Chapter 37
Patrick Tam – Devin Hsu
Vivian Leung – Erin Yeung aka Scorpio
Ruby Lin – Mia Lam-Chiu aka Pisces
Nick Cheung – Darren Chiu aka Taurus
Gallen Lo – Matt Tong aka M.T.
Joyce Tang – Reina Ng aka Gemini
Edison Chan - Ryan Tong aka Sagittarius
Maggie Cheung – Sara Liu
Jessica Huen – Carmen Hui aka Cancer
Leon Lai – Daniel Wong
Sunny Chan – Ben Hui aka Ah Mo
Man Chi Leung – Sum Gor
Carmen yawned again as she covered her mouth, going through files was not as invigorating as Devin made it sound. She stretched her arms wildly and widened her eyes, trying to stay awake. Glancing at the clock, she groaned internally, it had only been one hour since she started working. The police work was so boring to her, there would not be enough money in the world for her to want to work there permanently.
Skimming through a file, her eyes caught on a signature that didn’t belong there. She straightened herself as she pulled another file and skimmed through the paperwork. She realized every other file had his signature. Her eyes widened when she actually read the form that was signed. Releasing all power from the lawyer and into his hands.
“Carmen, can you take this file to Daniel’s office?” Sara appeared by her side.
She quickly shut the file she was reading “Sure!” She responded brightly. Carmen walked casually down the hall, her head bobbing up and down at the other policemen. She reached his office and knocked on the door.
“Come in.” Daniel called.
Carmen entered with a smile “Good morning. Here’s a gift for you.” She handed him the file as he nodded.
“Thanks Carmen.” He looked up and noticed a hesitant look on her face “So…how’s the work? Are you falling asleep yet?”
“There’s not enough coffee in this building to keep me up.” Carmen confessed.
Daniel laughed “I’m sorry. Do you want me to talk to Devin about switching you back?”
“No, it’s okay. I don’t mind helping. I know you guys are short handed.” Carmen nodded.
When she made no attempt to leave, Daniel felt the need to ask “Do you have something to tell me?”
“Yes and no…” Carmen wasn’t sure how Devin would take it that she decided to go to Daniel first. Devin was her actual boss “I’m not sure how to ask—” the phone call disrupted her sentence as Daniel raised a hand.
“Speaking.” He answered professionally “What? How could this happen? Ted’s coming back? Damn it!” he cursed while slamming the phone back in it’s place “Sorry Carmen, but I have to run out for a minute.”
“Sure.” Her eyes widened at the sound of Ted’s name. She followed him out as he stormed to the elevators. Curious, Carmen decided to follow him. She stopped at the receptionist when she saw Erin in a waiting room. Waving her over, she pulled her into a corner “What are you doing here?”
“Trying to get my ticket voided.” Erin waved the crumbled yellow piece of paper. Carmen looked at it funny “I was a little ticked off.” She explained of the balled up paper “What are you doing down here?”
Carmen felt it was safe to tell her “I found something…huge! Well, not huge but it’s big. You will not believe—”
“Dear, you’re talking like Luke.” Erin cut in.
“Sorry. I found Ted’s signature in a few documents that’s worth…questioning.” She raised her hand when Erin opened her mouth “I know it’s unbelievable and we should all know Ted would not backstab the police force but it really is suspicious.”
“Okay, I don’t doubt you, but Ted?” Erin shook her head “I don’t think so.”
“Sometimes it’s the most unexpected person.” Carmen nodded “Plus, I was in Daniel’s office earlier. He had a call that had something to do with Ted. He was really angry and stormed off.”
“You didn’t tell him did you?” Erin asked.
Shaking her head, she answered “No. Not yet.”
“Where did he go?” she turned her back to make sure they were out of earshot from people roaming around.
Carmen shrugged “Out, I guess.”
Curious, Erin decided to follow “Stay here. I’ll be back. If they call my name, pretend to be me.” She handed her the wrinkled paper and rushed out of the room. When she reached the front, she heard sirens calling from all angles. Officers dressed in C.I.D. bulletproof vests marching in order as they boarded a van. The cars took off while more were being called. She spotted Daniel directing the cars to different places. Jogging over, she didn’t bother greeting him “What’s going on?”
“A van carrying ten prisoners was overturned. They got away and we have a two officers down. Only two police cars were present. I specifically told Ted to bring five. The prisoners are murderers and were being moved to a new facility.” Daniel explained as he nodded “Wan Chai, west side.” He nodded to a driver of the van.
“Anyone in there we know?” Erin asked.
He pulled out a piece of paper “This is the list of prisoners.”
Erin glanced briefly over it. Ah Gam was on the list “Where’s Ted?”
“I called him back. I want to get the bottom of this.” Daniel grumbled angrily.
*****************
“Okay Mia, remember, stay calm.” Devin directed as he watched her from the screen. A hidden camera scoping the entire block radius that Mia was standing in.
“Calm…like roses…like butterflies.” She calmed herself but the nervousness grew with each step “Damn it, how does Bonnie do it!”
Darren laughed, standing not too far from her. He was posed as a gardener “She’s five, you’re almost thirty…I think the level of important matters in your life has a tad bit effect on how this self motivation thing works.”
“Oh shut up.” Mia groaned under her breath as she marched slowly into the old motel where Sum Gor and his guys were staying in.
“I contacted the police, they’re going to operate when we make the call.” Matt advised from a car across the street.
Devin nodded “Good. We can’t go wrong, Doug’s life is at stake.”
“He owes me big time.” Mia muttered as she grimaced when a rat passed before her “Ew…” she knocked on the apartment door with the crooked 19.
A man with a beer belly and wearing a dirty white shirt that was too small for him answered. He scratched his bare stomach “What?”
“I’m looking for Sum Gor.” Mia said with a bit of authority.
“Stronger Mia.” Darren advised.
“NOW!” Mia added with crazy round eyes.
“Too strong.” Reina stifled a laugh.
“Can I never satisfy you people?!” Mia cried to plain air, making the man scratch his head strangely “Well?? Haven’t you seen a crazy woman before?!” she snapped angrily.
The man looked at her up and down “Hold on.” The door was slammed in her face as she let out a sigh. Minutes later, he opened the door “Come in.” he pointed her to a room down the hall “He’s in there.”
Mia’s heart thumped with each step as it came into tune. She tried the door and it opened easily. She saw the man inside, his bodyguards glaring at her up and down. She noted Ryan and Ben on one side and a ferocious man on the other “I don’t know you.” Sum Gor lit a cigar as he smoked it easily.
“But I know you. My boss sent me.” Mia said, trying to hide her fear.
“Boss?” Sum Gor waved for one of the guys to frisk her. She clenched her teeth and allowed the guy to touch her side pockets and when he reached for her jean jacket chest pocket, she raised a hand “It’s just routine.” Sum Gor waved.
“It’s not a pocket.” Mia showed him the seams were only decoration on her jacket.
“What do you want? And who’s your boss?” he nodded for the guy to step aside.
Mia straightened her jacket “The location of the trade has changed. It’s been moved to the top of the Twin Bank building.”
“IsS that right?” he was neither buying it or disregarding it.
Mia noticed Ryan’s shaking head but she wasn’t sure what he was getting at “Yes. He said the most dangerous place is the safest place.”
“How profound.” Sum Gor snorted. Nodding to Cheung, he turned his back and faced Ben “Let’s go son, it’s about to get dirty in here.”
“If you don’t believe me, you can call him!” Mia challenged when the ferocious man began to pull an object from his jacket.
“Him? How do you know it’s a him?” Sum Gor was intrigued suddenly.
Mia’s mind scrambled to find a reason “Does it matter what the sex is? I am only doing my job as a messenger. The rule is that you never kill the messenger.”
“Spoken like a true mole.” Sum Gor flicked a brow at Cheung as he retrieved his steps “So, the location changed?” Mia nodded again and he noted the time on his watch “Perfect timing. As usual.” He smiled “Your ‘boss’ sure thinks ahead.”
“Yes. Of course.” Mia nodded.
“I assume the cops are being taken care of?” Sum Gor asked.
Devin punched in a few notes on his trustworthy computer “They are occupied by a prisoner van escaped in Wan Chai.”
Mia repeated what Devin said “You don’t need to worry about cops.” She advised.
But the snarling boss would not trust that easily. Nodding to Mia, he instructed “You take us there.”
“But my boss said—”
“I don’t care what he said!” Sum Gor barked as he pointed “Lead us now.”
“He’s falling for the trap.” Reina sighed with relief.
Matt nodded “Ryan, watch out for Mia. She has no weapons.”
Ryan coughed twice in response “You okay?” Cheung asked “I told you not to drink too much.”
“Just a cold. It won’t kill me.” Ryan smiled.
They cramped together in two cars as it drove downtown. Hitting little traffic, they made it to the building in little time “Mia, the parachutes for you, Ryan and Ben are on the roof. Just get them up there and you will be safe. We’re going to computer lock all the elevators to the roof and the stair doors will be manually locked by our backup building guard.” Devin instructed “But all three of you must be on the roof.”
The gang emerged from the car as Sum Gor paused to look up the high rise building “What a strange place to choose.” He was still suspicious, Mia could tell.
“The more reason for people not to notice.” She replied wisely.
Sum Gor nodded to Ben and Ryan “You guys wait down here. Cheung and I will go up and get the trade.”
“Dad!” Ben felt the nudge from Ryan “Can I go too?”
“I don’t want to leave Mo Gor’s side.” Ryan chimed in.
“Son, I don’t want you getting involved until you’re ready to take over.” Sum Gor said in a low voice.
“I’m ready.” Ben assured him. His eyes firmly planted “Please, I won’t say a word. Let me prove it to you.”
Sum Gor could not say no to his son as he eventually nodded “Okay. Stay behind Cheung. On Chai, don’t make a single noise when you’re up there.”
“Yes, Sum Gor.” Ryan bowed slightly, a sign of respect. Nodding, he began his stride into the building as the guys followed behind like a pack of hungry wolves. People stared in wonder but none wanted to get in their way.
Chapter 38
Patrick Tam – Devin Hsu
Vivian Leung – Erin Yeung aka Scorpio
Ruby Lin – Mia Lam-Chiu aka Pisces
Nick Cheung – Darren Chiu aka Taurus
Gallen Lo – Matt Tong aka M.T.
Joyce Tang – Reina Ng aka Gemini
Edison Chan - Ryan Tong aka Sagittarius
Aaron Kwok – Ted Kwong aka Libra
Jessica Huen – Carmen Hui aka Cancer
Leon Lai – Daniel Wong
Sunny Chan – Ben Hui aka Ah Mo
Man Chi Leung – Sum Gor
The ride up to the roof was long and agonizing for Mia as she was squeezed between two guys. Sum Gor blocking her every view. When the chime sounded, it was their cue to exit onto the roof. It was a slightly windy day as their jackets billowed. Sum Gor turned to Mia “Where’s the trade?”
She pointed to a box sealed up, it was near the edge of the roof “Over there. Check if for yourself.”
“You open it.” Sum Gor was not taking any chances as he pointed her there. Her eyes flickered towards Ryan. Slowly, she approached the box and peeled off the top tape. Before she opened it, she felt a hard object pointing to her head. She turned slightly to see the gun. Sum Gor smile arched to the side “You’re a fake.”
“NOW!” Mia cried as she whipped an elbow and circled her hands around the gun to point it away. A few shots escaped as Ryan turned and began to beat up the other four guys. Ben backed away to the side slowly.
“Son! Catch!” Sum Gor tossed the gun towards him as it landed and slid towards his feet. Ben picked it up, looked at it and tossed it over the edge of the building. The boss looked mortified as he struggled to overpower Mia.
Suddenly the elevator opened and appeared Cheung along with the other guys “Sum Gor, we have to go—” he halted at the scene as he yanked out his gun and pointed it at the three “On Chai, what the hell is going on?! Let Sum Gor go!!” he pointed the gun to Mia.
She pulled his arm to the back and whipped him in front of her “Go ahead and shoot!” she dared him. Leaning into Sum Gor’s ear, she whispered “Tell them to back off.”
“Move back.” He said obediently.
“Drop your gun.” Ryan pushed one guy towards Cheung “You guys are not going anywhere.”
“Ben, open the box and get the backpacks.” Mia instructed.
Sum Gor’s eyes widened in astonishment “Ben?”
Ben snapped the three buckles in place as he tossed one to Ryan, who speedily put it over his jacket. He returned to Mia’s side as “Didn’t think you would be fooled by your own son?” Mia snorted “Can’t even recognize your own child, what a disgrace to parents all over.”
Ryan took over so Mia could put on her parachute. On the trade off, Sum Gor had one second to make a quick getaway. He whipped his wrist away from Ryan and turned to punch him in the face. Ryan didn’t expect it as he moved his body away, knocking Ben over the ledge “BEN!!” he yelled. Snapping his head over, he saw Sum Gor had gotten away.
Mia moved over “No time. We have to go now.” She grabbed his hand without thinking and pulled him along as she jumped over the ledge. “How long until we release?!!!” She yelled over the whooshing sound of the wind.
“Count to 10!” Ryan replied. He looked down and pointed to a large target of cardboard boxes “We have to hit that!”
“I can’t even SEE that!!” Mia yelled.
Ryan noticed Ben’s parachute escape his bag as he was pulled up by the friction “NOW!” He let go of Mia’s hand and pulled his. Seconds later, Mia did the same. On ground floor, the team were awaiting the three parachutes as it got larger with each second. The police had surrounded the place and all elevators were locked. Their only escape from the roof was jumping or waiting for the police helicopter to get them.
Ben landed millimeters from the target. Reina and Matt rushed to his side to assist him “Are you okay?” Matt asked.
He took their helping hands while Reina help take off his parachute “Yeah…almost peed in my pants…but otherwise, I’m great.” He looked up after Ryan and Mia who had landed on top of Ryan “But I would not do THAT again.” He shivered making Reina laugh.
Darren dug through the parachute “Mia!”
She was waving her arms wildly to get the parachute off her. When she managed to get it off her, her hair was a mess “Hey, that wasn’t that bad.” She puffed a mouthful of air out to push away the strands dangling in front of her face.
“Ow…” there was a moaning from underneath her.
Mia’s brows ruffled “Did you hear something?”
“I think you’re sitting on Ryan.” Darren pointed.
She quickly hopped back and noticed that she was sitting on him “Oops.” She smiled weakly when Ryan turned to her viciously. His hand rubbing the back of his neck “Thanks for breaking my fall!” she grinned brightly.
“I’m not working with her again.” He said to Matt with a finger pointing to Mia.
Devin hung up the call he was on “Big news guys. Erin and Carmen are at the Police Station. Ted’s being held for possible conspiracy to let Ah Gam as well as 9 other prisoners loose.”
Mia scratched her head while the group gasped “Damn, how long was I up there?”
Darren took her hand and pulled her up in one swift movement “Come on. Ben, you come too.” Devin agreed with a nod. The group gathered into the P.R.A. van while the cops took over.
When they reached the station, Devin spotted Erin first when she was pacing back and forth in a waiting area “What’s going on?”
Erin stopped pacing and Carmen stood up “I found some documents that Ted signed, it was a little out of the ordinary.” Carmen explained “Daniel and the other lieutenants are questioning Ted right now.”
Devin nodded as Erin turned to him “We asked Sara but she doesn’t know what happened. She recalled a superior calling Ted this morning advising him to take out the patrol cars to escort the prisoners to a new location.”
“I guess we’ll have to wait.” Matt sighed. Erin nodded worriedly “We all know he’s innocent.” He added.
She smiled sadly “I know. But the evidence doesn’t look good.” She noticed Ryan rubbing his neck “What’s the matter?”
“I had a Mia fall on me.” He eyed Mia carefully.
“Our plan went very well.” Mia winked exaggeratingly.
************
“Captain Kwong, how do you explain these signatures? Did you or did you not sign them?” a table of five uniformed and suited heads sat before him. Ted felt like a prisoner in his handcuffs.
He knew his only shot was to be honest “Yes, it is my signature. But I did not sign these documents.” He said earnestly.
“So they magically appeared with your signature?” The head Commissioner asked with extra sarcasm.
Daniel turned to the man “Let’s hear him out.” Returning to Ted, he asked “How do you explain this morning’s incident?”
“I ordered four patrol cars, including my own to come with me. I had them split up to trap the van when we first got notice that it was taken over. Two hit traffic. It was a bad call and I take full responsibility on it.” He answered boldly.
“Lucky for you, we were able to capture five escaped prisoners. But five are still on the loose and are extremely dangerous.” The General advised “If not for your years of dedicated work, you would be sitting in jail this very second, no questions asked.” He pointed to the table.
Ted nodded understandingly “I’m very grateful.”
“We will further investigate the essence of these signed documents. In the meantime, we have to keep you in temporary prison for 48 hours.” A Lieutenant advised.
“Yes, sir.” Ted looked devastated as he was led by his own colleague towards the temporary prison.
“Gentleman, I suggest we move this case to ICAC.” The Commissioner said without much thought.
“You think this is a bribery case?” Daniel asked and the elder man nodded “I disagree. Ted Kwong has an amazing record with the force. Not even a slight discharge. I believe he is being framed.”
“Commander, that is a hasty observation.” The Lieutenant shook his head in disagreement “Sometimes it’s the most unexpected person that is the most suspicious. Do they not teach you that in Cadet school to be cautious of everyone?”
“Yes, but I still think there is something not right about this whole thing. Why now? Why do the papers suddenly show up? Couldn’t it be possible that someone placed these documents into the file with Ted’s forged signature? It is not impossible to forge someone’s signature.”
The Commissioner had enough “That is a ridiculous allegation. Are you implying that there is a mole in the force working to take out a small Captain of the Homicide Department? Why not take myself out? Or even you Commander?” sighing, he shook his head “I will personally follow this case. Please, gentlemen, return to your stations for further notice.”
“Yes, sir.” They stood up and saluted him until he was out of the room.
Daniel shook his head, disappointed that he could not make his point across. He walked out to tell Erin the news when he saw the agents were present “Big party.”
“How’s Ted?” Erin stood up from her seat instantly from the sound of his voice.
He didn’t know how to tell them “I’m sorry. He’s being held in custody for two counts. Possible bribery and attempted conspiracy to release prisoners.”
“Bullshit!” Mia cursed.
“Mia.” Darren calmed her “They don’t have enough proof…do they?” he turned to Daniel.
“Apparently they do. Unless someone is willing to come out and admit that they framed Ted.” Daniel crossed his arms “It doesn’t look good.”
Devin shook his head “This is ridiculous.” He stormed off as the group stood in awe, wondering what he was going to do next. He walked into the Commissioner’s office without warning “These accusations are ridiculous and you know it. Ted is obviously framed.”
“Come in Devin.” The man said sarcastically “Just because you are the temporary Head of Security, gives you no right to disrespect me in my own office. The next time you walk in here, I want you to knock—”
“Cut the crap, James. You know this is not the issue. You said it, I am the Head of Security, I have every right to be involved with this case.” Devin said with much authority. He was not backing down.
The man squinted with pressed lips “This is a police case and you do not and should not be involved. I have assigned a few officials to work with me but I refuse to have you or the P.R.A. to get involved. I know Ted use to work for the team but he is with the force now. You have no right to dipped your dirty paws into this case.”
“Then I resign.” Devin pulled out his wallet and yanked out the gold badge “Good luck finding a new Head of Security. I don’t get paid enough as it is.” He prepared to walk out when he heard the magic words.
“Wait!” The Commissioner knew their current situation would be a mess if they found someone to take Devin’s place. The process of finding a new Head was long and grueling. He would have to do two people’s job if Devin quit “How do you think we should handle this?” gritting his teeth, he hated lowering his voice.
Devin turned, a smirk on his face “Easy. Ted goes into the P.R.A. custody, I take full responsibility if he disappears during the case. I want to know every nook and cranny of the case as it progresses. Anything that needs to be signed, add me to it.”
It was over the top what he was asking, but the Commissioner had no choice “Done.”
“What was that?” Devin asked with a turned ear towards the angered man.
“Do not push your luck, Devin.” He clenched.
Devin chuckled “Have a sense of humor James. No wonder your wrinkles are catching up to you.” Nodding slightly, he took his badge and walked out “Good day.” He closed the door quietly after exiting. Sighing, he was taking a chance pulling the ‘I quit’ stunt but was happy it worked.
Chapter 39
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
Charlene Choi – Jenna Cheung aka Aries
Edison Chan - Ryan Tong aka Sagittarius
Jessica Huen – Carmen Hui aka Cancer
Annie Man – Jessica Lai
Leon Lai – Daniel Wong
Gigi Lai – Chan Yan Kiu
Michael Tong – Ah Chung
“Ryan!” Jenna called from the door as she raced to hug him “Are you okay?” she asked endearingly, causing him to blush in front of the group.
Mia rolled her eyes “It was just a parachute jump, do you have to get so dramatic?”
“I heard something fell on you.” Jenna turned to him in confusion.
Darren stifled a laugh and Reina tried hard not burst into giggles. Matt confessed with an suppress smile “It was just Mia, I wasn’t clear in my voicemail.”
Jenna let out a sigh of relief “Thank God.”
“What are you doing here, aren’t you suppose to be with Doug?” Erin asked.
“No, he left earlier somewhere. Apparently the little ‘Princess’ was not feeling good so she could not sign the inheritance paperwork at the lawyer’s office yesterday.” Jenna sighed “You know, if I didn’t know better. I think Ah Kiu is trying to stall time for something. Like making Doug do all these little things. I don’t know why she can’t have someone else do the work.”
“Like that cute spiky hair guy?” Mia asked “What’s his name again?”
“Ah Chung? He never leaves Ah Kiu side and sometimes I see them whispering together. If it weren’t for the fact that he has a crush on me, I would think Ah Kiu and him are dating.” Jenna blurted out casually.
“He what?” Ryan tilted his head down to ask.
Mia covered her mouth with a hand and muttered “Abort…abort.”
Jenna smiled awkwardly “I thought you knew.”
“No…I didn’t.” Ryan emphasized.
“Uncle Devin!” Jenna pointed when he walked out with long easy strides.
“Good news?” Erin asked with concern.
He nodded “They agreed to keep me involve in Ted’s case and he will be in my custody.”
There was a sigh of relief that broke out within the crowd “I’ll tell Sara.” Carmen offered as she left the group.
“I guess there are SOME things that Devin can do that you can’t.” Mia teased the Commander.
“He does have a way with words.” Daniel smiled coolly “I should get back to work.” He turned to leave when he stopped and turned to Erin “Dinner on Friday?”
“I remember.” Erin nodded.
Mia dropped her jaw as she nudged Devin “That was so spiteful.”
“And your lame attempt to get us to throw down is not working. I think you’ve lost your touch Mia.” Devin laughed when she flared her nose “Let’s get cleaned up, we’ll meet back at headquarters. Jenna, return to your apartment before they realize you left.”
“It’s okay, Ah Kiu and Ah Chung went to the hospital earlier. They won’t be back for a bit.” She waved a nonchalant hand while linking arms with Ryan.
Erin frowned “Hospital? Why?”
“I don’t know.” Jenna shrugged.
Mia clapped her hands sporadically “Great undercover work!”
Darren grinned “She’s teasing. Are you sure they didn’t say why?”
Jenna shook her head “No, anyways she wouldn’t tell me. She hates me.”
The group nodded in agreement “The more reason for you to be careful.” Matt said solemnly “She sounds like a walking time bomb.”
“Not according to Ah Gam.” Reina recalled.
Erin clicked her fingers “Ah Gam. He probably came into contact with her. Would they meet at the hospital?”
Devin nodded “Possibly. Erin, why don’t you go check it out.”
“I’ll go with you.” Reina offered “Whatever happens, he won’t kill us both.” She reminded them. Devin agreed and waved them off.
**************
“Is this it?” Ah Kiu turned to him for confirmation.
“That’s what Bong Chai said.” Ah Chung looked at the door number “Yeah, Dr. Lai.”
She snickered at the name “Head doctor. I’ll give her something to think about.” She muttered and tried the door. There was no expectation of Jessie might look like as she was taken aback by how young the girl appeared to be.
“May I help you?” Jessie dropped her glasses slowly and nodded to the interruption.
“Are you Jessie?” Ah Kiu asked as she paced slowly over, not sitting on the seat.
Jessie looked up at the girl “Yes. You are…”
“You don’t need to know.” She said easily and walked around looking at her little plaques “You’re quite the brain aren’t you? PHD in Psychology and Anatomy?”
Jessie’s heart quickly raced. She saw the guy lock the door behind him. He stood guard at the door, a sign she was not going anywhere “I don’t know you, Miss.”
“But you know Doug.” Ah Kiu tilted her head back to make eye contact with Jessie.
Her head raced and something Doug said before reminded her. ‘Don’t believe anything you hear’. She smiled calmly “Yes, he is a patient of mine.”
“Patient?!” Ah Kiu cried angrily “A patient doesn’t come once a week for an hour.”
“Would you like to see the records?” Jessie challenged “Some clients actually come twice a week, when there is a tough case.”
“He has a girlfriend.” Ah Kiu sneered.
Jessie shrugged “So? It makes no difference with me. I am only his shrink.”
“Just his shrink? I think different.” Ah Kiu made her way over to a chair and sat down, legs cross, she leaned back comfortably “If you think you can seduce Doug with your little girl charm, you are wrong. He doesn’t go for women that look like they just got out of high school.”
She sighed tiredly “Miss, how many times do I have to tell you? Doug is only a patient, I am not involved with him whatsoever.”
“I’ll be the judge of that.” Ah Kiu turned her head to the side. Eyes cold as steel as she eventually got up “Have a nice day Dr. Lai. We’ll be seeing each other again.” She snapped her fingers as Ah Chung opened the door and followed her out.
Jessie didn’t noticed she was shivering until she reached for the phone. She quickly dialed for Doug’s cell. After three rings, someone picked up “Hello?”
It was a female voice. Jessie was confused as she hung up the call. What was going on? Did he change his number? What was with the girls? It was too hard to stay focus when she had too many questions unanswered.
Doug rushed from the bathroom “Was that my cell?”
The hooker looked at the cell and tossed it towards him “There was no answer.”
“Don’t answer my calls!” he checked it and realized it was the hospital’s number. He could only guess what Jessie was thinking.
The girl with the mini black dress rolled her eyes “Booty call?” she asked smugly “Where’s my money?”
Doug twisted his face with disgust “I’m not paying you.”
“Fine, we’ll do it and then you can pay me.” She began to take off her shoes.
“No!” He covered his eyes “Don’t take your clothes off. I don’t want to have sex with you. I just want to know why Sum Gor wants to see me.”
“Oh, right…” she stuttered “He wanted to make a...eh... proposition with you.” The girl with the poofy hair nodded.
He took his hand off his eyes “You don’t even know who Sum Gor is do you?” The girl shrugged carelessly “Shit!” he cursed and reached for the door. But he was faced with a bust. Over fifteen policemen invaded the rooms and forced everyone on the floor.
“Get down!” he pointed a gun at Doug.
Doug slowly lowered himself. He noticed a bathroom window opened ajar. He couldn’t blow his cover if they took him to the police station. Taking in a breath, he reached back a fist and pushed the cop in the stomach. He didn’t expect the attack as the gun came flying to the side. Doug rolled a few times to get it as he quickly unlatched it like a pro “Sorry.” He muttered and made a mad dash for the bathroom. He locked it quickly and climbed through the window. It was five stories up but he didn’t care.
He dangled inch by inch from the fire escape. The cops were pointing to him from the window. He only had enough time to glance at the guys running towards him when he got to ground safely. Running down the alley, he jumped a wall and reached the streets in time to see sirens wailing two blocks away. They were closing him in.
Just then, he saw a motorcycle pull up to his side “Get on!” Ryan called as he hopped on behind him and the little motor took off. He took another alley that led to a street where they got away. Slowing down, he noticed that they had lost the cops. Making a few easy turns, he reached the run down apartment “I’ll meet you up there.” He waited for Doug to get off before driving away.
He knocked on her fake apartment “Doug!” Jenna pulled him into the apartment “You got away.”
“How did you know where I was?” he asked.
“One of the guys spilled the beans. You’ll be surprise what a smile can do.” She snickered “How could you just leave with the hooker like that? If I wasn’t at the police station and overheard that they were doing a brothel bust, I wouldn’t think of warning you.”
“The girl told me that Sum Gor had sent me to come see him.” Doug explained.
Jenna shook her head “Sum Gor was busted this afternoon for a cocaine trade.”
“I didn’t know.” Doug wrinkled his brows “Who could have set me up like this?”
Ryan appeared at the bathroom door “Ask your little crush.”
“Ah Kiu?” Doug asked.
“Another one of her fun tests.” Jenna said sarcastically “We can’t say it’s impossible. She has a record of that.”
“No…I think it goes deeper. It’s someone else.” Doug shook his head.
Ryan nodded “Maybe the same people that are trying to hurt us? Ga Jei was attacked the other night at Chuck’s apartment building.”
“Really?” Doug asked “She promised not to hurt anymore people.”
“Don’t be naïve Doug. She’s crazy. Worse than Mia! She and Ah Chung went to the hospital this morning. Uncle Devin thinks they are there to meet Ah Gam, who escaped from prison.”
“He did?!” Doug exclaimed.
“And Ted is under custody for bribery and conspiracy.” Ryan added.
“Damn, I gotta leave my headset on more often.” Doug shook his head in disbelief.
“I think it’s time to tell her.” Jenna said “Before it gets out of hand and Jessie is the next on the list. I heard some of the guys over talking about how you go to this shrink every week. Apparently she’s having you followed.”
“I knew it!” he punched a fist into his palm “She denied it but I was suspicious the first time she mentioned it.”
Jenna shook her head “You and your psycho women.”
SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004
