Chapter 31
Patrick Tam – Devin Hsu
Vivian Leung – Erin Yeung aka Scorpio
Leon Lai – Daniel Wong
Amy Kwok – Janine Wu
They got out of the rented limo and Daniel nodded to a few friendly faces. One particular male in his late fifties approached him with a very disapproving lady on his arms “Commander! You came and I heard that you would not make it.” He laughed merrily.
“Sergeant Gu.” Daniel smiled in return “Mrs. Gu.” He didn’t forget to greet his wife.
The women seemed to be more interested in the beauty by his side “And who is this lovely lady. Is that why you have been hiding from our dinner invitations for the past month?”
“Where are my manners.” Daniel laughed easily “This is Erin Yeung. Sergeant Gu and his wife.”
Erin shook their hands in a polite manner “How do you do?”
“Where do you find these ladies?” the man complimented as he gazed at her up and down making her uncomfortable as she put on her defense helmet.
“If you walk down Lan Gwai Fong, you’d find plenty of us.” Erin cooed.
The couple was taken aback as they realized she had just called herself a hooker. Daniel quickly cut in before the silence grew into a block of ice “Erin’s kidding. She is actually one of the top P.R.A. agents.”
“P.R.A.?” the Sergeant was impressed once again.
“Sure, that’s my day job.” Erin added with a crooked grin as she bowed a slow head “Excuse us.” She linked her arm through Daniel’s and walked him inside.
He shook his head with an apparent smile “That was not necessary and you know it.”
Erin peeked a glance over her shoulder to see if the couple was still staring. The woman hit her husband when he gaped after Erin. She laughed to herself “Trust me, it was necessary.”
He stopped her before they entered the ballroom “You know it only gets worse, we can walk away right now. Are you sure you want to continue?” he gave her a last choice.
Rolling her eyes, she dragged him inside by the hand “Come on.”
He gripped her hand tightly, letting no chance slip to show her affection. When they were in the room, she didn’t seem to notice until she caught Ted’s stare. Quickly letting go, she smiled when he approached with Sara on his arm “Hi, you guys came together?” he pointed unsurely.
“Yes, Erin’s my date.” Daniel replied.
“How nice.” Sara smiled “How have you been?”
Erin returned the smile “Very good. Thanks for asking.” Turning to Daniel, she said “I have to use the ladies room.”
“I’ll be here.” He nodded as she left the three to talk.
Ted smiled when he noticed Daniel staring after Erin, making sure she made it there safely “Looks serious.”
Daniel couldn’t help but grin “If I play my cards right, it will become more than that.”
“Erin is very…” he thought of the perfect word “special. She’s not the usual girl you can woo and hope she’ll fall in love with you.” It was more than a hint, it was a warning to Daniel’s ears.
He smiled coolly “Sara, what do you think about your husband calling another woman special?”
Sara was not jealous or bothered as she answered with an even tone “Ted is a man with much love and affection as well as overprotection for his good friends. He is just watching over Erin. It’s only natural.”
“How understanding of you.” Daniel sneered smugly “But I hope you two have a good night and we won’t be running into you again.” He didn’t like Ted’s tone and refused to let his warning pull his mood down.
“Honey, it’s out of your hands.” Sara said wisely.
Ted nodded as he touched her arm gently “I know. But I have a bad feeling about this one.”
“Like you did with Devin?” Sara asked “And any guy she will chose to date. I know you worry for her but she is old enough and definitely smart enough to know who’s good and who’s bad.”
It was the first time Sara had commented on his growing obsession to see Erin find her Mr. Right. He knew he had taken it too far “I’m sorry.” He said sincerely “I know I’ve neglected you. I promise, I’ll try my best to stay out of her business.”
“I know you care for her and I’m okay with that. But your presence obviously makes her uncomfortable.” She pointed out how Erin swiftly moved her entwined hand away the minute she noticed Ted “Women notice things like that.” She tilted her head towards her husband “But they don’t like to notice it all the time.” She hinted.
He smiled warmly and wrapped an arm around her bare shoulders “Yes, Madam.”
Erin reached for the handle at the same time another girl did “I’m sorry.” The girls said in unison “You came first.” Erin said politely.
She didn’t look that much older than Erin “I think we came at the same time.” The girl giggled “It’s a fair fight.”
“I think we can fit through the same door.” Erin chuckled as she opened the door for them. There was a long line inside. She sighed “Looks like it wouldn’t matter.”
“I know there’s an upstairs bathroom.” The girl whispered. Erin smiled in response as they snuck out before any of the other girls noticed. After they finished, they washed their hands together.
“Are you here with your husband?” Erin asked. It was unlike her to be nosy but she felt at ease with the girl somewhat, like they had something in common. She didn’t appear to be having that much fun either.
“Yeah... Well, no…” she smiled weakly “It’s complicated.”
“Say no more.” Erin raised a hand “Been there done that.”
She let out an easy laugh “I’m Jan.” she presented a hand.
“Erin.” She replied with a firm shake “Too bad there’s no window in here, I’d crawl out.”
Janine laughed “It’s the second floor!”
“I’m that desperate.” Erin groaned as they exited the quiet bathroom and back to the boring party. She noticed Daniel was standing near a group of old men. He threw her a help sign with his eyes. She laughed internally “Sorry, I have to save my date.”
“See you around.” She waved and returned to the opposite corner where Devin was crammed in a tight circle with the head officers of the Department.
Erin approached the group carefully “Gentlemen, can I steal away the Commander for a minute?” she interrupted.
“I wouldn’t see why he wouldn’t want to be stolen.” A lieutenant cracked. The other men laughed as if he was doing stand up.
She laughed politely while gently tugging Daniel away “Thank God.” He sighed with relief “I didn’t know I could sleep with my eyes open.”
Erin grinned “I think you’re the one that’s dying to leave.”
“I’m so glad I don’t work with all of these people.” He looked around and shook his head.
“Not all are bad.” She recalled the girl she met “Do you know of a Jan? She seems to be an official’s wife of some kind.”
“Jan?” Daniel shook his head briefly “Not that I know of. Where is she? Maybe I’ll recognize her.”
Erin spun in a circle as she arched her neck to look for the girl “She went that way…” her words faded when she was faced with Devin and Jan talking and smiling with the other Generals. Her heart nearly stopped “Jan…Janine.” She whispered the name. Snickering to herself, she wanted to slap the stupidity out of her mind.
“Maybe we should go?” Daniel suggested when he noticed her gaze had stopped.
Too late, he saw her. She had not planned to run, she had expected to see something of that sort. Devin approached them leisurely “Fancy seeing you here.” He said with a silent dagger shooting towards Daniel.
Erin smiled coolly “Likewise. I met your lovely wife.”
“Actually, I’m not his wife.” Janine realized she was the Erin Devin had told her about.
“Just the mother of his child.” Erin flicked a brow up.
“Not in your eyes.” Devin challenged.
Erin smiled grimly “Why would it matter to me? I am nothing to you as you are to me.”
“Thanks for the reminder.” He said coldly.
Janine and Daniel exchanged glances, it was time to break up the silent fight “Devin, I’m a little parched, let’s get a drink.” Janine jumped in before it got any worse.
His eyes gazed after her until they were at the bar. Erin closed her eyes as she touched her head “Are you okay?” Daniel asked.
“No.” she replied honestly.
“You want to leave?” he asked. She nodded blankly as he ushered her outside. The ride home was uneasy and too quiet “I’m sorry.” He apologized.
“It’s not your fault.” She replied. In her mind, she blamed herself for agreeing to go. How could she not know that Devin would be there? He is Head of Security.
“Let me make it up to you.” He was pleading, she could hear it in his voice.
Erin looked up and was ready to decline when she saw his earnest eyes “You don’t have to, but I guess dinner would make this even.”
“How about I cook?” he offered “I make a mean steak.”
She smiled “It sounds perfect—” they were suddenly jolted forward, she almost flew out of her chair as she reached her arm out to stop from crashing into the other seat. They didn’t have time to question when they heard the doors locked and a gray smoke began to fill the vent. Erin closed her mouth and nose and turned to Daniel who did the same.
He turned to the window and raised a foot as he broke through the glass. The smoke escaped but they didn’t have time to take a whiff of fresh air when a hand with a knife at the end struck through and slashed towards Daniel. He escaped seconds from the attack as Erin grabbed his arm and Daniel kicked the knife from his hand. Erin pulled him roughly through the glass cutting his arm and body. She ran out of air and had to take in the anesthesia filled car.
Daniel rolled to the door and unlocked it manually, kicking it open, he took a lung full of air while fighting off yet another guy. Erin was growing woozy as she felt her lungs weakening. She crawled to the exit but an arm stopped her from escaping. She turned to the guy, he was hanging from the window and gripping onto her ankles. Erin tried to yank away and call for help but she was weakening. Daniel finished the guy as he ran away fearfully. He got to the door and noticed she was trying to pull away “Erin!” He reached for her arm and pulled her towards him. When he got her outside, her eyes had rolled behind her head and she was out “Erin!!”
Chapter 32
Patrick Tam – Devin Hsu
Vivian Leung – Erin Yeung aka Scorpio
Ruby Lin – Mia Lam-Chiu aka Pisces
Nick Cheung – Darren Chiu aka Taurus
Julian Cheung - Doug Chung aka Virgo
Gallen Lo – Matt Tong aka M.T.
Joyce Tang – Reina Ng aka Gemini
Leon Lai – Daniel Wong
Gigi Lai – Chan Yan Kiu
Michael Tong – Ah Chung
He could hear the pitter patter of footsteps running towards the waiting room. Daniel looked up to see Mia, Darren, Reina and Matt together “How is she?” Mia quickly asked before greeting the Commander. Her eyes moved up and down at his perfectly fit suit “Damn, you look good!”
“Mia.” Reina quickly nudged her while Darren shook his head.
“Sorry, I mean, what did the doctor say?” she quickly focused on her friend.
Daniel shook his head “I’m not sure. They’re still in there with her.”
“What happened?” Matt questioned.
He explained what happened in the limo “Another one.” Darren sighed “Whoever this is, he’s not wasting time to take us out. I’m not sure why he’s aiming for the innocent people.”
“How do you know it’s a man?” Mia asked her husband.
“She’s got a point.” Matt nodded in agreement.
“I love this game!” Mia exclaimed when Matt seconded her opinion.
They suddenly turned to the quickened steps of shoes coming near “Devin.” Reina greeted.
“How is she?” he asked after a quick nod at the team.
“Nothing yet.” Darren was the first to answer.
His eyes suddenly carved over to Daniel’s. Like two leopards ready to pounce, they stared in silence until Reina noticed the tension as she broke in “I’m a little thirsty, can you show me to the cafeteria, Daniel?” she led him away before further damage could happen.
“He’s bad news.” Devin said darkly when they were out of earshot.
“Or bad news for you?” Mia quipped “Come on Devin, just admit that you’re jealous.”
He snapped his head at her “I’m not.”
Darren placed a gentle hand on his friend’s shoulder “Hey, it’s okay. We’re all worried about her too. But don’t take it out on the Commander because she chose to go out on a dinner date with him.”
Devin had to admit defeat now that it bit him in the ass “You’re right.” He slumped onto the waiting room chair “I can’t stand that we’ve become this way. I want more than anything for her to come back to me but the more I try, the worse it gets. She met Janine tonight.”
Matt took a seat next to him “Janine?”
“The mother of his child, pay attention.” Mia crossed her arms and nodded to Devin “And then what happened? Did they exchange nasty words and Erin slapped her for stealing you away?”
Devin rolled his eyes up at Mia “Maybe in your crazy world. They were very civil. Actually Janine mentioned that before Erin knew who she was, they got along very well.”
“Ouch.” Mia commented. The guys looked at her strangely and she continued “They could have became best friends and may even be in a triangle relationship.”
Matt stifled a laugh while Darren placed an arm around his wife’s shoulders “Honey, you’ve got quite an imagination. You know women are incapable of sharing anything let alone a lover.”
“Not true!” Mia huffed “Look at Wai Siu Bo. He had seven wives that ALL got along.”
The guys groaned “That’s just a story, it’s not real!” Darren explained “If you were in one of those girls shoes, you would have taken out at least four girls and cause the rest to turn on each other.”
Matt nodded in agreement “I second that.”
“I am very understanding.” Mia claimed “If I had to share you with another woman, I would be okay.”
“NO way, one Mia is more than enough for me.” Darren raised his hands in defense.
“Amen.” Matt muttered under his breath. But quickly smiled when Mia threw him her daggered eyes.
There was an interruption when a knock on the door was heard “Who is the family of Erin Yeung?”
“Crap! We didn’t call Chuck!” Mia cursed.
“You are not her family?” the doctor asked.
“We’re her associates.” Darren answered smoothly “And her friends.”
Daniel and Reina returned in time to see the doctor walking through the waiting room door “Doctor, is she alright?!” Daniel asked worriedly. He gripped on the man’s arm and whipped him around “How is she?”
“Calm down Sir, your wife is fine.” He coaxed “She took in a good amount of carbon dioxide, the substance was mixed with anesthesia as well as car fluid—”
“She’s not married.” Devin cut in. The group silenced as they expected the outburst.
The doctor raised his eyes “I apologize, I just assumed that this gentleman brought her in and he appeared to be very upset…Anyways, she will be okay. We rinsed out her lungs and gave her a few bottles of I.V. to clean out her system. I want to keep her here for one night and if she’s okay tomorrow, I’ll let her check out.”
“Can we see her?” Daniel asked.
He smiled “The more the merrier. It will help her heal.”
He left the room leaving the group to debate “I’m her best friend, I should see her first.” Mia shot her hand up, volunteering.
Darren turned to Daniel “Do you mind if Devin goes in first?” Mia dropped her jaw in shock “Mia…”
“Okay.” She grumbled and followed Reina to a seat.
“No.” Daniel shook his head, wise not to start a battle in the hospital.
Devin smiled gratefully at Darren as he walked out and followed the room number the doctor gave before he left. Hospitals were familiar to the team but he hated to see any one of the agents to be a patient. Each time it happened, he thought about how disappointed Joe must be looking at him from the Heavens. Taking in a deep breath, he walked inside the room. She was asleep, one hand over the other at her stomach. Her head tilted slightly and she looked pale to the core. His heart weakened to know he wasn’t there for her and it tugged when he thought about how he kept such a secret from her. If not, she wouldn’t have gone to the party with Daniel and maybe she wouldn’t be in the hospital bed.
“I’m sorry.” He whispered. Tears dwelling at the corner of his eyes.
Her eyes fluttered open when she heard a voice “Devin?” she asked in a hoarse voice “Where’s Daniel?”
His heart sunk “I’ll get him.” He said getting up from the chair next to her.
Erin reached out to stop him. Her hands were cold “Don’t…as long as he’s safe.” She smiled softly “Stay.”
Devin nodded, relief written all over his face “Do you know who did this?”
She shook her head “I don’t know. But I know it was a gangster. One guy had a tattoo of the word Tiger on his left arm.”
“There were two?” he asked as she nodded weakly “I’ll have Ryan look into it.”
“Ask Doug too.” She suggested. He agreed “I’ll be fine.” She smiled softly when his brows cringed.
“This is all my fault.” He blamed himself.
Erin sighed “You didn’t put a gun to my head telling me to go with Daniel to this party.” She patted his hand gently “I was thinking…maybe we can put this all behind us. Start over.” A slow smiled appeared on his face “As friends.” She added and he felt his chest being crushed “It’s not fair for the team to watch us fight every day. We have to work together everyday, I hate to see it turn out for the worse.”
He had no choice, he felt like she had made up her mind and there was no way in changing it for she was a stubborn mule “Okay.” Was all he said, it was all he could say. He wanted to fight for them and say that he couldn’t put feelings aside and that he loved her and always will.
“Thank you.” She patted his hand “Who else is waiting outside?”
“I’ll send in the next victim.” He smiled despite the fact that he felt like crying out “Who do you want to see?”
It was a trick question and she knew it “Surprise me.” He nodded understandingly and left the room.
*****************
“You what?!!” Doug exclaimed after Ah Kiu made her confession.
She was startled by his booming voice “I just wanted to teach him a lesson.”
“He’s the Commander! If they find out you did it, you’ll be in jail for at least two life sentences!” Doug shook his head “I can’t believe you would have even the mindset to do something like this.”
She winced “I’m sorry. It’s just…he …he recognized me.”
“How?” Doug demanded.
“Beijing, he caught me stealing from a vendor and took me to jail for 48 hours before letting me go with a fine that I couldn’t pay. I didn’t want you to know…because…I… I was…embarrassed.” She finished with a lower head.
“Ah Kiu, that’s still no reason to tell our guys to go and attack him.” Doug lectured.
Ah Chung felt it was time to step in “Hey, Doug Gor…she didn’t mean to. Anyways, I bribed two Tiger guys to do the job. Even if they get caught, they’ll be the ones to blame not Hung Hing.”
Doug turned to him sternly “And you! I haven’t even gotten to you yet. I thought you were smarter than to go along with her crazy idea.”
“I’m sorry.” Ah Kiu said earnestly “I won’t let it happen again.” She promised.
He weakened at her tears. Sighing, he passed her a Kleenex “Don’t cry. I’m not angry, just worried about you. We can’t play with the cops, they have guns.”
“I know.” Ah Kiu nodded as she wiped her tears “I’ll leave him alone.”
“I heard there was some girl that was with him that night too. Apparently, she wasn’t as lucky. The ambulance came.” Ah Chung advised.
Doug nodded, making a mental note to contact Devin that night “Go rest, we have to go see the lawyer tomorrow.” The home would be in her name and everything that Hung Gor owned.
Chapter 33
Patrick Tam – Devin Hsu
Julian Cheung - Doug Chung aka Virgo
Charlene Choi – Jenna Cheung aka Aries
Gigi Lai – Chan Yan Kiu
Michael Tong – Ah Chung
Doug leaned himself over the rail as he ate the sandwich leisurely “How is she?” he asked, eyes fixated on the half bitten snack.
“Good. We all had a good scare.” Devin replied. Standing about ten feet from Doug, sitting on an empty bench near the harbor “So she admit to hiring the Tigers to do the job?”
“Yeah.” Doug answered slowly while chewing away. They were careful not to let anyone know that they were talking, just in case either one was being followed.
“How about the other two?” Devin pretended to make a call.
“What other two?” Doug was confused “She only admitted to trying to scare Daniel. Erin just happened to be with him at that time.”
Devin frowned “Luke was attacked about a week ago and recently Darren’s secretary, Linda was the target.”
“Maybe we’ve got a few fans.” Doug snickered “Or they are not related?”
“Possibly, but we can’t write out the possibility of it being Ah Kiu.” Devin said wisely “We don’t know what this girl is capable of doing.”
Doug was quick to disagree “I don’t think it’s her. If she can admit to Daniel’s incident why would she have to lie about the other two? Plus, she doesn’t even know who they are. Unless…” a thought popped into his mind.
“Unless what?” Devin prepared for the worse.
“She knows who I am or worse, she knows who Jenna is.” Doug laughed it off “But that’s impossible. We covered it well.”
“We might have a mole in the police department.” Devin decided to inform him.
Doug was quiet “Possibly.” He replied shortly. His eyes diverted when he returned to the trashcan to throw away the wrapper. Turning back to the rail, he whispered “Ten o’clock my left, there’s someone watching us.”
Devin stood up and stretched as he made a few twisting exercise. He spotted the guy hiding behind a pillar “Roger that. I’ll leave first. Jenna should be arriving anytime now.” He turned off his headset and turned to leave the opposite direction of where Doug stood.
A minute later, Jenna got out of the cab as she rushed over to Doug’s side. Wrapping an arm easily around his waist, she smiled “This better be good, I was sleeping.”
Doug stroked her hair affectionately “Erin and Daniel were attacked tonight.” He told her briefly of the situation and about Luke and Linda.
“This girl is not simple as we thought.” Jenna warned.
He knew exactly what she meant “Innocent until proven guilty.”
“I guess.” She was hesitant to give Ah Kiu the benefit of the doubt “Unless I become the next victim.”
“Trust me, you won’t. Ah Chung wouldn’t allow it to happen.” Doug chuckled when he earned a pinch in the chest “I won’t tell Ryan.”
“Shut up!” Jenna pushed him “That’s not funny.” She pouted.
Doug smiled as he hugged her, trying to look affectionate “You know he has a crush on you.”
“So, I could never be with him. Anyways, I love Ryan.” She turned to him with a threatening gaze “Don’t you dare feed crap into his head.”
“Which one? Ryan or Ah Chung?” he teased.
She elbowed him in the stomach “Both!” grabbing his hand, she yanked him away as he followed with a laugh “That guy still following us?” she asked when they made it to the street and walked casually.
“You saw him too?” Doug asked, but he didn’t want to turn to look.
“He’s just a little obvious.” Jenna snickered. She suddenly had a plan. Reaching over his right back pocket, she took his wallet from it’s place “Catch me and I’ll give it back to you!!” She laughed hysterically while running the opposite direction.
“You brat!” Doug played along as he ran and chased her down the street.
Suddenly she halted “Ah Chung?” the guy that was spying on him all night.
He smiled guiltily “Sorry, I didn’t mean to follow you two. I tried to give you some space.”
“Is something wrong?” Doug asked, he didn’t strike him to be the kind of person to sneak around.
“Yeah, Siu Jei, she’s been kidnapped.” He handed the ransom note to Doug.
Doug snapped the paper from his hand and read the note, it was from Sum Gor “How could this happen?!”
“I’m sorry, it’s my fault.” Ah Chung lowered his head in shame “She woke up about an hour ago and said she was hungry. I told her that I’d go out and get her a snack. But I guess I took too long, by the time I came back, she was gone and there was a note left behind.”
Jenna could name a few glitches from his story “Where were the other guys guarding?”
He seemed to be collecting his thoughts “You know Siu Jei, she doesn’t like to be followed around by a group of bodyguards and sleeping is no exception. The letter says that you should go alone, Doug Gor.”
Doug nodded “It’s okay, I’ll go.”
Ah Chung frowned “No, it’s too dangerous. You’re walking into a trap.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” He insisted.
“At least let me send you backup.” Ah Chung persisted.
Doug shook his head firmly “No, I’ll go. The more we bring, the more they will push their luck.” He turned to Jenna “Go back home and lock your door.”
“I’ll take her home.” Ah Chung suggested.
“Thanks.” Doug hurried down the street and got in a taxi.
Jenna crossed her arms with a tilted head “She put you up to this huh?”
“What?” Ah Chung sputtered “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Come on, let’s go.”
“I’m not Doug, you don’t have to lie. He might be naïve to Ah Kiu’s stunts but I’m a girl. I know exactly what the other girl is feeling. She’s not captured is she?”
He smiled, impressed by her evaluation “Something tells me you are not who we think you are.”
She grew nervous suddenly “What…what do you mean by that?” she cleared her throat, trying to look calm but it wasn’t convincing.
“You’re not simple minded.” He teased with a throaty laugh and she breathed internally with relief “Thanks for not blowing my cover.”
Jenna shrugged “If she wants to play games, I can let her. But Doug won’t fall for it again… well, no…wait. He might. He has a weak spot for women.” She smiled and laughed.
“You’re not upset?” Ah Chung raised his brows “I expected different.”
“Well that just shows you how much you know me.” Jenna lifted her chin “I have confidence in my man.”
“He’s lucky to have you.” Ah Chung smiled with envy.
Jenna tilted her head “You don’t have a girlfriend?” he shook his head and walked ahead of her as she came into steps with him “A noble and handsome guy as yourself? I would have expected a line of girls waiting from Beijing.”
He laughed at her interpretation “Thank you, that is a big compliment coming from you. But no, I never had the chance to actually date. Hung Gor kept us busy.”
“Busy? Like picking fights with vendors and beating up defenseless homeless guys to get their three dollar earnings?” Jenna asked. He turned to her with an arched brow “Doug told me.”
“Maybe the other guys were busy with that sort of stuff. But Hung Gor had bigger plans for me. His main business was cocaine.” Ah Chung confessed, he felt he could trust her.
“Of course, the money maker.” She nodded in agreement “Isn’t he worried that you guys might get caught?”
Ah Chung stopped as he looked around the darkened streets. Only a few cars had passed them by “Promise you won’t spill the beans.” She crossed her heart and zipped her mouth. He smiled at her action “Hung Gor had a ‘friend’ in the police force that tapped into the business too. He’d diverge the cops away when we were making a trade off.”
“Wow…must be someone big.” Jenna raised her brows in shock.
He shrugged “I’m not sure. I’ve never met the ‘friend’. But I hear he’s got a bit of power. Recently, he tried to contact the lawyer to get a heads up on Hung Gor’s situation. Obviously, he had to have known about his death.”
“You guys are thinking of doing the same business?” she asked.
Ah Chung nodded “If all goes well, sure why not. I’m familiar with the game plan and with the cop mole, we’ll be fine.” Her eyes faded away and he noticed she was dazed “Hey, want a snack?” he pointed to a vendor selling fried fish balls.
Jenna smiled with a short nod “Sure.”
*******************
Doug walked into the empty and abandoned manufacturing building. It was the address left on the ransom note. It was pitch black, only a flashlight shining over someone tied to a chair caught his attention “Ah Kiu!” He called when he noticed it was her.
He quickly froze when the doors slid shut behind him. Spinning back, he saw a few more spot lights shining around her, there was someone else there behind her “You came alone.”
“A promise is a promise.” Doug said boldly “What do you want Sum Gor?”
“You want to save your girl? That’s easy…stab yourself in the arm.” A knife was thrown towards his feet. Ah Kiu came to as she looked up, her hair was a mess and she looked beaten. She was gagged. Shaking her head vigorously, she widened her eyes indicating for him not to do it “What’s wrong? Scared?”
“You will let her go if I do this?” Doug asked.
“Like you said, a promise is a promise.” The man laughed, his face hidden by the dark room “But if you’d rather see a show…” one guy stepped forward showing his face as he pulled out another knife and whipped Ah Kiu’s head back by her long mane. She whimpered in pain when he pressed the cold object along her neck.
“I’ll do it!” Doug raised a hand to stop them. Clamping his fingers over the handle of the large knife, he sighed “This is for you…” he looked at Ah Kiu once and closed his eyes as he prepared to stab himself.
“NO!” Ah Kiu spat out the gag as she released her hands and grabbed the knife from Doug’s hand “Are you crazy?!”
He turned his head strangely “How…” he nodded to her now untied hands and the bruises looked visible, it was only makeup.
“I’m sorry, I was just playing around.” Ah Kiu pointed to the guys to turn on the lights.
“Doug Gor.” They greeted respectfully.
He recognized the rest of the guys except for the one that showed his face. Ah Kiu was quick to explain “He’s new. Ah Chung just recruited him today. I didn’t think you would do it.” She was touched.
Doug had known the whole time it was a scam but he wanted to humor her “Of course I would, I promised your brother a job. I won’t back out.”
“Even if it means hurting yourself?” Ah Kiu asked timidly. Suddenly shy by the group of guys behind her watching and listening.
“Even if it means dying.” Doug emphasized “Now stop playing these games. You gave me a good scare!” he scolded.
“I’m sorry…” she grinned, happy by the outcome “Are you hungry? My treat, let’s get a midnight snack.”
Doug shook his head “I already ate. Actually, I was with Jen when Ah Chung told me about your ‘kidnapping’.” Her face fell from the mention of Jenna “But I’m still a little hungry.” He lied, trying to keep her mood up.
She grinned happily “Okay! I know a good red bean jelly stand.”
SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004
