| Fan Fiction |
by DTLCT
“I have to go back to the station,” Joey said. “Just want to make sure nothing goes wrong again through the night.”
Jacky nods at her while the others mumble out goodbyes.
“I’ll go with you also since there are so many people here already,” Kenneth said, standing up as well.
“That’s a good idea,” Joey said. “Let’s go.”
They leave together after that.
“Maybe you two should go back to your room,” Jacky said to Vincent and Alyssa after the threesome go through the nearest double doors. “Cory, check on them and make sure they’re safe through the night. If you want, send Gus and some other to switch over with you.”
“All right,” Cory said.
“Wallace, you want to go rest or no?”
Wallace shakes his head.
“All right then. Can’t force you.”
Jacky finally takes a seat – Kenneth’s seat from before, which is between Gallen and Wallace, as soon as this group of three leaves also. He leans back towards the wall.
“You guys want anything?”Alice asked, speaking up for the first time since they’d been there. “I’m going to get some fresh air.”
“I’ll go with you,” Ray said.
Kevin looks at Gallen. Jacky sits straight up again, looking from Kevin to Gallen.
“Well?”Alice asked again, not really paying attention but guessing that they’re deciding on what to eat.
“I’ll go with you, sis,” Wallace said upon seeing the eye contact between all three guys.
“But ge, you’re still in your hospital clothes,” Alice argued.
“So? Are you going to North Pole to buy us food?”
Alice wrinkles her face. “Ge!”
Wallace gets up. “Ge or no ge, I’m going with you.”
Cyndi gets up also. “Me too.”
Alice had called Cyndi after the whole mess to explain what happened. Cyndi insists on coming back to the hospital to see for herself that Wallace’s really all right. She has been silent, sitting next to Wallace the whole time. It’s the first time she speaks up because she wants to stay by Wallace’s side although he’s in perfect condition.
“All right then,” Wallace said. “Let’s go.”
Wallace turns to look Jacky’s way and nods before turning around to put his hand around Alice’s shoulder. Ray doesn’t bother to pay attention since he’s ahead of them, wanting to get out of this suffocating place for a while. Kevin looks after the four and is about to get up when Jacky stops him. Kevin turns around to see Jacky shaking his head. When the four are gone, Jacky speaks up to explain.
“It’s okay,” Jacky said. “Wallace knows. He’s got better cop instinct than most of us.”
Kevin sits back down again. Charmaine and Mandy look at the three guys, wondering what’s going on, but doesn’t dare to ask. At least not right now. Annie’s too tired to pay attention.
Jacky looks over at Annie. “Miss Man, you want to…”
Annie shakes her head. “I can’t. I have to know that Jan’s okay before I…”
“You don’t have to. You…”
“Let her stay,” Gallen interfered. “She’ll feel easier being here than sitting at home, feeling guilty.”
Jacky doesn’t object but still turns to Annie. “Whatever happens in the end, I want you to know that it isn’t your fault. It was Jan’s own error to not be as careful in the end. Or you can say the other guy was cunning not to fall prey of the traps set out earlier by our team. Anything. But it’s not your fault.”
Gallen is impressed with Jacky’s ability to maintain the calmness in him to say all those words to Annie.
Annie nods at Jacky but still goes back to look at the ground.
Jacky puts his head back against the wall again, not wanting to push Annie into the new thoughts too much. He knows she needs time to think.
Another 15 minutes pass by. Finally they see the lights to the ER turns off. Everyone stands up at the same time, waiting for someone to open the door.
A doctor in turquoise surgery uniform comes through the door a second later. They wait patiently for him to say something. He looks tired, but his expressions are passive, not serious.
“Good news,” The doctor announced. “She made it.” He pauses. “Although the operation was long and critical but she made it.”A smile forms on the doctor’s face.
Everyone in the room – literally – jumps for joy, except for Jacky. He crashes back down into his seat, mumbling to himself.
Gallen sits down in his seat also, placing a hand on Jacky’s shoulder. “You all right?”
“She made it….she really made it,” Jacky mumbled, his voice breaking.
“That’s right.” He claps Jacky’s shoulder.
Jacky keeps repeating over and over the phrase “She made it”, tears begin to form in his eyes. Gallen pats him on the shoulder to calm him down. Kevin walks over to him also, taking Wallace’s seat from earlier and pats his left shoulder. Annie’s the most relief among all the people present. She hugs Charmaine and Mandy without any hesitation. After the brief hug from Annie, Mandy pulls out her cell phone to call Ray.
“Ge, she made it!” Mandy exclaimed.
“Really?” Ray asked.
“Yes!”
“We’re coming back!”
“Okay.” She hangs up after that. She turns to look at the others again, realizing that the whole room’s filled with mixed emotions – both relief and overwhelming at the same time. She turns towards the doctor still standing there, extending her hand. “Thank you so much, Doctor.”
Kevin walks over to them, extending his hand and showing his appreciation also, smiling.
The doctor smiles and puts his hands on each of their shoulders, giving them a pat. “It’s nothing. It’s my job.” He pauses briefly. “And she’s still unconscious from the meds. But you all can come and visit her in the morning. She should already be moved to inpatient area by then.”
With that, the doctor leaves them. They look after the doctor until he goes through the double doors, then look at each other and smile.
A few minutes later, Alice walks through the door with Wallace, Cyndi, and Ray behind her. They all gather around to congratulate Jacky – who had calmed down by now.
*****
“You feeling better?” Jacky asked.
Jan nods, smiling up to him.
“I guess you’re all right then. You still managed to smile.”
“Why?” Jan asked softly since she’s still weak. “You rather see me just laying still in this bed with my eyes closed?”
Jacky turns serious. “Don’t say that.”
Jan smiles. “Don’t worry. I won the battle last night. I’m not going to die.”
Jacky grabs hold of her left hand with his right. “Still…don’t say such a thing.”
Jan squeezes his hand and then lets go. “The case is over now. You can stop playing the role.”
Jacky takes her hand in his again, whispering, “They still don’t know so just let me play the role a bit more.”
Jan smiles. “Don’t tell me you can’t bear to part from me.”
Jacky smiles finally and looks into her with caring eyes.
“You’re starting to make me nervous.”
“Shhhhh…let me enjoy this moment for a bit.”
Jan stays silent like she was instructed and stares back at him with a smile.
At that moment, someone opens the door to Jan’s room.
Jacky looks up to see Kevin at the door. Behind him, there are Mandy, Ray, Charmiane, Gallen, and Annie.
Ray flashes on his mischievous smile upon seeing the scene. “I guess we came in at the wrong time. We’ll just come back.”
Kevin, following Ray’s words, closes the door teasingly with a smile.
“You guys want to pull this one on me now?” Jacky asked. “Come in! I know you want to.”
Kevin pushes the door open again and steps in. The others crowd into the room also and Gallen closes the door behind him.
Unlike Vincent and Alyssa, who are staying at a large room with many beds, Jan has her own room since the doctors said that she’s still in a critical condition and should let her rest with the most possible peace that can be provided.
Jacky looks at the group before speaking up again. “So…where are the others?”
“Alice is helping Wallace pack and check out,” Kevin replied. “Cyndi, of course, is keeping charge of Wallace.” Then smiles briefly.
“Vincent and Alyssa had visitors,” Gallen added.
“Jess’ boss still won’t let her off easily, saying that she’s sloppy lately but I swear he’s mad that she’s not reporting on the two cases that you guys are investigating now although she has inside information,” Ray chimed in.
Jacky smiles at Ray’s comment. “What about Jo and Kenny? Still at ’em?”
“They need to take care of wrapping the cases,” Gallen answered. “Cory’s there to help also since the two cases have some similar suspects. They’re sorting out between who gets to try 3 of those who were also involved in the robberies plus with Annie’s case. That would take awhile.”
Jacky nods. Then he remembers something. “I forgot to give Cory the segment last night. Let me go to the station and give it to him. I’ll be back.” He finally lets go of Jan’s hand and stands up.
“No need. Let me do it. You stay with Jan.”
Jacky looks back at Jan before turning to address Gallen again. “I have to be more responsible than this. I’ll go. I’ll be back in a bit. Don’t worry. You guys can chat with Jan while I leave.”
“Are you sure?” Gallen asked as Jacky passes him to go to the door. “It’s better that you’re here with Jan. Although she has already recovered, but you guys should spend some times together since it had been tough these past few days.”
“No need,” Jan said softly. “The truth is Fan Gang and I…ummm…Jacky and I…”
Jacky looks back at her, signaling her not yet.
Jan smiles at Jacky. “We can’t go on like this forever. It’s not good to get too involved in our roles since you’ll be getting a promotion soon and I’ll be quitting after this case.”
The others, confused, look from Jacky to Jan. Jacky sees their confused and curious expressions, turns to look at Jan one last time before sighing out.
Jan knows that it’s his way of saying all right so she continues. She looks at the group again. “Jacky and I aren’t a couple. We were just taking on the roles of lovers. It’s a good way to cover up my identity since Jacky’s character draws more attention. We’re just partners. So….in conclusion, you girls who want to pursue Jacky still can!”
The last phrase came out so unexpectedly that causes everyone to smile. Jacky couldn’t help but laugh also.
Jacky smiles at Jan, shaking his head. “I think my humor is rubbing off on you.”
“Is it? Or is it the other way around?”
Everyone in the room – apparently needs time to sink it in or Jacky’s just zooming them out, but they’re still not saying anything.
Jan speaks up again. “I thought you need to go to the local station. Hurry up! I don’t want my effort to be wasted.”
Jacky, suddenly released from an unknown spell, looks to the others again. He clears his throat. “All right then. I’ll be off now.”
Jacky finally grabs the doorknob and turns it. He leaves the room with unknown sadness within him.
*****
Jan looks at the closed door, feeling a bit regretful. She lets out a sigh. She sees that the others are turning back towards her so she puts on a smile to address them. Annie comes up to her and sits at the chair next to her bed. Annie grabs Jan’s right hand and begins to engage in conversation. Mandy goes to the other side and takes Jacky’s seat from earlier. Charmaine has been walking right along with her. The guys pull up a chair nearby to sit in a circle around Jan’s bed. Ray’s the only one putting his chair backwards and is leaning forward on the back of the chair.
“First off!” Ray announced, rubbing his hand together for effect since he’s feeling mischievous. “Let’s let Detective Chan have it with our questions. See how she feels the other way around.”
“Ray,” Mandy interfered.
“Come on, sis. We stayed up half of the night, worrying about her and trying to look after Jacky for her. And now she tells us it’s all a ‘cover.’ You should let us have some fun.”
Mandy smiles. “But it’s their job.”
“Hey!” Ray exclaimed out though in a teasing tone. “Why are you siding with her? What about your brother?”
“She’s just defending her cousin, Wing Lim ge,” Jan said.
“What?!?” Mandy and Ray exclaimed at the same time.
Jan smiles but before she could clarify, Ray jumps in.
Ray jumps up from his chair. “Wait a minute! First, we found out you’re actually a cop. Next, you told us you and Jacky aren’t really a couple. Now you’re saying Mandy’s your cousin? Not to mention calling me ‘Wing Lim ge.’” He shivers as he mimics Jan’s way of saying his name. “One last question: Are you playing me?”
Jan sits up a bit. “Calm down…” She ends up coughing.
Annie and Mandy help her lay down again.
“Ge, stop,” Mandy warned Ray.
“But…” Ray uttered.
Mandy gives him a look.
Ray stops but still unwilling to.
Jan regains herself again. “I’m sorry for causing all the confusion among everyone. It’s also why it’s my last case. I don’t want to carry on like this anymore. The other reason why I quit is I don’t want Mom to worry about me any longer than she has to.” She pauses to catch her breath. “And Mandy and I are really cousins because I know when I moved in the building. I did some research on her when…” She looks at Ray. “…you grabbed my shoulder that other day, mistaking me for Mandy.”
Ray seems calm again, sitting back on his chair.
Mandy pats Jan on the shoulder. “Don’t say it anymore. Just rest.” She gives Ray a look also while saying that so he doesn’t pursue any further.
Jan could see that. “It’s okay. He has the right to know. Everyone here has the right to know.”
Ray finally speaks up. “I’m sorry. It’s just that I…” He gestures his hand for effect.
Jan nods. “I understand.”
Ray finally gives her a sincere smile.
After that little hostility, everyone chats up a more light-hearted conversation.
*****
When Jacky arrives at the local police station, he sees that Kenneth and Joey are at a table in the corner, taking a coffee break.
“Just the people I want to see,” Jacky said, flashing on his smile. “Where’s Cory?”
“He’s in the back,” Joey answered. “Why?”
“Have to discuss something with him.”
Joey looks at him but goes back to her coffee after a second.
Jacky goes into the room in the back to find Cory chatting up a conversation with a female officer. Jacky clears his throat loudly.
Cory snaps out of it. “Uh…Hi Jacky! How’s Jan doing?”
“Still weak but her spirits are high.”
Cory walks towards Jacky. “That’s good to know.”
“Forgot about it last night, but I need to give you this since you guys didn’t take the wire off Jan last night. The doctors had to hand it to us. Lucky it wasn’t ruin or it’ll be a waste.”
“Oh…yea. How careless of me.”
“Forget it. It was pretty chaotic last night, I bet.”
Cory nods. “Yea.”
Jacky and Cory are walking back to where Kenneth and Joey are.
“So, I guess after this case’s over, that’s it for Jan, huh?” Cory asked – though obvious. “We should throw her a goodbye party.”
Jacky licks his lips real fast. “I don’t know.”
“Oh come on!” He pauses. “Even if you don’t want it to be a goodbye party – since I know you don’t want to part with her, but maybe a celebration party since she survived?”
“Goodbye?” Joey asked, confused.
Jacky and Cory have taken a seat at Kenneth and Joey’s table a minute ago. Kenneth and Joey are paying attention to what the two guys are saying now.
Cory takes it into his hand to explain since he sees Jacky’s in no mood to talk about it. “Jan’s going to quit since Annie’s case is closing soon. She said it was her last case before we even started. That was why I just suggest we throw her a party, but I guess Jacky doesn’t want to part from her yet.”
“Part from her?” Joey feels the need to clarify since she’s always quick, but suddenly she feels so dumb repeating every phrase being said so she continues before Cory explains again. “I thought that it’ll be better for her since…” She looks at Jacky “…you wouldn’t have to worry so much about her anymore.”
“She’s going back to her hometown after this to help her mom with their flower shop,” Cory continued since Jacky’s still staying silent.
Joey’s still confused but doesn’t want to go “Huh?” or something similar so she just stays silent.
Cory, realizing that Jacky probably didn’t tell them yet, so he launches into another explanation session. “I guess you’re still confused because Mr. Fan Gang here failed to fill you in earlier.”
Joey looks at Cory, waiting patiently for him to continue.
“Jacky and Jan aren’t really a couple. They were just playing out their roles for this case.”
Joey finally realizes why Cory keeps saying how “Jacky doesn’t want to part with Jan” and turns to look at Jacky.
“Don’t look at me like that, Jo,” Jacky said, finally finding his voice. “You know as part of my job, I can’t blow it. I mean I can blow my own cover but I can’t blow Jan’s also or this case will go down the drain.”
“It’s okay. I know. Just thought that you two were so…”
Cory smiles. “They’re partners in crime, of course they’re closed.”
Jacky looks at Cory.
Cory clears his throat. “I mean ‘partners in solving the crimes.’”
Jacky gives Cory an approving look finally. Then he realizes they still need to take care of some stuffs. He turns to Joey. “So, what happened with the two cases so far? There are still holes, you know.”
“I’ll start with Vincent and Alyssa’s first. Kenneth and the others found Alyssa’s bracelet in the woods a couple of weeks back. There was a ‘J’ scratch mark on it. Guess who it was from?”
Jacky smiles. “I know it’s not me.”
Joey smiles lightly. “Very funny.”
Kenneth clears his throat.
“Justin?” Cory guessed, breaking the tension. “I mean I heard one of the cops from here is actually involved.”
Joey turns to Cory. “No. It’s Jason Zhao.”
“Who the world is that?”
“It’s Vincent’s uncle,” Jacky said.
“Oh.”
Jacky turns back to Joey. “So, how did you come to that conclusion? From those guys we caught last night?”
Joey nods. “Yes. It’s actually funny since one of the guys blurted his name out by accident.”
Jacky shakes his head and smiles. “Who in the world is that dumb?”
“Aren’t all crooks somewhat dumb?”
“But not that dumb.”
Kenneth coughs a little at that time and takes a sip of his coffee.
Joey regains herself. “Anyway…” She grabs a folder nearby. “We now have two things to worry about.” She stands up at that time.
Jacky stands up along with her. “What?”
“We better find a way to get a confession from Jason Zhao since he’s very stubborn. He didn’t even say a word since last night when he was brought in.”
Jacky wrinkles his eyebrows in confusion. “What do you mean? I thought you guys got him after someone blurted out his name by accident.”
Joey starts to walk in the direction towards her office. “It’s not just that since we got a head start before those guys were brought in. We figured out last night from reading some files that a few years back Jason Zhao had some fallout with his brother, Victor. That was why Jason left their company and start out on his own. I called George back to take Jason Zhao in for questioning since Brad already got Gallen to help him.”
Jacky finally understands. “So when I handed those guys from last night to you guys, one of them just blurted out Jason Zhao’s name while breezing by to his temporary cell or something?”
Joey nods.
Jacky’s expression turns to shocked. “I was just kidding! How can these guys be so dumb?”
“You rather they’re smarter?”
“No. But it’s just no challenge. It insults my intelligence by having to work on such a case.”
Joey smiles.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“I know that smile.”
Kenneth clears his throat again at that time.
Cory just smiles at them, knowing all too well what’s going on. “So, what is the other thing we need to do now?”
“Find Mr. Lam,” Joey answered. “He’s still missing, you know. We’d been so occupied up with all these other side cases that we didn’t send that many people to look for him except send out some announcements to other stations for help. We need to get on top of that again.”
“Oh yea…almost forgot about him,” Jacky remarked.
“You’re too occupied with Jan to notice it,” Cory teased.
Jacky gives him another look, but lets it go.
Joey stops at a copy-machine and starts to put in some documents. The others follow in silence. Joey suddenly remembers something and turns to face them.
“Oh yeah, we need to find the missing files or whatever it is that those crooks want from Annie also,” She said, adding another item to their task list.
“All right then,” Jacky said. “I’ll just head back to the hospital to tell them what’s up and divide up the work between 'Tim' and me.”
“Gallen hasn’t told them yet?” Kenneth asked.
“He’s not involved in any of these cases. In fact, he’s not even a cop. He’s just a private investigator. So…don’t blow his cover.” He pauses again. “Not just yet.”
Kenneth nods.
“All right. I’m really going now. See you all later.”
“I’ll go with you,” Cory said. “Since I want to see how Jan’s doing too.”
Jacky nods and they leave together.
Joey looks after them a bit before finishing her task at the copy machine. Then she heads for her office with the papers to think of a new tactic to break Jason Zhao. Kenneth pays attention to her every move – from how she looks after Jacky and to the point where she closes the door to her office. He snaps out of his trance when an officer walks by and heads for his office also, pondering about matters.
© Tuesday, June 19th, 2007
Re-posted: Sunday, October 11th, 2009