| Fan Fiction |
by DTLCT
“You said that every time you finish an article,” The guy across from him said passively.
“Hey. What can I say? I’m a genius. Always outdoing myself with the most recent article.”
The guy smiles. “More like your skin’s getting even more thick each day.”
“Come on! Give me some credit.”
The shrugs. “Fair enough.”
Ricky gets up at that time. “Not talking to you anymore. I need to go hand this in. We have one hour to release this or we’ll be behind Detective Meng’s schedule.”
Ricky leaves his co-worker sitting there while he races into the Chief Editor’s office. His co-worker smiles after him, shaking his head.
Fifteen minutes later, Ricky returns with an even wider smile on his face.
“Well?” The guy prompted.
“Of course I got praised by the ‘big guy’!” Ricky said proudly. “What else?”
“Congrats then.”
“Want to go out and celebrate? I’ll pay this time.”
The guy gets up from his seat at that time. “Aren’t you supposed to make sure it gets released?”
“Editor Cheung knows that Detective Meng needs it. I made sure. Come on!”
“All right.”
The two straighten up their desks a bit and put some files into their drawers before leaving the room. On the way to the door, a photographer walks in at the same time. They wave as they pass by each other.
“So Ken, where do you want to go?” Ricky asked.
“Your choice since you’re in high spirits today,” Ken – the co-worker – said.
“You’re sure?”
“Yes. Look at you. That expression on your face tells me you want to choose.”
“You know me too well, man. Let’s go.”
The two guys head towards North Star Café.
“This place is just the best,” Ricky remarked as they stepped in.
“You just want to come in here and stare at that waitress,” Ken exposed his friend.
Ricky turns around to face Ken with an annoyed expression. “Hey! That’s not funny. Want me to blow your cover with staring at Detective Meng the last time we were here?”
Ken looks away, pretending to search for a table.
Ricky lets Ken off – for the time being – and walks towards the back of the restaurant.
As Ricky sits down, his cell phone rings.
“Detective Meng!” Ricky greeted Joey in an enthusiastic tone. “Checking up on me?”
“ You got it done?” Joey asked, getting straight to the point.
“Of course.”
“Good.”
“Uh…”
“Any problems?”
“No. It went smoothly. Editor Cheung got it processed already. It should be on front page by tonight. I’ll bet the local TV station will attack them in the hospital soon. If not, we’ll cook up something.”
“Good. I’ll get my men there soon to cover all bases.”
“I’ll probably come by the hospital again to see the show later. So…I’ll be seeing you later, right?”
“No. I’ll send Kenneth later.”
Ricky has on an expression that he just remembered something. “By the way, Mr. Reporter Ken says hi to you.”
With that, Ricky receives a knock on the shoulder by Ken.
“Kai Tai’s there with you?” Joey asked.
“Yea. You should know we’re always together, Detective Meng.”
Joey smiles even though she knows they can’t see it. “True. Say hi to him for me. And Ricky…”
“Yea?”
“Thanks for everything.”
“No problem, Detective Meng. Glad to help.”
“You can call me Joey from now on.”
Ricky smiles. “All right, Joey.”
“Okay then. I’m getting my team ready for tonight.”
“Bye then.”
Ricky hangs up before repeating what Joey just told him.
“Sounds like a good show tonight?” Ken asked Ricky.
Ricky nods. “You bet. I’m going to see the excitement. You coming?”
“Uh…I have to finish up with my report that’s due in the morning.”
“Come on! After this afternoon’s release, I don’t think Editor Cheung will go after you for any articles. At least, not yet. Can you believe it? A rivalry going on at Ying Ying’s Investment.” He shakes his head. “I couldn’t believe it myself since Victor Zhao is a careful guy. He’s the best of all the people in his field around here. Can’t believe he attracted enemies.”
Ken takes a sip of his coffee. “Are you supposed to be talking about this here?”
“Joey gave me permission to spread it.”
“Why are you calling her Joey now?”
“She said I can call her name directly from now on.” He flashes on a proud smile after that – like he has been granted permission from the Queen.
“Okay then.”
“Jealous?”
“No. What makes you think that?”
“I can see your annoyed expression.”
“No way. I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He takes another sip of his coffee.
Ricky scans the restaurant. “Oh, come on. She calls you Kai Tai.”
“So?”
“She could have referred to you as Reporter Ken or Reporter Chan. Or call your full name instead of calling you like you’ve been friends since forever.”
“Her partner is also named Kenneth. It’s easier for her to distinguish between us by calling me Kai Tai. Besides, she’s always fast on whatever she does, even when talking. So why would she want to say ‘Chan Kai Tai’ or like in your examples when she’s talking?”
Ricky focuses his eyes on Ken again. “So…now you’re the expert? You seem to understand her a lot.” He flashes on his teasing smile after saying that.
“I’m a reporter, remember? You should know as reporters, we have to be observant. It’s a habit you can’t break from.”
“Okay. Whatever, man.” Ricky goes back to scan the restaurant. He starts to tap his spoon on his coffee plate.
“I heard that she’s not coming in today,” Ken said, seeing Ricky’s apparent anxiousness.
“Who’s not coming in today?”
“You know who I mean. Your girl.”
“How do you know?”
“Some waiters were walking by earlier when you were on the phone with Joey and they were talking about looking for someone to fill in for a waitress.”
“Oh.”
Ken flashes out his teasing smile at this time – possibly getting back at Ricky. “Disappointed?”
“Nah. I’ll come back another day.”
“That’s the spirit. Come on. Better go.”
They get up and head for the front counter to pay. As they’re making their way to the door after paying, they see Kenneth Ma walking in. What in the world is he doing here?
*****
Wallace parks his car at the back area since it’s all full in the front area now. It has been another tough day at work. Although Mr. Zhao is about to recover soon, but life at work has been hectic. People keeps spreading rumor that it’s so chaotic. Luckily, Vincent held a meeting to clear things up. Wallace hopes that they’re convinced enough. He lets out a long sigh as he walks past the building entrance. He sees Jacky walking out as he reaches the front counter.
“Hey, man,” Jacky greeted him with a smile. “You look beat.”
“You look like you’ve got a break.”
“Not exactly. But I’m going to pick Jan up tonight. And ummm…we’re going to see how Madame Meng’s plan is going.”
Wallace snaps to alertness. “Joey got something going?”
Jacky nods. “Yup. Want to join us?”
“No. I’m beat. Maybe I’ll catch some news of you guys on TV tonight?”
Jacky shrugs. “It depends on if the plan works.”
“Good luck then.”
“All right. Take care, man.”
They part ways after that.
*****
Jacky steps outside and takes in the fresh air for a minute before heading right to find his car. Luckily, no one double parks near his car. If he wasn’t busy or trying to keep a low profile at this place, he already put tickets on half of the cars here. Seriously, this place has got to pull it together. He knows that he should keep up his alertness, especially in the next few hours so he brushes those thoughts aside. The sun’s setting soon. He needs to get a head start. As he pulls out, his cell phone rings.
He fidgets around to find his earpiece to connect with his cell phone before picking it up. “Hello? What did you find?”
“I was looking for you, but I ran into Wallace,” Gallen said. “He said you left.”
“Yes. Are you coming to the hospital later to see the show?”
“Maybe. And I didn’t find out much. Only that Johnson dude is Johnson Lee.”
“Johnson Lee…Johnson Lee…” Jacky mumbles the name a couple more times as he’s driving through the area.
“Rings a bell at all?”
“I’m trying. It does sound familiar.”
“Want me to go ahead and tell you?”
“Okay.”
“He’s Frankie’s right hand man.”
“Oh! No wonder he sounds familiar. I read his files before.”
“I think Frankie’s letting him investigate matters and trying to find Larry. He’s trying to do it on his own because whatever those files are, it’s probably company secret or possibly family related so Frankie doesn’t want to involve us cops.”
“Hmm…that makes sense. Brad’s so going to collect money from Cory. I should have bet.”
Gallen lets out a chuckle. “You shouldn’t try to be so tough and leave some face left for Cory then.”
Jacky grins. “I’ll live, don’t worry.”
“All right then. The next step is to tail this Johnson Lee dude. It’s your possible chance of knowing where Larry is. It’s better than your team wandering around aimlessly, trying to locate him.”
“True. Thanks, man. I owe you another one again.”
“No problem. I got nothing to do anyway.”
Jacky smiles. “All right. I’m at the hospital right now. See you in awhile.”
“All right.”
They hang up at the same time. As Jacky parks, he dials Cory’s number and gives Cory the information Gallen just gave him to get some of the team to watch Johnson. Afterwards, he hangs up and gets out of the car.
As he passes the entrance, he sees some uninvited guests right away. But then he spots Ricky from the group of those uninvited guests so he’s reassured again. He decides to approach the group to see if they’re ready to go. Ricky recognizes him from earlier. He waves towards Ricky’s direction and Ricky gives him a smile in return.
“Getting into the action so soon, Detective Chu?” Ricky asked when they’re face to face.
“No, actually I’m here for personal purposes,” Jacky said.
“Oh, does that mean you’re not going to participate in tonight’s scenes?”
“Maybe. We’ll just have to see.”
“We’re heading up to Mr. Zhao’s room soon when my crew is done with disguising themselves.”
“Jo gave you full charge of the situation?”
Ricky shakes his head. “Not exactly. We’re just here first so we won’t rush later. It wouldn’t be appropriate enough. We will stage ourselves in front of Mr. Zhao’s room for a bit, but out of sight. Joey will call me later to give a go as to when we can actually act as reporters and go in. Of course there will probably be people from other media places coming here too but the majority is probably ours.”
Jacky nods. “All right then. Good luck.”
Ricky nods.
After that, Jacky walks back to the main hallway and heads towards the elevators. He pushes Level 2 as soon as he’s inside the elevator on the right. When he gets out, he sees some people walking up and down the hall like usual, visiting relatives probably.
Jacky steps into Jan’s room to see her all packed and ready. He couldn’t help but smile at her eagerness. “You’re that sick of this place?”
Jan smiles back. “Can’t wait to get back on my feet.”
“I’m going to stick around and see if I can help Jo with anything regarding tonight’s plan first, okay?”
“Anytime is fine.”
“Let’s go get the paperwork done and put your stuffs in the car first.”
Jan nods.
Jacky grabs Jan’s bag and they head out. He turns around abruptly to face her again. “Did you forget anything?”
“No.”
“All right then.”
They go to the counter of that area to check out before heading back down to the first floor. They pass by Ricky again. Ricky waves at them.
“Why is Ricky here?” Jan asked.
Jacky, surprised, turns to face her. “You know him?”
“Of course.”
“Don’t tell me he’s your cousin.”
“You don’t know?”
“What?!”
Jan smiles. “Why are you so surprised? I seriously thought you knew.”
“I don’t know. I just met him today at the newspaper place when I was with Jo.”
“Oh.”
“How come you got relatives everywhere?”
“Problem?”
“No. Not at all, just surprised.” Then he pauses as if to think of other possibilities that could lead to ‘a problem’ and turns to her again. “Anything else you need to tell me about? Like past boyfriends or enemies, etc.”
Jan wrinkles her face. “What?”
“Never mind.”
Jan smiles, knowing Jacky is kidding but so is she and he doesn’t know half of it.
They’re out in the parking lot at that time. Jacky puts Jan’s bag into the trunk before shutting it and activating the alarm again.
“Let’s go back in,” Jacky said – though unnecessary.
Jan nods.
“You want to socialize with your cousin?”
“No. I guess he has something important to do tonight, right?”
“Yea.”
“What about Kai Tai?”
“Kai Tai?”
“Ricky’s partner.”
“I guess he must not be taking part in it.”
“Strange though since they’re always together.”
“Probably he has some other stuff to do?”
“Probably.”
They walk by Ricky again this time, both parties wave again.
“We’re heading up now, you guys coming along?”
Jacky shakes his head. “Not now. In a bit more though. We can’t afford to tag around you guys much. It’ll draw attention.”
Ricky *nods. “Got it.” He begins to signal for his team to go, but he divides some of them up to go in small groups so others wouldn’t suspect. Before Ricky goes back to his team, he turns back to Jan. “Your boyfriend?”
“No. Partner in crimes.” She smiles after saying that.
Ricky smiles back. “It’s about the same.”
Jan smiles and leaves with Jacky.
“Later then,” Ricky said after them.
They wait for a different elevator from the group that Ricky just sent up. Then they head up to Level 5 to stage themselves somewhere near the area. Somehow, they found a view from the window at the end of the hallway – a bit off from the maintenance desk, so they stay there to watch the sun go down together.
*****
Night finally falls after a long day of waiting and anticipating to see if the fish will take the bait. Joey had Brad and George posted around Mr. Zhao’s private room, but made sure they stay invisible. Only a few routine officers are there to pretend that they still keep watch just for the sake of keeping watch. Joey has yet to show up, but she already called to inform Ricky and his team to be at ready. Ricky and his team are quite professional since they managed to stay within area of the fifth floor, mingling within the groups of visitors and staff without exposing themselves in the last several hours. Kenneth haven’t shown up yet either. Maybe Joey changed her plans and decided to not let Kenneth come after all. Jacky and Jan have sat down at a lounge nearby so they wouldn’t draw attention to themselves. Everything seems a bit too quiet. It’s like the calm before a storm. Or are they just plain suspicious because of the situations that have been going on these past days?
At around 7:30 PM, Joey gives Ricky the go. Ricky gathers up his team and approaches Mr. Zhao’s room. Brad and George are on alert in their hiding places. Jacky and Jan are walking back towards Mr. Zhao’s room as soon as Joey gives Ricky the go. They watch from the window at the end of the hall to see what would happen next. If someone is suspicious of anything, they hope that the attention is on them so the others would operate better as the scene plays out.
Ricky and his team – as expected – are being stopped by the two security guards in front of Mr. Zhao’s room.
“I’m sorry, sir,” The first security guard said, raising his hand up to block the group’s path. “But you can’t go in. I don’t know how you got in here, but Mr. Zhao specifically requested a private room. That means he can’t be disturbed in such times. He needs his rest to recover from what happened a week ago.”
“We have news that Mr. Zhao is unwell and we would like to know the details. It won’t take much time.”
“Sir, my partner has already explained to you why Mr. Zhao cannot be disturbed,” The second security guard said. “Could you please take your team and leave?”
Ricky smiles. “Just a question or two won’t hurt, will it?”
Before the security guards say further, another group of Ricky’s team comes forward.
“We’re from the Northside Daily,” One of the three men in the group introduced themselves. “We want to have a few words with Mr. Zhao.”
“I’m sorry, sir,” The first security guard began again. “As I just told this reporter here…” He stops briefly to point to Ricky. “…that Mr. Zhao requested privacy. You can’t disturb his rest.”
Yet another group comes up to the door at that time.
“We’re from the Eastern Chronicles,” A guy wearing a blue striped shirt said. “We just have a few questions to ask Mr. Zhao.”
This is the last team from Ricky’s team. They’re doing a good job of disturbing the security guards and making the situation hectic. It’s a good chance also for someone who wants to merge into these groups of reporters. While Ricky’s team is at work, Jacky and Jan are scanning the area to see if anyone’s making a move. They know for sure that Brad and George are doing the same also.
Jacky has text-messaged Brad earlier to tell him not to move even if someone makes a move. He and George should remain hidden until they’re sure that it’s really the “fish” they’re waiting for. Jacky told Brad also that he and Jan will make a move first if anything happens.
A few more minutes of chaos in front of Mr. Zhao’s room pass by. Still nothing. Whoever it is – must really be patient. The two security guards manage to call for back-up. There are about four more security guards coming their way now. Jacky and Jan walk briskly down the hallway after the security guards passed them. Ricky’s about to bust the door open soon. They need to get closer to make sure Mr. Zhao’s got someone to protect him.
“Stay here and observe while I go inside,” Jacky whispered real quick to Jan.
Jan nods as they’re slowing down in front of Mr. Zhao’s room and pass by, pretending to go towards the elevators. They stand in front of the elevator. Jacky press the “Down” button. But while they’re waiting, Jacky turns towards Mr. Zhao’s room to watch the chaos unfolding itself even further. It seems like the security guards who just came a bit ago got hold of some of the reporters and are hauling them towards the elevators right now. Some nurses at the sign-in desk are on the phone and are calling for more help to come.
Jacky’s eye widens but he goes back into a passive mood again a moment later. Jan knows that he’d seen someone or something. She scans the area once over and sees what Jacky reacted to seconds earlier. Showtime, she thought.
Jacky turns back towards the chaos in front of Mr. Zhao’s room. Just about a split second, he winks once at Ricky to give him the “OK”. Seconds later, Ricky pushes the door open. The security guards are even more shocked than ever since they couldn’t believe that Ricky could slip out of their hands in such a short time. As he opens the door, the other reporters – who aren’t under control yet – rush inside. Everyone’s yelling by now, including the reporters and the security guards. The atmosphere is a mixture of questions directing towards Mr. Zhao and the other telling the reporters to get out. Jacky could see Vincent and Alyssa are inside, probably visiting Mr. Zhao. He takes the chance to go in and help the guards sort out the situation at hand.
“Everyone! Everyone!” Jacky hollered above their voices, sliding through the crowd. “Will you take it outside? Mr. Zhao is trying to rest here.”
Jacky tries to push half of the parties out, pretending to be helpful while he’s actually coming closer to Ricky’s side and help him create more effect to the scene if needed. Mr. Zhao looks outraged already. One of the security guards comes to his side to reassure him that they’re doing “their best”, but of course Mr. Zhao isn’t convinced. Vincent and Alyssa have already stood up, after the crowd barged in, to shield Mr. Zhao from all these craziness. Jacky’s edging his way around the crowd while pondering why that person hasn’t made a move yet. Has he saw wrong?
While Jacky’s playing his part in the event, Jan’s standing outside near the elevator, looking anxious and trying to locate Jacky among the crowd. One of the nurses finally convinces the Security Department to send more security guards to this level. They’re on their way from what Jan could pick up from the conversation. Jan sees a shadow coming her way as she’s watching the crowd. She knows she must take the risk. Jacky will be furious, but she has to take the chance. As she expected, the person grabs her by the shoulder and places a knife on her neck. She tries very hard not to panic inside, but to make a scene on the outside. Jan screams at that moment.
“Shut up or I’ll split your throat!” The knifeman yelled out.
Jan, still shocked, but manages to not scream.
“Very good. Everyone, stay still or I’ll split her throat.”
Everyone in the crowd has shifted their attention to Jan the moment she let out the scream. Jacky gives Jan an “I told you not to make a move” look as soon as he turns around and spots her. Ricky and the others are frozen in their spots somehow. The security guards are scattered among the crowd. But the nearest one to the door tries to edge his way back to the entrance.
“Don’t make a move!” The man bellowed once again. “I told you already!”
“Sir, stay calm,” The security guard said. “You shouldn’t be doing this.”
“Shut up!”
“What do you want?” Jacky asked, still among the crowd.
“Just listen to me and I’ll let her go.”
Jacky made his way back to the entrance as the guy is saying all those words.
“I said ‘Don’t move!’ twice already,” The man repeated his warnings. “Didn’t you hear it?”
Jacky’s still moving, ignoring the man’s threat completely. “You might try switching to a different method of ordering people around then. It’s not very effective.”
“Trying to be Mr. Comedy, huh? See how you can laugh when I split her throat in front of you.”
Jacky finally stops at the entrance. He stands there, facing the guy and keeping quiet to see what this guy is up to next.
“Okay, very good that you’re keeping quiet now. Smart choice too.” He pauses briefly. “Now…everyone in the room, scatter out and make way.”
“Why?” Jacky asked.
“Because I said so!” The man bellowed.
As he shouted out the command, his knife hand shifted a bit, barely scraping Jan’s neck.
Jacky holds his breath inside. “Don’t you dare.”
“It’s better to save your breath and tell those behind you to move out of the way.”
“For what? For you to go in and just stab Mr. Zhao?”
“The way I see it…you don’t have a choice to begin with.”
“What if I do?”
“You must be dreaming. I have her under my control right now. What makes you think you can do otherwise?”
“Is that so?”
His expression turns into mocking at that point. “Yes, it is so.”
“Then what’s stopping you if you’ve got the upper hand?”
The man doesn’t answer, but just smiles with the same mocked expression as before. His knife hand shifts another inch. This time it seems like his hand is just tired so he’s readjusting his position on the knife. At around the same time, Jan can see clearly what’s taking place in the crowd. The crowd isn’t as quiet or in such a freeze-like state as everyone thought. Jan finally understands why the man who is holding her hostage wants everyone’s attention on her. She isn’t sure yet, but the moment she sees a white gleam so near to Mr. Zhao’s bed, she knows.
“Fan Gang!” She called out anxiously.
The next few moments are quite chaotic with a lot of screaming, movements, and other sounds coming from the crowd. Then a “clang clang” sound coming from somewhere within that crowd. Then silence. The ultimate silence that Mr. Zhao would have wished for minutes earlier when he wanted the “pests” reporters out of his sight so he can rest. Then Jacky rushes forward.
“Jan!” Jacky called out, his voice-breaking. “Jan…”
Is Jan really dead?
© Monday, September 10th, 2007
Re-posted: Tuesday, October 13th, 2009