Chapter 40
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
Aaron Kwok – Ted Kwong aka Libra
Maggie Cheung – Sara Liu
Jordan Chan - Ah Bat
Gigi Lai – Chan Yan Kiu
Michael Tong – Ah Chung
At headquarters, the rest of the team waited for Devin to return with Ted. Erin smiled at Sara’s anxiousness to see her husband “They probably hit traffic.” She decided to console the nervous girl.
She nodded “I guess.”
“They’re here!” Mia pointed when Devin approached the heavy double glass doors. Sara in a quick pace ran into Ted’s open arms “Aww…” Mia couldn’t help but gush.
Erin smiled “It is sweet.”
“Are you over the whole thing?” Mia lowered her voice.
She nodded “Yeah, I am. Especially seeing them so in love.”
“I’ll be okay.” Ted held her at arms length “Is it possible that my wife has gotten more beautiful?”
Sara wiped the sentimental tears away as she hit him playfully “Stop. You’re going to make everyone uncomfortable.”
“Too late for that.” Reina joked, breaking the silent ice.
Devin stepped up with a serious face “The next month might be hard for you. I promised the Commissioner that I would not let you out of my sight. Although I trust you a hundred percent, I hope you’ll understand.”
“I would be an ungrateful prick if I didn’t.” Ted replied “I’ll do what you ask.”
“Ooh, make him sing!” Mia suggested wildly.
“NO!” Darren and Erin said in unison.
The group laughed in response while Mia rolled away her eyes “It was just a thought.”
“Have a seat guys, I want to talk to you about what’s going on.” Devin instructed. He waited for them to settle down before beginning “Good news, Sum Gor is officially charged with illegal trading of cocaine and running a brothel with underage girls. With Ryan’s recorder, we were able to catch every conversation he had with Cheung about his business. He’s not going anywhere for a very long time.”
“Good riddance.” Mia smirked.
“Bad news, the person that’s been sending out attacks on us is still uncertain. Apparently, this person knows exactly what to leave behind to keep us guessing.” Devin sighed.
“It could be Ah Kiu.” Reina offered.
Shaking his head, he disagreed “No, she only admitted to hiring the Tigers to attack Erin and Daniel.”
“So she’s not capable of lying?” Mia asked.
“No, she’s not smart enough.” Matt shook his head, he pointed out the facts “This person hires people that are not affiliated with us or the past cases. That chain is suddenly cut short and we are where we were before. Clueless.”
Darren agreed “That’s true. When that guy attacked Linda, I asked who sent him and he didn’t seem to know or care. The person gave him money to do the job. At first, I though Sum Gor, but he doesn’t even know us.”
Erin second the thought “It’s not him. The next closest guess would be Ah Kiu. But according to Ah Gam, she is innocent.”
“Did you girls find him at the hospital?” Devin asked.
Reina shook her head “No, just a shaken up Jessie. Apparently, the sweet and innocent Ah Kiu gave her quite a threat.”
“I think her crush on Doug is turning to obsession.” Erin sighed.
Devin looked thoughtful as he pointed a finger in the air “I was thinking, let’s send a couple of agents to follow Ah Kiu. If Erin’s guess is right, he’ll go looking for her like a hungry dog. Let’s get in contact with Doug and Jenna. Any volunteers?” Mia’s arm shot up faster than a bullet. Devin was pleasantly surprised “Really, Mia?”
Her lips pressed into a frown as she lowered her hand “Are we still talking about what to eat for dinner? I was going to go.” They groaned and she was quick to defend herself “What? I heard the word hungry!!”
“And if you heard the word jump…” Erin teased her friend.
“I’d push someone before me.” Mia replied nonchalantly.
**************
Doug turned to Jenna to confirm their story “If she ask, we were eating dinner.”
“Yes, father. You said it like a thousand times.” She rolled her eyes “What does she see in you anyways?” she grumbled while waiting for Doug to open the door.
The house was dark and the only light was coming from the kitchen. They walked closer and heard voices talking. One of which was Ah Bat. Doug exchanged surprised looks with Jenna “What’s he doing here?”
“Doug Gor.” Ah Chung’s voice broke into their thoughts.
Jenna jumped back, hand on chest “Ah Chung! Dear God, you scared me. Why didn’t you guys turn on the lights? Did someone forget to pay the electric bill?”
What he normally would find amusing, was replaced with a cold exterior. His eyes dark as he nodded into the kitchen “Go.”
Doug swallowed the lump in his throat as he nodded to Jenna to go first. They walked into the lit kitchen. Ah Kiu sitting on one chair, her arms locked and eyes staring coldly into the wall. Ah Bat smiling smugly at the two “What’s going on?” Doug spoke up.
Ah Kiu turned her eyes up slowly, they were hollow as if lifeless. And it brought shivers down his spine. She moved them to Ah Bat “Repeat what you said.”
Doug’s glare turned to the weasel as he shrugged “I told her the truth.” Ah Bat wasn’t afraid to confess.
“You slime!!” Doug growled only to be pacified by the gun in Ah Chung’s hand pointing to his head.
“Ah Chung!” Jenna cried “What the hell are you doing?”
He turned his steps around to stand in front of them “Something we should have done at the beginning. The P.R.A. agents?” he flicked a brow upwards “You’ve got some fuckin balls to impersonate Gam Gor. I should have caught the suspicion when you said your name was Doug but Hung Gor only called you Ah Gam. Were you sent here to finish us off? When was your next move?”
Doug stared into Ah Kiu’s eyes, unwavering “I was here to protect you.”
“And I just accidentally got pulled into the whole mess.” Jenna raised a hand halfway up.
“Oh come now, you can do much better than that.” Ah Bat waved a playful finger at them.
“Shut up!” Jenna snapped “I’ll have my Uncle cut you to pieces!”
“Uncle?” Ah Kiu twisted her neck crookedly, eyes still glued to Doug.
Ah Bat clapped his hands amusingly “Right, her Uncle is the Head of this P.R.A. group AND her father was the one that created the agents.”
Ah Kiu’s eyes twitched with vengeance “So it was from your family that my brother died innocently.” She got up like a prowess getting closer to her prey.
“He was not innocent. He formed a huge assassin group to control and play God.” Doug said. He wanted to reach inside and stir the sweet, innocent Ah Kiu from her sleep. The girl before him was fearless and she was no longer the same person. Something had changed, she lost her trust in him.
“And that was enough to kill him?” Ah Kiu asked “Tell me Doug, did you pull the trigger?”
Eyes narrowed, he answered “I would have if the chance came up—” the slap came quick and the sting against his skin was painful “He was a monster.” He whipped his head at her. When her hand raised again to slap him, he stopped her “And you’ve turned into him overnight. What did you promise me?”
“You want to talk about promises?” Ah Kiu let out short laughs with a shaking head “You lied to me. That’s the biggest promise.”
Doug frowned “I promised to take care of you and keep you safe.”
“Should I bow at your feet then?” She curtsied sweetly behind the wicked eyes “It’s too late Doug. Everything’s changed.” She nodded to Ah Chung “Take them in the room.” By room, she meant the hidden dungeon Hung Gor made for fun. She had discovered it days ago and would have told Doug had it not been for the truth falling out. The guys pulled Jenna’s arms back and tied it with a plastic string that dug into her skin. Doug continued to stare at her, hoping he could bring her back somehow “You should have left me to rot in Beijing.” Ah Kiu whispered.
“I would do the same if time reversed.” He said honestly.
They were taken away. Ah Kiu fell into the chair, her body drained of energy and feeling “Siu Jei.” Ah Chung was concerned for her. He knelt in front of her.
“I’m okay.” She raised a hand.
Ah Bat waved his hand to get her attention “Siu Jei, so I’ve told you everything? Do I get my money now?”
“Who said anything about money?” Ah Chung turned his head up “We only promised not to turn you into the P.R.A.”
“I told him I’d give him a million dollars.” Ah Kiu spoke up. Turning tiredly to Ah Bat, she said solemnly “Once you get the money, I don’t want you to show your face here ever again.”
“I promise!” He said eagerly “When do I get my money?”
Ah Kiu stood up and placed a hand on Ah Chung’s shoulder “I told Bong Chai to get a car ready and take him to the harbor. Once you get there, give him the duffel bag in the backseat. Once the coast is clear, see him off.” Her eyes locked with his “Do you understand me?” she asked carefully.
Ah Chung nodded “Yes.”
“I’m tired. I’m going to sleep first. Come back soon.” She smiled slowly and nodded to Ah Bat “Have a safe trip.”
“Thank you! Thank you, Siu Jei.” He was practically drooling thinking about all the cash he was going to count.
They got in the car and drove to the harbor. Ah Chung’s hand planted on the duffel bag while Ah Bat stared at it with hunger. When the car stopped, he nodded “Go out first.” Ah Bat nodded vigorously and did what he said. When he was alone in the backseat, he opened the bag, it was full of dirty magazines and one gun was sitting quietly on the top. He pulled out the black gloves and carried the bag with him, the gun hiding in his jacket. He walked out and Ah Bat’s hand was raised “Catch.” Ah Chung threw the bag at him and in mid air, he pulled out the gun and shot at Ah Bat three times.
His body quaked from the contact of the bullets and eventually he fell to the ground, hands still gripping on the bag. Ah Chung finished the rounds and tossed the gun onto his unmoving body “Chung Gor!” Bong cried from the driver window “Come on.” Ah Chung nodded when he noticed a boat getting closer. He rushed into the car and it took off with a screech.
Chapter 41
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
Jordan Chan - Ah Bat
Leon Lai – Daniel Wong
The tiny dungeon was pitch black and stank of rotting flesh. Jenna stayed close to Doug “What is that smell?!” she grimaced.
“Probably the remains of Hung Gor’s enemy.” Doug said.
She sobbed and dug her face into his chest “Stop! I’m scared. My hands are tied together and my earpiece is inside my pocket. Do you have yours?”
“No. I didn’t want them to be suspicious. It’s in my jacket pocket. Hey, maybe you can get it?” he fell to his knees “Right pocket.” He instructed. Jenna turned her back to him and bent down to feel for the pocket “Right, right…” he said when her hands moved further north.
“I can’t see!” Jenna groaned “We’re going to die in here aren’t we?”
“Oh stop being Mia.” Doug rolled his eyes “They’ll find us. Did you get it?”
“Yeah…I think.” Jenna pulled it quickly out and it slipped through her fingers and fell to the ground “Oh shit!”
“Great, now we have to find it.” Doug sighed as they both began feeling the ground for the piece. He eventually found it “Got it!” he turned his back and handed it to her ear “Okay, now put it in my ear.”
Jenna rolled her eyes “Of course in your ear, where else would it go? Your nose?”
“PMS’ing?” Doug asked shortly.
“Yeah.” She nodded while jamming the piece into his ear. Touching his ear, she asked “Is it activated?”
“SHH.” He hushed “I can’t tell. Can you guys hear me?” he asked. After waiting for a few seconds, he gave up “Maybe it’s broken?”
“It can’t be—” Jenna’s eyes enlarged when she saw a bright light shining from the other end, a secret passage door opened and they saw a huge object being thrown into the shoot as it rolled into the dungeon with them “Oh my God, they’re going to fill this room with dead bodies!”
Doug frowned as he moved closer, until his foot was stopped by the object. He kicked it roughly “Maybe he has a match or something.” He searched the body and to his luck, not only did the guy smoke, he had a pocket knife “Jen, it’s your lucky day.” Doug laughed as he began sawing into his plastic ties.
“Tell me about it!” Jenna snickered sarcastically.
“I found a knife.” Doug explained. He finally cut through the plastic as it whipped away from his hand “Where are you?”
“Trying to hold my breath. Stop talking.” She sucked in a lung full of air. She squirmed when he reached her hand and began cutting through her ties. When she was free, her hand immediately moved to her face as she covered her nose and mouth “What now?” she used her other hand to get her earpiece. Placing it inside, she secured it and tapped it for activation “Come in, come in. It’s Aries.” She hissed.
Doug used the lighter to fill the room with a yellow ambiance “It’s midnight, I think everyone is sleeping.” He glanced at his watch.
“We have to stay in here for the night?” Jenna whimpered “It stinks.”
“My nose is getting use to it. Just think, prime rib smell and it’ll go away.” He advised.
She closed her eyes “Prime rib with mash potatoes, gravy spilling all over and boiled broccoli on the side. Can’t forget them veggies.” She chuckled to herself “Hmm…a glass of Opus One. Oooh and for dessert creamy thick wondrous cheesecake—”
“Now you’re making me hungry!” Doug groaned.
Her eyes opened with a wide grin “Hey, that worked.”
*****************
Erin hesitated for a few seconds, her hand ready to knock on the door to his office. Suddenly, it opened and Daniel almost jumped back. She smiled “Sorry.”
“It’s okay, although I think I almost lost my lunch.” He laughed.
“I hate to bother you.” She began.
“Come in.” he pulled her in by the hand “What can I do for you?”
She gripped the picture in hand “It’s a personal favor.”
“Always a favorite.” He nodded “Let me see.” He reached out as she handed him the picture. His eyes turned up strangely.
“I need you to find as much on this person’s background as you can.” Erin said solemnly.
Daniel didn’t need to think twice as he confirmed the promise “Done. And it’s our little secret.”
She couldn’t say she wasn’t grateful but he didn’t even question her why she chose to run a background check on the person “Why?”
He tilted his head with the infamous grin “Because I assume you didn’t want to tell anyone?”
“No. I mean, why would you agree without any hesitation?” she questioned.
“Everyone has their reasons for doing what they want to do. It’s not my place to question you. Why make things more complicating than they already are?” He asked.
“You’re going to make some girl very happy one day.” Erin grinned “Women can bring along drama everywhere they go. Some have more than the average.” She hinted.
“I’m a pro when it comes to dealing with drama.” He replied. She lowered a smile “Hey, it never hurts to try.”
“I’d rather you try it on someone more worth it.” Erin sighed.
“What makes you think you’re not worth it?” he asked earnestly.
She shrugged “There are some things you just know.” Suddenly his office phone rang “I don’t want to bother you.” She whispered and began to leave.
“Wait.” He raised a hand to her “Okay John, I’ll be right there.” He quickly hung up the phone “Last night a patrolling officer walked by a huge crowd and discovered a person that was shot three times. His identification card read Tong Ga Bat.”
“Ah Bat?” Erin raised her brows.
“I assume.” He rolled his suit jacket over his shoulder and ushered her out “I’ll give you a ride over there. Call Devin and the others if you want. We probably won’t have time to wait for them, John said he’s in critical condition but his heart is still going.”
When they reached the hospital, the two were escorted to the prisoner facility. Ah Bat was living off of pumped oxygen and mineral water. His face was unmoving, he might as well be dead “I wonder who did this.” Erin wondered out loud.
Daniel snickered “It was a matter of time.”
She flicked a corner smile “True.” Erin’s eyes wandered to his hands and noticed it was balled up. Approaching it, she tried to unlock the fingers but it was tightly fisted. She decided to use both hands just in case he was holding onto something. Out of the blue his heartbeat began to race and his eyes snapped open. His hand gripped onto her wrist unexpectedly as she was startled back. It was empty but his eyes widened crazily.
“Doug…Jenna…they…trapped. Ah Kiu…get her.” He stammered between gasps.
Erin stopped struggling from his grasp and lowered herself “She sent someone to kill you? Why?”
Daniel stepped towards her while Ah Bat began to hyperventilate “I…I ratted … them … out. She knows everything…save them…save them.”
She turned to the heart monitor as it quickly lowered and within seconds the monotone beep announced his death. She looked down at their hands and it slipped slowly from hers “I’ll get the nurse.” She turned to the door and waved for the nearest uniformed person. She quickly rushed them out so they could finish up. Erin saw the team outside waiting for they only allowed two people in the room.
Devin stood up “How is he?”
Erin shook her head “He’s dead.”
“At least he did one good deed before he died.” Daniel sighed. He turned to the team “Ah Kiu sent for his death and apparently she has Doug and Jenna locked up somewhere.”
“What?” Mia burst angrily “He ratted them out?”
Devin shook his head “That’s the least of our problems. Let’s hope they have their earpieces on. He nodded to Matt, can you get into contact with them?”
Matt nodded as he took out his earpiece and placed it in his ears. Waiting a few seconds to activate it “Jenna, Doug, can you guys hear me?” his brows wrinkled strangely.
“Can you hear them?” Reina asked.
“There’s snoring.” He answered.
Darren smiled “I guess that’s a good sign.”
“So we have to wait for them to wake up?” Ryan asked restlessly.
Mia snapped her fingers “I got it!” she rushed towards the nearest balloon and walked over to Matt. His brows ruffled strangely and nearly jumped a foot away when Mia unexpectedly popped next to his ear. The group couldn’t help but laugh.
Matt gripped his chest “Warn me if you’re going to do that.”
“Matt?” Doug asked groggily.
“Doug!” Matt called.
“Where?” Mia spun around in circles.
Darren shook his head with a laugh “Mia.” He pointed to Matt’s ear.
“Let’s move outside.” Devin nodded towards the exit when he noticed they were taking up the whole room.
Matt led the group “Where are you guys?”
“We’re in a dungeon in Hung Gor’s mansion!!!!” Jenna screamed into Doug’s ear.
He suddenly pulled back and held his ear in pain “Damn! I’m not deaf.”
“I am now.” Matt grimaced.
“Sorry.” Jenna apologized “I thought they couldn’t hear me.”
“I think everyone heard you.” Matt teased “Okay guys, we’re on our way over.”
“Be careful!” Doug advised “Ah Kiu is ruthless, she could probably be expecting you guys to come save us.”
“Got it.” Matt nodded “They’re locked up in Hung Gor’s home.”
Devin turned to his team “Let’s go get ready.”
“Yes, sir.” The group saluted and rushed towards their car.
“If you need an extra hand…” Daniel began.
Devin turned and began walking away “No thanks, we got enough agents.” Erin gave him an apologetic look as he smiled and nodded for her to follow the group.
Chapter 42
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
Bobby Au Yeung - Charles Lam aka Chuck
Erin rode back with Devin since her ride to the hospital was Daniel and apparently, he was not welcomed to join the team. Her silence only made him more curious “No lecture? No, that was not necessary. Or how dare you be that rude?”
She laughed “Is that what’s expected of me?”
“I think I have to get use to this new Erin.” He smiled sideways.
Erin turned her tilted head “Whatever happened between you guys is absolutely none of my business. After all, I am no one to you guys. There’s no need for explanations.”
“You won’t think about it?” he hinted.
Shaking her head, she rested her eyes closed “No. I don’t want to think at all.”
When they reached headquarters, everyone had changed into their uniforms and earpieces were in place “Remember guys, stay on the lookout and keep in contact. We’re going to split up individually.” Devin advised.
“No partners?” Mia asked incredulously.
“No.” Devin confirmed, “We can cover more ground that way. Matt, you take the back side of the house, when it’s clear notify Mia to come in after. I’ll be leading from the front house, Reina will follow after. Ryan, you take the second floor and Darren you too on the opposite side of Ryan. Carmen you come in after Mia does. Erin, come in last.”
He turned to see her dozing her eyes away to the cubicle section. Reina was the closest to her as she nudged her friend “You alright?”
Erin turned to her with raised brows “Yeah…yeah. Sorry.” She apologized to the group.
Devin followed her earlier gaze “You want to give him a call? We’ll wait outside.” He nodded to the team while Erin made a call to Chuck.
After the third ring, he picked up “Hello?” he answered groggily.
She let out an internal sigh of relief “Hi Uncle, sorry to wake you. I just wanted to see if you wanted me to pick you up next week for Bonnie’s birthday party?”
“Sure.” He answered with a loud yawn.
Erin smiled “Okay, go back to bed.” She hung up the phone and a piece of the weight was lifted off her shoulders. Since she left his apartment days ago and was attacked, she was worried for him. Although he came to work randomly, she was still concerned about his safety.
************
“They’re coming for us.” Doug grinned happily.
Jenna rolled her eyes “Hello, I have an earpiece too.” She pointed to her right ear.
“Then why didn’t you use it instead of screaming in my ear like a mad woman?” he quipped.
“I thought you enjoyed that. Cause it seems that you like to attract those type of women.” She replied with the same quickness.
He could hear Mia’s chuckles through his earpiece “Shut up or I’m not going to Bonnie’s party next week.” He threatened.
“Ooh, I’m so scared. I want my mommy.” Mia snickered and blew up with laughter.
Matt and Reina shook their heads “Maybe we can leave both of them back?” Darren suggested. The group laughed in response.
When the van was near the house, Devin ordered for Ryan to stop a block away. They hopped out of the car “Split.” He motioned and they quickly circled around the block. Devin noticed two bodyguards in the front of the mansion. Erin followed him behind a tree “I don’t want to cause a big commotion.” He whispered.
She nodded “I’ve got an idea.” Erin moved like a dart as she rolled when the men’s eyes moved towards something near the bushes. When she reached the side of the house, she let out an ear piercing scream.
The guards whipped their heads over “What was that?” one guy asked.
“It sounded like a girl.” He stepped towards the voice. And found a girl curled on the floor in an awkward position. His eyes frowned in confusion as he moved his hand closer to flip Erin’s body straight. Once he laid a hand on her shoulder, she reached her hand up and took a good grip of his wrist and used her feet to flip him over. He landed roughly on his back. The other guy came for her as she quickly moved out of the way and he dove into a bush instead. Devin appeared and stopped him before he could attack Erin. They quickly contained the men and tied their hands behind their backs with thick wires.
“You haven’t lost it.” Devin smiled and he ran towards the front door.
Erin made sure he was inside safe until she headed towards the back. Easily jumping over the stone wall, she was instead faced with two bodyguards. Making no move to back up, they stepped closer “Siu Jei was right, they were coming.” One guy snickered.
“Since you were expecting guests, why don’t you invite us inside?” she raised her brows daringly as they charged at her.
“MT is inside.” Matt checked in. He noticed Erin was working on fighting two guys which gave him time to walk through the back patio door “Scorpio, yell if you need help.” He looked around the floors and noticed a few odd objects. Small black squares at random places “Sagittarius, are you in? Come to the kitchen, I want you to look at something.”
Ryan turned his head as he let the glass fall to the ground and climbed into the room. He noticed it was a girl’s room but no one was inside “I’m in.” he announced.
“Who?” Mia asked.
“Me.” Ryan replied.
“We can go on all day like this.” Darren sighed “Pisces, it’s Sagittarius.”
“Really?” She scratched her head “You sound more like Taurus.”
“Guys, get serious, please.” Reina shook her head but a small smile was still present. She was able to make it inside after Devin “Gemini is in.”
“Watch the ground guys, there could be bombs.” Matt warned as he cowered over to look at the object. When the kitchen door swung open, he raised a hand to Ryan “Careful!” he pointed to the ground.
Ryan bent down as he took a good look “They’re not bombs. They’re sensors.” He pointed “They’re signaling each other.” Tiny specs of red lasers shot through each other.
“A little high tech for a gangster’s house.” Matt observed.
“Gor, watch out!” Ryan warned.
He saw the shadow with an object in hand cowering over him as he rolled towards Ryan, missing the dagger by inches. Matt stood up and turned to the guy but he was gone “Where did he go?”
“I didn’t see him.” Ryan shook his head.
Carmen turned a corner that took her down another dark hall. There were no windows or room doors around “Guys? I don’t know where I am.” She said with a hint of fear. Suddenly, she felt a rough push from behind making her fall flat on her face. She let out a short scream and turned to the figure but instead of attacking her, it backed away and disappeared down the hall. She spun around and saw a crack underneath.
“Did you hear that?” Doug asked. He walked towards the door “Cancer, was that you?” he bent down to the floor to talk through the crack.
“Yes!” she answered excitedly. Carmen got on her feet as she looked around for a doorknob to pick but to her dismay, there was none “How do I get inside?” she asked.
Jenna stood by the door “There should be a lever to push.”
“I don’t see anything.” Carmen said with frustration.
Darren climbed into another room, it was painted with pink flowers on white walls. A small crib in the corner, it was a nursery. He stepped towards a white nightstand. On it was a frame with Hung Gor and a woman that looked happy to pose next to him. Her hand on her stomach, he could only guess she was pregnant. But the team did not find anything about his personal life. He was not married nor did he have kids but the picture told him otherwise. Darren decided to take the picture. When he came to the door, he noticed it was bolted lock. His brows ruffled strangely as he exited the way he came in, through the window. He climbed down to the ground and rounded a corner to see Erin finishing off the two guys.
She nodded to him when he waved for her to follow. They entered through the back way and noticed the sensors Ryan was talking about “Step around them.” Erin instructed as she led the way for Darren to follow.
“I don’t see it.” Carmen said over and over when Jenna insisted that there was a lever “Maybe they broke it off on purpose?”
“You mean, we’ll be stuck in here forever?” Jenna screeched “And with DOUG!”
“Hey!” he was offended “We’ll find a way out.” He promised.
“Cancer.” Matt eventually found Carmen “Which door is it?”
She pointed to the one on the right “Here.” She pointed.
Matt felt around for anything out of the ordinary. His hand covered a broken off piece in the corner right side of the wall. He pulled out a hook like weapon and clasped it over the metal piece. Yanking it upwards, they stood in amazement as the stone door slid to the side “Light!!!” Jenna erupted deliriously as she hugged Matt and then Carmen “We’re alive.”
“And you stink.” Carmen moved away.
Matt winced with disgust when he saw Doug looking over the corpse “You know him?”
He nodded “He’s helped me a few times during a fight. But he’s a nobody, why would they kill him?”
Reluctant to enter the pungent smelling room, Matt blocked his senses and walked inside while the girls held the door open “Check his wallet.”
Doug nodded and spun the guy over and took his wallet. Opening it, his eyes widened. He showed to Matt “I think we found the cop mole.”
Matt nodded “Take it with you. We’ll be back for him. Come on.” He led them towards the stairs “Team come to the living room.” He ordered.
One by one, they reached the living room, Darren was the last to arrive “I’m not the rotten egg for once.” Mia sighed with a laugh.
“Did you guys run to any trouble?” Devin asked.
“Two.” Erin informed.
“One.” Matt said.
The rest shook their heads. Devin frowned “Two outside, so that makes five. Five people to attack us?”
“They expected us to come.” Erin said.
Carmen snapped her fingers when she remembered “Some pushed me into the hall. But when I turned he had left. If I wasn’t down there, I wouldn’t have seen the crack under the door where Doug and Jenna were.”
“You think someone’s trying to help us?” Reina asked.
Devin nodded “Possibly. But whom?”
Jenna made did a double take on something peculiar from the entry room wall. A little tube traced to the ceiling and back to the opposite wall. She stepped closer and looked at it oddly. Out of the blue a puff of gray smoke began to spit out. She took in a breath accidentally “Jenna!” Ryan cried when she slowly fell to the ground unconscious. He turned to them “Don’t breath it in!”
They quickly covered their mouths and headed for the door while Matt stepped over to help Ryan get Jenna. But they did not expect it to be bolted from the outside. Mia pulled the curtains open to find the door was nailed with a couple of boards of wood “The kitchen!” she yelled. They were running out of air and fast.
Carmen was the next to faint as she crumbled to the floor before Doug could catch her. Ryan felt woozy as his grip on Jenna eventually faded, he too fell back. Mia was next and eventually one by one, they were unconscious.
SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004
