Chapter 25
Ruby Lin – Mia Lam-Chiu aka Pisces
Nick Cheung – Darren Chiu aka Taurus
Edison Chan - Ryan Tong aka Sagittarius
Jessica Huen – Carmen Hui aka Cancer
Sunny Chan – Ben Hui aka Ah Mo
Man Chi Leung – Sum Gor
Nnadia Chan – Linda So
“Not bad…” Darren observed his wife’s work on Ben’s finished hair dye job.
“Of course.” Mia said smugly.
Linda looked at Ben’s scar that her friend worked on for the past hour “May I?” he nodded in answer “Wow…it’s amazing Lorrie.” She gushed.
“Thank you.” She curtsied “That will be two thousand dollars please.” She placed a hand out.
Mia nodded to Darren “Pay the pretty lady.”
“I was kidding.” Lorrie giggled.
“I was going to say. I’ll smack you upside the head if you take my boss’s money.” Linda laughed “You’ve helped me so much financially, this is the least I can do.”
Darren smiled warmly “You know you get paid in exchange for work. I don’t give it out for free, no matter what Mia says.” He added with a laugh.
“You’re just being modest.” Linda disagreed.
Mia frowned “Do you two want a room?”
Carmen raised her brows “Wow, I think that’s the first time I’ve seen Mia jealous.”
“What’s jealous?” Bonnie asked innocently.
Ryan decided to answer “Jealous is when someone is mad at someone else for having something they can’t have.”
She was even more confused “Oh…”
“Linda, can I see you in the kitchen?” Mia used her bossy tone.
Darren smiled as the girls disappeared “Aren’t you going to make sure she doesn’t pull Linda’s teeth out?” Carmen asked in shock.
“Mia’s all talk.” He answered. Knowing his wife too well “She was never a violent person except during her pregnancy with Bonnie.”
Mia arched her neck after they entered the swinging door separating the kitchen. He didn’t follow, turning to Linda, she asked “Anything new?”
Linda shook her head “Nothing. He’s been very professional with the lady clients. No one really hits on him. They’re either old enough to be his mom or too young to legally touch.”
“Good…good.” Mia let out a throaty laugh.
“But Mia, you really think Boss will cheat on you? He’s so noble and honest.” Linda was quick to stand up for him.
“Every man will be tested once in his life.” Mia said wisely “Even if they don’t actually cheat, they think about being with another woman. It’s the excitement of not getting caught or just having sex with another woman that’s not your wife.” She narrowed her eyes and nodded “Oprah.”
“Who?” Linda asked in confusion.
“Don’t you people read or watch tv?!” Mia threw her hands up in defeat “Anyways, I’m just trying to slow down the process of him being…oh…curious.” She chose her words wisely “If he does, you come tell me.” She pointed a finger threateningly.
“Yes, mam.” Linda saluted with a solemn face.
When they returned, Ryan and Ben were getting ready to leave “Devin just called. They found Sum Gor’s location. We have to take action right now.” Ryan pulled his arms through the denim jacket and nodded to Darren “We’ll keep in contact.”
“Be careful!” Carmen gave them the last piece of advice before the guys disappeared.
************
Sum Gor was an overweight man but he oozed of power when he walked into the restaurant. His boys cleared out the place, chasing any existing customers that were taking up room. He placed his arms behind his back, a part of the tattoo snuck through his black short sleeve shirt. His eyes covered by a pair of sunglasses, it was his trademark. No one ever read his thoughts through his face.
The manager came out with a pathetic face “Sum Gor…please, must you chase all of the customers away?”
“What?!!” one of the guys barked “You dare yell at Sum Gor?”
“I wasn’t yelling.” He cowered like a closing flower.
“I say you were yelling!” the guy threatened with widened eyes.
Sum Gor raised a hand to retrieve his men before they began to beat up the manager “Eh, we are here to talk business. I don’t want to see blood until tonight. Sit down.” He turned to his men and waved a hand as they sat down in unison “No, tonight is very important, we want to make sure that Hung Hing will lose all face. They think they can promote a weak girl to take over and challenge us? They’ve got fucking balls.” He chuckled as the guys roared with laughter “Now I want you guys to surround the Phoenix Inn and don’t let a soul get out…” suddenly his eyes caught on someone passing the open exit. Two guys were being chased and his heart nearly stopped when he recognized one guy. Nodding to his top guy “Cheung, find out what’s going on out there.”
“Yes, Sum Gor.” He stood up respectfully and rushed outside.
Ryan blocked another slash and the dagger hit his skin this time. He whipped his arm back in pain while blocking Ben’s body. The group of guys were surrounding them into an alley “Look kid, we don’t want to kill you. Get out of the way, we only want Ah Mo.”
“Ah Mo?” Cheung was well aware of the young guy’s identity of Sum Gor’s son. Getting closer, he nodded to the guys “What the hell is going on here?”
“None of your business old man!” one guy barked and the other began laughing.
Cheung kept his cool as he reacted quickly and whipped his arm out to steal a dagger. Slicing it through one of the guys, he pointed “Fuck off or I’ll make sure the next wound is deeper.”
The backed away slowly and rushed away “Thank you.” Ryan bowed his head.
“If they chase after you again, tell them Cheung Gor of Tigers will burn their house down.” He said and turned his back.
“Cheung Gor!” Ben called out after Ryan’s wink.
“I don’t know you.” He said with his back turned.
“Please.” He fell to his knees and Ryan quickly followed “I want to see Sum Gor.” He lowered his head.
Cheung Gor weakened at the sight of the bruised guys. Nodding, he waved “Follow me.” He walked them into the restaurant with all eyes staring. Some guys looked ready to pounce while some recognized the faces as they began whispering “Sum Gor, someone’s here to see you.”
Hiding behind his glasses, it was hard to see if he was happy to see his lost son “Sum Gor.” Ben knelt down “I’ve returned.”
“Do I know you?” he sipped his tea calmly.
Ryan glanced at Ben and quickly knelt down “I know everyone thinks that Mo Gor ran away from that war in 99 but when I found him, he was really hurt—”
“I didn’t ask you to talk.” He cut in.
Ben crawled closer “I was injured from head to toe and was knocked unconscious. When I woke up, I saw that the brothers from the Tigers were dead and more from Hung Hing. I thought I was going to bleed to death. Luckily On Chai was around and he saved me.” He nodded to Ryan. Eyes pleading “I wanted to come back.”
“Then why didn’t you?” he asked without emotion. But in truth he was touched by the story.
“I could barely walk on one leg.” He continued with a cowered head “On Chai took care of me and I finally healed in a month. When I returned to see you, I overheard some of the guys mentioning that they were setting up the funeral date for me. I realized that you thought I was dead. Then I heard someone else started a rumor that I ran away and faked my death to get away because I was a chicken. I was very angry and wanted to show my face but I had no face to see you. I couldn’t show my sorry ass after a month. I’d rather you think I was dead. Months turned to years and we tried to stay out of the triad world but they eventually found me. We were chased by Hung Hing.” He completed the speech nobly. Ryan had an internal smile and made a note to mention Carmen how great of an actor her cousin was.
“Stand up.” Sum Gor ordered.
“Sum Gor…” Ben frowned.
“I said stand up!” he snapped, “Get out.”
Ben was surprised by his reaction but remained calm and nodded “I know you can’t forgive me. Please accept my bows as a return for your many years of leadership.” Kneeling, he bowed three times. Looking up, he gave Sum Gor one last glance “On Chai. Come on.”
Ryan nodded obediently and followed Ben towards the exit “Keep walking.” He whispered when he noticed Ben was hesitating.
“Wait.” Sum Gor stood up. The guys exchanged hidden smiles as they turned to him. He reached out unexpectedly to hug Ben in a tight embrace “Welcome back, son.” The other guys stood up and applauded.
He had tears in his eyes and he didn’t care that the tears slid past his sunglasses onto his cheeks. Ben smiled happily “Sum Gor!” he called.
The man laughed heartily “Silly boy, call me Dad. Everyone knows.” He raised his arms to keep the noise level at a maximum “It’s a great day today!” he threw his head back with a laugh “Let’s eat.” He showed him to his table as a few guys moved out of the way to make room for the two heroes.
“I overheard the Hung Hing guys talking about a meeting tonight at Phoenix.” Ben began.
“That’s how we got caught and they chased us.” Ryan chimed in.
“What’s your name, kid?” Sum Gor asked.
“They call me On Chai.” Ryan was grinning like a monkey, finally he acknowledged him.
“Who did you follow?” Sum Gor was looking for flaws and he knew it.
Ryan answered without pulling his eyes away “I was with Seung Gor from Lo Gwai but he died seven years ago in a battle with Hung Hing.”
“Yes, I heard about that.” Sum Gor nodded in approval “He was a great fighter. I hear those bastards snuck up on him.”
“Yeah, I vowed that I will take down Hung Hing one day.” Ryan said with great honor.
He snickered “Believe me, we all do. They’ve been on top long enough. Now that the dragon is dead, they’re trying to bring up a girl who knows nothing about it.”
“A girl? Who is she?” Ben asked.
“Hung’s sister.” Sum Gor replied.
“What a joke.” Ben snorted.
“Exactly what I said.” He smiled proudly “Don’t worry, we’ll make sure they don’t sleep well tonight. I want them to shiver each time they see a Tiger down the street.” He vowed.
Chapter 26
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
Gigi Lai – Chan Yan Kiu
Michael Tong – Ah Chung
Sunny Chan – Ben Hui aka Ah Mo
Man Chi Leung – Sum Gor
On the drive to Phoenix Inn, Ah Kiu had butterflies in her stomach. Doug sensed her fidgety fingers circling each other “Don’t be nervous. I’m here.”
“Me too.” Ah Chung chimed in from the passenger seat of the taxi.
“I just have a bad feeling about this.” Ah Kiu said unsurely. She was always going by her instincts.
“I won’t leave your side.” Doug promised.
She sighed with relief “Okay.”
“Hey, what about when she goes to the bathroom?” Ah Chung teased with a laugh when Doug popped him over the head with a fist.
They arrived with a large crowd building outside the two floor restaurant. Taking in a deep breath, Ah Kiu exited after Doug. They were greeted with respect “Siu Jei!”
Ah Kiu smiled briefly feeling safe with the good amount of guys surrounding the place. Doug used his hand and pushed her gently towards the entrance. She nodded in reply and walked up the stairs to the main room. The entire placed was closed out for Hung Hing “How did you manage this?” she turned to Ah Chung in utter surprise by the turnout.
“The owner was an ex-brother of Hung Gor. He decided to retire years before but was always willing to help out an old friend.” Ah Chung answered “Do you want to eat first or should we start the ceremony?”
“I’m a little hungry.” Ah Kiu smiled weakly.
“Tell the manager to start the dishes.” Doug advised. Ah Chung nodded and went on his way. He led her to their red cloth table. Next to their table was Jenna in knee high boots a short jean skirt. She was gambling with the other guys and winning their money. Yet they didn’t seem to mind.
“Does she have to be here?” Ah Kiu’s face fell at the sight of Jenna.
Doug turned to her with raised brows “You don’t want her here? I’ll tell her to go away.”
“No.” she quickly stopped him “I guess if she’s your girl, then she can stay.” Although her words were hesitant, he took the offer with a nod.
***********
“Virgo and Aries are inside.” Erin checked in. Posing as a restaurant maid, she spotted Doug and Ah Kiu walking in together.
“Roger that.” Reina replied from outside the street. Sitting in a car, she had a clear view of the scene in the second floor “It’s like a bad wedding party.” She commented.
Matt laughed, “Except there is no bride and groom.”
“Are you dying to have your wedding?” Mia teased while munching on a bag of fried potato chips “Man, when are you going to get it over with?” she said through a mouthful.
“Mia, what did I tell you about snacking during missions?” Devin scolded from the P.R.A. van nearby.
She quickly swallowed the bunch in her mouth “I wasn’t eating.” She lied openly. Turning to Carmen, who was next to her, she placed a finger to her lips. Carmen shook her head with a stifled laugh.
“Yeah and Bonnie really doesn’t like me.” Devin snickered “Focus guys. I have a feeling something’s going to go down tonight.”
Darren adjusted his mustache from the fish ball stand as he caught a few black cars approaching the restaurant “Tigers.” He warned “They’re here.” He watched as the group got out and split up randomly. He noticed Ryan, Ben and Sum Gor walk to a nearby deli. They walked inside but glanced back at the Phoenix Inn restaurant.
“Dad, we’re not going inside yet?” Ben asked. It was foreign to call a stranger father, but he knew it was crucial to sound natural.
“No, we’ll let the guys do the dirty work first. They’re just having dinner right now.” He ordered three bowls of noodles for them. He turned to Ryan with a nod “So kid, when are you leaving?”
“Leaving?” Ryan was confused “I don’t understand.”
Sum Gor smiled crookedly “We don’t take guys from other gangs.”
“Dad, he saved my life—” Ben was hushed with a hand at the face.
“You want a prize for finding my son right?” he snickered “I had my boys do a background check on you. Backstabbing your brother for a girl. You think I want someone like that on my team?”
“Sum Gor, that was years ago and I was young and stupid. I know girls mean trouble, the last thing I want is a girlfriend.” Ryan quickly explained “Anyways that bitch decided to follow a Hung Hing guy. I wouldn’t take her back if she groveled at my feet and kissed it.” He spat harshly.
The temperamental guy began laughing “Good! So you want your revenge?”
“Of course.” Ryan snickered.
“Cheung found out the little ex-girlfriend of yours is also in that restaurant tonight. It would be nice to see this Gam again.” Ryan tried to mask his nervousness and hoped to God that Devin and the others caught the comment.
****************
“Guys! Settle down!” Ah Chung called after the final dish was displayed. Stepping on the stage he got a hold of the ready microphone “I’m very pleased by the outcome of tonight. If Hung Gor were alive today, he would have been very proud that you are here to support him. And especially Siu Jei. When Hung Gor was alive, he made a will that left everything to Chan Yan Kiu.” Nodding to Ah Kiu, he asked for her to take over.
She turned to Doug, who nodded with a smile. Nervous, she took the microphone with a shaky hand “Hi.”
“Dai Jei!” the guys replied in unison. Ah Chung looked around like a proud father, beaming at Doug, who was also smiling.
“Thank you.” She said with a dimpled smile “Um…I don’t know what to say really. I know Ah Gor found this gang many years ago. Even before I was young enough to understand what the word ‘gang’ meant.” She laughed at herself with lowered eyes “But I loved him very much and it’s just a shame that I never got to say goodbye before he left us. What’s important to him is important to me. I’m grateful that Doug is here to help me get through this, he is Ah Gor’s right hand and if not for him I’d probably starved in the streets of Beijing. So, let’s thank him.” She reached her hand out when Ah Chung gave her a glass of tea for she didn’t drink “To Doug.”
“To Doug Gor!” the guys replied.
“NONSENSE!!!” A booming voice broke through the crowd as all eyes turned to the back. Ah Kiu quickly retrieved her place behind Doug. The Hung Hing guys stood up in simultaneously and pointed at the intruder to get out.
Doug raised a hand to silence them as he walked over to Sum Gor with an easy stride “Sum Gor, I believe this is a private party. You weren’t invited.” He advised coolly.
“Who the hell are you?” Sum Gor barked.
One of the guys laughed hysterically “Doug Gor! You’ve never heard of Hung Gor’s right arm? Well, what kind of Dai Lou are you?”
“Useless!” one more chimed in with a laugh.
Ryan thought quick as h reached for the nearest beer bottle and broke it against the ground, picking up a few broken glasses, he flung it at the guys faces as they tried to shield the flying debris but it cut through their skin “Eh…” Sum Gor raised a hand to stop Ryan but inside he was ecstatic “No need for that…yet.”
Ah Chung stepped over to stand up for his brother “Doug Gor is Hung Gor’s most trusted assassin. He went by the name of Gam Gor years before but his real name as we call him is Doug Gor.” He explained.
“Gam, I’ve met before and you are not him.” Sum Gor challenged.
“Shit, I think he needs backup.” Erin hissed. She was witnessing the whole thing.
“I’m coming in.” Reina got out of the car as she rushed inside.
Doug remained calm and did not falter as he crossed his arms “Funny, I don’t remember meeting an overweight Dai Lou that’s blind.” He mocked causing the guys to laugh in cue.
“I have something else you might find very amusing.” He snarled and placed a hand out. Cheung handed him a file “Fan Yee Gam is currently in jail.” Tossing the manila folder at his feet, Doug made no attempt to pick it up. But it was Ah Chung that opened it to look inside.
He found the copied legal documents, it was what Sum Gor said. Turning to Doug, he asked “Is it true?”
“Of course not!” A female voice barked from the entrance of the second floor. Reina walked in with her hand on Ah Bat’s neck “Maybe you guys recognized him.”
“Traitor!” one guy pointed to Ah Bat “He ran away to save his ass while those agents killed Hung Gor!”
Ah Bat didn’t falter when he was pushed into the center room “And apparently you got away too.” His reply quieted the guy “I can prove that he is Gam Gor. I’ve worked numerous times with him while Hung Gor was still alive.” He replied dully. Reina snuck a pinch behind his back and spun her fingers around his skin. He bit his lip to suppress the cry “I can put my life on the line.”
Ah Chung was more than convinced “From the mouth of someone we all know.” He pointed to Ah Bat.
Sum Gor was relentless “My documents are real.”
“Are they?” Reina asked as she took the paper from Ah Chung and skimmed through them. Tossing them on the floor, she answered “Fake. Just a little program we call Photoshop. All you have to do is scan in a real document and change the name manually. Any 18 year old can do this job.”
“Bat Po! This is none of your business!” Ben spoke up on cue from Ryan’s wink.
Reina laughed, “Maybe I am bitch. But a bitch that worked for Hung Gor.” Silence hushed through the crowd as she turned to Doug “Gam Gor can be my proof.”
Doug nodded firmly “She is one of Hung Gor’s best assassins.”
“Reina?” Ah Chung asked as she turned and nodded “I heard of you. Hung Gor mentioned that you left him years ago though.”
“Yes, briefly. It was for my own safety. He didn’t want the cops to catch me when a kidnapping when wrong.” She made up the story.
“I don’t care for your reunions!” Sum Gor cried angrily “I want that girl.” He pointed to Ah Kiu challengingly.
Doug tilted his head “Over my dead body.”
“As you wish.” Sum Gor gave one nod as a pool of guys emerged from the balcony and from the stairwell. Outside sounds of men fighting filled the streets. Indoor, it was a huge massacre. Tables overturned, guys using beer bottles as weapons and dishes thrown everywhere. Jenna stuck close with Ah Kiu who was hiding under a table.
“I had a bad feeling about this!” she whimpered.
“Oh my God, we’re going to die!” Jenna groaned.
“Shut up! Don’t curse me!” Ah Kiu snapped.
“I’m making a run for it.” Jenna said as she crawled out from under the table. In truth, she was going along with the skit, Ah Kiu was watching and she knew it. Running towards Doug and Ryan, who were fake fighting “Doug!” She caught him when he pretended to be injured by Ryan’s punch. Suddenly a hand pulled her away as she screamed.
“She’s mine!” Ryan yelled.
Doug took her other hand and began pulling her back to his side “She left you!”
They began yanking her back and forth. Jenna stole a glimpse at Ah Kiu and hissed at the guys “I’m not a yo-yo.”
Doug pretended to kick Ryan in the stomach, making him roll back in pain. Taking her hand, he led her back to Ah Kiu “Come on, we have to get out.” He placed a free hand out to Ah Kiu as she took it hurriedly. The girls remained behind him as he moved through the individual fights.
“I’ve always wanted to take on an assassin.” Cheung blocked Doug’s way.
He pushed the girls behind “The result is the same every time. You’ll lose.” Doug said solemnly. His quick punches at the face left Doug room to duck and dodge but the elder guy was fast and unexpectedly strong. He eventually earned a punch at the stomach.
Doug gasped painfully “Doug!” Ah Kiu called. She looked around for help but everyone was busy. Suddenly a gunshot halted all fights. Jenna quickly pulled Doug to his feet and back to Ah Kiu.
Chapter 27
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
Aaron Kwok – Ted Kwong aka Libra
Jessica Huen – Carmen Hui aka Cancer
Jordan Chan - Ah Bat
Leon Lai – Daniel Wong
Gigi Lai – Chan Yan Kiu
Michael Tong – Ah Chung
Sunny Chan – Ben Hui aka Ah Mo
Man Chi Leung – Sum Gor
All eyes turned to the Commander with a group of policemen behind him “Who is in charge here?!” Daniel demanded.
“Ah Sir, I don’t think this concerns you.” One of the guys nearby said smartly.
Daniel nodded to Ted, who waved for one of his men to take the guy into custody “Anyone else got something to say?” he asked with raised brows “Now, I can let go of the charges of disturbing the peace, but if this is a triad related war, I’m afraid I need to cut in.”
Ah Kiu ducked behind Doug’s shoulder as he turned to Daniel “It’s just a friendly game we’re playing. Nothing to it.”
“Friendly game?” Daniel played along. Pointed to a bleeding guy “And I suppose this is ketchup?”
Sum Gor placed his arms coolly behind his back “Accidents happen.”
“Bullshit.” Daniel snapped “I have every right to take all of you down to the station right now.”
“Ah Sir, I suggest you watch your mouth.” Sum Gor said through clenched teeth.
Daniel knew he had to respect the man for Janine’s sake “I’m willing to forgive and forget as long as you do what I say.”
“Name it.” Sum Gor agreed with a slanted smile.
“One, sit down and have a drink of tea. Peacefully call it a night with the other gang. Two, I don’t care if you kill each other somewhere else, but not in the presence of policemen.” Daniel concluded “Three, the women cannot be harmed.” He gave a double take on Ah Kiu, who again lowered her head. Turning back, he asked “Do we have a deal?”
“Sure.” He shrugged carelessly.
They found an unturned table and poured two cups of tea, Daniel handed one to Doug and one to Sum Gor “Gentlemen.”
“I am no gentleman. I remember everyone that has done me wrong.” Sum Gor threatened as he gulped down his cup of tea.
Doug smiled crookedly “Likewise.” He drank his tea.
“Let’s go!” Sum Gor ordered as he filed out of the restaurant.
“Doug, are you okay?” Ah Kiu noticed him holding his stomach.
He shook his head “I’m fine.”
“Thank you, Ah Sir.” She said with lowered eyes “Can we go now?”
“Sure.” Daniel nodded lightly, his eyes tracing her face carefully “Miss, have we met before?”
“No.” she replied without thinking.
Doug turned to Daniel strangely “Are you sure? You look very familiar.” He continued to pry, making her squirmy.
“I really don’t know you.” Ah Kiu dug her face into Doug’s arm as she began leading him out. Jenna and Ah Chung followed along while Daniel continued to stare after them.
An hour later, Devin marched into the police station towards Daniel’s office. Barging in, he didn’t care that Daniel was on the phone “You have no right. We were in control of tonight!”
He hung up the call “Really? Is that why there were two deaths and over two dozens guys in the hospital being treated for broken bones and cuts?” Daniel challenged “You know we are suppose to work together but you went ahead and disregarded me. If it weren’t for Erin, I wouldn’t have known your plans tonight.”
His fists balled together “Stay away from her!” he threatened.
“Why? Because you think you two still have a chance?!” Daniel widened his eyes daringly “Look at yourself Devin. You’re only a liar in her eyes. She’ll never forgive you, she said so herself.”
Devin relaxed slowly and nodded with a grin “I see…this is your plan isn’t it?”
“What?” Daniel asked.
“That little innocent trick may work on Erin but it won’t on me. This is all planned, you just want to steal her away from me. You just can’t stand to see me happy huh? Always wanting something that I have. You’re a sick bastard, Daniel. I suggest you get mental help.”
Sighing, Daniel shook his head “I had no idea you thought that of me. Yes, I can be competitive but I’m not out to get you. Can’t it be that we have the same taste in women? Or that we like the same things?” he asked “Devin, you may think this because it was initially my fault that Erin found out the truth. Or are you just angry at the fact that you couldn’t hide it from her longer than you already have?”
“Fuck you.” Devin cursed as he swung the door open to storm out. Halting, he saw her outside the door “Erin…” he whispered.
“We’re waiting for you at headquarters.” She lowered her head and hid her eyes from both guys. Turning her heels she rushed out of the station. He never felt so stupid than he did at that moment.
When Devin finally arrived, the team was already present. He looked drained of energy as he took a seat in the back and nodded to Matt “You lead.”
Matt tried to sympathize with the weary Head, nodding he turned to the team “Good job tonight team. Good thing Reina thought of Ah Bat as backup.”
“It was too close tonight.” Darren spoke up “Sum Gor knows what Ah Gam looks like. He’s never going to stop proving Doug wrong. I’m not even sure if Ah Kiu fell for it.”
“I think she did.” Reina replied, “With my words and Ah Bat’s, they had to have bought it.”
“Yeah, we can fake them once but how about the second time?” Mia made a good point.
Erin looked up finally “I’ll go see Ah Gam tomorrow and get some more info about Sum Gor. Maybe we can shut Sum Gor up with blackmail.”
“Good.” Matt agreed “But I have to agree with Mia, we have to be careful so the second time doesn’t happen again. Once you get the info, let Doug know.” He said to Erin, who shook her head blankly.
Mia raised her hand “Can you say that again?”
Matt frowned “Which part?”
“You agree with me.” She mocked with a laugh “You’ve never agreed with me.”
He quickly dismissed her with a snort “Any important questions?” He emphasized.
Carmen raised her hand “How about Ben and Ryan? How long do they have to stay undercover?”
“The main reason why I want them both with the Tigers is to keep us updated on when they plan to attack Hung Hing. Our projection here is to keep Ah Kiu alive and hope that Doug can get her to disperse the gang. Maybe then, we’ll be in more control of the triad wars.” Matt explained.
Reina turned to her fiancé with a concerned look “What I don’t understand is how Sum Gor got a hold of the police report on Ah Gam’s current status. How did legal documents get to him?”
“So they were real?” Darren asked.
She nodded “Copies but from real docs.”
“ I think there is a mole in the police department.” Mia let out a sharp gasp, startling the group “It’s Ted!”
They groaned in response while Darren shook his head “Mia, think…don’t speak.”
“Well, he’s the only one that knows about the entire operation.” Mia said in her own weak defense.
“And Daniel and the entire homicide team that Ted runs.” Reina pointed out “Mia, don’t be crazy.”
Devin sat upright and leaned onto the table “She might have something here.”
“See!” Mia pointed.
“Don’t pin it on an innocent for personal reasons.” Erin said with cold eyes.
Mia cowered towards Darren and whispered “I’m scared.”
He shook his head shortly at her “Maybe we should call it a night.” The others quickly agreed as they began to shuffle the files in place and stand up.
“I didn’t dismiss you guys yet.” Devin looked around as they sat down “I agree with Mia, I think we should watch the police department for a mole. There could be more than one. Carmen, I’m going to send you over to help Ted with the files for the P.R.A. Keep a look out for anyone suspicious and report back once you do.”
“Yes Sir.” She replied weakly.
He tilted his head towards her “Do you find work I ask you to do boring?”
“Don’t pick on her!” Erin snapped.
Carmen looked from one person to the other “No, it’s okay. I’m happy to do any work you ask me to do. You are the boss. It’s not a problem, Erin.” She assured the angered girl.
“Dismiss!” Devin called as he got up and walked back into his office.
Mia looked around as the group made no attempt to leave “Can we talk now?” she whispered.
“Sorry guys.” Erin apologized when she cooled down.
“What’s wrong with you two?” Darren asked “You guys were civil this morning and now it’s like a civil war.”
“Good analogy.” Mia complimented.
Erin sighed “I’m not sure how to start.”
“We have plenty of time later.” Reina advised, knowing she wasn’t ready to talk “Let’s go home and rest. I’m sure everyone’s tired.”
Matt nodded “Get lots of rest and stay on call 24/7.”
“Yes Sir.” They replied and left headquarters for home.
Erin drove home knowing the house would be empty but at least Luke was there. When she was halfway home, she noticed a car following her. She wasn’t sure for how long but she assumed the person was a pro. Staying within distance but he followed all the turns she made. Deciding to confront her follower, she pulled her car into a busy street and parked the car. Getting out, she leaned one hand on hip. The headlights turned off and appeared Daniel behind the wheel with a smile.
They drove out to the harbor. They took a short walk together “Why are you following me?”
“I just want to make sure you get home safely.” He replied.
She stopped and turned to him “I can’t take another lie.”
He was apologetic “I’m sorry. I…I was afraid that you might…”
“Might what?” she was growing annoyed with his hesitant words.
“Commit suicide.” He confessed and she rolled her eyes with a sigh “I remember in your file that you gave up during a kidnapping. You wouldn’t let the team find you and at the last minute decided to call for help. In exchange, your eyes went blind. Although it healed, you were still scarred.”
She smiled despite the incident that happened earlier “Are you that careful with all the agents? Or is my file more interesting? Like a soap opera?”
“I don’t mean to be nosy. I read about everyone’s files. Mia lost her memory, Jenna joining but Joe didn’t allow her to. Ryan losing his wife, your sister Shelly. Reina tried to kill you but ended up saving you and was let out of jail due to Matt and Joe’s request to the Mayor. Ted replacing Brad after he was brutally killed by the man that wanted to marry you for the inheritance. Doug was angry at you because he thought Jessie’s life was in his hand and you stopped him—” she placed a hand up to stop him.
“The story of our lives.” She sighed and turned to the rail “Too many things have changed and I’ve grown numb. I don’t care for love anymore. Like Joe said, I was one of the calmer agents but somehow I allowed the word ‘love’ to take over my actions and words too many times.” Erin smiled up at Daniel “Don’t worry, I won’t ever let a guy get to me again. Regardless of how I feel about him. Maybe the old Erin would have run away from the problem but today, I am different. Nothing is more important than the P.R.A. Helping people and keeping the peace in this tiny country. It’s the least I can do for all those that have died in our place.”
He smiled brightly “I’m so glad to hear you say that.”
She shrugged “No big deal.” She walked towards the ferry “I feel like taking a boat ride. Wanna join me?” he grinned and nodded.
SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004
