hmm….even when I’m wrong?”

“Especially when you’re wrong!” Brad nodded firmly.

Erin shook her head with a laugh as she reached for his hand and pulled him along “Come on.”

When the two arrived at the airport, the flight had just let out. They quickly spotted Michael on his cell phone, probably a business call. His driver and other workers collected his suitcases while he walked on with a briefcase in hand. Erin looked up and saw Brad’s stern face, she smiled “It’s like seeing an old friend huh?” she asked sarcastically. He only frowned at her while she laughed and yanked at his hand when he refused to move.

When they approached Michael within a few feet, his workers quickly dropped the luggage and blocked Erin and Brad’s way “Identify yourself.” One guy said with his guard up, ready to attack.

Erin crossed her arms as she met eyes with Michael “Do you give all old friends this special welcome?”

Suddenly a smile spread across his face “Erin.” He tapped his guys to move aside as he hugged her warmly, never noticing Brad there “How are you?” he pulled away and kept his hands on her shoulders “You look great!” he complimented.

Brad cleared his throat and it was then that Michael saw him. His smile lowered as he nodded at Brad “Mr. Wu, can we have a word with you in private?” Brad said professionally.

Michael’s expression turned serious as he moved his eyes over to Erin. She smiled “I’m afraid it’s serious.”

He nodded solemnly “Okay, lets go back to my office. You need a ride?”

“No, we drove.” Brad spoke up for them as he took her hand “We’ll meet you back there.” He practically pulled her along.

“You might need the address!” Michael called after them.

Brad turned shortly “We already have that information, thank you.” He spun around briskly and Erin smiled apologetically at Michael before catching up with Brad.

“What is with your jealous streak?” Erin asked when they were inside the car.

“I just thought it was rude the way he ignored me. I mean, he didn’t ask permission to hug you. I really don’t like this guy.” Brad concluded.

Erin sighed, she knew he didn’t like Michael “If you’re going to act like this, I will request from Matt to switch partners again.” It was just a threat but Brad took it personally as he suddenly halted the car and Erin was threw forward and whipped back. She turned to him with a raised brow “I’m kidding. I wouldn’t switch you for the world.” She said sweetly causing him to smile. He pulled the car into drive as they sped away, a smile plastered on his face.

When they got to the office. They found a line of girls waiting outside Michael’s office “It’s like an interview for the Miss Hong Kong Pageant.” Brad whispered when he saw how many girls were fixing their makeup and how short their skirt suits were.

“Shh!” Erin whispered back when she saw Michael walking out.

“I’m sorry, Erin…and Brad.” He quickly remembered to acknowledge the guy “It seems my secretary quit suddenly and now I’m stuck. The office manager set up an interview today unexpectedly. I’m not sure if I can talk to you two today.”

“We can wait.” Erin offered.

“It might take a while.” Michael warned.

Brad smiled wryly “We are patient people.”

“As you wish.” He smiled at the two and turned to the girls. They threw him flashing smiles while he nodded and returned to his office. One by one the girls were called into his office to interview. Two hours passed slowly for Brad who was beginning to nod off.

Erin sat there quietly, running through notes in her head. She felt a pair of eyes looking at her as she turned and surely one of the interviewing girls was looking at her intently. Her hair was long and pulled back, her bangs swept across her forehead gracefully “Can I help you?” Erin asked after a moment of the staring game.

The girl shook her head “No…excuse me for staring. You just look like someone I know.”

Erin smiled in return, her guard was down “I have a good memory but I don’t recognize you.”

“I guess I mistaken.” The girl replied with a friendlier smile.

The office manager suddenly walked into the room and called out “Julie Lee.”

The girl that was having a short conversation with Erin suddenly got up “Excuse me.” She smiled at Erin, whose face had paled over. The name, it was ghastly familiar yet she could not pin point where she had originally heard it.

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