Zodiac of PRA II: Forever Heroes

Chapter 19

She saw the office manager scrambling to pick up a phone while she held a cup of hot coffee in her hand. Erin quickly got up to help her “I’ll bring it in to Michael.”

“Thank you.” The elder woman sighed gratefully.

Erin knocked on the door and Michael greeted her in “Come in.” he had just finished shaking the girl’s hand as she seated herself. He looked up curiously when Erin walked in “Erin? Where’s Mrs. Cheung?”

“She had to answer a call, so I offered to help out.” She placed the coffee on the table “Black coffee?” she asked with a smile.

Michael smiled but his eyes were distant “I never drank coffee, but I picked it up from… a friend.”

Erin knew whom he was talking about as she smiled. She turned to the girl “I’m sorry to interrupt you. I’m Erin, by the way.” She reached out a hand to shake the girl’s hand.

“Julie Lee.” The girl had a friendly smile. But when she turned to Michael, her face fell “Mr. Wu, are you okay?”

Erin glanced her eyes over at Michael, expecting his reaction. His face looked pale as he continued to stare at Julie “Julie…Lee.” He whispered to himself.

Julie looked confused as she turned from Erin to Michael “I’m sorry, is this a bad time?”

Erin smiled at the girl and she walked over to Michael as she patted him on the shoulder “People look like people. Names will repeat themselves.”

Michael looked up at her, the name sent a surge of memories through his mind. His heart was aching “I know…” he replied. His eyes turned back to Julie and he knew there should be an explanation “My fiancé was named Julie Lee. Unfortunately, she died years ago.” He said sadly.

Julie nodded understandingly “I’m sorry to hear that.” She said sincerely “If this is too hard for you. Maybe I will interview elsewhere.” She began to get up.

“No.” Michael reached out a hand and pointed her back down on the seat “I will not hold that against you. Everyone will be treated fairly.”

Erin smiled at his professionalism “I’ll be outside.” He nodded at her with a grateful smile. She walked outside to find Brad snoring away, his head leaned on the chair. She shook her head and returned to her seat next to Brad.

“Excuse me, is the interview still open?” A familiar female voice asked the office manager. Erin turned her head and she was surprised to see Nora. The girl instantly recognized her as she walked over with a fake smile “Erin, it’s so nice to see you.” Her voice syrupy. She saw Brad sleeping and a genuine smile crossed her face.

Erin nodded “He wouldn’t wake up even if there was an earthquake.”

“I know how to wake him up.” Nora said confidently as she leaned down over Brad’s ear and whispered something. Suddenly, his eyes snapped open. He turned his head and it was met with Nora’s cheek. He quickly jumped back and covered his lips. Nora touched her cheek, which looked blazing red, the same red that matched Erin’s eyes. Nora shrugged carelessly “See, works every time.”

Brad retrieved his place next to Erin with a stammered voice “Nora…what are you doing here?” he asked nervously.

“I need a new job.” She sighed sadly “After Darwin was kidnapped, Elisa went on a firing rampage and let everyone go…well, all of whom she didn’t like.”

Erin sighed sadly “Too bad, the job has just been filled.”

Brad looked at her curiously “How did you know?”

“Woman’s instinct.” Erin said mysteriously.

As if on cue, Michael walked Julie out. She was the last interview of the day until he laid eyes on Nora “Hi, are you here for the interview?” he asked.

Nora smiled brightly as she extended a hand and shook his firmly “I’m Nora Cheung, I was Darwin Wong’s secretary.”

Michael’s eyes shot upwards “Was? How is he doing?”

Nora looked at him solemnly “You don’t know about Darwin?”

Erin quickly interrupted “Michael, I think it’s our turn now.” She smiled and he caught on.

“I’m sorry Nora, if you’re here for an interview. I’m afraid you’re one step too late. I just hired Julie here.” He nodded to Julie who smiled at the group “She’s starting next Monday.”

Nora couldn’t hide her disappointment “I see. I guess there’s no reason for me to be here.”

Michael suddenly felt sorry for the girl as he called her back “Wait a minute, Nora.” He turned to the office manager “Mrs. Cheung, do we have two desks open?” The woman nodded and he smiled “If you don’t mind sharing a job, I would like to welcome you to my company.” He extended a hand to Nora who was near tears as she shook it with both hands and beamed brightly.

Erin let out a silent sigh while Brad was smiling, he nudged her “He’s not bad either.”

She rolled her eyes at Brad “I told you so.” She said without much feeling. After the introductions were over, Brad and Erin were led into Michael’s office.

“I must apologize about the wait. It’s usually not that hectic in here.” Michael smiled at the two. They shook their heads understandingly “So when are the wedding bells coming?” he asked.

“That’s a little too soon to ask.” Erin blurted out. She turned to Brad who’s face was wrinkling with confusion “I mean…Brad hasn’t proposed or anything yet.” She corrected herself.

Michael laughed “Is that all? I would expect you to be the one proposing.” He pointed to Erin “Women nowadays are very independent.”

“I’m as traditional as a woman could get.” Erin smiled.

“Really?” he asked with curios wonder.

Brad cleared his throat, the conversation was not what he was planning to talk about “Mr. Wu, we’re today as P.R.A. agents. Darwin Wong has been kidnapped.”

Michael’s face fell “Again?” he whispered in shock.

Erin nodded “Unfortunately, this time we have no idea who kidnapped him. It was during an auction last weekend. We lost an agent during a shootout.” Her head tilted down in remembrance of Jessie.

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Michael said sympathetically.

Brad knew Erin was still feeling guilty as he nodded “It was unavoidable. But we’re here to tell you that Elisa Wong will be contacting you very soon. We have suspicions that she was contacted by the kidnapper and they are asking for a large sum of money that she cannot get access to. Therefore she is going down the line of people that are friends with Darwin, who are willing to help her out.”

“And you think she is going to ask me next?” Michael finished.

Erin nodded “She does not trust the P.R.A. at this time because we failed to protect her husband. It’s very dangerous if she tries to handle this herself. We want to know if you can do us a favor.”

He leaned back on his chair comfortably “Anything.” Brad and Erin exchanged smiles.

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

After the talk with Michael, Brad and Erin returned home “Do you think we can trust him?” Brad asked.

Erin shook her head “Did you say earlier that he wasn’t a bad guy after all?”

He laughed “It doesn’t mean we can trust him.”

“I’m going to have to get use to your language, Mr. Chung.” She joked. Suddenly, she heard laughing. She turned to Brad strangely “Do you hear that?”

He nodded “It’s Shelly…and…is that a guy’s voice?” he wondered out loud.

Erin and Brad walked over to her closed room as they knocked on it, there was no answer only laughter. Without further notice, she barged into the room to find Ryan and Shelly playing video games. The two were laughing loudly, Erin let out a sigh of relief as she leaned onto Brad’s chest.

“Ga Jei? What’s wrong?” Shelly asked.

Erin shook her head at the two “Ryan, can I speak to you for a minute?”

Ryan pointed to the game “But…I’m winning…” Erin tilted her head sternly and he quickly got up and followed her outside while Brad walked over to continue the game with Shelly.

When they were outside, Erin turned to Ryan “Are you two dating?” she asked straightforwardly.

Ryan shook his head “No, we’re just friends, I promise.”

“Then I suggest you don’t stay in her room and close the doors. The only time I will let that go is if one, she’s your girlfriend, two, she’s your fiancé or three you two are married. Its none of the above, I want you to respect her in every way possible.” Erin lectured.

Suddenly, he stifled a laugh. She titled her head until he stopped “I’m sorry…but you just sound so much like my mom. Is that how you talk to Brad?” he dared to ask.

Erin was suddenly flustered being called a mom “That’s none of your business!” she snapped “Just leave the room door open if you two are home alone. Anyways, don’t you have a job or something?”

Ryan shrugged “Not really. Dai Lou said he would support me until I get married.”

She shook her head sadly “No wonder you get along with Shelly…You two are like two peas in a pod. When will you grow up and act your age? All you do is hang around and play video games while your brother works to provide you a good life. I feel sorry for your parents having to raise a boy for the last 24 years.”

He didn’t seem bothered by her words as he crossed his arms “I’ve heard this lecture before. You would have a lot to talk to with my mom.” He joked. Erin rolled her eyes and he quickly continued “I don’t mean to offend you but honestly, you need to lay off of your sister. She’s had a tough life. How would you feel if you were locked up in your room with nothing to do? Your mom panics every minute you meet a new friend and then forbids you to keep that friend? You think she doesn’t act her age? Well, you’re not acting your age. You’re 27, not 50…what’s with all the lectures?”

Her eyes hardened at the realization that Ryan was making all the sense in the world “First of all, I do know how it feels to be locked up in a room with no friends. I did it for over 10 years at the orphanage. And maybe that’s why I turned out the way I did. You’re right, even if Shelly is this way, I have no right to say it…I’ve only been her sister for a few weeks. Who am I to teach her how to run her life.” She sat down on the couch “You two do whatever you want.”

Ryan shook his head “That’s not what she wants from you. She wants you to care for her, talk to her a little more…be a sister. I think you’ve been so wrapped up in the P.R.A. that you haven’t spent at least an hour with Shelly. If I wasn’t here, she’d probably jump off the building from boredom.”

“Time is not a factor I have too much of.” Erin said sadly “How do I balance my duties, boyfriend and sister?”

Ryan smiled “You just have to spread out your time more evenly. I’m sure if you thought hard enough, you can do it.”

Erin looked up at the young man that she rarely treated as a man, he was a mere boy in her eyes. But at that very moment, she had a completely different outlook of Ryan “Thank you.” She said sincerely.

“For what?” he asked with a smile.

“Okay, now you’re playing dumb.” Erin pointed out with a laugh.

He nodded with his hands up in defense “You got me there.”

Chapter 20

After a week of Elisa canceling meetings, Matt suggested that Darren and Mia try a little harder to get her attention. When he finally set up an appointment with Elisa, the couple were determined to get her attention. Darren and Mia sat outside Elisa’s office, waiting patiently for her. Well, Darren was waiting patiently at least, Mia took too many trips to the bathroom. After the third one in one hour, Darren grew suspicious as he roamed around the office looking for his fiancé. He found her peering through the file room “Mia!” he hissed while his head spun to the back just in case they were caught.

“What?” she whispered back but made no move to get out of the room.

“Get out before someone catches you!” he gasped when she pulled out a file and opened it. He grabbed it from her hand and placed it back in the drawer.

She rolled her eyes at him “Stop being such a chicken. Who cares if we get caught.”

“Ahem!” Elisa broke into their conversation.

Mia calmly stood up and walked over to her with an extended hand “Hi, Mrs. Wong, I’m Mia Lam and this is my associate Darren Chiu.”

Elisa looked at her hand but refused to shake them “I do not shake hands with thieves.” With that she turned and walked back to her office.

“Wait!” Darren stopped her “I’m sorry about invading your company’s files. Mia is just a bit curious, she means no harm. We are serious about talking to you regarding your husband’s kidnapping.”

“Haven’t you guys done enough?” Elisa asked horridly “Who knows what will happen next!”

Mia was tired of the girl’s cold attitude as she placed her hands firmly on her hips “That’s enough! No one wanted it to happen but it did. At least your husband is still alive, we lost a very good agent!” Darren raised a hand to stop her but she wasn’t finished “Just because you think you can handle this situation doesn’t guarantee you that your husband will be brought back safely. You think we don’t know about the ransom? Maybe you’ve forgotten how Michael Wu and the P.R.A. are friends.”

Elisa dropped her jaw in shock “Michael backstabbed me?”

Darren shook his head “He is concerned for your husband. He wants what the P.R.A. wants, for Darwin to return safely. He has enough faith in us to tell us what has been going on. We need for you to cooperate with us so that this will be resolved fast and no one will get hurt. You think the kidnappers would let him go after they get the money? I think you’re a bit naïve if you believe any word they say.”

“You tell her, baby!” Mia cried with pride.

Elisa looked down to the ground, she was kidding herself. How in the world would she be able to pull this out herself? She sighed while her head lifted “You’re right. I do not have the ability to deal with these kidnappers. They want 100million in U.S. dollars before they release Darwin.” She finally confessed.

Mia’s eyes practically popped out of their sockets “100…oh my gosh, this is worse than we expected.” She said to Darren.

“Can you help me?” Elisa asked desperately “I just want him back safely.”

Darren received an urgent page “Matt’s calling.” He said to Mia. She nodded when she too received the page “Mrs. Wong, we’ll keep in contact.” He promised.

The two left as they drove to the address Matt paged them to go to. When they got there, the other members of the team were already there. Everyone stood in the Conference room of Michael’s suite “What’s the big news?” Mia asked without any greeting.

Erin was holding a fax, she handed it to Mia and Darren “Looks like Darwin isn’t the only one with a secret admirer.” The paper read: ‘P.R.A. = Protecting Rich Asses’

Mia read it out loud and she was taken aback by the words “Wooh, someone out there really likes us.” She commented sarcastically.

Darren smiled crookedly “Why did they send it here?”

Michael looked up from his seat on the table “I don’t know. I guess they know something we don’t. I was hoping you guys would have the answer.”

Matt crossed his arms thoughtfully “Maybe you’re the next target.”

“Or maybe they know about our relation with Michael?” Erin observed.

“Or maybe they want us to think so hard that our brains will explode!” Mia suggested.

Brad nodded in agreement “I think Mia has a point.”

“Of course I do.” Mia nodded confirming his comment.

Matt let out a tired sigh “We’re not getting anywhere with this. If this Chris Wong guy is really behind all this, we need to know why he-”

Michael stood up as he disrupted Matt “Wait…did you say Chris Wong?”

“You know him?” Brad asked.

He nodded “He use to work for my company as a janitor. I’m not sure if he is the right person, but let me have Nora check the files.” He reached for the conference room phone and dialed her extension.

Mia nudged Erin curiously “Nora?”

She smiled at her nosy friend “Yes, Nora. She was fired by Elisa and she came over here to look for a job. Michael was kind enough to take her in after he already hired a secretary.”

“No wonder we didn’t see her over at Elisa’s office.” Mia replied “Does that mean more trouble for you?” she whispered.

“What trouble?” Erin played along as she whispered it back.

“Girls, could you pay attention to this?” Matt waved them over. They walked over and he pointed to the file that Nora brought in for Michael “This is Chris Wong?”

Michael nodded “He’s a very small guy, but I don’t know why he would want to harm Darwin.”

Ted checked the file “There’s no background check?”

Michael shook his head “Not for janitorial jobs. There are close to zero possibilities that they have any criminal records, even if they did…my company does not hold that against them. So I created a rule that there would no be background checks. I guess it’s time to update that rule.” He sighed.

“Stuck again…” Eric shook his head “I have a feeling we’ve got our guy.”

Matt nodded in agreement “Same here. To avoid from history repeating itself, I want you guys to keep a guard out for Michael. Set up security cameras around his home and follow him everywhere. Take turns for the midnight shifts, I can guarantee you the kidnappers will push their limits.”

Brad nodded to the team “Why don’t the guys follow me and get some home security devices. Girls, you stay here with Michael until we return.”

Mia frowned “Why do you guys get to do the fun stuff?” she turned to Michael “No offense.”

“None taken.” Michael nodded.

Brad smiled at Mia “Giving you two a chance to redeem yourselves.”

Erin’s expression was grim while Mia dropped her jaw “That’s low…” she shook her head at Brad. The guys laughed before they left the office.

Matt turned to the remaining three “If you guys need me, I’ll be at headquarters. I’m glad your trust in the P.R.A. is still strong.” The men shook hands.

“I have confidence in the team.” Michael said firmly. Then the girls walked out Matt.

Mia turned to Nora, a slow sly smile crossed her face as she bounced her way over to the girl “So…got fired and decided to steal someone else’s job? You like to ‘steal’ don’t you?” Mia sneered at the girl viciously.

“Excuse me?” Nora asked innocently.

“You know, taking what doesn’t belong to you?” Mia elaborated.

Erin shook her head as she pulled Mia back “What are you doing?” she hissed.

“Something you should be doing.” Mia pointed at her and returned to ridicule Nora “What’s wrong? Cat’s got your tongue?”

Julie turned to the girls strangely “Would you ladies like a cup of coffee or something?”

Erin pulled at Mia again before answering Julie’s question “No, we’re good…thank you, Julie.”

Mia wasn’t ready to give up just yet as she pranced her way over to Julie’s desk “Julie right?” the confused girl nodded “Hi, I’m Mia.” She shook her hand hastily “Do you have a boyfriend?”

“No.” Julie shook her head, not sure where the conversation was going.

“Good. If you do get one, make sure you keep him away from that girl.” She pointed directly at Nora “She’ll snap him away from right under you.” She warned.

Nora looked insulted as she excused herself and rushed to the bathroom. Mia didn’t look bothered as she stood up straight and crossed her arms. Erin let out a sigh “Mia…” she began.

“Yes, mother.” Mia teased while Julie shook her head at the girls with a small smile. She walked over to Erin and pulled at her hand playfully “Let’s go see if she’s really crying!”

Erin yanked her back harshly “Mia, leave the girl alone. You know who’s going to hear it if it goes to Brad’s ears? Me. Not you…ME.” She spelled it out for Mia.

“Oh pooh, if he’s stupid enough to fall for that ‘Woe is me’ game, then he deserves to fall for it. Now are you going with me or not?” Mia asked one last time.

She was about to answer when Michael walked out to the hallway “Erin, can you come in here a second?”

Erin nodded at Michael “Come on Mia.”

“He only asked for you!” Mia pointed out.

“I’m glad you understand, Mia.” Michael smiled at the girl. Erin reluctantly followed Michael but only before she pointed at Mia threateningly. Mia rolled her eyes and took a seat across from Julie.

But the minute Erin and Michael were out of sight, Mia ran to the bathroom. She walked in to find Nora fixing her eye makeup. She closed the door and walked over to the girl with her hands behind her back “You can fix it all you want, but the red eyed envy monster will still shine from your pupils.”

Nora rolled her eyes “I really don’t care what you have to say.”

“Oh, so are capable of standing up for yourself…but just not in front of Brad.” Mia asked. She leaned on one leg and pulled out a lighter as she played with it “I’ve seen your kind of women around and to be honest, I can see right through your transparent attitude. Pretending that you’re the victim all the time…but I have to admit, you’re a lot smarter than those that I’ve seen.”

Nora snickered, not at all threatened by Mia “What does that make you? He’s not even your boyfriend…and I don’t want your weak little boyfriend-”

“FIANCE!” Mia corrected.

“Whatever.” Nora waved her hand “I’ve got a rich boss and Brad really likes me. He’ll realize that Erin is not his type and he will come back to me…they always do.” She said darkly.

Mia raised her hands and pretended to shiver “Oooh, I’m so scared.” Her attitude was on full blast “Look Miss Thing, you think I was born yesterday? I know what you’re trying to do. It’s not going to work, Brad and Erin were made for each other. Why do you think he broke up with you?” she pulled out of her pocket a pack of cigarettes that she stole from Darren. She lit one up and placed it over her lips but never smoking it “If you know what’s best for you, you will leave my friend alone. Keep your slimy paws off of Brad and find yourself a loser.” She pointed the cigarette at Nora threateningly.

Suddenly, the door opened up and Erin stood there, red face. Mia quickly dropped the cigarette on the tile floor and stepped on it. Erin waved her hand in front of her face “Mia, since when did you smoke?”

Mia shook her head “I don’t. But I thought it would be cool to light one up. These are Darren…I’m trying to get him to cut the habit.”

“I don’t remember the last time he smokes.” Erin asked.

“Only when he’s nervous.” Mia said “I was having a very interesting conversation with my new friend here.” She pulled herself up over the sick and sat on it “Go ahead, tell her what you said earlier.” Mia pressed Nora as she crossed her legs and dangled them freely.

Nora quickly put on the victim act as she rushed over to Erin and began begging her “I’m sorry Erin. I didn’t mean to offend you…Brad is just a friend to me that’s all. I’m not planning to steal him away. Please don’t hurt me.”

Mia pulled herself off of the sink, with a look of shock, she clapped her hands slowly “You deserve an oscar for that one.” She said with pure sarcasm.

Erin turned to her friend and silenced her with a look, when she turned back to Nora, she let out a short sigh “We’re all women here. You don’t have to put on an act, save it for Brad. If you want to steal him, go for it. I dare you to.”

Nora cleared her face from any worried expressions as she nodded “Fine, but let me warn you, I’ve never lost a dare before in my life.” She turned her heels and began walking away.

“There’s a first for everything.” Erin crossed her arms, but she didn’t look at the girl.

Nora turned to stare at her while Mia looked like she just won a fight “Yeah, keep walking, bitch!” Nora’s cold stare only lasted for a few seconds before she walked out of the bathroom. Mia turned to Erin and hugged her “You were great!! Dang, girl…I didn’t know you had it in you.”

Erin laughed at Mia’s crazy outburst “Just because I don’t want to blow her cover doesn’t mean I don’t know what she’s up to. Girl’s are sneaky…the more beautiful, the sneakier they are.”

Mia frowned “Then I must be the sneakiest girl in the world.” Erin chuckled while Mia blew up with laughter.

Chapter 21

The girls walked into Michael’s office smiling with each other, Michael looked up and a grin was replaced by a worried look “Why are you two girls in such a happy mood?”

Mia shrugged “We just saw a horrible performance.”

“And that’s suppose to be funny?” Michael asked curiously.

Erin shook her head at Mia “Never mind that, we have more important things to do.” She nodded to Michael “Play that message again. I want Mia to listen to it before I make any judgments.”

Michael nodded as he played a voicemail he received while they were in the conference room together. It was a raspy female voice “Mr. Wu…long time no see. It seems you have made a bad choice by letting the P.R.A. in on your little secret. (laughter) You will soon regret that decision. But in the meantime, I hope you enjoy the little visits and surprises that we have in store for you.” End of message.

Mia shook her head thoughtfully “Something is so familiar about that voice.”

“My thought exactly.” Erin pointed to her teammate.

“But it can’t be her.” Mia was contradicting her thoughts.

Michael frowned “Who are you two talking about?”

“A past ghost.” Erin said darkly while Mia nodded “Looks like we’re going to have to make another trip to the mortuary.”

Mia’s disgusted face made Erin smile, her friend was not afraid of anything except heights and dead beings “You take your boyfriend this time.”

Erin shook her head firmly while her smile disappeared “It’s not the same, Mia. We know her…Brad doesn’t.”

“Fine, but if I die from being scared to death…I’m taking you with me!” Mia pointed at Erin in a threatening manner.

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

Later that night, while the guys worked on Michael’s security features in his mansion. Mia came by to pick up Erin, who was changing. She saw Shelly sitting on the couch staring at the TV blankly “What are you watching?” Mia asked when she noticed the TV was on mute.

Shelly shrugged “Who cares.”

“What’s wrong?” Mia asked sincerely.

“I’m bored.” Shelly sighed “Ga Jei will not let me do anything. She freaks out about everything…she’s worse than my mom when she was alive.”

“She’s just worried about you.” Mia said in Erin’s defense “How would you feel if someone told you 20 years later that you have a little brother…it’s tough to be the older child. She grew up with no one, it’s all very sudden for her but I can tell that she is happier with you in her life.”

Shelly turned off the TV and turned to Mia with a brighter face “Really?”

“Yeah!” Mia insisted “You know, we’re going on a mission tonight and I bet you she would let you go if you just asked.”

Shelly’s eyes widened “Cool.”

Erin walked out wearing all black as she fixed her watch “Ready, Mia?”

Mia winked her eye at Shelly and she quickly popped from her seat “Ga Jei, where are you going?” she asked innocently.

“Somewhere I want you nowhere near.” Erin looked at her sister “Why?”

Shelly frowned “But Mia said if I asked you, you’d let me come along!”

Erin tilted her head and gave Mia the eye. Mia rolled her eyes as she picked up a cushion and hailed it at Shelly but Erin’s hand was quicker as she blocked it from hitting Shelly in the head “You’re not suppose to say that!!” Mia retorted.

Shelly giggled “Oops.” She turned to Erin and put on her puppy face “Please, Ga Jei, I promise, I’ll be good. I won’t touch anything…and I won’t leave your side. Come on, it’s so boring at home!” she was on the verge of whining.

Mia let out a sigh as she got up “Just let her go, Erin. What harm could it be staring at rotting corpses?”

“C..Co..Corpses?” Shelly stuttered.

Erin crossed her arms at the two girls “Look what you did Mia, now Shelly’s gonna have nightmares.” She shook her head to Mia “Come on, we’re gonna be late.”

“Wait…can I go?” Shelly asked feebly.

Erin raised her brows “You’re not afraid?”

“Kinda…but I want to go…maybe it will cure my fears of horror movies.” She said unconvincingly.

Mia smiled “Just let her go.”

Erin wasn’t sure it was a good idea, but she figured as long as Mia and herself was around, then Shelly should be okay “Fine.” Erin said reluctantly. Mia and Shelly gave each other high fives while Erin smiled “Let’s go.”

“Wait…do you have garlic?” Mia asked out of the blue.

Shelly looked at her strangely while Erin sighed “There are no vampires in cemeteries, just dead people.” She reminded her friend.

But it was too late, Mia was already on her way to the kitchen. She made a necklace of 10 garlic clovers from a string and hung it around herself. She felt safer with the thing on.

When they got to the mortuary, Mia and Shelly were hanging on each other while Erin led the way into the cold room. It seems the only person there was the caretaker, he asked them to wait there until he looked for Reina’s file. Erin looked around the room carefully, she noticed there was a body on a cold table that was covered up. She curiously reached out to the covers when Shelly and Mia let out a shriek “Erin!!”

Erin was startled as her hand snapped back, she turned to Mia with an exasperated look “Don’t do that!” she scolded.

“What are you doing?” Mia asked while Shelly looked ready to hurl.

“Just looking.” Erin said casually. She reached out again and pulled back the cloth, the person’s face was painted in make up to make them look more alive. Erin shook her head sadly.

Mia and Shelly were both curious as they approached Erin and the body “What is it?”

“So young…” Erin sighed. Suddenly, her brows furrowed “Mia…this girl kinda looks like you.”

Mia’s face paled over while Erin nodded firmly “That’s not funny.” She said when Erin’s smile appeared slowly.

“Yeah and you always say I don’t have a sense of humor. Look at you two, you looked like you’ve just seen a ghost.” Erin shook her head.

Mia looked around the room “Not a ghost…more like 30…”

Shelly shook her head “31…” The two girls looked at her strangely “I counted.” She explained “I count when I’m nervous.” She added when Mia raised her brows at Shelly.

Erin looked over their shoulders when she saw that the guy had returned “Did you find it?” she asked.

The man was probably in his early thirties but he looked about 50 with the gray set of hair on his head “Yes.” He handed her the file.

Erin and Mia looked over it while Shelly observed the man “How old are you?” she asked the man straightforwardly.

The man smiled mysteriously “25.”

Erin looked up when Shelly shivered beside her “He’s kidding, Shelly.” She was trying to calm her sister’s nerves.

The man laughed suddenly making Mia jump back as she clutched her heart “She’s right. I’m actually 20. Never work at a mortuary…the spirits will take years from your life.”

Shelly whimpered as she wrapped her arm around Erin’s waist “You can leave now.” Erin said sternly at the man. When he left she turned to her sister “He’s gone, can I have my body back?” Shelly lightened her grip but refused to let go of Erin “Mia, look at this.” Erin pointed to the file.

Mia read it to herself “She never had surgery on her leg.”

“Yes, but this says that she had a metal plate put into her knee due to a boat accident?” Erin shook her head “It doesn’t make any sense.”

“Maybe our theory is right.” Mia looked up wide eyed “Reina is still alive.”

“And kicking.” Erin snapped the folder shut “Damn, she’s been playing with us the whole time.” She shook her head “Come on, let’s talk to the team about this.” She took Shelly’s hand and led her out of the room, suddenly she stopped when noticing that Mia was not next to her.

She turned back and found Mia glued to the spot she was standing “Could you give me a hand?” she reached out a hand desperately.

Erin laughed as she walked back and pulled Mia by the hand, suddenly the girls halted. They heard someone screaming for help and at the same time, a horrible sobbing female voice “What’s that?” Shelly squealed fearfully.

“Let’s go and see.” Erin said to the girls as she rushed out towards the sound, which was coming from the cemetery. The trees covered most of the moonlight and the voices were fading further and further away.

“Ahh!!!” Shelly shrieked at the top of her lungs as she pointed at something to their left. She was speechless while continuing to point at a white dressed figure.

Erin narrowed her eyes while Mia took a step behind Erin “Oh God…don’t tell me it’s a ghost!”

“It’s a ghost!!” Shelly sobbed fearfully.

“I told you not to tell me!!” Mia gripped onto Erin’s arm.

Erin’s eyes hardened when the figure got closer, suddenly she shook at Mia “Look at the ground.” She whispered.

Mia shook her head “Is it floating?”

Erin reached up and turned Mia’s neck to look at the figure “It has a shadow.”

Mia snapped her eyes open “Shit!” she straightened her back and crossed her arms “Trying to pull a fast one on Mia…not that easy!” she grumbled as the figure began to wave it’s flaring white sleeves at them.

“Get out nowww!!!” the voice cried painfully.

Mia turned to Erin “Can I do it, please?” Erin nodded with a smile. Mia pulled her garlic necklace off and handed it to Erin “What? It help calms my nerves.” Mia made a circular kick at the person’s face. She spun around and placed her shoes over the person’s body. The male voice cried in pain “Who are you?”

“I thought a caretaker’s job is watching over the corpses? Not scare people to death.” Erin recognized him even if he painted his face white.

Mia took her foot off as the guy got up and rubbed his face painfully “I’m just having a little fun…I never see people around. Even when there are people, they all freak out when they see me.” He pointed to Shelly “Like her…sheesh…ever heard of hair dye? I like gray hair, it makes me look older.”

Shelly reached out and hit him over the head “Well you didn’t have to scare us! And how did you throw your voice like that? Crying for help and then sobbing at the same time? You should be a ventriloquist!”

The guy furrowed his brows strangely “What are you talking about? I didn’t make any sobbing or called for help. It’s just me here.”

Mia grabbed him by the shirt “It’s not funny, we know it was you! Don’t try to scare us cause it’s not gonna work!” she threw him to the ground roughly.

The guy continued to argue “I swear it’s not me!” he blocked himself when Mia was about to reach for him again but Erin quickly stopped her.

“I don’t think he’s lying.” She said solemnly. Erin turned to him “Do you hear strange voices at night? Crying or people talking?”

He looked away thoughtfully “Sometimes…but I ignore it. They said spirits are not supposed to make contact with humans. And that goes with us. So whatever noise I hear, I just let it go. Even if it was people sounds, I would never know.” Erin and Mia exchanged glances.

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