Chapter 43
Patrick Tam – Devin Hsu
Vivian Leung – Erin Yeung aka Scorpio
Ruby Lin – Mia Lam-Chiu aka Pisces
Nick Cheung – Darren Chiu aka Taurus
Louis Koo – Luke Yam
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
Leon Lai – Daniel Wong
In an old meat factory in the outskirts of town, the team were tied up. Their arms dangled from thick ropes tied to the ceiling of the freezer. Jenna’s head bobbed up and down as she came to. Her eyes fluttered open and she let out a blood curdling scream at the view she was looking under.
Doug who was dangling next to her grumbled in his deep sleep “I don’t want to play right now Jenna.” He murmured.
“Wake up, wake up!” she cried while trying to kick him with her weakened legs.
“OW!” he yanked his eyes opened and glared at her “Jenna, what—” his face froze.
“Yeah, that’s what I thought!” Jenna cried. She turned to her left where Carmen was “Carmen. Get up.” She twisted her legs and kicked at her.
Devin’s head steadily dropped and he was startled awake when he saw the sharp icicles underneath their feet. It was a good two stories from where they were dangling “Dear God…” he moaned painfully.
He turned to his left where Erin too came to, her eyes popped open and her head moved up at her tied hands “What the hell is this place?”
“Freezer.” Reina answered, her head nodding to the dead cow hanging near the door.
“This is all your fault!” Jenna kicked Doug roughly.
“Jesus, you give someone food and they get obsessed with you. Yeah, I totally saw that coming.” He shook his head.
All was quiet until Mia woke up, she yelled at the top of her lungs “Oh my God…oh my God…I’m going to die.” she began to hyperventilate.
“Mia, calm down, it’s only two stories.” Matt coaxed.
“Tell it to my stomach!” she barked. Using her legs, she grabbed onto Darren by the waist, startling him awake “We’re going to die!”
Darren gasped as he turned to the group “What the hell is that?” he felt his pants slipping “Honey, I don’t think you should do that. My pants are falling.”
She quickly let go and began swinging in a desperate plea to get loose “Get me on the ground! Let me go!!!”
“Mia! Stop swinging.” Erin pointed her nose up. The strings were sitting next to sharp daggers, with each swing, it cut another layer of the thick rope “You’ll be the first one to drop.”
Devin tried to use his legs to pull himself over his tied hands but it was useless, the smoke had some kind of substance in them “Anyone strong enough to pull a gymnastic stunt?”
They group tried but all failed. Ryan looked around and noticed a dangling chain that was connected to the piece of meat “I got a plan.” The group turned to see him swinging his body back and forth forcing the dagger to cut through.
“He’s gone mad.” Mia shook her head in dismay.
Reina looked up and noticed the rope “It’s almost through.” She warned.
Ryan nodded as he found himself short of breathe, the cold air was shrinking his lungs giving him less room to breath. When the rope broke, he was swinging towards the chain. His fingers draped around the cold chain “Ryan!” Jenna cried worriedly.
He slipped down as the meat began to lift up, giving him a free ride to the ground. The team was glad to see him on safe ground as he looked up “I’ll get you guys out.” When he reached the leverage control, the door swung open and five guys appeared, all holding lead pipes and butcher knives. Ryan quickly backed away, arms in ready stance. He glanced around for anything that he could use as a weapon.
He was not strong enough to take on five guys and they took advantage of every swing and stab at him. All Ryan could do was duck and maneuver around the icicles as huge as a human’s body “Ryan!” Jenna cried. She tried to use her legs to lift herself up but it was useless.
Doug took in a huge gulp of air as he forced his legs to move up until they straddled his wrists, he breathed in and grunted while pulling his body upwards to catch the rope. He succeeded as the group watched with smiles “Hurry.” Matt rushed.
He nodded and pulled his body up with his hands, when he got to the top, he used his mouth to pull the dagger from it’s place. Looking down, he made eye contact with Ryan and spat the weapon from his mouth. Ryan rolled away from another slice and caught the dagger in mid air. He was able to defend himself when they attacked and managed to injure a guy.
Devin began swinging suddenly as the attention moved to him. He found a way down as he forced his rope to cut. A few cardboard boxes in the corner to his right was enough break his fall. When the robe gave up, he jumped and landed on the boxes, loosening the grip, he raced towards the levers “Stop him!” one guy cried.
Another took his weapon and threw it toward Devin “Be careful!” Erin warned.
He spun to the side missing the sharp cut of the dagger, he found the release button and punched it with his fist. It instantly lowered the team to safety and they were able to free themselves. Darren was quick as he raced towards the three guys going after the now tired Ryan. Sliding against the wet floor, he kicked one guy’s ankle making him fall to the side. Circling his legs, he tripped another guy, who landed head first onto the brick of ice. The other guy knew better than to try to fight him as he turned and went after one of the girls “You okay?” Darren helped Ryan up.
Ryan nodded as he pointed “Mia.”
The guy had gone after Mia, who barely had enough time to roll back and onto her feet to get away from his punches. Erin and Reina were close by as they attacked the guy from both sides “I got my bitches!” Mia crossed her arms smugly watching the guy getting beaten up by her friends.
One punch after another, the girls knocked him unconscious. They smiled with pride “We’ve got to do that again.” Mia walked over and placed her arms over their shoulders.
“We?” Reina raised her brows at Erin.
Devin punched the last guy standing in the jaw, the pain led him into unconsciousness. Matt turned to the team “I think we have more of a problem.” He glanced outside the small window of the freezer room door. They were locked from the outside and some guy had just turned the temperature down. The cold white smoke began to fill the room.
“Stay together.” Devin advised as they group circled and the guys covered the girls, who all stood in the middle. He touched his side pocket to look for his cell but it was nowhere in sight.
An hour later, they were seated on the ground huddled in a tight bunch. Erin curled her body but it seemed no matter how she tried, she was still freezing. Jenna cuddled her head onto Ryan’s chest as he circled his arms around her to keep her warm “I’m sure Uncle Devin will let you borrow his chest.”
Mia and Darren too were wrapped around each other as well as Reina and Matt. Carmen had fallen asleep in Doug’s arms. He turned to Erin “Sorry, I’m taken.”
Devin didn’t want to wait for her to ask, they would be icicles by then. Reaching out, he motioned for her to come into his arms. Erin had no choice but to obliged. She closed her eyes as they grew heavy. His breath was warm on her forehead and she recalled how nice it felt to be in his arms. He fought the urge to console her and tell her they would be alright. Afraid she would pull away if he said anything, instead he rocked her back and forth, using body heat to keep them alive a little longer until someone found them.
The team had lost track of time and most had fallen asleep “Are you still awake?” Erin asked. She turned up to see her answer. He smiled back down at her.
“Yeah.” He sighed “This is all my fault. I was too hasty.”
“You only wanted to save Doug and Jenna.” Erin said earnestly “It’s understandable. She’s your niece, you should be worried.”
“If I gave it more time, maybe we could have been prepared for the worst.” He shook his head in self disappointment “Now I have no idea if anyone can find us let alone we could survive another day or two.”
“No matter what happens, at least we’re all together.” Erin closed her eyes “I’m not afraid of death as long as you’re here.” It was a mere whisper but it was enough for Devin to know her true feelings at their most crucial moment.
He pressed his cold lips on her forehead “I love you.” He said in a low voice. Looking down, he saw her smile with closed eyes.
Minutes later, the large metal door wounded open from the outside. The door opened and Devin turned to see Daniel as well as the backup CID behind him. Their eyes met and Daniel’s moved down to Erin, who lied peacefully in his arms. She had fallen asleep “Get them out.” Daniel ordered without tearing his eyes from Erin and Devin. Without saying anything, he reached down and pulled Erin to her feet and wrapped a protective arm around her cold body.
She came to and felt a strong arm comforting her “Daniel?” her brows frowned “How did you know where to find us?”
One by one the team was ushered outside where the temperature was warmer “We received an anonymous phone call saying that we should pick up some frozen treats.” He replied “Do you know who did this to you guys?”
“Ah Kiu, who else?!” Mia blurted when she overheard the question.
“We’ll release a wanted note to the other stations and hope they’ll find her.” Daniel nodded to his team “Anything else in there?”
“Five unconscious guys.” One of the men answered.
“They were sent to attack us.” Matt advised.
Daniel nodded “Take them back to the hospital.” Turning to the group, he nodded to them “You guys should go too and get your body checked out.” He helped Erin to her feet “The patrol cars will take you guys there.” She smiled and allowed him to support her to the car.
Devin stared after them as Jenna nudged him “It’s never too late as long as she doesn’t have a ring on her finger.”
“Even if it’s just a ring, you have every right to fight.” Mia instructed “I’ll hold him down and you punch.”
He laughed “I’m sure you’d like to hold him down.” Darren threw his wife a look while she smiled widely “Thanks girls but I know what I’m doing.” He patted Jenna on the shoulder “Come on.”
“Someone should tell him his plan sucks.” Mia snorted.
“Better than scaring her away.” Reina sighed “Let’s go. I can’t feel my legs.”
**************
Hours later, the doctor came in to release the team “You guys are free to go now. Remember to pick up your vitamins at the pharmacy and take them three times a day for 7 whole days.”
“Thanks doctor.” Devin said gratefully “You guys all have a ride?” he turned to the group.
“Yes.” Was the random answer given.
“We’ll take the cab.” Erin nodded when his eyes landed on her last. She nodded to her roommates “Let’s go gang.”
When they reached Erin’s home, Luke greeted them at the door “Luke!!!” Jenna swung her arms over his neck “I missed you sooo much!” her nose sniffed the air “Is that lasagna?!” She pushed him out of her arms and skipped towards the kitchen.
Luke rubbed his chest painfully “It’s nice to see you too!!”
Doug walked into the room with a renowned feeling, he looked around as if it was his first time. Erin closed the door and saw him looking around in awe “Don’t tell me you have amnesia.” She teased.
He turned to her, choked up “I just….I just….” He covered his mouth dramatically.
Ryan placed an easy arm around Erin’s shoulder “I think he really missed us.”
“I...just...I miss my bed.” Doug concluded as he turned and flew up the stairs.
Erin arched a brow up “Figures.” She laughed and followed Luke into the kitchen. They found Jenna digging into the dish all to herself.
“Hey! Save a piece for Carmen!” He headed to the drawers to get a container. Jenna wrapped her arms around the hot dish “Give it up!” Luke couldn’t manage with her twisting here and there “Erin!” he whined.
“I’ll take this.” Ryan laughed when Erin rolled her eyes. He easily pried Jenna’s hands away for a minute so Luke could cut a piece. She smiled at the sight, it felt wonderful to have everything back in it’s place. For now at least, she thought to herself.
Chapter 44
Patrick Tam – Devin Hsu
Vivian Leung – Erin Yeung aka Scorpio
Ruby Lin – Mia Lam-Chiu aka Pisces
Nick Cheung – Darren Chiu aka Taurus
Louis Koo – Luke Yam
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
Bobby Au Yeung - Charles Lam aka Chuck
Moses Chan – Ah Gam
Leon Lai – Daniel Wong
That weekend at the Chiu’s mansion, there was chaos as everyone got ready for Bonnie’s birthday party. All except for the master of ceremony “Darren!” Mia belted out his name for the hundredth time “DARREN!!!”
He sat there peacefully in his large living room and casually turned on the volume to drown out her voice. She groaned tiredly as she gave up trying to drag out ten chairs at the same time. Marching over to him, she blocked his view. He turned up to her with calm raised brows. Waving a hand aside, he asked “Excuse you.”
“Darren Chiu Hung Kit!!” she yelled on the top of her lungs. The maids froze in their place, she had never called him by his entire name before.
He smiled crookedly “Yes, my dear?”
“She’s your daughter too.” Mia pointed out with hands at her hips.
“On the contrary, you remember what you said this morning when I tried to move that wooden table out to the patio?” he asked sweetly.
Mia scratched her head in confusion “No, not really. But then I don’t even remember what I ate this morning.”
Darren rolled his eyes “You told me that I was holding the table incorrectly and if I couldn’t do it right, maybe I should sit down and let you do the work.” He raised his arms matter-of-factly “Wah-lah.”
Her expression cringed as she sunk into the seat next to him “I’m sorry…I was frustrated and I wanted everything to be perfect before the guest arrives and I…I didn’t mean to yell at you.” She lowered her head and dug it into his chest adoringly making him laugh.
“Okay, okay…I’ll help. But no more yelling.” He warned.
She smiled “Okay! Now, let’s move those chairs!” she exclaimed brightly.
“Mommy!” Bonnie cried from the stair top “Can I wear my pink dress?” she held up the wrinkled dress.
“No, I said sky blue!” Mia scolded.
“But I want to wear my pink dress!” the girl argued.
She was about to disagree when the doorbell rang. Mia draped her forehead with her palm “No more kids…no more.” She muttered to herself as she got the door.
Devin appeared at the door with a huge pink ribbon wrapped box “Am I early?” he saw the disheveled Mia.
“Thank God!” Mia sighed “You have to do me a favor.” She pulled him inside and took the box from his hand. She tossed it on the couch airily and cupped her mouth “Bonnie!!!”
The little girl had changed into her pink dress and was looking excited when she caught sight of Devin. Running down the steps, she jumped into his open arms “Don’t you look adorable.” Devin gushed.
“Thank you. Mommy would not let me wear this dress.” Bonnie tattle-tailed.
Devin arched a brow at Mia “Well, your mommy never had a knack for what looked cute.” His comment earned an evil eye look “Bonnie, how about I take you out for ice cream?”
“Yipee!!” she bounced excitedly in his arms.
Mia let out a sigh of relief “You’re a life saver.”
“I know.” Devin grinned smugly as he exited the home giving them more time to set up. They sat in the ice cream parlor sharing a chocolate/vanilla sundae. He had too much on his mind as he yapped on and on “…I mean, she smiled when I said it. Does that mean something? Is it possible that she’s suppressing her true feelings for me? What if she never admits her true feelings? Should I make the first move?” he turned to Bonnie, whose mouth was caked with cream and chocolate. She was trying unsuccessfully to lick the circle around her mouth but only made it thicker.
“I like chocolate.” Bonnie found a few seconds to comment.
He smiled at the innocence of her youth “I’ll get more after you finish that.” He leaned back in his chair and sighed “How pathetic am I. Asking a five year old for love advice. You’ve really hit rock bottom.”
“Did you get me a pony?” Bonnie asked.
He laughed “You still remember?”
“Of course.” She giggled “Mommy’s face turn red and daddy thought it was funny.”
Devin tapped his chin playfully “Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t. Bonnie will have to wait and open your gift first.”
**************
Erin glanced at her Uncle in the passenger seat, he looked like he had aged ten years overnight. She tried not to pry but it was impossible “Uncle Chuck—”
She didn’t get a chance to finish as he cut her off “Don’t ask.”
“I’m worried.” She said earnestly.
“I know.” He said shortly.
She couldn’t help but attempt another try “Maybe I can help.” He shook his head “Or it will be better to talk it out? Secrets are not good for the soul.” She urged.
Chuck managed to smile “Nice try.”
He was saved by the cell phone ringing in her bag. Erin reached for it at her feet. She pulled out the flip phone and answered “Hey you.”
“Erin.” Daniel greeted “I found what you were looking for.”
“Did you?” she glanced at Chuck at the corner of her eyes.
“Are you busy right now?” he asked with a sense of urgency.
Erin smiled “Calm down Mia, I’ll go pick it up.” She despised the fact that she had to lie to her Uncle but it was for his own good “Chung Wah market right? Okay, I’ll drop off Uncle Chuck and run to the market okay? Bye.” She quickly hung up and put away the phone.
“I can go with you.” Chuck offered.
She shook her head “No, you look tired. I don’t want to drag you around with me. Just go inside and rest until the party starts.” She put the car in park and waited for Chuck to get out. He was dragging his feet as he knocked on the door. A maid opened the door. Erin felt easier as she saw him entering the home safely. Speeding off the driveway she hurried to the market. She parked in the street and rushed to the open market.
She stood in the center of the market in clear view of the street. Erin felt a breath of hot air on her neck “Boo.” She turned at the odd voice and backed away as she was face to face with him. Ah Gam smiled “Miss me?” he was taunting her.
“Erin!” Daniel saw her from a distance as he called for her.
She spun around and then back at Ah Gam but he had disappeared suddenly. Her eyes searched but the market was drenched with people “Daniel.” She greeted.
He noticed her face was pale “What’s wrong? Why do you look so scared?” he asked worriedly.
Erin shook her head “Nothing. I have to get back to Mia’s place. What did you find out?”
“You won’t believe it.” He said.
*****************
The four stood at the door as they waited for someone to get the door “Maybe it’s not here?” Doug asked as he pinned his ear to the door.
Jenna pulled out her invitation “No, it says Chiu Mansion.” She pointed out.
Suddenly the door swung open and Doug almost toppled over “Good, you guys are here.” Mia said breathlessly, forcing a bowl of salad into Doug’s arm she instructed “Salad, mix it. Jenna and Ryan, you guys are in charge of the barbeque. Jessie, you are guest, you can sit and wait until food is ready.”
The four laughed “That’s good.” Doug nodded “You almost got me.”
“Do I look like I’m kidding?!” Mia pointed to her messy hair “Get your ass inside!” she barked.
Ryan and Jenna exchanged glances “I’ll get the tongs.” Ryan said.
“I’ll get the meat.” Jenna slid past the explosive Mia and rushed to the kitchen.
Her sharp eyes moved towards Doug’s “I’m going.” He raised the salad in his hand.
In the large backyard, rows of tables were set together and printed blue tablecloths were spread out on the tables making the festive day even brighter. Matt and Reina were busy setting the tables “Sorry guys, Mia’s a tad wound up.” Darren apologized.
“Maybe you should have her checked out.” Reina nodded “She just told me to put the fork on the left and the knives and spoons on the right. That’s the correct setting too.”
Matt shook his head with a laugh “The day I see Mia go crazy…well, I didn’t think it would come this soon.”
“I hear laughing. And laughing means no work is getting done.” Mia zipped past them with another four fold up chairs. She moved over to the barbeque to see if it was being done.
“We’re cooking, mam!” Ryan saluted making Jenna burst into giggles.
“Ha ha.” Mia rolled her eyes “And where is that Erin? I told her to come early!”
Jenna frowned “Erin left early to pick up Chuck. She should have been here by now.”
Mia’s eyes brightened “Maybe she’s out with Devin? Maybe he found the balls to tell her that she should be with him and only him. Maybe they realized in the freezer before they almost died that they loved each other?”
Ryan began rolling the barbeque away “Psst…help me with this.” He hissed at Jenna.
She laughed “Mia, I think that’s going a little too far with the imagination. If they are meant to be together, they will get together in the end.”
“How profound of you.” Mia replied wryly “Get to work! The chicken doesn’t cook itself you know.” She pointed.
“Wow, I think I grew one goosebump.” Ryan pointed to his arm.
Her eyes narrowed as she pinched her thumb and forefinger together “This close to joining Doug on my black list.”
When Mia left, Jenna turned to Ryan “Mia has a black list?”
“Where the hell is Luke and Carmen?!!” Mia cried suddenly startling everyone.
Luke and Carmen appeared at the patio door in time to hear her explosion. Luke looked around oddly “Oh crap, looks like we got the wrong house. Sorry folks.” He waved and pulled Carmen away.
“Not so fast!” Mia chased them towards the door.
“Okay, you tie her and I’ll gag her.” Matt said to Reina with a short laugh.
Chapter 45
Patrick Tam – Devin Hsu
Vivian Leung – Erin Yeung aka Scorpio
Ruby Lin – Mia Lam-Chiu aka Pisces
Nick Cheung – Darren Chiu aka Taurus
Louis Koo – Luke Yam
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
Moses Chan – Ah Gam
Gigi Lai – Chan Yan Kiu
Michael Tong – Ah Chung
Erin returned to the house the same time Devin and Bonnie walked through the door “Presents, presents!!” Bonnie squealed as she rushed towards the backyard.
Devin turned to Erin with a laugh “I shouldn’t have given her that third cup of chocolate ice cream.” When she didn’t give a reaction, his face twisted with concern “Erin?”
Her brows lifted “Yes?”
“What’s the matter? You seem out of it.” He smiled strangely “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” She nodded vigorously “Uncle Chuck!” She called out. Devin followed her to the patio and noticed everyone was there and seated. Erin searched with her eyes but to her dismay, he was nowhere in sight “Mia!” she waved her friend over.
“There you are, I said 1pm—”
“Not now. Where’s Uncle Chuck?” Erin snapped.
Mia was taken aback but she wasn’t offended “I haven’t seen him. Are you alright? Why do you look so pale?”
“I’m okay.” She felt her hands grow cold “I dropped him off half an hour ago.”
“Sorry, I haven’t seen him.” Mia knew better “Did he bring a gift?”
She frowned strangely “Why would that matter?”
“If he had a gift, we just check the gift table and see if he brought one.” Mia said logically.
Devin turned to her with a shocked expression “Do you purposely turn your head off during missions? Why don’t you think like this when we need you?”
“It’s my strategy, I don’t want people to turn to me for advice, my brain might run out of ideas.” Mia replied. She turned to Erin but she was already checking the gifts. She found his wrapped gift signed on the box was a heart and the words ‘Uncle Chuck’. Mia crossed her arms “Hey, he was here.”
“Uncle Chuck…” Erin felt something drop at the pit of her stomach.
“Erin.” Devin was quickly at her side “What’s wrong?”
She looked up with glossy eyes, red as they were near tears “Something’s happened.” She whispered.
“He’s probably playing hide and seek.” Mia tried to relax her friend “You know how playful he can get.”
“Ga Jei.” Ryan walked over to the cooler to get a drink “Where’s Uncle Chuck? And Eve?”
“She’s working today…” Erin frowned up at Devin “I’m worried.”
“Let’s go to his apartment, maybe we’ll find something.” He suggested.
She turned to Mia, who nodded for her to go. The two left the home quickly and drove towards the apartments downtown. Devin halted the car and before it stopped, Erin opened the door and hopped out. She rushed inside when a tenant left at the same time she reached the gate. Devin was quick to follow her as they took the elevator up. When it opened, Erin sprinted to the door “Uncle Chuck!” she pounded the door.
Devin reached out and pulled her calmly back “Erin.” He coaxed. He tried the knob and it gave way easily. They stood back and waited for the door to open completely. In total shock the two stood there in silence. Devin stepped inside “God…” he whispered. The entire apartment was cleaned out. The bedroom, kitchen and dining room was empty.
She checked the bedroom and found hangers on the floor, all that was left was a framed picture of the happy couple. The glass was broken and the picture was ripped in pieces. Erin knelt down slowly and she picked up the pieces of the picture. A tear fell from her face when she looked up at Devin “What could have happened?”
“Eve…” he concluded.
“You know?” Erin asked, her eyes widened. He didn’t answer but she already knew. She stood up and pushed him roughly “You knew the whole time and you didn’t tell me?!”
“Erin, I didn’t want you to worry.” He explained weakly. He didn’t tell her that it was Chuck that found the truth first and he asked Devin to keep it a secret.
“It’s a little late, Devin! God knows what she could have done to him! Jesus, she’s Hung Gor’s sister!” Erin cried angrily, tears erupting from her usually calm face “I have to find them.” She whispered in a last rage of anger.
“You don’t know where to go.” He blocked her, afraid she would do something drastic.
She glared at him through teary eyes “Get out.” She gritted angrily.
“Let me help.” He offered.
“And make this worse?! If you would have come clean when you found out, it wouldn’t have gone this far.” She pushed him away and stormed out. Erin wasn’t sure where she was going nor did she know where Chuck was. All she knew was his life was in danger and she wasn’t about to lose her last relative.
Devin returned to the party without Erin, he looked guiltily at the group “Uncle Devin? Where is Erin?” Jenna asked, she saw the two of them leaving together. She recalled Erin looking flustered.
“Oh my God, you killed her.” Mia covered her mouth. The group groaned and Mia smiled weakly “Sorry, I know wrong timing.”
“This isn’t the right time.” He didn’t want to spoil the fun event. He plastered on a smile and turned to Bonnie “Let’s open your gift.”
“Yeah!!” She jumped off her chair and rushed to the gift table “I want to open yours first Uncle Devin.” She said sweetly.
Devin smiled as he pulled off the biggest box and gave it to her. Pulling out his cell, he dialed a number “Bring her in.” he had the pony van set on the side of the mansion and waited for his call.
Bonnie wasted no time ripping up the paper and opened the final box. It was a saddle inside. She turned up to him with a strange expression “What is it?”
The team gathered around to see what it was and Mia gasped “You didn’t!”
“Hey, how come I didn’t get a pony for my birthday?!” Jenna complained.
They turned to the back gate where a guy walked in holding the straps that tied around the pony’s head “A pony!!!” Bonnie jumped up and down excitedly.
Darren shook his head “Devin you shouldn’t have.”
“Damn skippy!” Mia grunted.
He laughed at her expression “And all this time, I thought your eyes could not get any rounder.” Devin picked up the saddle “Relax, it’s just for a day. I promised her a pony, so she’s getting a pony.” He put it over the animal while the guy strapped it down. Picking up Bonnie, he placed her on the pony and walked her around the large acre of land.
***************
Ah Gam made himself comfortable on the leather couch of the mansion. The guys watched him wearily, no one dared to question him as he oozed danger after walking through the door boldly with an air of arrogance. He helped himself with the tray of fruit. He spat out the grape seeds rudely as he waited for the guy to fetch Ah Kiu.
She appeared at the top of the stairs, her eyes dangerously landed on his as he smiled widely and bowed his head at her “Siu Jei! We meet at last.”
“Who are you?” Ah Kiu looked around for Ah Chung but he was not back from the morning errand she made him run.
“Ah Gam.” He replied nonchalantly.
“Bullshit, he’s in jail.” Ah Kiu cursed.
“Well, he’s free now and standing in front of you.” He challenged “My, you’ve changed since I last saw you.” His eyes whipping up and down at her.
Ah Kiu gulped the lump in her throat “Let’s talk somewhere else.” She suggested.
He knew where she was getting at and wasn’t afraid of her little game “Sure, how about Hung Gor’s favorite bar?” Ah Kiu twitched uncomfortably “You do know which one don’t you? After all, you are his sister.” He said menacingly.
Ah Kiu nodded as she pointed to the door and he followed. She nodded to one of the guys “When Ah Chung gets home, tell him to meet me at Monet’s.”
“Monet’s?” Ah Gam questioned “Wasn’t it Midnight’s?” Her face turned a crimson red “I’m just shittin’ with you. It’s Monet’s.” he stood to the side and bowed at the waist “After you Siu Jei.” He said in a syrupy tone.
She had no choice but to follow obediently, he obviously knew. They walked through the club as the guys nodded to Ah Kiu and took notice of Ah Gam walking with confidence beside her. One guy took a step towards her and whispered something in her ear “No, not now.” She answered and led Ah Gam into the back room. She locked the door but made no attempt to sit down “What do you want?” she asked straightforwardly.
Ah Gam picked up a handful of peanuts from the tray “Siu Jei, I’m a very fair person. I want what I deserve.”
“Money? How much?” she asked.
He shook his head “Tsk, tsk, tsk…is that what you think of me? Money? I don’t care for that, I want you to come clean. Leave tomorrow and no one will get hurt.”
“How about I call the cops right now?” she threatened.
He shot up angrily and threw the nuts against the wall “Who do you think you’re fucking with? You’re not who everyone thinks you are but I am who you fear me to be.”
“How do I know you are the real Ah Gam?” she challenged, despite her shaking body.
“How old would Hung Gor be this year if he was still alive?” he asked.
Ah Kiu recalled seeing his personal paperwork “38.” She answered immediately.
Ah Gam smiled “His real birthday.” She was stumped “41.” He answered for her “Hung Gor used a different birthday on his legal paperwork to keep the cops off his tail. Only his closest companions would know the truth.”
“You could have made that up.” Ah Kiu pointed her chin up defiantly.
He laughed, “Sure, then here’s another tall tale. He’s married and has one daughter.” Ah Kiu recalled the locked room. She had one of the guys pick the lock and walked into a nursery room “Cat’s got your tongue?”
“Siu Jei!” the door knocked loudly, startling her. She turned and opened the door for Ah Chung “Are you okay?” he asked and eyed Ah Gam carefully.
He stood up with a broad smile “Ah Chung…we finally meet. Hung Gor use to praise you in front of me. He said you were one of the few guys that he trusted to take care of his deals in Beijing. I’ve only seen a picture but damn, you haven’t aged in years.”
Ah Chung frowned strangely “I don’t know you.”
Ah Gam tilted a head knowingly to Ah Kiu, who answered for him “This is the real Gam Gor.” She answered shortly.
“You?” Ah Chung pointed.
Ah Gam stepped over and hugged Ah Chung warmly “Nothing like a little prison break to get the blood flowing.”
“You broke out of prison?!” Ah Chung exclaimed.
“Thanks to a little birdie.” Ah Gam laughed “Anyways, I’m back and ready to get to work.”
“How about the cops?” Ah Chung asked, his eye glancing at Ah Kiu, who was silent.
“What cops?” Ah Gam raised his hand “I’m not afraid of anything right now.” He smiled “Now then, let’s get back to business.” He pointed to the couch and lifted a brow, indicating for her to sit. Ah Chung too obliged.
SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004
