Chapter 10
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
The girls were soaking wet by the time they returned to headquarters where Devin and the rest of the team were waiting with welcoming smiles “You guys made it.” Matt smiled.
“Almost.” Mia emphasized. She turned and saw Bonnie standing next to Devin, holding his hand “Hi sweetie!” she gushed as she pulled her into her arms.
“Mommy’s all wet.” Bonnie wrinkled her nose.
“Well, mommy almost died.” Mia pouted her lips.
Darren scowled at his wife “Stop scaring her.” He took her into his arms as they checked into the system with their necklaces.
“Who’s stupid idea was this?” Mia grumbled as she slid the necklace into the slot and it was scanned.
“Welcome Pisces.” The machine announced.
“Why, I believe it was MY stupid idea.” Devin turned to give her a crooked grin “You’ll be happy with my next idea. Scanning the cornea of the eye.”
“Great, I’ll get laser shot in my eyes every morning.” She threw her hands up causing a few sprinkles to fly on Jenna.
“Hey. Say it don’t spray it.” She wiped away the water on her face. Her vision was covered when Ryan suddenly halted, so did the rest “Ow.” Jenna rubbed her nose.
They had reached the conference room, Devin had stopped at the sight of Daniel seated in his leather swivel chair “This is comfy, no wonder you never want to leave.” Daniel smiled as he waved them in “Don’t be shy, come on in.”
“He’s got balls.” Mia whispered to Reina and Erin.
No one dared to move until Devin made the first move to enter as he nodded his head coolly “Daniel, how did you get inside?”
The Commander pulled a key from his pocket “This was left for me by the Commissioner, may he rest in piece.” Daniel lowered his head briefly “Have a seat gang, I have a proposition to make with you.”
Jenna noticed the group turning to each other, no one wanted to listen to his orders “First, you have to get out of my Uncle’s seat.” She said with extra sarcasm. He threw her a look and she quickly backed down “Sir.” She added.
Devin didn’t tear his eyes from Daniel “Kids always forget their manners. Hope you’ll forgive my niece.” He crossed his arms slowly “But I have to agree, I don’t cooperate well when someone’s taking my seat.”
Daniel nodded with a short laugh as he got up and presented the chair back to Devin “I warmed it up for you.” He turned as the agents slowly seated themselves. He walked around Erin’s chair and patted Mia on the shoulder “Mind if I steal your seat? I would like to sit next to Scorpio if you don’t mind.”
Erin smiled shortly as she nodded to Mia, who shifted down a seat “Move, it’s war.” She hissed to her husband, who had Bonnie on his lap.
Devin felt his face reddened but he remained cool as he leaned over the table “Good work today gang. The thieves were wiped out and the bombs were disengaged. You deserve a good pat on the back considering we just came back from a two month training program. Do you have any questions about today’s mission?”
Mia raised her hand “Can I get out of these cloths? I think my skin is wrinkling.” She showed him her fingers.
Daniel laughed, “Why of course Mia. Go ahead.”
She smiled hesitantly “No offense, sir…but you’re not the boss of me.”
“Right.” He nodded thoughtfully “Which reminds me. The Police Department wanted me to give you this.” He slid the manila envelope towards Devin, who opened it with care. As he read it, his brows began to furrow.
“What’s the meaning of this?!” he demanded while slapping the folder down.
The group squirmed from his sudden anger. Erin leaned towards him “What is it?” she asked worriedly. He gave her the folder as she read it. She turned to Daniel “The Police wants to control 50% of the P.R.A. operations?”
“What?!” Matt exclaimed “That’s impossible.”
“Lieutenant, nothing is impossible. There are those that can do and those that can’t.” Daniel replied calmly “I’m surprised by your reaction though Devin. After all, if it weren’t for me, you would have never found Joe.”
“And I thought they stripped your rank in Beijing, that’s why you crawled down here to Hong Kong. Who’d you bribe to get this position?” he snarled.
Mia widened her eyes at Darren “A hundred on Devin.” She whispered.
“Shhh…” Darren hushed his wife.
Daniel found his fury amusing as he played off on it “The job was offered to me, if you must know. Also, I’ve done my job. We expect the documents signed and sent to the police station tomorrow. I’d love to stay and chat but frankly, I don’t care to.” He prepared to get up but paused to throw Erin a grin “Actually, I take that back. Staring at you for a couple of hours is worth any insult.” Winking, he slid up easily “Good day.”
When he left, Devin grunted angrily as he pounded his fist on the table. Reina frowned “Old friends turned to foe?”
“Are we really going to sign that?” Matt asked, “This is Joe’s hard work, we can’t just hand it over to the police.”
Devin shook his head firmly “I’m not signing anything. It’s already gotten tough when we went public and connected our operations to reach the police. But now they want half of us? Over my dead body.” He vowed.
“And how dare he hit on Erin in front of you.” Mia added.
Reina smiled “I think that was purposely.”
“What are you going to do?” Erin asked Devin, as she ignored her friend, who had moved back to her seat.
“Fight.” Devin replied.
“Alright! One thousand on Devin!” Mia raised her hand.
Devin shook his head “Not that kind of fight, Mia. I’m going to talk to his boss, the new Commissioner.”
“What if they force us?” Ryan asked.
The Head sighed, “I don’t know, Ryan. I’m just hoping they won’t force me to do anything drastic.”
“Devin?” Mia raised her hand slowly.
“Yes?” he thought she had something insightful to ask.
“I really need to wash up. I think the salt water is drying and turning into salt in some dark places that—”
“Go ahead.” Devin groaned with disgust. He watched as Erin and Reina both followed Mia to the washroom facilities. Turning to Darren, he asked, “I have to ask again. How do you do it?”
“Years of practicing to ignore her, my friend. You’ll get it one day.” He nodded solemnly.
The team was sent home after the three girls emerged, cleaned and ready to return home to rest. Erin’s wet hair was pulled into a bun and secured with a claw clip. She walked out of the building and saw Jenna and Ryan waiting for her “You guys want to take the bus?”
Jenna wrinkled her nose in response when she heard a honk from behind “Looks like you got a ride?” she snickered.
Daniel pulled his car next to them “Want a ride Scorpio?”
“Erin.” She said shortly “No thanks, we’re taking the bus.” Nodded to the two, she said “Come on.”
“How about dinner?” Daniel continued to follow them to the bus stop.
“I don’t eat.” Erin replied shortly.
“A drink?” he tried again.
She turned to him with a sigh, she stepped towards him only to be pulled back by Ryan “Ga Jei, if you punch him, you’ll get into trouble.”
“But Uncle Devin will be so happy.” Jenna argued.
“This is the Commander in Chief!” Ryan hissed.
Erin turned to the two of them with a tilted head “I’m not going to punch him.” She broke away from his grasp and walked over as she leaned onto his car “Look, I know what you’re doing. You can’t annoy Devin if he’s not here.” She said wisely.
“But he’s watching.” He smiled smugly “Anyways, who says I’m not interested?”
She shook her head with defeat “I give up.” Raising her hands in defense, she turned away.
“How about that dinner?” he was insistent.
Erin paused but decided not to comment, it would only humor him more. Nodding to her roommates “Let’s go.” They lined up into the bus. Her back faced to the window, she noticed Jenna’s eyes widening “Is he behind me?”
“He’s blowing you a kiss.” Jenna chuckled “Man, he’s gonna be a tough one to get rid of. Uncle Devin is not going to be happy about this.”
Erin turned in time to see his small convertible speed off ahead as he cut off the bus “Just the icing on the cake.”
“So you admit it?” Jenna grinned like a hyena “You two are dating!” she accused.
Ryan silenced his girlfriend “You don’t point out stuff like that.” He whispered.
“So you know?!” She turned her finger to him.
Rolling his eyes, he glanced at Erin, who turned away without answering “When they are ready, they’ll tell us.” His answer made her relax as she nodded and sat back.
They returned home exhausted “Hi guys, perfect timing. I just made lasagna!” Luke announced “Hope you don’t mind, I invited Carmen over.” He babbled on with the blue apron around his body.
Jenna put on her game face as she stepped towards him with her chin in the air “YOU!” she pushed her finger into his chest.
“Ow.” He rubbed the pain spot “What was that for?”
“You knew didn’t you? You knew those cookies were evil and you didn’t warn me. Is that why you were laughing when I ate half of the box?!” she cried.
Luke was hysterically laughing by the time she finished, her eyes popping out of it’s socket “Yeah…I knew.” He admitted “It was so funny…I was thinking, man, she’s gonna get it.”
“And to think I felt bad for yelling at you.” Erin frowned with dismay.
“I’m sorry, Devin made me promise not to tell.” Luke put up his truce hand “I knew you guys were returning today so I made dinner. See, I’m a nice person.” He tried to convince them.
“I’ll show you nice…” Jenna grumbled as she pulled her sleeves up and chased him into the kitchen.
When the phone rang, Ryan was going to get it when Erin shook her head “I’ll get it. You watch those to doofuses, they might kill each other.” She heard pots dropping “And make sure they clean up any mess.” He laughed with a nod and hurried into the kitchen “Hello?” she frowned “Hello?” she asked again.
“Is this Erin?” A whisper asked.
“Yeah, who is this?” she asked again. The voice was unrecognizable.
“It’s me.” The voice hissed.
Rolling her eyes, she groaned “Mia, stop it with the scary voice, you know I hate it when you do that—”
“No, it’s me... Doug.” He whispered urgently.
“Doug? Where are you?” she was relieved to know he was still in one piece.
“I’m in Beijing. But I’m returning next week. I need a favor.” He began.
Erin tilted her head “I’m not cleaning your room again.”
“No, not that…I need you to tell Jessie that I’m safe and I’ll come to see her first thing I get back.” He was sitting in the stall of the casino bathroom room and whispering into his phone. Suddenly, he heard a pounding on the door “I’m not done!!” he yelled.
“What’s going on, Doug? Does Devin know?” Erin sat down on the couch.
“Yes, he knows. He called me back when you guys got off the plane.” Just then, he heard Ah Chung’s voice “Hey, I gotta go. I’ll call you guys later.” Without warning, he hung up the phone. Erin stared at the phone, curious to know what he discovered that made him stay back in China.
Chapter 11
Patrick Tam – Devin Hsu
Vivian Leung – Erin Yeung aka Scorpio
Annie Man – Jessica Lai
Bobby Au Yeung - Charles Lam aka Chuck
Esther Kwan – Evelyn Fong
Devin knocked on the door to the new Commissioner’s office. Without calling or scheduling an appointment, he walked through the halls of the police department with an aura of importance “Come in.” the elder man called. He was looking over some papers and appeared to be stressed.
“Chung Sir.” Devin greeted respectfully.
“Devin.” The man smiled showing his wrinkled eyes “Have a seat. What do I owe the pleasure of your presence?”
Opening the manila folder, he took out the blue folder and tossed it on his desk “This.” He said flatly.
The man’s eyes turned up “I see Daniel got this to you.”
“Look, I know it was his idea to try to take over 50% of the P.R.A. He’s using personal feelings for this and I want—”
The Commissioner interrupted with a raised hand “Devin. I think you misunderstood. This was not Daniel’s idea. As you may know, we were short handed when Gary was murdered a few months back. I took over and have been trying to clean up the mess he left behind. Daniel was asked to come here and help us out. He told me briefly of your history. Now, I’m not going to meddle in your personal life, but merging operations can only mean better cooperation from both sides.”
“I disagree. This team started off under wraps. If it weren’t for the fact that we were pretty much forced to go public, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. Plus, Joe formed this team on his own time and the P.R.A. stands on its own two feet.” Devin made a hard argument to beat.
The Commissioner smiled “Strange, Daniel said the same thing.” Devin turned away, unwilling to comment “As much as I want to agree with you…you must have noticed in the past few missions, things have gone terribly wrong. People are in constant danger and the police suddenly have lost their power. All you hear about is how great the P.R.A. is and how well the police clean up their mess.”
“How the tables have turned.” Devin arched a brow up.
“By merging, we are going to work better, closer and quicker. Of course P.R.A. headquarters will remain in the Federal building but I want to add in some features for the police department to connect without a phone call.” The Commissioner was not backing down from it.
Devin showed no emotion “We are in constant contact with Ted Kwong, Captain of the Investigation Department. There are no current problems.”
“Of course there aren’t.” The Commissioner laughed “Your team takes all the credit.”
“If that is the main problem, we will clean up the mess after.” Devin declared.
“Devin, I don’t want to give you a hard time but this contract is legal binding whether you sign it or not.” He slid the folder towards Devin “In order for you to coexist with us, we must come up with a compromise.”
“You mean a monopoly. If you want control, I’d rather break up the team than to turn this team Joe has worked so hard to form and to hand it over to Police with a silver platter. They might as well go through Police training and wear uniforms!” Devin stood up without taking the contract “I’m sorry Commissioner, I will not accept this contract and furthermore we will not be having this discussion again.” With that, he walked out without another word or waited for the man to make his argument.
*****************
Jessie was filing her own client files when she heard the door open “Hey, you’re back. I was wondering if you were gonna come see your girlfriend.” She laughed.
“Jessie, it’s me.” Erin smiled when the small doctor turned.
“Erin?” She laughed embarrassingly “Sorry, I thought you were Doug.”
“It’s too early for Doug.” She nodded to the clock.
Jessie nodded in agreement “True, he doesn’t wake up until noon. So, what’s up?”
“Doug wanted me to come and tell you that he’s safe.” Erin began slowly. She looked puzzled “He’s still in China. Apparently, he made an important discovery and had stayed back to do some research.” She masked the situation to perfection.
“I see.” Jessie nodded “As long as he’s safe…”
“He is.” Erin insisted, “He was worried that you would worry over him.”
“The silly guy.” She shook her head at the thought of him “Always thinking of me.”
“So I hear he’s quite fond of you.” Erin smiled.
Jessie grinned “How about yourself?”
“I’m doing fine.” Erin answered lightly.
“You’re a horrible liar.” She pointed to the chair “I can sense that hesitation in your voice and not to mention, you are a little distracted. Your eyes keep moving away. Something’s on your mind.” She read her with ease.
Erin lowered her head “I see Ethan left you some good notes.”
“No, he didn’t.” Jessie said solemnly “Women instincts. Are you having problems with Devin?”
“I’m not sure.” She sighed.
“Why?” Jessie questioned, “Is it because your relationship is not public?”
Erin shook her head “No, that has nothing to do with it. I don’t really care if they others know. But he’s been a bit…different. Like something’s constantly bothering him. I tried asking him when we were in China but he brushed it aside.”
“Classic case of a man going into his cave.” Jessie observed carefully. Erin tilted her head curiously as she explained “Men have a tendency to hide their unsolved problems, it is something they do when they feel like it is something they themselves should handle. When women pry, it will push them to enter a cave like mode. Where they stop talking and appear to be cold and distracted. But if you leave them alone to think out their problems, eventually he will emerge from the cave and be his normal loving self.”
“So you think he’s in this ‘cave’?” Erin asked.
“More or less.” Jessie smiled “Don’t worry, Devin will come around eventually, just give him some time and space.”
Erin laughed ironically “So much for that…we’re having dinner tonight.”
“Don’t pressure him to talk, he’ll do it on his own.” Jessie advised.
“I’ll try my best.” Erin thanked the young doctor and was on her way out. She took a cab to Chuck’s home. She knew he was due back that day from his honeymoon in Africa. Walking into the building, she punched the floor number in the elevator. She found his apartment door open and her uncle bending over to take out the things from his baggage. Creeping up behind him, she pointed a finger into his back as he straightened suddenly “Don’t move or I’ll shoot you.” She warned in a low tone.
“Look, just take what you want. Don’t hurt me.” Chuck was negotiable. Erin smiled as she pulled away her finger and he spun around to throw a punch at her as she blocked easily “Erin.” He sighed.
Suddenly, Eve came charging out with a bat but quickly lowered the weapon “Erin!” she gasped while clutching her heart “You scared me.”
She looked guilty “I’m sorry…I was just trying to scare Uncle Chuck. You can hear from the room?”
“We have the apartment installed with intercom. Just in case we get robbed, our code is ‘Take what you want.’ That way, we know what to do next.” Chuck explained while Erin tilted her head and stared at him strangely “I mean, you never know when you’ll be robbed and Hong Kong crime rate is rising and what are you staring at?”
She pointed to his face “You are tanned.” She noticed the sunglasses mark around his eyes.
Eve laughed with a nod “Just a tad. He laid out on the beach for hours, when I realized that he had fallen asleep, he had made himself a natural eye mask.” She pointed with a laugh.
“It’s not funny!” Chuck cried “You should have woken me up. I could have turned to crisp.”
“I think it’s too late for that.” Erin snickered with a short laugh “How was Africa?”
“It was great!” Eve answered as she pulled in a big luggage “Honey, you tell her about it.”
Chuck was way ahead of her as he began showing her the pictures in his digital camera “See, it’s not just a huge open zoo. They have cities and beaches and a lot of sight seeing stuff for people.”
Erin smiled at his excitement “Glad you opened your horizons to figure out that Africa isn’t just a ‘big zoo’.” She teased. Opening her palm up, she grinned, “Where’s my gift?”
“Gift? What gift?” Chuck asked innocently.
Her face fell “I’m your only niece and you didn’t bother to get me a gift?!”
“No, I was going to get you one but then I figured you can afford to buy a city in Africa, so whatever I got you would be insignificant.” He said haughtily.
Eve came out seconds later with a laugh “He’s teasing. Your gift is in that luggage.” She pointed to a huge black case.
Chuck turned sternly to his wife while Erin opened the suitcase and dug through the wrapped boxes “She was squirming and her lips were quivering, I wanted to see her cry!” he scolded his wife while she rolled her eyes away.
“Oh, it’s gorgeous.” Erin picked up the porcelain glass statue of a goddess dressed in tribal clothing “I love it.”
Eve smiled at him with crossed arms “Yeah…beginners luck.” he said without much feeling.
“What?” Erin looked from one person to the next.
“Your Uncle said you would hate that statue. But I said you would find it interesting.” Eve said wisely “I guess girls do know girls better.”
“But we’re talking about Uncle Chuck here. That was an easy win.” Erin pointed out.
Chuck laughed grimly “Funny, that’s great. You girls are going to gang up on me huh?”
“It wouldn’t be fun if we didn’t.” Eve added. Erin smiled as she cradled the statue carefully “Want to have dinner with us?”
“No, I have plans.” She smiled gratefully “But I’ll take a rain check.”
Chuck began folding the clothes on his lap “Plans huh? With whom? I heard from Mia that you and Devin are secretly dating. Is it true? Because if it is, I want to be the first to know.”
Erin laughed, “What if you’re not the first to know?”
“Then I’m taking that gift back.” He pointed “Eve, take it from her.”
She rolled her eyes with a laugh “I’m not getting into this.” She walked back into the room to continue unpacking.
Erin stepped around the luggage and took a seat next to him on the ground. She nudged him playfully “We are dating.”
“What?!” he exclaimed.
“SHH! You’re the first one I announced this to.” Erin smiled.
“Awww…I feel so special. I mean I have never—wait a minute…so does this mean everyone knows?” Chuck halted with a pointed finger.
Erin laughed “Everyone has their own theory but you’re the first that I have confirmed with.” She patted him on the head like a puppy “Because you’re my favorite Uncle.” Getting up, she placed the statue back into the box.
“I’m your only Uncle.” He said sarcastically.
“Hm…okay, if you say so.” Erin collected her bag and headed for the door “Thanks for the gift, I’ll see you in a couple of days.”
“Okay--Hey, wait how did you know?” Chuck was taking an office position at P.R.A. while Eve ran the restaurant. They concluded that it was not his cup of tea.
“Devin told me.” Erin popped back into the room.
“Oh right…you’re sleeping with the boss.” He snorted while waving her away “Is that how you get to the top?”
Erin frowned “I’ll let this one slide but don’t say that in front of Mia.”
“Roger that.” He returned to cleaning while she waved hastily.
Chapter 12
Patrick Tam – Devin Hsu
Vivian Leung – Erin Yeung aka Scorpio
Julian Cheung - Doug Chung aka Virgo
Gigi Lai – Chan Yan Kiu
Michael Tong – Ah Chung
Beijing, China
Doug was strolling the market with Ah Kiu when she turned to him “Doug, I feel like having an apple, can you buy me one?” she pointed to the fruit section. Nodding, he gave her one last glance before walking over to the woman. A grin slid on her face as she walked towards the steamed potato vendor.
“Hot yams! Buy them while they’re fresh!” he advertised.
Ah Kiu tilted her head to the side as she bent over to sniff the yams “It does smell good.”
“Yes, Miss. They are delicious. Only five dollars for one.” He grinned.
She picked one up with a napkin provided “You don’t remember me do you?” she asked with narrowed eyes.
“I’m sorry?” the man’s smile faded slowly “I don’t think we’ve met.”
She peeled the unpaid yam “Of course you don’t recognize me.” Ah Kiu said smugly “I was full of dirt and wore beggars clothing. I was starving and asked you for one, you told me to buzz off. I begged and said I would work for free in exchange for one yam…and you know what you said?” she turned her ear towards him and took a bite of the vegetable.
The man quickly took notice of the group of men circling him suddenly “I…I don’t recall, Miss.” He gulped back the fear.
“You said go to hell.” She breathed
Ah Chung crossed his arms “I hate men that disrespect women.”
Ah Kiu dropped the yam deliberately as she spread it under her shoes “Oops…it was just too hot.” She said with a short nod at Ah Chung who turned to his boys. They began throwing punches at the middle aged man while Ah Kiu turned over his steamed container of yams and stomped on all of them, destroying each one with special interest.
Doug returned and found her missing. He noticed the circled crowd as he groaned “Shit!” pushing through, he stopped the guys from killing the man “Stop it! What the hell are you doing? You want to get arrested?!” he demanded while helping the man up.
“Please, don’t kill me…take all you want.” He begged desperately while bleeding on the head.
“Sorry, mister.” He pulled out a wad of cash and handed it to him “Take it and go see a doctor.” Standing up, he turned sternly at Ah Kiu, who refused to make eye contact “Get back now!” he ordered.
The boys backed away while Ah Chung laughed easily “Hey, Doug Gor…it’s okay. We were just teaching the man a lesson. Months ago, he forced Siu Jei to go hungry. These kind of heartless people deserve a good beating.” He reasoned.
Doug shook his head “When did you become a policeman? Is it for you to judge?” he snapped. Nodding away, he said, “We’re trying to stay low. You want to make a scene than go rob a fucking bank.” Taking Ah Kiu’s elbow, he pulled her along.
She followed along obediently as the group began to follow him back to the run down motel they were staying in. He sent out a few guys to buy tickets back to Hong Kong. That night, while they ate their last dinner in China, the guys were vibrant and lively as they drank the night away. Ah Kiu laughed when Ah Chung lost yet another round of drinking games. She turned to her left “Doug—” her smile faded when she noticed he was gone. Getting up, she walked out of the restaurant and found him sitting on the curb. Joining him, she smiled “Still mad?”
Shaking his head, he replied “No. I just can’t stand it when guys get drunk.”
“You don’t drink?” she asked sounding surprise.
“No. I stopped.” He made up “Long story short. Got drunk and slept with a brother’s girl. Not good.”
“Wow…yeah, that’s not good at all.” He snickered a laugh. Ah Kiu turned to him “I’m sorry.”
“About?” he turned to her with raised brows.
“This morning. I didn’t mean to bring attention to us. It’s just…well, that man was very mean to me before. He hit me.” She pulled up her sleeve and showed him her scar “It’s a burn from the hot yams. He knocked it out of my hand and when I went to pick it up, he hit me.”
Doug’s eyes darkened “I’m sorry to hear that. But payback is not always the correct answer.”
“That’s not what Dai Gor says.” Ah Kiu argued.
The question came up in his mind again “Hey, I never asked you. Why did you end up on the streets? I’m surprised Hung Gor didn’t go searching for you.”
She turned to him, ruffled brows “Dai Gor didn’t tell you? I could have sworn he talked about me.”
“Maybe he did, I have short term memory.” Doug lied.
Ah Kiu smiled “It doesn’t matter. I’m just glad it’s over. Hopefully, my life from now on will only get better. I don’t want to think of the past. Gor is dead, I have no one else but those guys.” She pointed her thumb to the restaurant “They’re the most loyal of them all, even when Dai Gor died, they refused to break apart. I’m just glad that you’re here. Someone for them to look up to. I know they don’t say it but it’s hard taking orders from a girl.”
“I just hope to make a positive influence in their lives.” Doug smiled warmly.
“You sound like a teacher.” She teased “But it’s good. You know these guys…they’re either orphans or were kicked out of the house by their parents. I can relate a lot and I feel their pain each day, wondering if you will find food in the dumpster that can keep you moving for another day. Did you know how I survived?”
Doug was intrigued by the girl, she seemed so feeble yet her mind was strong. It only reminded him more of Hung Gor and what a crazed man he turned into “How?”
“I was jinxing myself. I wanted to curse myself, in hopes that God will not let me win.” She chuckled with a distant look “And he did, every day. I found enough food to survive.” Doug felt bad for the girl but he had no way of consoling her for she had her own mindset “A few days before I ran into you at the Temple, I really thought that I was going to die. It had been a whole week since I’ve found any food. Its like they knew I was coming to dig for food.” Tears cradled her eyes but none fell “When I thought I was going to die, I forced myself to get up. I said there were bigger and better things out there for me. I made myself believe that my planned life was better than this. I would not let defeat take over me. I pushed myself to get up and find a new place to find food.” She turned to him as a tear fell from her face “That’s when I saw the Temple.”
Doug sighed “Fate. Fate didn’t want you to die.”
“No, it was you. You found me. If it weren’t for you, I would have never gotten my new life. I have you to thank, Doug.” She leaned in and hugged him unexpectedly “I see you as my guardian angel.” She giggled, “I know its silly.” She pulled away “But it’s true.”
“That’s a huge job for me.” He said with a crooked smile. She continued to stare at him with admiration as he remembered “We should get to sleep early, our flight is at 7am tomorrow.”
“You’re right, I’ll gather them.” Ah Kiu got up happily as she skipped back inside to group them back to the motel.
****************
“You look very pretty tonight.” Devin complimented as they shared a dance together after a home cooked dinner.
She looked down at her plain jeans and sweater top “Your taste have changed.”
He laughed “Maybe. But I think you are the most beautiful when you don’t try to be.”
“Really? So I’m actually ugly when I put on the make up and dress up?” she teased.
He leaned down towards her ears “You can never look ugly.”
“Good answer.” She replied. Their lips met in a kiss but was quickly interrupted with a ring of the phone.
“Don’t answer it.” Devin said as he leaned in to continue the kiss.
She backed away with a laugh “It could be important.”
“Well, I’m not answering it.” He said stubbornly holding onto her.
Erin shook her head as she reached out to pick up the phone “Hello?”
“Oh, I’m sorry…I must have the wrong number.” A male voice replied, sounding confused.
“Doug?” Erin recognized his voice.
“Erin?” he checked his cell phone again “I dialed Devin’s number, what—Oh…I get it.” He said slyly.
She could hear the grin in his voice, while Erin flicked a brow up “Nevermind that. What did you need?”
“Is Devin with you?” he laughed.
“I’m hanging up.” Erin sighed.
“No, no!” he cleared his throat “Okay, I’ll be serious. Since you two are there, put me on speaker.” Erin placed the phone in the receiver after pressing the intercom button “Testing, testing…”
“We’re here.” Devin sat down on the single couch “What did you find out about Hung Gor’s sister?”
Erin turned to him with widened eyes “Hung Gor’s sister? The one he used in the name for the sewing manufacturing company?”
“Actually, the only sister he has.” Doug replied “Apparently, he’s left everything in her name, including his secret gang.”
“How did you find out this stuff?” Erin asked in amazement “The Doug I know doesn’t even get this lucky.”
“Hey!” Doug exclaimed “I am capable of working. Anyways, I know Ah Kiu personally. I saved her life.” He said heatedly.
“You did?” Erin shook her head “Okay, start at the beginning.”
Doug sighed “Okay, so we were ‘kidnapped’ to China.” He emphasized while Erin smiled “That first night, I was so hungry from the small dinner and you know I have to eat a big one to—”
“Focus.” Erin warned.
“Right…anyways, I went to the kitchen and caught a food thief. It turned out to be Chan Yan Kiu. I felt bad for her so I told her that we would meet every night at that time and I would bring her food.”
“Is that why you kept disappearing after we went to bed?” Devin asked.
“Yeah. Anyways, on the final night, she didn’t show up. I was afraid she would turn up dead somewhere and my conscience would not let me hear the end of it so I went to go look for her. I found her being chased by a bunch of guys. They turned out to be Hung Gor’s gang. Well, the remainder that was left back in China.” Doug finished.
Devin shook his head “If they find out who you are, you’re going to be shark food.”
“Well, not now. They think I’m Ah Gam.” Doug whispered.
“What?!” Erin cried “Are you crazy! You can’t impersonate Ah Gam.”
“Apparently I am. They have no clue.” Doug said.
“Maybe this will work.” Devin observed.
Erin turned to him “Are you mad? Not only are we their primary target for destruction, if and when they find out Doug’s identity, you think they’ll let him walk away on two feet without chopping the upper parts first?”
Doug stammered, “Uh…yeah…I think she has a good point.”
“No, listen to me.” Devin raised a hand “This will work. You’ve earned Ah Kiu’s trust, even if she finds out the truth, the most she’ll do is make you leave. Gangsters always hold their words. Keep on pretending to be Ah Gam. Erin, I want you to go to the city jail and talk to Ah Gam. Find out as much as you can about Ah Kiu. Report to Doug so at least he has a backup in case someone questions him.”
“I don’t think he’ll talk. “Erin was hesitant to carry on with the plan.
Devin smiled with confidence “You’ll find your way. You always do.” He turned to the intercom “Doug, you still there?” when he didn’t reply, he called again “Doug?”
“Yeah, I’m still here. I was just busy throwing up. Man, is that how you two are together? I’d rather you guys fight.” Doug joked.
“Don’t tell Mia.” Erin warned.
“Oh…hold on.” There was short click. The two exchanged glances “Okay, I had to cancel my second call to Mia.” He laughed.
Devin laughed while Erin sighed, “Jessie thinks you’re dead.”
“What?!” Doug’s voice screeched.
“Oh…whoops, did I say that out loud?” Erin asked sweetly.
Doug sighed with relief “That wasn’t funny.”
“My point taken.” Erin replied with a smile “Keep in touch.” She hung up the line before he had a chance to say anything else.
“Don’t worry, it’ll work.” Devin patted her hand “Now, where were we?” smiling, he swept her into his arms and swayed with the music still playing in the background.
SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004
