Pride

Pride ~ Superbia

Astana

“Get down! Get down on the ground!”

The young woman flung herself onto the tiled kitchen floor and scrambled under the table. All around her she could hear the constant stream of a firing machine gun unleashing its ammo at the house. She saw her bodyguard skulk quickly to the broken window, leap onto the counter, unfurl her handgun and discharge its chamber of bullets in retaliation. When it was empty she stopped to hastily reload. This tall woman was joined seconds later by another female guard who took up position at the other side of the shattered pane. With a nod of tactical understanding the pair waited. A second blast from the machine gun outside had started. “Stay down!” ordered the first bodyguard to the well dressed young woman hiding under the table. When the shooting ceased the two women instantly thrust their weapons through the breach and fired at the attacker’s outside. “I’m spent,” said the second bodyguard when her gun had exhausted its load. The first woman continued shooting with her left hand while with her right she reached into her leather jacket pocket and tossed her colleague a new round. Mere seconds later she had the gun reloaded and resumed firing. Volley after volley was discharged until the tall bodyguard announced:

“They’re going! The bastards are going!”

The tyres of a red Toyota pickup truck with the mounted machine gun screeched as it sped off into the night.

“We won,” said the second bodyguard breathlessly. The first woman’s attention turned to the young lady on the floor.

“Boss! You okay?” she asked, leaping off the counter and coming to her side. The young lady rose to her feet and glared out the window.

“Yuen-Jae. Yuen-Jae. It’s me.”

The young lady awoke and saw her father standing at her bedside.

“Ah bu ji,” she whispered.

“Sweetie,” said the man, sitting down on the bed. “Let me see you.”

He flicked on her bedside lamp and Yuen-Jae’s weary eyes grimaced at the unwelcomed influx of light.

“Dad!” she mumbled in objection.

“Yes?”

“Turn off the light.”

“No, I want to see you,” he insisted softly.

“Don’t keep it on long.”

“You are alright. Thank goodness.”

“Yeah, I am only a little shaken.”

“Min told me you were okay but I had to see it with my own eyes.”

“Now you’ve seen. Switch it off.”

Her father ignored her demand and reached for her hand.

“Dad!” she pleaded sleepily.

“I was at the casino when I heard. I came straight back.”

Yuen-Jae unleashed a sigh of frustrated exhaustion in response.

“Don’t be cross. I had to see you angel.”

“Thanks for coming,” said the woman, not so much in gratitude but in the hope that by expressing appreciation it would expedite his departure.

“I should have been here!” said her father in a guilt-laden voice. “It was me they were after, not you.”

“Dad, forget about it. Let me sleep.”

“If anything had happened to you I could not have lived anymore,” he said, tenderly brushing her hand onto her cheek.

“Dad,” she intoned firmly, “don’t worry. I don’t blame you.”

“This business,” he muttered with contempt. “I have to be seen to be running the show. Weakness of any kind is frowned upon and yet that means I cannot be at home to protect my little girl.”

For the first time that night Yeun-Jae laughed.

“I am five foot ten Dad!”

Her father smiled warmly.

“You are still little to me Yuen-Jae.”

“I am a big girl now Dad. I can take care of myself.”

“You probably can,” sighed the man. “But it’s my duty to look after you.”

“And you do a good job. So does Min.”

“Min is a mercenary Yuen-Jae. Never forget that. If someone paid her enough to betray us she would.”

“Yeah,” agreed Yuen-Jae. “She guards me well, a little too well to be honest.”

“Well regardless we will be tightening our security. I will buy state of the art surveillance equipment, the best money can buy!”

“You do that,” yawned Yuen-Jae

“Now you’re making me sleepy Yuen-Jae. Yawns are contagious.”

Mr Kim took a long wistful look at his twenty-one year old daughter who had once again shut her eyes.

“So like your mother,” he said, wiping away a tear. “Jin is more like me but you are a dead ringer for Dae.”

“I know Dad,” smiled Yuen-Jae. “You’ve told us that a million times.”

“I will let you sleep then before I bore you,” said her father stooping down to kiss her goodnight. Mr Kim clicked off the lamp and went to the door.

“Dad?”

“Yes hun?”

“Who attacked us?”

Her father sighed.

“It was Pearl.”

Jin, like her sister, was also something of a tomboy however unlike Yuen-Jae she never wore skirts or makeup. The pair sat in the lounge eating breakfast the following morning. “That bitch,” said Jin with venom. “I’d love to get my hands on her,” agreed Yuen-Jae, swallowing a mouthful of scrambled duck egg. “I’d love to put her in a room with Min and Hie for five minutes and see what happens.” “They wouldn’t need five minutes,” said Yuen-Jae. “Min could break her neck in seconds.” “One day I hope she will.” “Me too.” Jin shook her head and looked through to the bullet-ridden kitchen. “They came too close last night sis.” “They did but I’m alright. See? Not a scratch,” said the older sister, pointing her finely manicured nails at her face. “I don’t know why you came back here YJ.” Yuen-Jae knew where the conversation was heading so she said nothing. “This is my home,” said Yuen-Jae pointedly. “Yeah but it’s not safe. You should have stayed in LA.” Jin knew that this remark would probably cause another argument and she braced herself for a verbal onslaught form her sister yet this time Yuen-Jae was surprisingly calm. “I hated LA Jin. Too many gaijin.” “Better than Astana any day,” smirked Jin. “Maybe it is,” said Yuen-Jae thoughtfully. “But it’s not for me.” “Well, first chance I get, I’m outta here. Goodbye Kazak forever!” “Good for you if that’s what you want.” “I won’t stay here a second longer than I have to. I’ll get a job with uncle Kim at his casino in LA, the same one you worked at.” “Please stop talking about LA Jin,” said Yuen-Jae, agitated. “Why?” smirked Jin, knowing the reason. “You know why!” snapped Yuen-Jae. “Has he contacted you?” inquired Jin. “I haven’t heard a word from him since May, okay?” “Long time,” said Jin. “I don’t care. I’m gonna divorce him.” “Dad won’t be pleased.” Yuen-Jae scoffed. “I don’t care. It was an arranged marriage anyway. Bound to fail.” “Hyong’s a good man, you should go back to him. Ask for forgiveness.” Yuen-Jae glared at her younger sister. “Forgiveness for what?” “Walking out on him.” “You don’t know what happened Jin! Right?” said Yuen-Jae through gritted teeth. “Tell me then!” “There’s no point. It’s over and done with.” Jin had enjoyed baiting her sister but was in no mood for a long, drawn-out argument. “Sorry sis,” she said with no small hint of sarcasm. “I won’t go back to LA, ever. Not unless I have to.” “You could take a trip somewhere. Get away from all this shit.” Yuen-Jae considered the suggestion. “You know what Jin? I will. After breakfast I will go online and book something.” “Where will you go?” “Wait and see,” winked Yuen-Jae. Min watched from the doorway of Yuen-Jae’s room as her employer packed her things. “You’ll like Sapporo Min,” said Yuen-Jae, neatly folding some clothes. “Too cold,” sniffed Min. “Then you better pack your thermal jacket,” laughed Yuen-Jae. The tall, swarthy Burmese looked unimpressed. “I need you to come with me,” said her boss, picking up on this. “Lot’s of Yakuza in Hokkaido. If they discover who I am, I could be in trouble.” “True”, sneered Min. “Here I am untouchable. In Japan, not so. But I’ll be okay. I can fight and I’ll have you with me.” Min folded her arms. She had a thoughtful look on her face. “Can I ask you something boss?” “Yes, what?” “Are you visiting Japan for vacation or for another reason?” “What other reason do you mean?” asked Yuen-Jae, almost angrily. “You know what I mean boss.” “You mean Miss Choi-Yei, don’t you?” Min raised her eyebrows suggestively. “Alright Min, I’ll be honest. She’s one reason I’m going. Happy?” “So you still love her?” “No,” answered Yuen-Jae promptly. “I’m well over her. She and I will meet up and just have a nice chat between friends.” “What else will you do with her?” asked Min smugly. “I’m in no mood for this Min,” said Yuen-Jae, eyeing her firmly. “Sorry boss,” said her bodyguard. “Any more lip and its back to the jungle country for you!” Such threats were like water off a duck’s back to Min but she repeated her apology nonetheless. Yuen-Jae returned to her packing in silence. “You know boss,” said Min, approaching to help pack. “If you want a girlfriend, pick me.” Yuen-Jae turned to her and emparted a faint, half-embarrassed smile. “I appreciate it Min. You are a nice girl. Tall, strong, spirited. But I’m looking for someone a bit more girly.” Min smiled. “Yeah and I hate to wear dresses.” “Stick to your tomboy look Min, it suits you. And who knows? We might get you a tall Yakuza girl guard in Nippon.” “That would be nice.” Yuen-Jae laughed. She had never heard Min use the word ‘nice’ before. Mr Kim sat drinking whiskey in his lounge. Yuen-Jae slinked into say goodnight. “So,” he began, “you are running off and leaving me again huh?” “I’m not running away,” she answered with mirthful defensiveness. “Well I hope you know what you are doing Yuen-Jae. A month is a long time to go on holiday.” “I’ve done it before Dad.” “Yes but you did not have a career then.” Yuen-Jae nodded in agreement though it the gesture appeared superficial. “Nor,” added her father, “were you married.” His daughter bowed her head. It was clear she did not wish to talk about the latter fact. “Let’s not go there Dad,” she said softly. “I will go there if I please,” asserted her father sternly. “I planned a perfectly good arrangement for you and Hyong and now you want to run away to Japan to laze around!” “Dad I need some time out okay? If you want me to do any work there you can wire me into a meeting or email me files to proof read. Believe me I’d love nothing more.” “Fine but you are skirting the issue young lady. What about Hyong? His mother is worried about you.” “Why would she be worried about me?” asked Yuen-Jae with contempt. “Because she is your mother-in-law!” snapped Mr Kim. “She is family!” Yuen-Jae suddenly felt very guilty. It was true that Mrs Ree was a kind, decent old thing who held many dreams of what the marriage would bring; wealth, prosperity, children. Contemplating this panged Yuen-Jae severely. “But,” sighed her father on seeing her pain, “if your heart is not in the marriage then what can I do?” “I am sorry Dad,” said Yuen-Jae. Tears had formed behind her reddening eyes. “All I ask is that when this little excursion to Japan is ended you return to Los Angeles and speak frankly with Hyong. Then, if that fails, you will have a home and a job here.” Yuen-Jae reached and clasped her father’s hand tightly. “What have I always told you?” he asked with a tender smile. “You have told me so many things,” she laughed. “Life is not a DVD!” “Oh, I know this one!” “You cannot rewind it. You cannot pause, stop or fast forward it,” intoned Mr Kim before Yuen-Jae joined him in speaking the final line of his wise statement: “All you can do is soldier on!” The young woman laughed and playfully slapped his chest. There followed a calm, happy silence. “I will allow you to go,” began Mr Kim. “It so happens I need someone in Japan that I can trust but it is only a temporary assignment you understand? One month from now you are to be back in Los Angeles.” “Roger sir!” said Yuen-Jae, giving him a mock salute. Her father grinned. “Your mother used to do that. She said I was bossy.” “I remember,” said Yuen-Jae. Father and daughter fell silent again as both their thoughts strayed back through time to consider the gentle woman of whom they spoke. “I know you still miss her,” whispered Yuen-Jae, squeezing her father’s shoulder. “Every hour of the day.” The pair lingered in rueful thoughts, Mr Kim seated solemnly, his daughter curled up next to him. “It is becoming more dangerous in Astana Yuen-Jae, more cut-throat than ever before. That last attack showed how far they’ll go: that bitch Pearl is getting more brazen.” “What are you getting at?” asked Yeun-Jae, sitting up straight as she detected her father’s oncoming point. “Well it’s just another reason why you must stay in Los Angeles.” Yuen-Jae’s was wounded but she was too fatigued to argue any more. “If Pearl tries anything on me I will kick her ass. Min has been training me in Capoeira,” she said. “What on earth is that?” “Brazilian martial arts. Pit fighters employ it.” “Well, I don’t want you fighting sarang.” “It’s purely for self-defence. Besides, we know Pearl has businesses in LA and Nevada so she could try to hurt our interests there. Capoeira could come in handy if she makes a move.” “You listen to me young lady,” said Mr Kim firmly. “Min will be with you in Japan and America. She is responsible for your protection not you. Understood?” “Understood,” said Yuen-Jae sweetly. “In any case,” said her father standing up, “LA is just one piece of our invisible empire and we are moving onto greater and greater things.” Yuen-Jae beamed with pride. Even in his fifties her father was formulating new and innovative business ideas. It made her proud to be his daughter. “Come and see this,” he said, biding her to rise. They walked to a large antique desk in the corner. On the desk was a colour photograph of a large modern building lit up at night. “What do you think of this structure?” asked Mr Kim. Yuen-Jae giggled. “It looks like a man’s….” “Come on now!” said Mr Kim interrupting her. “It does not. Think vegetables!” “Vegetables?” “Yes, it looks like a vegetable, a certain type of vegetable.” “Carrot, radish?” offered Yuen-Jae disinterestedly. “How about Gherkin?” “I suppose so. What about it?” asked Yuen-Jae with curiosity. “You will find out in time. It will become a very important part of how we do business. We are moving into more legitimate markets and we need to appear more respectable.” “And what’s this vegetable got to do with it?” “You see sarang,” said Mr Kim mischievously, “I have just bought the top floor.”

Sapporo

From her business-class seat Yuen-Jae beheld, through a swirling bluish mist, the distant white mountains of central Hokkaido. As the plane banked leftward they were lost to her and were replaced by the flat rugged greenery of the plain. One month from now, she thought, she would be leaving this same airport, Chitose, for Tokyo and from there to her old life in LA and all the emotional hardships and frustrations it entailed. Right now, however, she was determined to have some fun. Five hours later she had dumped her bags in the rented luxury penthouse, showered, changed and was waiting for her friend in the bar of a club called The Red Rose. As Yuen-Jae took in the growing atmosphere of early evening her thoughts harkened back to a night she had spent there the previous May. The tall Hokkaido girl who had called her “uncivilised chosen-jin” had, she hoped, not set foot inside the club since. Following the insult Yuen-Jae unleashed her right fist against the girl’s face. The bitch had fallen onto the dance floor but before she could finish her off the bouncers leapt on her before the police hauled her off to jail for the night. Fortunately the girl had not been Yakuza yet Yuen-Jae’s performance grasped the attention of an attractive young woman who was an affiliate of Japan’s criminal underworld. Zukina paid her bail and, seeking out her elusive benefactor, Yuen-Jae was directed back to the very bar she had been arrested in less than twenty-four hours earlier. Initially wary she found herself alone with Zukina and had listened in cautious admiration as the Yakuza princess introduced herself, explained her business and asked Yuen-Jae if she wanted a job as a security guard. Amused, Yuen-Jae declined the offer and told Zukina who and what she was: her Korean-Kazak equivalent. Now, a year later, the two had become friends in a friendship both desired to take to another level. It was not long before Zukina emerged from the labyrinth of corridors at the back of the premises. She approached Yuen-Jae with a sultry swagger, emparting the faintest of seductive smiles. Clad in a long, tight fitting silky red gown she pecked Yuen-Jae on the cheek and sat down on the bar stool next to her. “Konnichiwa,” smiled Yuen-Jae. Zukina nodded. “Annyong Yuen-Jae-chan. You are looking very hot.” “So are you. I like what I see.” “As do I.” “Thank you Zukina.” “So how are things in Astana?” “Still the same,” groaned Yuen-Jae. “Business is good but things are getting more and more dangerous.” “I see. Water please Taro,” said Zukina to the barman. “Yeah, I’d love to escape it permanently but Kazak is my home. It always draws me back.” “Los Angeles didn’t work out?” Yuen-Jae shook her head in the negative. “I’m due to go back there in four weeks. Dad says I’m to give it another shot and I’m not looking forward to it.” “May I ask about your husband?” Yuen-Jae rolled her eyes. “Asshole,” she hissed. “No, no,” she said, as if interrupting herself. “He’s not an asshole. He’s a good guy: kind, honest.” “But?” “But I’m not marriage material,” sighed Yuen-Jae. “We had an arranged marriage. They are common in some traditional Korean families.” “I see,” said Zukina with a frown. The flat line of her lips quickly morphed into another cunning smile. “Well you can always stay here.” Yuen-Jae smiled. It was a tempting offer but not a feasible, long-term solution. “You could stay here. Have some fun,” added Zukina not the least bit innocently. “Some fun. Behave yourself Zukina,” smiled Yuen-Jae. “Speaking of fun,” said Zukina, taking a lengthy sip of water. Yeun-Jae looked at her attentively, wondering what she would say. “You probably know that a good friend of yours is here in Sapporo.” “I had an inkling as the Brits would say.” “Come on,” grinned Zukina. Like Yuen-Jae she had spent a portion of time in the United States. Her body language and choice of grammar were thoroughly westernised though she ardently retained the vestiges of her Japanese heritage. Lapsing into behaviour more becoming of a gaijin was often a tactical and personally amusing requirement. “You knew damn well that she was here,” said Zukina more pointedly. “But that’s not why I’m here!” laughed Yuen-Jae, trying to sound convincing. “She talks about you.” Yuen-Jae’s eyes widened. “Really?” “Now and again.” “What does she say?” asked Yuen-Jae. “Why don’t you ask her yourself?” The two young women had exited the bar by a crafty camouflaged door at the rear of the dancehall. It brought them into a narrow corridor that interconnected with a number of private rooms. These lavishly decorated suites were for the elite clientele. Such privileged men and women frequently sought ready access to a king size bed in order to consummate their one night stands. Yuen-Jae knew these rooms very well for she had used them on more than one occasion. “You know about the fuck zone?” asked Zukina, sticking a finger toward the open door of a room which had a permanent Valentine’s Day theme. “All too well,” answered Yuen-Jae, pausing briefly to look inside at the heart-shaped décor. Bed, pillows, mirror, helium balloons: all were like red love hearts. Yuen-Jae smirked then continued after Zukina. “Crazy fucking Japanese,” she whispered to herself. “But I love em’!” By now Zukina has reached the sliding door of an elevator. She beckoned her friend inside as the wooden doors closed gently in Yuen-Jae’s wake. “Made from Poplar wood,” said Zukina. “I remember,” said Yeun-Jae. Emerging from the elevator less than a minute later Zukina led Yuen-Jae into a penthouse apartment. Its walls were windows; looking out over the island of Hokkaido’s major city. Swathes of blue sky and pristine natural light filled the room as Yuen-Jae admired the view. Zukina folded her arms and watched her friend as she looked out. “Mount Moiwa!” exclaimed the Korean. “The view is beautiful!” “It certainly is,” said Zukina, in an impure tone as she ran her eyes up and down Yuen-Jae’s body. Yuen-Jae blushed and turned to face her. “My room in Kazak is big but I’d love a pad like this,” she said. “Dad has plenty of similar properties. Maybe we can do a deal?” suggested Zukina. “I wouldn’t rule that out. Thanks!” “You’re welcome.” “So where is she?” “Choi-Yei!” called Zukina into a nearby doorway. “Visitor!” No one stirred. “Oh, you sleepy head!” said Zukina marching into the bedroom. “She must have gone downstairs. Wait here Jae.” Zukina went back over to the elevator door. “Make yourself at home. Fix a snack in the kitchen,” she said as she stepped inside and disappeared behind the poplar doors. No sooner had she gone when Yuen-Jae was seized by a pair of strong arms. They wrapped around her chest and she was pulled backwards. Her right cheek was energetically kissed and while deeply alarmed Yuen-Jae felt a sensual ring of familiarity in what was happening. With minimal effort she pushed away the hands that fondled her breasts and spun round to face Choi-Yei. The girl was in safari underwear, her brown hair a cascading mess but Yuen-Jae saw a pair of dark eyes burn with a resounding lust. “Sarang!” said Yuen-Jae, meeting the girl’s lips with hers. “Hey boss!” hissed Choi-Yei eagerly. Yeun-Jae stopped kissing her and took a step back to make sure she was not dreaming. “I’ve missed you so much,” she said, hurling her arms around Choi-Yei. “So have I.” “Were where you just now?” “Hiding,” replied Choi-Yei, cocking her head to behind a long sofa by the window. “Why?” “I didn’t want to speak to Zukina so I hid.” “How come?” “She was annoying me last night, put me in a bad mood.” “What did she do?” asked Yuen-Jae. “But then I saw you!” beamed Choi-Yei. This made Yuen-Jae forget her question and she kissed Choi-Yei once more. A lengthy oral embrace followed until Yuen-Jae withdrew. “What’s up boss?” asked Choi-Yei. Yuen-Jae’s countenance became less light. “You and Zukina are lovers,” she stated softly. “Yeah, so?” “So I shouldn’t be doing this.” “She’s not here! We’ll stop if she comes back.” Yuen-Jae momentarily relented to the logic of Choi-Yei but disengaged from her lips again soon after. “She’d kill us,” whispered Yuen-Jae. “So? You have your bodyguard nearby. Right?” “Min is tidying my apartment.” “I don’t mean that lanky Gorilla! I mean me!” chuckled Choi-Yei. “I wish you still were my bodyguard,” smiled Yuen-Jae. “We had a great time together.” “Back in Kazak.” “Yeah. I miss it but this is where I am now,” said Choi-Yeilooking out over the city. Yuen-Jae could not contain her disappointment. “You won’t come back with me?” “To Astana?” “To Astana or to LA.” “LA?” “I’m going back there in a few weeks.” “To your husband?” Yuen-Jae bowed her head low and nodded. “You said you would divorce him!” “I want to but my Dad won’t let me.” “Too bad,” said Choi-Yei. “I will do what I want,” said Yuen-Jae defiantly. “Same old Yuen-Jae,” said Choi-Yei warmly. “Hah?” “Always has to have her way.” “It’s not that. If I am not happy in my marriage then I will get divorced!” “Get rid of your husband,” said Choi-Yeisitting down on the sofa. “Then I will consider you offer.” “It’s only a matter of time,” said Yuen-Jae. “LA might be a better place for me to run my businesses,” said Choi-Yei thoughtfully. “Businesses?” “Yes I started up two casinos in Dalian.” “When?” asked Yuen-Jae, both amazed and proud at the same time. “Over the last year. Sapporo is an ideal place to manage it. My uncle does a lot for me and I’d be there if the Chinks would let me enter the country.” “That’s right. Remember when they kicked us out of Shanghai!” laughed Yuen-Jae. “That was a fun time,” agreed Choi-Yei. “They won’t let me back in either not that I even want to go anywhere near China!” “Anyway,” continued Choi-Yei, “Zukina knows little or nothing about my operation in Dalian. If she found out her family might try to muscle in so I’m saving enough money here before I can go off on my own. In LA though, I’d be free from them. Here I’m under Zukina’s thumb.” “I suppose its best you just bide your time.” Yuen-Jae sat down wearily beside her former lover. “That’s all I can do. So, what brings you to Sapporo.” “Vacation,” replied Yuen-Jae. “Vacation?” said Choi-Yei, not believing her for a second. Yuen-Jae turned to her. Her revealing expression confirmed Choi-Yei’s theory. “So, you came for me?” said Choi-Yei with warm satisfaction. “Largely because of you,” smiled Yuen-Jae. “Knew it.” Before they could kiss again the elevator returned. Out stepped a perplexed looking Zukina whose expression altered from one of confusion to bemusement when she noticed Choi-Yei was present. “There you are! I was trawling the bar for you,” said Zukina. “I was using the bathroom,” said Choi-Yei. “I see you’ve found her Yuen-Jae. Hope she didn’t attack you.” “Well she did take me by surprise!” commented Yuen-Jae. “Don’t let your guard down when this one’s around,” said Zukina. “Now get dressed Choi and let’s go party!” “Yay!” cheered Choi-Yei. “I’m a twenty-four seven three six five party girl!” “Talk about hedonistic sloth!” said Yuen-Jae merrily. “You haven’t changed a bit girl!” Hours later the three women were amidst the revellers pounding on the club’s dance floor. Yuen-Jae sunk what she guessed was her eight glass of Soyu mixed with gooseberry juice. Through the blurred din she beheld Choi-Yei. Her ex-lover gazed right back at her intoxicated self. “Zukina or no Zukina,” said Yuen-Jae, “I’m having you!” She did not even hear herself say these words so loud was the blaring sound that passed for music. Waltzing over to Choi-Yei she stretched out her hand, relishing the thought of seizing the woman’s body. Let Zukina and her thugs see her do it if they wanted! Yuen-Jae did not care. Everything went quiet for her. The music stopped and everyone disappeared. Their eyes were locked. Choi-Yei seemed to beckon her ever closer. But then a figure passed between them. In frustration Yuen-Jae swiped at it with her hands. “Hey!” yelled the man. The wretched music returned along with the party animals. An angry looking Japanese man had supplanted the beautiful Choi-Yei. He glared at Yuen-Jae. Words came from his mouth she could not hear. A finger jabbed towards her. Then, in slow motion, the man was pulled away by his tie and hurled to the ground. Yuen-Jae saw a young woman brace herself for a fight. Despite her inebriated state she watched on in fascination. The girl had hauled the man away and flung him onto the dance floor. Now she stood with hands on her hips awaiting his next move. The girl was much shorter than Yuen-Jae’s one hundred and seventy seven centimetres. Her hair was dark, her dress scarlet and her attractive features indicated she was perhaps a mixed raced child of Caucasian and Asian parentage, what the Japanese call an ainoko, a child of between. Strange to say no one else around them was paying even the slightest bit of attention to the unusual altercation. The girl glanced at Yuen-Jae, winked then, like lightening, hauled the man to his feet and brought him to face to face with Yuen-Jae. “Apologise to the lady,” she ordered. Yuen-Jae detected a neutral accent, only ever so slightly Americanized. “I’m sorry,” mumbled the man. “Now off you go,” said the girl in red.The man did not need to be told. Shaken, he hobbled away unnoticed towards the exit. Yuen-Jae stared at the newcomer with a mixture of disbelief, gratitude and embarrassment. Though drunk she had felt confidently capable of tackling her would-be assailant however the suave, seamless apprehension of the man by the unflustered, cute, petit girl marvelled Yuen-Jae to her very core. Unable to speak through a combination of bemused shock and the affects of the Soyu Yuen-Jae had to chide herself for appearing (according to her own mind) pathetic. But the newcomer stood there smiling pleasantly with no hint whatsoever that she might be assessing Yuen-Jae with any disdain. “I am Lucy,” she said warmly. “Thank you,” said Yuen-Jae “Take care,” said Lucy, moving away abruptly. Choi-Yei had not seen the brief altercation and was still dancing in merry sync with the garish sounds all around. “Did you see that? Did you see that girl?” “See what?” blurted Choi-Yei who was perhaps twice as drunk as her friend. “That girl!” breathed Yuen-Jae, feeling sober. It was as if by witnessing what Lucy had banished every trace of alcohol from her system. Yuen felt fresh and subject to a cool, comfortable air in the heat of the disco. “Girl?” “She was amazing!” said Yuen-Jae. The young Korean woman felt content for the first time in days. “Never mind her,” said Choi-Yei suddenly. “You have me again.” With that she flung her lips onto Yuen-Jae’s. Onlookers raised a few cautious eyebrows. It was no secret who the Yakuza princess’s lover was. As to Zukina she was nowhere in sight but Yuen-Jae gently eased Choi-Yei away. Her face became defensive. “You don’t want me?” Yuen-Jae whispered to her ear. “Not here, not now.” “Huh?” “They will see us!” The few people who had slyly watched turned their attention elsewhere. Choi-Yei growled in frustration and stormed away in the direction of the elevator. Yuen-Jae let her go. A dark mental mist swept over Yuen-Jae. Stumbling with inopportune tact she sat down in an alcove. Opening her eyes she saw Zukina at her side. “Hard night?” she asked. “I apologise,” said Yuen-Jae. “What for?” “For being drunk.” “I understand. Alcohol is tempting.” “Especially for a barbarian chosen-jin like me!” “Yes. It’s so uncivilised,” winked Zukina. Yuen-Jae knew Zukina was joking but she feigned an angry frown all the same. “I know all about you and Choi-Yei,” said Zukina flatly. Yuen-Jae braced herself. At any moment she expected herself to be hauled away by Zukina’s guards. She made eye contact with Min who immediately came to her side. “Yuen-Jae!” sighed Zukina. “Do you really think I am that bad?” The Korean did not answer. “Honestly Yuen-Jae, I do not care. I have zero feelings for Choi-Yei. She is just a passing interest. You are welcome to her. Now call off your dog,” said Zukina, nodding at Min, who was poised to take whatever action was required. “Min,” said Yuen-Jae, waving her bodyguard away. Min duly retreated but only to a short distance away, keeping her mistress in full view ere anything untoward should arise. “Choi-Yei is yours if you want her Yuen-Jae.” “What makes you think I do?” Zukina gave Yuen-Jae a long, warm look. “I know these things Yuen-Jae.” “You know she and I were involved in Kazak.” Zukina nodded affirmatively. “We have a history,” added Yuen-Jae. “I understand that.” “You want rid of her? But why?” “It is not so much that I want to throw her away as a lover. You see Yuen-Jae I am not in this job by choice. It is an unwelcome inheritance. I think I know what I mean.” “I do,” answered Yuen-Jae. It sounded all too familiar to her own family history and its nefarious occupations. “Therefore,” continued Zukina, “when there is the possibility for harmony, for happiness, I like to set it in motion.” Yuen-Jae had listened carefully but she did not understand. “We call it chouwa or wa. Simply translated it means ‘harmony’ but it goes deeper than that. Let me explain.” Zukina bowed her head thoughtfully for a moment before continuing. “What is the point in me retaining Choi-Yei as my private lover when both you and she are unhappy? I myself know it cannot last forever for one day I will marry whether I like the man or not.” A faint smile trickled along Yuen-Jae’s lips. She understood. “We do marriages of convenience too you know,” smiled Zukina. “So why should I deprive two good friends of happiness when I, an ardent fatalist, who knows nothing but lust can come of my love affair with her?” Yuen-Jae reached out and held Zukina’s hand. It was a gesture both of solidarity and gratitude. “And I am not in the least bit angry or envious. I had my good time with Choi-Yei-chan. Now I pass the baton to you. Or back to you I should say.” “Thank you,” said Yuen-Jae. “But will she have me?” “I think so. She’s a fun-loving girl; lives for the moment.” “Yet very intelligent too.” “Very. She will achieve much if she can retain some discipline. In time she will be a rich woman.” “How?” “Yuen-Jae! Come now, she told you, I assume, of her casinos in China?” “She did,” said Yuen-Jae suddenly remembering Choi-Yei’s mention of them. Then she also remembered that it had to be a secret from Zukina! “Do not worry dear I don’t care. Who would want a smelly Chinese casino anyway?” “Your family might,” said Yuen-Jae. “And who’s going to them about it?” laughed Zukina, giving Yuen-Jae a long hug. “That’s very chouwa of you Zukina. And very kind.” Zukina bowed slightly in acknowledgement. Yuen-Jae looked at her tenderly yet her attention was diverted to a slim yet burly Japanese man who had appeared from nowhere. He was clearly Yakuza due to the obvious red dragon tattoo that scaled his neck. Min had seen him before Yuen-Jae and, sensing the danger, had quickly moved between him and her employer. “Tell Min it is alright. He’s with me,” said Zukina. “Min,” said Yuen-Jae, waving her away for the second time. The Burmese girl rolled her eyes and withdrew yet again. “Yuen-Jae. Meet Kano, my brother.” Yune-Jae emparted a nod of greeting as did he. She instantly felt a loathing for her emanating from the tall, stoic man. “Kano deals with a lot of our business across the country,” said Zukina. “Nice tattoo,” said Yuen-Jae. “Thank you,” said Kano unemotionally. “How far does it go down?” asked Yuen-Jae, referring to his neck. “Come upstairs and I’ll show you.” Yuen-Jae grimaced. Her bodyguard noticed her discomfort and moved closer. Zukina was enraged. “Kano!” she hissed sharply. “What? Just asking the doll if she wants to see?” Kano spoke in disjointed, heavily accented English. Yuen-Jae’s mood switched from anger to outright mirth. “He don’t swpleak Engwrish!” she said. Kano scowled so sharply it looked as if he had pulled a muscle in his mouth. Zukina roared with laughter. Yuen-Jae joined her as did Min. Tough guy though he was Kano paused, took in the merriment and unleashed a hearty laugh to match the others. The awkward ice had been shattered. “Hey doll, you’re so kawaii!” Kano leaned forward to kiss Yuen-Jae but she gently deflected his head by raising her hand. “Anyway, perhaps the next time we would do the sex,” he said, retreating and stumbling into the back seat of his chauffer driven land cruiser. “Yeah, sure, whatever!” said Yuen-Jae, waving him goodnight. The jeep started and drove off up the busy city street. “Asshole,” said Min with contempt. “Yeah he is but he wasn’t so bad in the end.” “Want me to pop him boss?” asked Min. “No thanks. I don’t want every gangster from here to Tokyo after my ass. Get the car Min, I’ll wait here.” “Sure?” “Yes, I’ll be okay here. I need some cool, fresh air.” With that Min stomped off to collect their hire car. The revellers poured out of The Red Rose in dazed conditions of varying severity. Yuen-Jae watched them contentedly and her gaze strayed to a lone individual standing directly across the street. It was the girl called Lucy. She met Yuen-Jae’s gaze and smiled. “She is so kawaii! Not me,” said Yuen-Jae. She crossed the street and came up to the girl. “Now that I’m more sober I want to thank you properly,” said Yuen-Jae. With no warning she stooped and gave Lucy a brief, yet tender hug. The petit girl laughed. “You’re welcome,” she said. “You showed good moves in their. Faster than I’ve ever seen before.” “Thanks for saying.” “What style of fighting was that?” “Just my own. I improvised,” answered Lucy. “It was amazing! For a girl your size it was incredible.” Lucy nodded appreciatively. “I do not mean that disparagingly,” countered Yuen-Jae. “It’s alright. No offence was taken,” said Lucy pleasantly. “I’d love to be able to fight like that.” “It’s easier when you are sober,” said Lucy tactfully. “Oh hell yeah,” mirthed Yuen-Jae. “I must look awful. My hair!” “No, you are beautiful.” “Really?” “Really.” Yuen-Jae swooped in to hug the tiny girl for a second time. “You’re so sweet!” Again Lucy responded with warm politeness. It was as if her face and body language permanently radiated an aura of happiness. Yuen-Jae looked covetously at her. “Do you want to come back with me?” she asked. No sooner had the question left her lips when she regretted even asking it yet Lucy’s benign countenance altered only slightly. “Well I have to be heading home,” she said. Yuen-Jae cringed in disappointment knowing she had only herself to blame. “But,” continued Lucy as she unfurled a sleek mobile phone that matched the colour of her crimson gown, “we can exchange cell numbers. Keep in touch?” “I’d love that,” said Yuen-Jae with relief. “So would I Yuen-Jae.” As dawn broke Yuen-Jae had still not gone to bed. She lay on the couch while Min leafed through a Hokkaido tourist brochure with profound disinterest. “Min she was so kawaii!” “Kawaii?” “Hai, kawaii.” “What’s the meaning?” “Means cute in Japanese.” “Okay.” “I am going to meet her for a snack tomorrow Min.” “Date?” “Well, not exactly. I doubt I can construe it as such. I don’t even know if she likes girls.” “So why get so excited boss?” “I don’t know Min. There was just something about her, something I can’t clearly describe. There was a special quality to her.” “So goodbye Miss Choi, hello Miss Lucy?” “No, not yet anyway. I will see how I get on with Lucy. I can always fall back on Choi-Yei.” “And what about Yakuza bitch?” “Oh she’s okay. We have nothing to fear from her now. Trust me.” Min looked unconvinced as she closed the brochure and tossed it away. “Okay, but I still gotta care for you boss. I am going to bed.” “Sweet dreams Min.” A she gazed at the ceiling Min came to Yuen-Jae’s side, looming over her. The big Burmese smiled. “Poor miss. Who will be your lucky girl?” “I don’t know Min,” replied Yuen-Jae returning a smile of her own. “But she is out there somewhere.” “As you have no girl tonight boss, take a kiss from me.” Yuen-Jae did not object and Min leant down to brush her lips against her employer’s cheek. “Thanks Min,” she said as her bodyguard departed without another word. On her way to her rendezvous’ with Lucy Yuen-Jae’s phone chimed. “Hello?” “Hello it’s me.” “Who’s me?” “Choi!” “Oh hi sarang. Listen I can’t talk now, I’m going to meet someone.” “Who?” “A new friend,” said Yuen-Jae, disliking Choi-Yei’s inquisitive tone. “Who is it?” “Just a new friend. Look, I will call you later, k?” “Girl or boy?” “Huh?” “This friend, is it a girl or boy?” “You don’t know them.” “So it is a girl!” “Look Choi-Yei, I don’t have to report to you!” “Shibseki!” “Oh fuck you!” The dialling tone reverberated down the line and Yuen-Jae flung the phone into her purse. When she laid eyes on Lucy Yuen-Jae was lulled. The small girl sat alone in the snack bar waiting for her new friend. Yuen-Jae waved to her when their eyes met. Away went her anger and frustration. It was replaced by a silent inner calmness that helped her think clearly and speak with thoughtful choice of words. She felt a comforting warmth the second she entered Lucy’s presence. Yuen-Jae found herself talking. She spoke of her life, her family, her friends, her husbands and past lovers with an openness she never knew she had. All the while Lucy listened contentedly displaying no disinterest saying nothing about her own life or history. On occasion she asked questions in her soft, gentle voice, the sound of which was like honey to Yuen-Jae. Lucy encouraged her with smiles of varying degrees of pleasantness as if they were positively affirming Yuen-Jae’s frank recital of her biographical and aspirational monologue. “Can I ask about your family?” “Sure,” said Yuen-Jae. “There’s me, my dad, my sis Jin, my brother Chul. We all get on great!” “What does your Dad do?” Yuen-Jae felt awkward. Now was not the time to admit her family’s background. “He’s a businessman.” Yuen-Jae brightened at the thought of her father. “My first love was my dad,” she went on. “At three years old I wanted to marry him but when I told my mum she laughed! I could not understand why I could not marry him.” “And your mother?” smiled Lucy, intrigued. Yuen-Jae lowered her head. “No mother,” she said. “Sorry.” “She died when I was nine.” “I’m so sorry.” “It’s alright. I have a big, loving family and some great friends.” “And now you have me,” said Lucy. “And now I have you,” smiled Yuen-Jae. As the hours of the afternoon passed by they had seemed like mere minutes to Yuen-Jae. It was a day if early spring and the dusk fell gradually. “Six thirty already,” she said, coming out of her apparent trance and checking her watch. “I have kept you back Yuen-Jae,” apologised Lucy. “No, you haven’t. I have no plans but I am feeling tired all of a sudden.” “I am little sleepy too,” said Lucy. Yuen-Jae bit her lip and asked: “Want to come home with me?” It was a gambit to throw out such a suggestive question. Lucy may not be bi or a lesbian but Yuen-Jae instinctively sensed an exciting chemistry between her and the unusual girl. In response Lucy was neither surprised nor embarrassed yet Yuen-Jae discerned a mysterious glint in her eyes that conveyed mild arousal mingled with genuine charm. “That is kind,” said Lucy. “For more snacks you mean?” she asked with faux innocence. “To begin with,” said Yuen-Jae sensually, gambling further. “It is a very tempting offer Yuen-Jae.” Yuen-Jae’s heart collapsed as she sensed the prohibitive ‘but’. “But it is much too soon for me.” The surge of disappointment went down her throat into her stomach and Yuen-Jae shook her head in understanding. She should have known better but she was the same silly old Yuen-Jae: impulsive as ever. “That said, life is too short,” said Lucy’s voice. She scrutinised Yuen-Jae with a look of solemn mischievousness. “You’ll come?” asked Yuen-Jae; her disappointment was extinguished as sharply as it had come. “I’ll come,” nodded Lucy. Min looked visibly put out when she laid eyes on the attractive girl. She had responded to Yuen-Jae’s summons to collect her in the hired land cruiser and had pulled up outside the café. “Min, say hi to Lucy. Lucy this is my personal bodyguard Min,” said Yuen-Jae, getting into the front seat. “Hi Min!” giggled Lucy from the back. Min ignored her and drove off. “Don’t mind Min,” whispered Yuen-Jae back to Lucy. “It’s that time of the month.” “I see,” said Lucy. “Yeah boss,” said Min. “That’s why I’m grumpy!” “Well give it time, you’re a big girl,” said Yuen-Jae. “It’s late this month!” said Min. “Really?” asked Yuen-Jae. This was a turn up for the books. “Yes, you should know boss.” “Me?” “Yes, you.” “Why me?” “Because you are responsible?” “Hold on now,” laughed Yuen-Jae. “That’s impossible!” “No it isn’t.” “Explain.” “Because you pay me!” “Huh?” “Last month you pay me on the twenty-fifth. Twenty-fifth was three days ago. I am still waiting for you to pay my salary. It’s late!” Yuen-Jae roared upon realisation of the misunderstanding. Lucy smiled diplomatically while Min looked at her boss as though she were a lunatic. “Fear not Min,” chortled Yuen-Jae. “I will transfer your pay when we get home and next month I promise you it won’t be late!” “Fine!” said Min who drove on in silence as Yuen-Jae’s sides continued to split. The bodyguard went promptly to bed while Yuen-Jae led Lucy onto the couch in the lounge area. After she had made Min’s payment via her laptop she turned her attention back to Lucy. She could not resist reaching out and caressing her bright auburn hair, edging ever closer as she did. “You’re gorgeous Lucy.” “So are you.” “How tall are you?” “One hundred fifty centimetres.” “So small. So cute.” “And you are very tall,” complimented Lucy. “One hundred seventy six. You like that?” “No,” said Lucy, “I don’t like it.” Yuen-Jae frowned. What games was this girl playing? “I don’t like it,” repeated Lucy. “I love it!” “Come here,” purred Yuen-Jae, leaning in. In the pitch night, warm in bed with both her arms embracing the small form of a sleeping Lucy, Yuen-Jae awoke. Normally she slept soundly but she had heard a noise approaching beyond her door. She held up her right wrist and turned it such a way to catch the light from the street outside. It was a minute to three. Her door opened gently. “Boss,” whispered Min’s husky voice. “Min? What’s up?” groaned Yuen-Jae. “She’s here,” said Min with her usual unexactness. “Who?” sighed Yuen-Jae. “Her!” “Fuck it Min, tell me!” snarled Yuen-Jae, eager to get back to sleep. “Miss Choi,” said Min firmly. Lucy stirred at the noise but did not wake up. “Hush Min,” said Yuen-Jae, softly this time. She gently eased Lucy to the far side of the bed, put the duvet around her and kissed her on the forehead. Yuen-Jae then slipped out of bed, put on her silk red nightgown and confronted Min in the hallway. “Choi-Yei is here?” “Ya, back there,” answered Min, gesturing to the lounge. “What does she want?” “You.” Choi was waiting for Yuen-Jae by the lounge window. Min waddled in and leant against a wall, arms crossed. “It’s three in the morning Choi. What do you want?” “I just had to see you Yuen-Jae.” “It’s Zukina.” “What about her?” “She is after you.” “To kill me?” “No, to take you to Bali! Of course she wants to kill you!” There was something about Choi-Yei’s mannerism and tone of voice that aroused disbelief inside Yuen-Jae. She had had her fair share of dealing with bull-shitters in her time and Choi-Yei’s words sounded rehearsed. “Why? I mean why doesn’t she want to kill me?” “Why do you think? You are a rival. She thinks you are here to move in on her family’s turf.” “Choi, that is nonsense! The Yakuza are embedded here. It would be easier to turn the Vatican into a mosque!” “It’s true Yuen-Jae!” “What? Did she tell you?” “No but I know Kano is urging her to make a move.” “If they thought I was up to something they’d kick me out of the country not risk a war with my family!” “I’m serious Yuen-Jae. Please listen!” Choi-Yei moved toward her plaintively and Yuen-Jae caught a whiff of strong alcohol. “That explains it.” “He wants you dead Yuen-Jae. Dead!” “You’re drunk Choi-Yei.” “I’m not.” “You are.” “I’m not. Listen, Zukina could strike at any minute, you’ve got to get out of town!” “What’s really going on Choi-Yei?” Choi-Yei repeated the warnings over and over in an increasingly heightened state of anxiety. Yuen-Jae was completely unmoved but becoming more annoyed. “Min,” she said, unable to take any more of it. The Burmese came over and grabbed Choi-Yei by the arms. “Out!” she ordered. “Fuck you! Get your claws off me Min!” protested Choi-Yei angrily. Although equally matched at the best of times Min was not drunk and she easily hauled Choi-Yei toward the door. Yuen-Jae moved over to open it. “Alright I’ll go!” screamed Choi-Yei. Yeun-Jae beckoned Min to release her. “We’ll talk about this some other time Choi-Yei. Now get out and don’t come back,” said Yuen-Jae. Choi-Yei ignored her and pointed a finger of warning at Min. “I’m drunk now bitch but when I’m sober….” Choi-Yei’s threat trailed off. Min took a step toward her and Choi-Yei turned and barged out of the penthouse. “Have a word with the doorman Min. See to it she doesn’t get up here again.” “With pleasure,” said Min. “What was the noise?” asked Lucy when Yuen-Jae returned to bed. “It was just a bitch. A very drunk bitch.” “I do not like loud bitches. So noisy.” “You like me and I’m loud,” laughed Yuen-Jae turning off the light. “That’s different. That’s fun!” “Oyasumi Lucy-san!” “Wait Yuen-Jae. I have to go early in the morning.” “Why?” “Things to do. I need to plan a visit to LA?” “LA?” “Yes, business related.” Yuen-Jae was overjoyed. Everything in her troubled life seemed to fall into orderly place. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me earlier. You know I’ve kin in LA, right?” “Right, your husband.” “Soon to be ex-husband. This is great! We can both move there and be together!” As streaks of the oncoming dawn’s light filtered through the blinds Yuen-Jae reached out to touch her new lover. Instead she felt a piece of plain note paper with a message written in English. Dear YJ, Thank you for a wonderful time last night. You are indeed a special person, highly talented and determined. I apologise for leaving so suddenly and with little fore warning but as told you I had pressing business. I really look forward to seeing you again in the City of Angels Take good care, Lucy ~ xoxo Yuen-Jae read the letter several times. Deep within she felt that there was an insincerity to it. Coupled with Lucy’s sudden and silent departure it caused Yuen-Jae to worry. Had she just been used? Then she remembered their long, intimate conversation on the previous afternoon which diluted the unease she felt. Furthermore she still had Lucy’s phone number. She decided to send her an SMS but the second Yuen-Jae touched her phone it bleeped with an incoming text message: Good morning YJ, I trust you slept well and read my note. This is just a quick message to say that I enjoyed our time yesterday and look forward to meeting you again in LA in the near future. Keep in touch, L. ~ If Yuen-Jae needed any more confirmation that she should not be disappointed then this was it. Over the next few days they kept in touch via phone messages but Lucy claimed she was too busy to meet with Yuen-Jae due to work commitments and her imminent departure. The specificity of these commitments remained vague to Yuen-Jae yet she gave it little thought as she remained wooed by the unusual yet charming girl. Eighteen days into her stay Yuen-Jae rode with Zukina to the club after a late lunch in the city centre. She had told Zukina all about Lucy. “So love is in the air?” “It is indeed though I really hope to see her soon.” “Hard to get hold of is she?” “Workaholic.” “What does she do?” “You know, I have no idea,” answered Yuen-Jae. “I never got round to asking her and she never said.” Zukina frowned. “Just be careful with her. I don’t want you getting your heart broken again.” “I won’t,” vowed. “This is completely different.” “I don’t like that munch kin girl boss,” chirped Min who was driving. Yuen-Jae rolled her eyes. “I think Min’s a little jealous,” commented Zukina. “No,” said Min. “Something about her is not right.” “Yakity yak Min,” said Yuen-Jae. “Just get us to the bar. I’m dying for a drink!” Min dropped them at the door and drove off to park the vehicle. Entering the bar they found it deserted which was unusual for early evening. There was even no sign of Taro, the resident barman who practically lived behind the bar. “He’s slipped out back,” reasoned Zukina. “Care to do the honours Yuen-Jae?” Yuen-Jae grinned and leapt over the counter. “What’ll it be?” “Just water for me please.” “Clean living? That’s good.” Zukina stated the benefits of a daily cold glass of water. As she spoke Yuen-Jae noticed the hidden door panel to the corridor open ajar. Peering closer with growing unease she saw the muzzle of what could only be an Uzi slink through the gap and take aim. She tried to say Zukina’s name by way of warning but all that came from her throat was a hoarse croak. Yet the Yakuza girl had become aware of Yuen-Jae’s alarm and tilted her head toward the door. There was a patter of soft thuds and a series of flashes from the doorway. Part of the counter to Yuen-Jae’s left erupted in splinters while the glassware behind imploded violently. Zukina expertly flipped over the bar to join Yuen-Jae on the relative safety of the other side. Bullets swarmed through the air as the pair prostrated themselves on the ground. Imbued by adrenaline Zukina fumbled for Glock revolver she kept strapped to her back. With a scream she rose and discharged a round. Falling floor-ward once again she panted with exhaustion as the hail of ammo from the Uzi continued unremittingly. “No good,” she panted. Yuen-Jae cowered then rolled over to face Zukina. “Try again,” she pleaded. “I have no gun!” Zukina looked long and hard at her friend. Yuen-Jae shut her eyes only briefly and felt her lips pressed by Zukina’s warm counterparts. The embrace seemed to renew Zukian. A second later she was on her feet firing off another chamber-full of rounds. “One more chance,” she said, crouching beside Yuen-Jae and retrieved the final round of bullets from her pocket. Zukina thrust them into the gun and prepared to fire. At that moment, amidst the din of gunfire, Yuen-Jae heard bounding footsteps coming from her right. “It’s Min! It must be!” she said. Zukina raised her head and found her Glock pulled out of her left hand! In the ensuing seconds they heard its shots resound followed by the abrupt cessation of the Uzi. No sooner had silence returned when Lucy’s face sprung over the bar. Yuen-Jae leapt up and kissed her. It was like experiencing a miracle. Zukina jumped over the bar again and moved cautiously to the door. A large, bloody male shape protruded lifelessly onto the dance floor. Yuen-Jae recognised him. “That’s one of Pearl’s men!” “Who’s?” asked Zukina. “Pearl. She’s a distant cousin. She was my uncle’s bodyguard but she betrayed us and set up a gang to rival my father’s.” Pearl had become a byword for ‘evil’ in Yuen-Jae’s family and her very utterance of the name made her shudder. Zukina picked up on this. “She must be a real monster!” “She is,” said Yuen-Jae. “I’m not afraid of her!” she added defiantly. Her friend believed her. Yuen-Jae was indomitable; she was merely shaken by the surprise attack. “There are more of them up above,” said Lucy, pointing to the ceiling. “Who are you?” questioned Zukina. “This is Lucy,” explained Yuen-Jae. “She’s quite the fighter.” “Best I’ve seen,” said Zukina. “Those were some moves you showed.” “Arigato,” said Lucy with a short curt bow. “How do you know they are upstairs?” asked Zukina. “Well obviously this guy was guarding that entrance. I assumed they have a hostage?” “Choi!” said Zukina. “We have to deal with them,” said Yuen-Jae as Min plodded into the bar. She took one look at Lucy, saw her poised with the Glock, and unfurled her own gun. “At ease Min, tell her Yuen-Jae,” said Zukina. “It’s alright Min, back down,” ordered Yuen-Jae. The Burmese woman reluctantly lowered her gun. Lucy followed suit. The four women rightly concluded that Pearl’s squad had arrived by helicopter for Min had glimpsed one on the roof when she had returned from parking the car. Hearing gunfire she sprinted back as though her life depended on it to protect her mistress and was angered to discover that the miniscule Lucy had done her job for her. “There could be as many as ten of them!” said Zukina. “No,” said Yuen-Jae with certitude. Zukina looked at her for an explanation. “There will be seven of them,” asserted Yuen-Jae. “How can you be sure?” asked Min “Seven is Pearl’s lucky number. In Korea it is traditionally a fortuitous figure. In fact I expect there will be either four or five of them up there.” “Don’t keep the reason to yourself dear,” said Zukina. “We’ve taken out one already, right? And at least one, possibly two, will stay manning the helicopter to escape at a moment’s notice. So we can expect a minimum of four.” “Agreed,” said Zukina. “But we still need a plan.” “Leave that to us,” said Yuen-Jae. “Give me the phone.” The wooden elevator door retracted. As she had correctly predicted five darkly-clad men had taken up discretely strategic positions all around the penthouse. Choi-Yei sat despondently in the middle of the room, her eyes to the floor. Min and Yuen-Jae stepped out to be met by a heavy-set Uzbek-Korean mongrel. He was equal to Min in height and his skin glistened with a layer of sweat. Wearing practical combat gear his eyes were hidden behind a pair of sun glasses that no doubt concealed dilations of cold arrogance. “I’m glad you agreed to this Yuen-Jae,” he said gravely. “Just let Choi go Cha. We will come with you.” Cha put two fingers in his mouth and whistled. “Choi-Yei! Off you go,” he ordered. The woman stood up and limped over. “She’s hurt!” exclaimed Yuen-Jae. Cha shrugged. “She had it coming. The bitch nearly bit my ear off.” “Where did he hurt you sarang?” asked Yuen-Jae. “Left ankle,” sad Choi-Yei hoarsely. Seasoned bodyguard though she was it was clear the young woman was traumatised. “You’ve gotten too lazy here girl,” scoffed Cha. “Six months in the Gobi should toughen you up!” “Shut it Cha!” snapped Yuen-Jae. “Go downstairs Choi. I will see you soon.” “Somehow I doubt that!” said Cha. “The boss has got big plans for you Yuen-Jae.” Yuen-Jae nudged Choi-Yei into the elevator. “Zukina will get you to a doctor. I’ll see you soon,” promised Yuen-Jae. “Hurry up,” said Cha. Choi-Yei glared at him. “No! I am staying with Yuen-Jae.” Cha took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. “Hae!” he called. Immediately a younger, head-shaven Korean man holding an Uzi came to his side. “Help her on her way,” he said, nodding at Choi-Yei. “Don’t bother,” said Yuen-Jae, pushing her former lover into the elevator and thrusting her hand on the descent arrow before Choi-Yei could object. “Yuen-Jae!” she yelled as the door shut her in. The men on guard visibly relaxed: the job was as good as done now that the exchange had been made. “Get their guns,” commanded Cha. Hae frisked the two women and put both their hand guns in a pouch slung over his shoulder. “Now ladies, let’s go,” said Cha. Hae raised his weapon and pointed it in the direction of the fire exit that led to the roof. “Or should I say lady and man?” Yuen-Jae looked at Min to see how she would react to Cha's insult. This was as good a time as any to launch their plan. The bodyguard stopped in her tracks and put her hands on her hips. “Suck my poji!” said Min with contempt. “I’d need a gas mask and an iron tongue to get anyway near that mother fucker!” said Cha. Yuen-Jae howled with laughter at his insult. Hae smirked. Cha shook his head in a mixture of mirth and frustration then joined them in the merriment. Behind them the three other guards roared also, lowering their guns. Min stood there incredulous. She waited a few more seconds before she exploited her opportunity. Her right elbow sprung backwards into Hae’s nose. At the same time her booted left foot impacted Cha between his legs. The big man flopped to the ground. Yuen-Jae spun, discharging her left wrist into the face of the man behind her. He stumbled backwards into his immediate comrade. Min now had Hae’s Uzi in her hands and pumped the furthermost mercenary with its leaden contents. Her boss angrily pummelled the private parts of the man she had knocked down while Hae writhed in agony. “Yuen-Jae!” screamed Min. She leapt onto a coffee table as Min opened fire on the two helpless men on the ground. With them dispatched she promptly stepped back and dealt a single bullet into Hae’s forehead. Before she could turn and do the same to Cha he disappeared out the fire escape and ran upstairs. “Let him go Min. We’ve won.” “He’ll suck my poji yet!” snarled Min, eager for more blood. “You did good Min. Very good. Who needs grenades when you’ve got a joke about a stinky poji?” “You want me to smash you too boss?” “Relax Min. That was smoother than I thought it would be but I knew we could handle those scum.” “Pussies,” said Min with disdain. “Zukina’s boys can clean up this mess. I don’t think we can stay in Sapporo much longer.” Suddenly from the stairwell came a crack of gunfire. Yeun-Jae grabbed one of the dead guard’s Uzi’s and ran out after Min. Two floors up they encountered a flow of blood trickling down the ceramic steps. Zukina was lying against the wall, one hand on her belly. The red of her silk cheongsam was scarcely distinguishable from the warm liquid that seeped forth. Min leapt past her in pursuit of Cha. Zukina smiled when she saw Yuen-Jae. “Sarang! What happened?” “Yuen-Jae. Beautiful Yuen-Jae.” “Who did this? Was it him?” “Always the fiery girl, always passionate. My uncivilised chosen-jin.” “Speak to me Zukina. Sarang!” But Zukina only smiled and did not speak again. Lucy and Min trudged down the staircase. The former had already explained how Cha had surprised them at the corner and shot Zukina through the belly at almost point-blank range. Yuen-Jae held Zukina’s body close, swaying gently as if hoping the act would restore life to her friend. Lucy put her hands on Yuen-Jae’s shoulder. “She is as peace now,” she whispered softly. Instantly Yuen-Jae released Zukina and clasped Lucy’s hands tightly. “At least you are still here,” she sobbed. The inquiry that followed was terse and bitter. Kano, Zukina’s brother, had to be physically restrained by his own bodyguards from attacking the four women. He threw Choi-Yei’s belongings out the window and down onto the street below, blaming her for the death of his sister. The Oyabun, head of the clan, was Zukina’s father and while tolerant of the outsiders shared his son’s belief that they were indirectly responsible by their very presence. Yet he was lenient and sensible enough to realise that killing them would incur the wrath of Yuen-Jae’s family and calmly ordered them leave Sapporo immediately and never return. Mr Kim’s anger was audibly discernable to Yuen-Jae as his voice bristled down the phone. “I knew I should never have let you go there!” “It was Pearl, Dad! That mongrel Cha and his squad tried to kidnap us.” “I am not interested in your excuses!” “It’s getting far too rough here so we’ve decided to leave Sapporo and head to LA.” “Decided to leave. You have been thrown out of Sapporo you mean! This is a disgrace. One poor girl killed! Your friend Zukina as I understand? You are lucky we don’t have every Yakuza from here to New York after us!” “Dad, we did nothing to provoke it!” insisted Yuen-Jae, zipping up the last of her bags! “Did nothing to provoke it? Don’t give me that pig’s crap girl. You were there, you were involved, and if had stayed in Kazakhstan or gone straight to America this would never have happened!” “Dad, listen….” “Don’t ‘Dad, listen’ me Yuen-Jae! You are to get to the airport and depart for Los Angeles immediately.” “Are you in LA?” “Be thankful that I am not. I have urgent business in London and I will need you there very soon.” “London?” “Yes, it relates to the project I mentioned.” “Dad, London sucks. I’m not going there.” “You are going when I tell you to go whether you like it or not! Is that clear?” “Clear!” blurted Yuen-Jae. “That’s my girl. Give my best regards to everyone in California.” The line went dead and Yuen-Jae had to restrain herself from hurling the phone at the wall. Everything was packed, the apartment cleaned and Min and Choi-Yei were waiting outside. With a last look around the penthouse Yuen-Jae closed the door. Once shut she picked up her bag and peered curiously at something. A note had been attached to the door when she had been inside:

Yuen~Jae, I’ll see you in LA. Lucy X

Los Angeles

Twenty hours later Yuen-Jae and her bodyguard sat in a red Chevrolet Corvette outside the door of a plush mansion. They had gratefully discarded Choi-Yei at one of her relatives before driving to an exclusive, gated development in the northwest of the city, an affluent district called Pacific Palisades. It was dusk and the beautiful sunset served to remind Yuen-Jae of the mixed feelings she had toward that city. Three years before as a naïve twenty year old she had arrived to marry a man she had met only once before. Hyong was a tall, handsome and successful man from a good family. Their businesses tended to more legitimate than those run by Yuen-Jae’s family yet their had been common enough cultural ground to forge what was hoped to be a productive marriage in every sense of the word. Entwined family and business ties would both solidify and potentially expand their already considerable wealth. The burden on Yuen-Jae at the commencement of her marriage ultimately proved too much for her to endure. Her home, cars, wealth and close, supportive family were not enough to cure the pangs of homesickness she felt for her native Kazakhstan and four months had passed since she had hastily departed without even a word of goodbye to her husband. A single phone call in the interim had been their sole communication in that time. She did not know if he was even expecting her so quick had been her conversation with her father less than a day before. Mr Kim must have told his son in law of Yuen-Jae’s planned return but even if he had what kind of welcome would she receive? “I hope to fuck his mother is not here.” “I will wait in the car,” said Min. “If he throws you out we will hunt for a hotel.” The diminutive Filipino butler answered the door, gave her his familiar smile and bade her enter. Three minutes later she was waiting in Hyong’s study, which like every other room in the mansion was lavishly and expensively decorated. She was looking out into the garden when the door opened. Closing it behind him Hyong approached her expressionlessly. “So, you have come back,” he said neutrally. With her arms crossed Yuen-Jae subconsciously displayed her inner defensiveness and reluctance to even be in his presence. Hyong knew enough about basic human psyche to spot this guardedness and it did nothing to reduce the anger that had been building up inside of him in the months since her unannounced departure. “My father asked me to come back to see you.” “So you are not here freely,” he said flatly. Yuen-Jae turned from his scrutinising gaze so that he was looking at her in profile. He waited for a non-forthcoming reply. “That answers my question.” Hyong moved across to her. “But I still don’t know why you are here.” “I came to see you,” she said grudgingly. “You do not sound happy about that!” Yuen-Jae did not answer. Hyong shrugged pointedly, tossed his head about and eventually laughed. “Women!” he said, sitting down on a brown leather couch. A ghastly prolonged silence fell. “Old Kim made you come didn’t he?” Yuen-Jae slanted her head forward a couple of times signifying ‘yes’. “Of course he did. He was obliged too. Mother has been whining at me for months about you. I told her you had gone home on vacation. I could not tell her the truth Yuen-Jae.” This infliction of guilt sparked Yuen-Jae’s defiance. “Well, what else could you have told her that wouldn’t break her heart?” was all she could verbally muster. Hyong raised his arms in abrasive disinterest. “The matter was out of my hands. I did not know if you would even come back. I am still not sure why you are even here!” “Dad wanted me to.” “Yes, you said that already. But you? Do you want to be here?” Yuen-Jae went quiet again. “I thought so,” said Hyong. “You don’t.” Another excruciating period of quiet ensued which was broken only by bouts of deep breathing from Hyong. “Dad wanted you to,” he said at last, repeating Yuen-Jae’s words with only a mild trace of sarcasm. “We’ve established that,” he continued. “But what I want to know is what you propose on doing now?” “I need somewhere to stay,” said Yuen-Jae. “And you thought you’d try hotel Hyong? And why not? We don’t charge our guests even when they come crawling back.” This time Yuen-Jae was not baited by his words but it was a trial for her not to forcefully respond. When his provocation got no reply Hyong said: “I assume you wish to stay here?” After another awkward pause Yuen-Jae replied. “Until Dad is placated.” “Why can’t you stay with your family here? You have aunts and uncles.” “I have to be seen to try and reconcile with you Hyong,” explained Yuen-Jae. “Do you now?” “To keep Dad off my back.” “And then what?” “And then I will get down to work here I guess.” “You mean the casinos?” “Yes.” Yuen-Jae waited for his refusal. “Agreed,” he said. She turned to him in almost in alarm, not expecting him to assent. “It so happens that that may actually benefit me Yuen-Jae,” he said in response to her look of questioning amazement. “How?” “Well, mother for a start. You know how traditionally minded she is. If you are seen here with me it will keep her of my back for while. You will have to talk to her, take her to dinner perhaps.” “Fine,” said Yuen-Jae. “We will say it is an attempt at reconciliation I mean. You and I both know it’s not going to happen.” “Okay.” “You will have your own room.” For the first time since setting foot back on American soil Yuen-Jae smiled, albeit a weak, temporary one indicating gratitude. “You’re welcome,” said Hyong. He strode over to her, a faint grin spreading along his lips. “So you will get a private room unless you genuinely want to attempt reconciliation?” Hyong raised a hand intending to caress it along her cheek but Yuen-Jae started abruptly. Her husband chuckled and took a step back. “Didn’t think so.” Yuen-Jae twitched in discomfort provoking Hyong’s amusement further. “But if you change your mind sarang, you do remember where our bedroom is?” His wife stayed silent. “I suppose that big brute of a bodyguard is lurking around somewhere,” said Hyong changing the subject much to her relief. “Min is waiting outside.” “We’ll put her in a kennel then.” “She’ll stay with me,” insisted Yuen-Jae. “I need someone I trust to guard my life.” “As you wish but I wouldn’t trust that beast in my own life depended on it.” “You don’t know her like I do Hyong,” said Yuen-Jae. “No, I am sure that I don’t,” said Hyong suggestively. “We were nearly killed by Pearl’s men in Japan.” “So I am told,” said Hyong completely unsurprised. “How do you know?” “The grapevine is rarely silent Yuen-Jae, especially in our line of work.” Yuen-Jae looked at Hyong suspiciously. “Don’t worry darling,” he said. “Pearl and her thugs are as much a threat to us as she is to you. You don’t need me to tell you to watch out for her.” Hyong words were tender for the first time that night and for a few moments Yuen-Jae was reminded of the warm, gentle man her parents had betrothed her to. “Thank you Hyong,” she whispered with emotion. “You bet,” he said, acknowledging her gratitude. “Now, you can go get Miss Min then we will have a snack and watch TV. There’s no reason why we can’t be friends.” “None at all,” said Yuen-Jae. Yuen-Jae settled into something resembling a routine. She would work via her laptop from her room, liaising with her father and uncle in Astana as well as their representatives who were based in California. In the evenings she and Min would change and jog along the beach often as far south as Santa Monica before turning back. Her relationship with Hyong remained tepid yet amicable. He was polite yet distant and seemed in no hurry to get his wife out of the house. Choi-Yei meanwhile had recovered from her ordeal with Pearl’s gang and had started work as a bodyguard cum dancer in one of her cousin’s establishments. As well as her hands-off work with her uncle's Chinese casinos Choi-Yei was kept very busy and Yuen-Jae saw little of her. Then one evening, three weeks after her return, to Los Angeles Yuen-Jae received a phone call from Choi-Yei. It came well after eleven p.m. and she and Min had settled in for the night when Yuen-Jae got the call, inviting her to visit a hot new club. At first she was unwilling but then Choi-Yei brandished all her familiar charms to entice her ex-lover to join her. Yuen-Jae gave the phone to Min to take down the directions and went to get ready. They were to go to an address near the north edge of South Glasgow Avenue in Inglewood. Choi-Yei was visibly excited when she saw them arrive in the car. Yuen-Jae was tired though she was nonetheless keen to see her old friend however Min glared at her with suspicion. “What’s up Min?” asked Yuen-Jae. “Something. I don’t know. Let’s go home boss. Leave crazy girl on her own here.” “Min!” sighed Yuen-Jae. “We came all this way now come with me!” “Yuen-Jae!” said Choi-Yei welcoming her. “You’re gonna love this place!” From the exterior the so-called club looked anything but impressive. In fact the building appeared little more than a run-down, abandoned warehouse which Yuen-Jae eyeballed with distaste. Choi-Yei led them inside. Entering the building, Yuen-Jae immediately found the atmosphere garishly oppressive. Smoke, noise, music and sweat all seemed to mingle as one in the dark interior. A large, well-lit bar ran along the entirety of one wall and in the distance was a huge dance floor every spare inch if which was thronged with revellers. The clientele were barely distinguishable from their surroundings: dark, swarthy, sinister they beheld the out of place newcomers with quiet disdain. Yuen-Jae was disgusted. “Some classy joint this has turned out to be Choi-Yei!” she said holding back no sarcasm. “Forget about them,” responded Choi-Yei, indicating the customers. “We are here to see something special.” “I’m not holding my breath,” grumbled Yuen-Jae. Choi-Yeu led them to door at the far side of the dance floor. Two burly Indian men stood guard and became visibly alert at Choi-Yei’s approach. “Me and these two friends,” she said. One of the guards opened the door and ushered the three of them inside. “You are going to love this Yuen-Jae,” said Choi-Yei. The three women passed through a narrow corridor that was almost in complete darkness. They emerged into another large room, almost the same size as the dance floor they had passed. It was on two levels and Yuen-Jae found herself on the upper storey. Nearby was a railing that formed as massive rectangle below which was the lower storey at basement level. Looking down Yuen-Jae saw a trio of large metal cages, each with a locked door. On the floor of each was a layer of coconut matting that had unseemly reddish stains. All around the railing leant men and women of every ethnicity. Unlike the people in the bar nearby they were more subdued yet Yuen-Jae picked up on a palpable feeling of a frenzied excitement that was gradually building inside each of them. Then it clicked. “Choi-Yei, is this place what I think it is?” Choi-Yei nodded. “Welcome to the world of pit fighting!” Yuen-Jae was intrigued. In Kazakhstan she had heard rumours of an invisible string of arenas hidden in many secret places around the world where men and women would fight to the death in an orgy of bare-knuckled violence. From Cardiff to Cairo, Lahore to LA these clubs existed and for the first time she was inside one! “There is a place in Almaty,” she began thoughtfully. “The Razor Leaf is its name. For years I heard rumours that it was a cover for pit fighting.” “I believe you are right Yuen-Jae. It’s notorious!” “I assume there will be fighting tonight?” asked Yuen-Jae excitedly. “Definitely. You’re just in time!” Choi-Yei had not even finished her sentence when the room was plunged into utter darkness. A few suspenseful seconds later a red light atop the centre cage blazed into life. It was followed by a multicoloured cacophony of neon lasers. They were projected rapidly from no discernable source, casting confused yet shapely shadows. In conjunction with the lightshow a dirge of garishly upbeat music ransacked the air. The crowd cheered in anticipation for soon the fighting would begin. Yuen-Jae felt Choi-Yei squeeze her shoulders while Min stood erect and expressionless as was her habit. The visual and audible chaos was cut off by the harsh ringing of a bell. It rang three times before a male voice announced: “Are you ready?” The fanatics cheered. “Hell, yeah!” wailed a tall young white man close by. “I said, are you ready?” Again the crowd roared their confirmation. “Are you ready to see some action?” “Yeah!” “Are you ready to hear some screams?” “Yeah!” “And are you ready to taste some blood?” “Yeah!” “Then let’s get this battle started!” The people were practically hysterical. Beside her the young American man seemed to be having a fit of excitement. “Yeah! Yeah!” he yelled. “Let’s do it!” Unwisely he strayed too close to Min and hurled a strapping arm around her shoulder. “Yeah baby let’s do it!” he shouted. Min expertly detached herself, spun round and pressed her right palm against his chest, pushing him away. “Back off honky,” she said, giving him a firm look of warning. The man collapsed in laughter. Meanwhile the bell resounded three times. The lights came back to normal and there was a flurry of activity in the centre pit below. Yuen-Jae observed a tall, silver-haired man in a black tuxedo appear from one side. He walked to the middle of the ring and raised an arm for attention and the crowd duly hushed. His voice matched that of the announcer: “A girl came up to me in a bar and asked me to show her some magic. So I took her home, fucked her then disappeared.” The ensuing laughter annoyed Yuen-Jae. She had come here to see some fighting, not listen to dirty jokes from some ageing wanna-be lothario. However much to her chagrin the announcer’s repartee continued for several minutes and only after he explained that the best way to get a blonde out of a tree was to wave did he mention the upcoming fighting in a lengthy, over the top introduction. Yuen-Jae was sorely tempted to interrupt and express her impatience but the announcer then introduced the first combatant. “All the way from Odessa, Ukraine please give it up for our champion the Slavic Slayer, Olga!” The lightshow recommenced and a tall figure entered the pit below. When the neon display stopped Yuen-Jae saw a slim, blonde woman with an angular bodily frame that was only slightly muscular. No less than six feet tall she was attired in a sweat top and tight pants and wore the obligatory knuckle, knee and elbow guards. Pleasant to behold she looked anything but a slayer. The welcoming applause she had received died down as the announcer presented her opponent. “And now we have a newcomer. Brace yourselves. This is not a joke. She has been properly vetted and can fight or so I am told. Please give me a hearty California welcome as we present our new fighter: all the way from the far east or thereabouts, Lady Lucifer herself, Akuma!” Again the lightshow blazed and when it died down Yuen-Jae gasped to see what looked like a child standing in the centre of the pit. A diminutive woman had leapt into the ring. She was clad in a close-fitting red and black combat outfit and her face was concealed by an ornate helmet of the same colours. Her arrival produced mixed reactions. Some of the crowd cheered but most of them laughed. A minority even booed. Yuen-Jae however said nothing. She watched the fighter carefully. There was something familiar about her size, gait and overall demeanour. Then Akuma, removed her helmet and Yuen-Jae started. Akuma was Lucy. “Please place any and all final bets with our discretely designated bookies!” said the announcer, pointing to the upper tier. “In other words a couple of drunken rednecks and a big black son of a bitch! Bob, Mitch and Steel. Yes, Steel after the metal. We call him that cos’ he’s hard and tough! Clever, huh?” Yuen-Jae fixed her gaze on her. “Talk about David and Goliath!” tittered Choi-Yei. “She’ll win,” said Yuen-Jae. “Huh?” “She’ll kick that girl’s ass,” asserted Yuen-Jae. “Are you for real? She has no chance.” “She’ll win. I know she will.” “Alright fifty bucks says she won’t.” Yuen-Jae shook her head. “A thousand says she will win.” Yuen-Jae turned to her and from her jacket pocket presented her with a rolled up bundle of dollars. “Go place the bet,” she said.” Choi-Yei was flabbergasted. “No way hun. I don’t want to take your money.” “Min!” Yuen-Jae handed her bodyguard the money. “Go up to that black man and say you want to back Akuma to win. Make sure he gives you a receipt.” “You got it boss,” said Min, taking the money and walking away. The two fighters sized each other up with exaggerated glares designed to excite the spectators. While part of the fight was all about raw entertainment it was still a contest that often went as far as death. Many of the more cynical observers scoffed at Lucy’s very presence. “They’re bringing in the easy meat to whet our appetite,” roared Min’s would be boyfriend. “Saving the best to last!” “Don’t be so sure,” said Yuen-Jae. “She’s a small girl. She’s got no chance,” said Choi-Yei. “Come on Lucy, come on!” muttered Yuen-Jae. Her friend overheard her. “You know her?” “I have seen her fight before,” answered Yuen-Jae. “I know what she can do!” Before Choi-Yei could ask exactly how Yuen-Jae knew Lucy the Ukrainian girl made the first strike. Her long right leg darted into Lucy’s midriff but the smaller girl leapt back which helped to partially parry the blow. The Ukrainian replicated the move with her left foot and again Lucy was equal too it. There ensued a protracted battle of attrition. Each time the Ukrainian levied a blow or a kick Lucy generally avoided them and hopped away to maintain a safe distance. To Yuen-Jae it became oblivious what her strategy was. “She will tire that big gaijin out. Mark my words.” This state of affairs continued for some time and the crowd began to clamour. “Hit her! Hit her in the face!” shouted the abrasive young man not specifying whom he favoured in the pit. It was a sentiment that was representative of his fellow spectators and barring Yuen-Jae and her group they yelled out their frustrations. The overwhelming majority had backed Olga, believing Lucy to be no match for her and now after some twenty minutes of stalemate their anger grew louder. Again and again Olga lashed out to no avail. Lucy almost casually avoided her opponent’s assaults and having noticed Olga’s declining stamina risked making a few strikes herself. It was only at this point that the Ukrainian managed a decisive blow on Lucy and the crowd cheered gleefully on hearing her cry of pain. The girl stumbled and fell against the near side of the cage. Yuen-Jae gripped the metal railing tightly. “Come on Lucy! Come on girl! Stay strong!” As if in response to Yuen-Jae’s quiet entreaty Lucy leapt, spun and round-house-kicked the advancing Olga on the chin! The spectators gasped and a few seconds of silence fell. Some even applauded, marvelled by the reality-transcending speed of Lucy’s agile manoeuvre. “Oh my God, oh my God! Did you see that?” wailed the young American to Min who, of everybody there, was the only one unimpressed. Olga’s confidence seemed to waver and of the two fighters she looked visibly exhausted. Lucy resorted to her earlier tactic of hit and run. The Ukrainian’s efforts to redress the match were increasingly fatigued and while she inflicted several solid blows on Lucy she received double that as her guard dropped. Despondent and shattered Olga resorted to chasing Lucy down. In the narrow confines of the pit it was foolishly disastrous. Nimble and quick Lucy evaded her with an artistic nonchalance that drew wide applause from above. Yuen-Jae grinned with admiration. “She’s going to win!” “Looks like it,” conceded Choi-Yei. And she did. Forty-five minutes into the show down Olga was rooted to the middle of the ring, flailing pathetically at anything that moved. Choosing her moment, Lucy swept in with her tiny feet and uprooted the big Slav, sending her clattering backwards onto the harsh canvas. This skilful, unexpected coup de grace sent the crowd into an ecstatic frenzy. Even those who had backed the Ukrainian applauded and expressed their praise for Lucy’s crafty yet decisive performance. The announcer stepped in and declared Akuma the victor: the bout was over. Lucy did not appear to be surprised when Yuen-Jae caught up with her at the bar afterwards. She had changed clothes and was enjoying a well-earned cold drink when Yuen-Jae covered her eyes from behind. “Guess who,” whispered Yuen-Jae. “Let me see,” said Lucy, not the least bit surprised. “Lustful voice. North American accent, slight dialectic tones of northern Korea and central Asia. Perfectly manicured nails, fragranced skin that’s soft to the touch. Gee, that could only be one person I know.” Yuen-Jae took her hands away and turned Lucy round to face her. “Yuen-Jae! Who else?” “You’re amazing!” squealed Yuen-Jae. “How did you know it was me?” “I saw you from the pit,” said Lucy, inadvertently making Yuen-Jae feel stupid. “You should have told me you were here!” “Didn’t you get my note?” “I did, yes. I should have called you.” “And I should have called you but as you can I’ve been busy,” said Lucy gesturing around her. “Now I see how you easily stomped that wimp in Sapporo: you’ve been pit fighting.” “It’s just a hobby,” said Lucy unabashedly. “Just a hobby? Lucy you were unbelievable. Some of the moves you made defied physics!” “It just comes with practice.” “I wish I could fight like that.” “I’d be happy to give you some pointers.” “Really?” “Sure, when are you free?” “God alone knows. I’m busy with work and will have to go London soon.” “London? Why?” “My Dad needs my help with something there. I think he wants to open a casino on top of some skyscraper.” “Sounds cool! I love London.” “Well I don’t. It sucks!” “Oh it’s not so bad. Let me know when you are going. I’d like to take a trip there.” “I’d like that,” beamed Yuen-Jae. If Lucy was going the prospect of London did not seem so bad after all. “What about me YJ? Would you like it if I came too?” The voice came from the bar. Its owner had her back to Yuen-Jae but there was something disconcertingly familiar about its arrogant tone. Yuen-Jae’s heart went red hot when she saw the ominous streak of long pink hair. The woman turned her head and fixed her malice-ridden eyes on Yuen-Jae. The young Korean grabbed Lucy and stepped back. “Min!” called Yuen-Jae. Her bodyguard responded with alacrity and when Min noticed that the reason for her summons was the woman with pink hair even she seemed taken aback and a brief glimmer of worried surprise appeared on her face. “Stay close boss,” warned Min. The woman at the bar laughed. “What do you want Pearl?” demanded Yuen-Jae. “I was going to have another screwdriver.” She pointed a long bony finger at the bar. “Want one?” “We don’t drink with cowards,” said Yuen-Jae. “No. You drink with murderers,” said Pearl, winking at Min. “Not to mention midgets.” This jibe was aimed at Lucy but the girl displayed no visible reaction. Yuen-Jae by contrast was enraged. “Fuck you Pearl! Get out of here!” Pearl smiled in response and took another sip of her drink. “I didn’t realise it was your club Yuen-Jae. We are not in one of your father’s dens in Kazak. You can’t give orders here child. Remember that before you open that sewer of yours.” Yuen-Jae was ready to fight but Min put a commanding hand on her shoulder and pulled her back. “Boss. Not here,” she said quietly. “Not here.” “I asked you what you want Pearl,” said Yuen-Jae flustered. “Just saying ‘hi’ dear but it seems you don’t want to talk.” “You tried to kill me!” said Yuen-Jae. “Me personally?” “Yes!” “When?” “When?” scoffed Yuen-Jae. “You know dam well! Your boys in Sapporo came for us and you machine gunned my house two months ago!” “I was in Hong Kong two months ago Yuen-Jae. It can’t have been me. Must have been someone else your family’s pissed off.” “Fuck you!” “I know you would like to Yuen-Jae but to be honest I’d prefer Min or this little hobbit girl of yours.” Min had to exert herself to pull back Yuen-Jae. “She has two guns and her guards are watching us boss. We have to go. Right now!” Pearl waited smugly to see what Yeun-Jae would do. “Pay heed to your dog, Yuen-Jae,” she said. “Let’s find Choi and get out,” ranted Yuen-Jae, storming away. Min and Lucy promptly followed. “How rude,” said Pearl. No one had paid any attention to the stand off between Yuen-Jae and Pearl. The clubbers were drunk, stoned or absorbed in their own quarrels, banter and small talk. Min quickly snatched a grateful though drunk Choi-Yei from the flailing arms of the same young American who had earlier tried his luck with the Burmese and led by Yuen-Jae the four women stormed out of the establishment. Yuen-Jae did not want to go straight home. She had Min drive them to a quiet terrace that overlooked the ocean. Leaving her bodyguard and an intoxicated Choi-Yei in the car she brought Lucy to sit with her on a wooden picnic table. “That encounter has thoroughly depressed me,” admitted Yuen-Jae. Lucy said nothing. She seemed content to listen. “At least you’re still here,” said Yuen-Jae. Lucy smiled. “That bitch Pearl. Stupid cow. She reminded me of all that’s wrong in my life. Not by what she said but her very presence there, you know?” “I think so,” said Lucy. “I mean I never wanted come back to America. Now the worst aspect of my life in Kazak is here too! It’s like the devil’s following me wherever I go. London will be no different. Dad’s so-called legitimate businesses….” Yuen-Jae’s voice trailed off in despair. “Frustration huh?” offered Lucy softly. “Frustration is right,” said Yuen-Jae, taking hold of Lucy’s hand. “Then there’s my hubby. If he knew I liked girls I don’t know what he’d do.” “Angry?” “At first, probably. He’d say I misled him and his family. Then he’d go quiet, feeling sorry for himself. After that he’d just laugh and crack some lame joke about allowing him to watch us do it. Bastard.” “Is he that bad?” asked Lucy. “I guess it could have been worse. He could have farted in bed.” Lucy laughed softly. “That would be evil,” she said. “Indeed it would.” The pair sat silently for a while. “If my mom had not died my life would have been so different. She would have kept an eye on me and Jin, that’s my sister. She would have kept us right, guided us. My Dad’s great. He gives me anything I want, always has. Except….” “Except?” “Except for affection. Real affection I mean. When he is concerned its like he is putting on a show.” “I see,” said Lucy. “This was my mom’s city, you know? She was born here. Dad used to tell us he had brought back an angel from a city full of them. It always makes me smile.” “What’s next for you?” asked Lucy after sensitively allowing a brief pause following Yuen-Jae’s mild outpouring. Yuen-Jae set her hazel eyes on a carving on the wooden table. Todd lurves Candy 77’. “I need stability,” she answered. “Simplicity. Adventure. Love.” She tightened her grip on Lucy’s hand. “Is there a future for us Lucy?” “It’s possible.” “You sound like a guy. Just be honest.” Lucy brought her free hand to her friend’s chin, perched her thumb on it and drew Yuen-Jae’s lips to hers. Her question had been answered. “I can’t bring you home now Lucy. If you want we can get a hotel but to be honest I’d like to be alone tonight.” “That is fine,” said Lucy in no way disappointed. “I feel a lot better knowing I have you and I’m so sorry I have not been in touch.” “It’s okay. I knew you were very busy.” “This is what I will do. I have decided, “said Yuen-Jae solemnly. “I will give life one last chance. I will say goodbye forever to Hyong and throw myself into work. I am rich enough as it is but need a lot more money to be fully financially secure. You won’t need to work another day in your life Lucy. If Dad doesn’t like me divorcing Hyong then tough! It’s my life, not his. I will work my ass off to show him I’m still dedicated to our businesses. And if he doesn’t like his daughter taking a female lover then, like I said: T-O-U-G-H!” “Sounds like a plan,” said Lucy. “We will have enough money to do what we want for the rest of lives. I’m not a greedy person Lucy it’s just without money you’re nothing. That’s the cold hard truth.” “Money equals power,” said Lucy. “You said it girl. And it’s bullshit what they say about money being the root of all evil. Basic human nature is essentially about greed and self-preservation. A caveman would chase another caveman for stealing his meat not for stealing his money cos’ it didn’t even exist five thousand years ago!” “I see your point Yuen-Jae. Calm down,” laughed Lucy. “Choi-Yei eh?” said Yuen-Jae, meandering to another self-indulgent topic. “Stupid cow! How many hours of my life did I waste lusting and worrying after her?” “Six hundred and thirty?” ventured Lucy jokingly. “You need not be jealous of her Lucy. After tonight she can go hang herself from the nearest tree.” “Don’t worry Yuen-Jae. I would never be jealous of someone like her. There are more worthy people to envy.” “You don’t need to envy anyone Lucy! You must earn a fortune pit-fighting.” “It’s true that the money is phenomenally high but I don’t do it for cash. I do it because I love fighting.” “You know Lucy, even if it doesn’t work out between us I’d like you to train me. If all else fails in my life I throw everything away I fight in the pit just like you!” “You’re sure about that?” “I am. I’ve never been more sure of anything in my entire life! I’d ask you to show me some moves now if I wasn’t so damn tired.” “You sound so full of despair Yuen-Jan and yet you have so many options in life. You’re still so young,” said Lucy. “I’m twenty-one yet I feel a hundred. And what are you talking about? You’re young too!” “Not as young as I used to be but unlike you I had no choices in life. I was directed down one route and can never turn back on it even if I tried.” “Come on!” said Yuen-Jae as politely as possible. “I thought you were being my agony aunt, not the other way round!” The two women laughed. “I am glad you have let go of her Yuen-Jae. Promise me that if I ever ask you to let go of someone or something, you will?” “I will,” promised Yuen-Jae, giving Lucy another kiss. “It’s never healthy to cling onto an impossible dream.” “I better get home,” Yuen-Jae. “It’s after three and Hyong will be looking for me.” “Me too, I better go,” said Lucy. “Where are you staying?” asked Yuen-Jae. “We’ll drop you off.” “Don’t worry about it. I’ll walk.” “Walk? At this hour of the night? In LA? No chance Lucy! Best you come with us.” “I’ll be fine Yuen-Jae. Trust me.” Lucy cast a tender smile that extinguished Yuen-Jae’s fears for her friend’s safety. She could fight after all. “Alright,” assented Yuen-Jae. “On you go but be very careful and call me soon.” “I promise,” said Lucy. “Good girl now give me a bedtime kiss and hug.” Soon after she did so Lucy departed into the night and before Yuen-Jae finally fell asleep she wondered if Candy had loved Todd. “So doll,” said Hyong from across the breakfast table. “How was last night?” “Fine,” replied Yuen-Jae, enjoying a peanut butter roll while reading a magazine. “Where did you two go?” “We went for dinner then a club.” “Where?” “In Koreatown. That new barbeque joint.” “Like it?” “Loved it.” “Next time I will go with you. I love a good bit of meat.” “Queer!” rasped Yuen-Jae. Hyong’s lips formed a knowing grin. “Can’t speak for myself but I heard about you.” “Heard what?” “You were very close to that former guard of yours. What was her name? Choi something,” said Hyong wryly. “Yei,” said Yuen-Jae. “Yes, that’s the one.” “What about her?” “Well you remember that girl, Jin-Kim, who was here the other night?” Yuen-Jae did indeed remember the beautiful nineteen year old woman, daughter of one of Hyong’s trading partners, who had attended a dinner party he had hosted the previous Thursday. “Yes, I remember her. Nice girl.” “Well she told me that your Choi-Yei bumped into her downtown. She knew her elder sister at school or something and so got to know Jin-Kim.” “Go on,” said Yuen-Jae suspiciously. She already had a good idea where the story was going. “Well, to cut a long story short Choi-Yei propositioned her.” “Sexually?” “Of course sexually.” Yuen-Jae shrugged. “I’m not surprised. She did the same to me.” “Well what did you do?” “I accepted it.” Hyong had evidently not expected such as admission and was visibly shocked. “And she and I had sex,” said Yuen-Jae with pleasure gained more from Hyong’s reaction than the refreshing sense of honesty that poured through her. “This was when we were married?” demanded Hyong. “Before and after,” winked Yuen-Jae. Hyong looked deflated. He had been intent on teasing his wife by merely alluding to a sexual tension of sorts between Yuen-Jae and her former bodyguard but had not foreseen this revelation. His wife watched him in silence as he bowed his head, humiliated. “Anger does nothing to salvage one’s self-esteem so I will limit myself to saying this. Pack your things and get out. You have until the end of the day.” Hyong rose and walked out of the kitchen without another word. Yuen-Jae and Min duly occupied a suite in an expensive hotel. Several days later they moved in with one of Yuen-Jae’s rich and open-minded cousins whose family had earned their money along more legitimate lines but they had not been there long when Yuen-Jae received a long awaited summons. Mr Kim’s message was terse. Yuen-Jae was to be in London by the end of the week. No sooner had she been informed of this Yuen-Jae telephoned Lucy. “Lucy? Yuen-Jae. Do you want to stay at the Dorchester or Mandarin Oriental?”

London

By the time Yuen-Jae reached the top of the concrete steps she was exhausted. The hot air and bodily odours were replaced by boundless streams of traffic, noise and the scent of an unsleeping metropolis. Ahead of her loomed a sign: a thick red ‘O’ with a horizontal dark blue line through it. On the line, in white capitals, was the word ‘BANK’. “Right, Bank Station,” she sighed. “Where now?” Min emerged from the underground a few paces behind her boss and looked as unfazed and emotionless as ever. “Right, then right,” answered Min. She had memorised the map showing the way to their destination. “Why couldn’t we have been driven here?” groaned Yuen-Jae. “My feet are dying!” “Exercise is good for your long legs boss,” said Min. “Quick march!” “Hah! Listen to the army girl!” “Less talking, more walking.” They moved onto the crowded footpath thronged by office workers on their lunch breaks. “Baka!” snarled Yuen-Jae softly. The insult was aimed at the multitude rather than any particular individual as she was jostled about by people plodding downward to the thoroughfare. Min however stayed close and gently but firmly pushed Yuen-Jae on her way. Had she time to look Yuen-Jae would have seen Wellington’s statue on her left in front of the Romanesque Royal Exchange building. It marked the start of Cornhill and heading up the ancient street Yuen-Jae was relieved to see the mass of people lessen the further away they moved from the busy junction behind. She tried to remember her father’s verbal directions he had given her in a phone call to her hotel suite that morning. Find Saint Paul’s Cathedral on the tourist map. About three centimetres east you will see a triangular set of roads with Bank station clearly marked. Out of the station turn right or go straight ahead depending on the exit you choose. If in doubt look for the Duke on his horse and go the opposite way he is facing. Up that street named the Cornmill or something, past Saint Michael’s Alley Church, on until you get to Lime Street, turn LEFT this time. You do know the different between left and right Yuen-Jae? Good girl. Well, straight on and the building’s on the right. You could only miss it if you’re blind! When they reached the leftward turn the crowd had dissipated. Min took in her surroundings. “I don’t like it here,” she sniffed. “Neither do I Min but let’s get it over and done with.” “Too many brown and black people living here. Is this London or Africa?” “I don’t like it either Min but try and be discrete.” As if it had been designed to test Min’s discretion a police car halted at the traffic lights close by. The officers inside looked out at them. Min gave them a curt glare. “Fucking cop looking at me boss. Wish I had my gun.” The officer smirked at the two women as the traffic light turned green. He drove away. “No guns in socialist Britain Min,” said Yuen-Jae. “The government thinks the people here are babies. So no guns or political incorrectness. Try to make a buck, honestly or otherwise, and they’ll tax you and give your money to poor people.” “Now I hate this place. Let’s go back to LA or Kazak soon boss.” “We will once we get Dad’s new venture sorted out.” Yuen-Jae looked up at the Gherkin which abruptly loomed into view. “Impressive,” she said. Her father’s new acquisition was the talk of the family yet it was only mentioned as a footnote column in the day’s Financial Times: Korean Tycoon with new stake in Gherkin. The City reacted positively to news announced yesterday that Seoul-based entrepreneur Mr Cha-Rae Kim has purchased the 39th and 40th floors of 30 St Mary Axe. It has long been speculated that Mr Kim, 54, had acquired the much coveted floors which are the highest stories in the building popularly known as the Gherkin however official confirmation was not made until lunchtime Wednesday. Mr Kim, who operates gaming establishments in the United States, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Russia and Kazakhstan is widely tipped to convert his new premises into Britain’s first multi-purpose casino. The move is also anticipated to attract a number of Kim’s associated accounting and consultancy firms to invest heavily in the City. Supporters of Kim’s takeover cite the prospect of job creation, increased taxation revenue for the Exchequer and a likely increase in so-called gaming-tourism to London, benefits attributable to the UK’s relaxed anti-gambling laws that were passed last year. However the head of Britain’s Anti-Gambling Movement Sir Morris Heuton cited articles in the The Los Angeles Times concerning Mr Kim’s alleged ties with the Korean underworld in Kazakhstan as grounds to veto the deal. The pair explained their business at the vast reception area, were duly frisked by security and politely told where they could find the lifts. “That woman was lesbian,” said Min. “Who?” asked Yuen-Jae as she pressed the button for the thirty-ninth floor. “Small fat one with yellow hair.” “She was just searching you Min and remember to behave yourself!” cautioned Yuen-Jae. Min crossed her arms. “I will!” she said. “These Brits may be polite when it suits them but they are still spooked by seven-seven and that airbus crash last February so don’t whatever you do piss them off or attract unwanted attention, clear?” “Clear boss,” yawned Min. Yuen-Jae nodded and leaned back onto the wall. So far London had not been too bad. At least she had a friend arriving soon. Simply by thinking of Lucy brought easeful calmness to her frantic mind. The lift doors pinged open and Yuen-Jae found herself looking into the startled eyes of her sister. “Jin!” “Yuen-Jae!” The two hugged while Min strutted out of the lift without so much as a visual acknowledgement to her opposite number Hie who stood nearby. Next to greet Yuen-Jae was her father whom she had not laid eyes on since leaving Astana many weeks before. Despite their frequent clashes Yuen-Jae was delighted to see him. “Ah bu ji!” “Daughter!” The initial banter was comical and friendly but once out of the way Mr Kim pressed Yuen-Jae for news of her husband. “What of Hyong? I trust you reconciled?” When Yuen-Jae’s brow creased and her mouth pouted out a restrained sigh of frustration Mr Kim knew the answer. “Well,” he said, “at least you tried but I am still sorely disappointed. Your mother would be too were she alive.” Yuen-Jae had mentally rehearsed all verbal comebacks to her father’s inevitable dissatisfaction but the mention of her mother sent them crumbling from her mind. “I did try Dad. Honestly I tried.” “Well, I believe you Yuen-Jae. Perhaps it was better that your marriage failed early rather than say ten years from now when you would have had children and all the pain divorce would have incurred on them.” “That’s what I was thinking too. We will get you another man Yuen-Jae. A good full-blooded Korean this time, not a California mongrel. What matters though is that we still have good business ties with Hyong’s family.” Yuen-Jae had to bite her lip in order to hold back a retort. Life, whether love, marriage or pleasure, always came down to the bottom financial line for her father. Again it was neither the time nor place to argue with him. “Speaking of business I have a little errand for you.” Yuen-Jae had not relished her assignment as temporary chauffeur. She always loved to drive but only on the open, lawless roads skirting Astana or the broad boulevards of Los Angeles yet to cross London in a jeep at rush hour took its psychological toll. Now she and Min stood waiting in Heathrow’s Terminal Five arrivals lobby waiting for Dad’s associate. It was likely some swarthy old buddy of his from Seoul whose inane banter Yuen-Jae would have to tolerate on the long, slow drive back across London to the City. The passenger was due on a flight from LA but in her haste to get the job done Yuen-Jae had rushed off without getting the person’s details. Min stood with one hand on her side and the other pressing a mobile phone to her ear. She had been endeavouring to contact Jin or Mr Kim to ascertain who the passenger was. The phone had been playing up on their journey to the airport meaning they were both still none the wiser as to who they were to collect. “Perhaps we should just make a sign,” joked Yuen-Jae. “Yeah, put ‘hey stupid asshole I’m sick of waiting’ on it.” “I might just do that Min,” said Yuen-Jae carefully surveying the face of each traveller descending the escalators. Her gaze strayed to the end of the queue. Someone was having difficulty descending the steps running parallel to the escalator. She could not see their face or body as they were shielded by an obtuse fat man who waded down the steps in no great hurry. Yuen-Jae watched in amusement as he descended and at the second he passed her heart tried to leap up her throat! There, behind him, walked Lucy. Yuen-Jae called out her name and bounded over to her. “What a pleasant shock!” said Yuen-Jae. The shocks did not end there. After a lengthy embrace Lucy produced her credentials which stated she had arrived in London at the request of her new client Mr Cha-Rae Kim to serve as a freelance consultant for the interior design of his new casino. Yuen-Jae sat with Lucy in the back seat of the jeep as Min waded it through the busy traffic. “It all happened so quickly I did not get a chance to tell you I was coming Yuen-Jae.” “Hey it’s alright. Me and Min are staying at the Mandarin like you suggested.” “So am I!” said Lucy. “Courtesy of your father.” “Wow this is great,” said Yuen-Jae, ecstatic. “We can be together all the time you are here.” “Sounds perfect,” said Lucy. “Since when did you do interior design?” “It’s just another source of income,” replied Lucy. “On top of pit fighting,” laughed Yuen-Jae. “You’re gonna have to train me like you promised.” “I will, very soon.” When they arrived back at the premises for the second time that day it was dark but those on the upper most floors had not gone home for the day. Workmen and some colleagues of Mr Kim remained to finalise building plans and enjoy the view of central London at night. Yuen-Jae’s father welcomed Lucy with enthusiastic warmth. “This young woman is a genius! I have not known her long but her advice has saved me millions of dollars. The man who marries her will be very lucky indeed yet it’s such a shame she is not Korean then we could marry her into the family!” “Heck I’d marry her,” said Yuen-Jae. “Lucile, do you see how my little girl teases me?” said Mr Kim “Sometimes though it is better to have a foreigner as a confidant as family can take you for granted and let you down.” His words no doubt hinted to Yuen-Jae’s marriage but his daughter did not answer back: Lucy’s calming influence reigned over her. Mr Kim had arranged adjoining suites for them at the hotel and Yuen-Jae’s fears of a dismal time in London became extinct as she and her girlfriend immersed themselves in each other. “It’s all coming together.” Lucy’s low voice wafted across the warm bedding and caressed Yuen-Jae’s ears. “That was good,” said Yuen-Jae. She felt Lucy wrap an arm over her body and pull herself closer. “What’s coming together?” “Everything.” Lucy and Yuen-Jae went to the building every day to oversee the work. It was progressing quickly and was on schedule for the casino’s grand opening night. Mr Kim was back and forth from LA to help with the preparation but he and Jin were mostly off the scene. His older brother Dak, the head of the family, a dry, swarthy-headed old North Korean came along and gave his sullen approval to the venture. Yuen-Jae gave little thought to him and all the chaotic goings on at the premises. She was more interested in spending time with Lucy and frequently neglected her duties relating to the casino’s security measures. One afternoon an unexpected visitor arrived in the hotel looking for Yuen-Jae. It was at the end of the working day when she, Lucy and Min arrived back to find Choi-Yei waiting in the lavish lobby. “Oh f…….” mouthed Yuen-Jae when she laid eyes on her. Choi-Yei was on her feet and had her arms around her friend before the expletive left Yuen-Jae’s lips. Minutes later they were in her bedroom where Yuen-Jae got the full story. Lucy and Min lingered in the lounge, opting to give them privacy. “I missed you a lot Yuen-Jae,” sobbed Choi-Yei. “I had to see you. Also Pearl’s men were after me. They know our history.” “Blackmail,” said Yuen-Jae. “Huh?” “Blackmail. They catch you and threaten to kill you in return for business concessions from my family. If I refuse they will tell everyone about what we did.” “I’d figured as much and that’s why I came here.” Yuen-Jae threw her ex a suspicious glare. “And I missed you so much Yuen!” continued Choi-Yei in reaction to this cold look. “We’re like yin and yang.” Placated, Yuen-Jae seemed to assent to Choi-Yei’s unwelcome presence. “You’re outta work I take it?” “Not exactly. I’ve still a big income from my uncle’s casinos. I just want to be bored here.” “Well,” said Yuen-Jae, weighing up her options. “It is good to see you but you can’t stay here. I’m with Lucy now and that’s not going to change.” Choi-Yei did not appear very upset but her eyes watered slightly. “That’s okay,” she said. “And if you want something to do then you can help me handle security at my Dad’s new place.” “Really?” asked Choi-Yei, touched by the offer. “Really.” “Oh thanks Yuen-Jae! Thanks so much!” Choi-Yei’s subsequent embrace was long and tight. “Gosh,” said Yuen-Jae, easing her away. “You trying to hug me to death?” Choi-Yei released her. “Sorry! But I’m just so grateful.” “Giving menial work to a fellow multi-millionaire, eh? I must be getting soft.” Choi-Yei extended a hand and squeezed Yuen-Jae’s knee. “It will just like the old days in Astana.” “No it won’t,” said Yuen-Jae, putting Choi-Yei’s hand to one side. “Let’s set some boundaries. I am with Lucy now, Understood? You and I are friends only. Nothing more. Okay?” “Okay,” said Choi-Yei. She withdrew the offending hand and bowed her head. The grand opening night was approaching. A date for the casino’s launch had been set months before and its looming arrival burnt into Yuen-Jae’s mind. Lucy had produced a modern, minimalist architectural layout combining old world charm and a taste of the far-east. It was all set off in sombre tones of earthly red and brown mixed with peachy cream shades as well as ornate oriental carvings and décor. Mr Kim was delighted with the end result. “It’s like a ten-star hotel!” he said, praising Lucy’s creativity. “The Saudi’s will love it!” A suitable amount of shapely, voluptuous hostesses from all around the world had been carefully selected by both Mr Kim and Yuen-Jae. The gaming machines were installed, the massive bar amply stocked and the coffers were ready to suck up the gamblers money. Everything was ready. At long last the day dawned. Yuen-Jae woke early for she had a long schedule ahead. She foreswore her usual tomboyish attire in favour of a formal evening dress and cast loose her long hair. Her day began by guiding an excited group of journalists and photographers around the premises and answering their sub-standard, clichéd questions about what benefits the casino would bring so she spieled off a script on how it would boost London’s economy, create jobs and so on. Once they were politely told that the tour was over Min, Hie and Choi-Yei escorted them off the premises while Yuen-Jae helped some staff members make final preparations. A number of guests, mainly from her family would attend the opening night which was intended to be a more private affair. Later in the week the high rollers would descend from as far away as Moscow, Dubai and Las Vegas. Another few weeks of London and Yuen-Jae would be free. She had promised herself that once set loose by her father she would waste no time by immediately going to Hawaii with Lucy at her side so she went online and booked two business class seats and two week in an ocean-side villa in Oahu. Eight days from now, she vowed, Lucy and her would be lying on the beach in each other’s arms. “Did you hear those stupid gaijin assholes Lucy?” “What’s wrong?” “Those idiots,” said Yuen-Jae, feigning a smile and giving a wave as the last journalist crossed the lift’s threshold. “Talking complete garbage to me!” “About what?” asked Lucy, concerned. “About all this!” exclaimed Yuen-Jae angrily. “The casino, the design, what a big new casino will mean for London!” Lucy laughed. Yuen-Jae had faked a crude cockney accent for the concluding segment of her complaint. “You okay for tonight hun?” Her tone had switched to quiet seriousness. “You bet,” answered Lucy. “I think it will be a night to remember.” Yuen-Jae peered around to ensure no one was watching. Coast clear, she put a long arm around Lucy and gave her a kiss. “It will. I’ll make sure of it.” And so the fickle drudgery, as construed by Yuen-Jae’s mind, continued. First came the final arrangements for the light show with its accompanying balloons and confetti were carefully stored in a discrete netting right below the conical glass ceiling. The caterers prepared their buffet treats and drinks while Choi-Yei finalised the minimalist security arrangements. Much later when all the guests chatted and picked at the food Yuen-Jae leant against a metal beam by the wall. Suddenly she noticed Min at her side. The Burmese girl looked out of place and uncomfortable in her plain brown gown. “Hate this,” she said. “You look good Min,” smiled Yuen-Jae. “Don’t like.” “A dress suits you Min. You should wear one more often.” Min rolled her eyes. “Boring party too. Nothing happen.” “It’s just getting started Min. Be patient. You like any of the hostesses?” “Whores!” scowled Min. “Well if you want one just let me know.” “Don’t want any boss, just wanna go home.” “We’ll go to Astana after we get back from Hawaii. You’re coming too, remember?” “Don’t mean Astana.” “Well I don’t ever want to return to LA Min, sorry.” “Don’t mean LA.” “Where then?” “I mean my own country.” “Burma?” “Burma, Myanmar, whatever.” “You’re serious?” Min nodded. “It’s my country. Not here, America or Kazak country. Sorry boss, I must go home. It is the place I belong in.” Yuen-Jae was moved by Min’s words. Never did she think her long time bodyguard would ever want to return to the poverty and corruption of her third world nation but Min was solemnly adamant. “If you go I will miss you Min.” “Me also. I will miss my sexy boss girl who didn’t want me as girlfriend.” “There’s someone for everyone,” said Yuen-Jae, putting an arm on Min’s shoulder. “I’ve found my soul mate and you will find yours.” “That prick Vang pinched my ass,” complained Jin. “Well pinch his back dear,” said Yuen-Jae. “Life’s too short.” “Hey Dad!” “Hey daughter, now what have you been doing?” “Mingling.” “Just as I have. Tell me this, who are those two over there by the door?” Mr Kim pointed to a pair of pensive-looking Asian men who stood by the entrance. Both wore dark glasses and the taller one on the right seemed oddly familiar to her. “I’ve no idea, don’t you know them?” “If I did I would not ask girl! Go and get your Min to throw them out, they are poorly dressed.” “Gladly,” said Yuen-Jae. Choi-Yei intercepted her halfway to the door. “Hey!” “Hey! Choi, get rid of those two guys.” “What two?” “Those two at the door. Who are they?” “No idea,” said Choi-Yei, looking round at the pair. “You are supposed to be guarding this place Choi!” said Yuen-Jae indignantly. “Now get over there and get them out!” “Hie!” called Choi-Yei. “I didn’t ask Hie, I asked you Choi, now do it!” Yuen-Jae could have swung for the girl but resisted the temptation. Choi-Yei looked at her with hurtful disappointment. “Chill out, okay? I’ll do it.” Choi-Yei turned and went to the door. Yuen-Jae looked around for Lucy. She was on the upper level talking to someone. “Lucy!” Her girlfriend did not hear her amidst the ambient noise so Yuen-Jae marched to the spiral stair at the far side of the floor. She was about a third of the way up it when she heard what sounded like a series of champagne corks popping. It was too early for opening the bottles, the guests weren’t drunk enough. Someone from below screamed. Peering back down her heart lurched frantically in her chest. The guests had withdrawn to the perimeter of the room and the same pair of men who had irked her father advanced slowly to the centre of the chamber. Their hands held Uzis. “Dad!” For a second she saw Jin and her father back peddling to safety. In a blurred motion Hie leapt forward and unfurled a handgun at the intruders. It was bizarre to see the attractive girl in a blue cocktail dress react so but Yuen-Jae’s sense of unnerve increased when what seemed like puffs of red dust explode inside Hie as the young woman yelled and crashed onto the floor. She looked back at the two men. Another two, similarly clad, had joined them. One of them was Cha and in his hand he held the smoking gun that had felled Hie. “Min!” roared Yuen-Jae. Her personal guard was somewhere on the upper level but amidst the screams and general chaos Yuen-Jae could not see Min. She scrambled up the stairs but panicked guests from below pushed past her. Enraged, Yuen-Jae easily caught up and pulled them out of her way. All the while the situation below quietened abruptly as the invaders gained control. She continued surging up the stairs and came to the top. Min was poised with her handgun, pointing it in a direction only slightly askew to Yuen-Jae’s position. Her bodyguard saw her and dropped the gun in surrender for Yuen-Jae turned to see another such weapon aimed directly at her heart. The back of her neck felt suddenly numb and a wave of exhaustion seeped down her body from head as her knees fell against the cold floor. Yuen-Jae woke and saw Min looking at her with whatever passed for tenderness in her guard’s eyes. “Sorry boss.” “Sorry?” asked Yuen-Jae. The pain in her head echoed forcefully at the utterance. “I failed.” Before she could enquire further Yuen-Jae prised herself up. By her side was a distraught Jin. Next to her sat her father. Choi-Yei sat crouched and rueful. They were in a small storeroom off a corridor next to the open casino area. Cha grinned when Yuen-Jae laid eyes on him. His arms nursed an Uzi. “Those were some moves you and your beast showed back in Sapporo but they got you nowhere doll.” Before he could goad her further in waltzed Pearl. “Hey guys,” she said pleasantly. “The rest of them are stashed on the empty floor. This all of them?” “Yes,” answered Cha. “We’ll keep them down there until we’re ready.” “Ready for what?” demanded Yuen-Jae whose energy appeared to have been defiantly renewed by Pearl’s very presence. The woman ignored her and walked up to the dazed Mr Kim. She stooped to his eye level and smiled she got his weary attention. “How have you keeping sir?” she asked. In reply he flung her an icy glare that in spite of his shock caused Cha to take an involuntarily instinctive step back. Pearl however did not bat an eyelid. “You’d be better off downstairs with your acolytes pops,” said Pearl. “Cha get someone to haul him to his feet and unceremoniously drag him downstairs.” Cha duly beckoned one of the invaders who came in and helped Mr Kim to his feet before escorting his limply away. “Where are you taking him?” screamed Yuen-Jae. “Out through the door,” replied Pearl calmly. “Now Yuen-Jae, or YJ as you like to be called, in answer to your question, ‘what am I doing here?’ I am talking to you but of course you meant why am I in London and why have I taken your family hostage. Well its so simply even Min the hulk could work it out. Hostages equals money. More equals power. Power equals fun. Fun equals happiness and happiness is the ultimate human aspiration. So I will be needing your Dad there to hand over the bulk of his establishments including this one for knock down fees so I can take over. You can keep one or two of the shitty ones in Macau and Astana but I want the rest agreed?” Yuen-Jae had to wearily process Pearl’s speedy words but when she finally understood her answer was no. “We’ve packed the thirty-eighth floor with explosives. That’s where your Dad and all his guests are so if you don’t agree….” Pearl parted her hands dramatically. “Boom! I’ll give you five minutes.” “How did you get explosives here? Its bullshit!” stated Yuen-Jae. “No it isn’t,” said Pearl. “The Brits would never let them slip by. You’re lying.” “We got explosives into the UK YJ, believe me.” “How?” “Ingenuity. Your five minutes start now.” “Forget it,” said Yuen-Jae. “I refuse.” “Cha!” snapped Pearl. “Take Jin upstairs and throw her off the roof.” Cha advanced on Jin and grabbed her roughly by the wrist. “No!” yelled Yuen-Jae. Min had to hold her back. “Let go off me you bastard!” snarled Jin as she was pulled out of the storeroom. “Now, Choi-Yei,” said Pearl. “Up you get.” “You leave her alone!” ordered Yuen-Jae. Pearl reached out a hand and tenderly stroked Choi-Yei’s chin. “I’ve big plans for you my girl,” she said. “Get your hands off her!” “Why are you so jealous YJ? I thought you held her in disdain. You have your new girl anyway, that diminutive little shibal.” At this Choi-Yei’s lips began to form a smile, a smile signifying pleasure at Pearl’s tactile administering. Yuen-Jae looked at her carefully, a nauseous unease welling within her. Choi-Yei put her arms around Pearl slowly, rested her head on her chest and turned to look at Yuen-Jae. “Choi?” “She has been very useful to me over the past few years YJ. She told me all about you and her, all about you and Zukina, Hyong and Lucy. If it hadn’t been for her why none of this would have been possible,” said Pearl, indicating the takeover of the casino. “I trusted you Choi!” wailed YJ. “Good thing you put her in charge of security otherwise we’d never had obtained the Gherkin’s access codes,” said Pearl. “Yeah. I did good didn’t I?” said Choi. Yuen-Jae was about to dash towards the pair of them and do all within her power to kill them but once again Min restrained her. “Good dog Min. Woof woof! Keep thy mistress at bay,” laughed Pearl. “How could you do this to me Choi?” stammered Yuen-Jae. “People will do anything for love or money Yuen,” answered Choi-Yei. Yuen-Jae scowled at Pearl. “You don’t get into bed with the devil unless you are going to have sex,” added Choi-Yei. “And let’s face it Yuen, you’re no good in the sack!” “The raid in Sapporo. You set it up to try and kidnap us and when it failed….” “When it failed,” interrupted Pearl, “we arranged tonight’s get together.” “Zukina is dead because of you Choi-Yei!” said Yuen-Jae. Choi-Yei shrugged. “There are many dead because of her. She was as cold-blooded as your uncle Yuenn-Jae!” “She was your friend and so was I!” screamed Yuen-Jae through her tears. “We could debate these ethics all night,” sighed Pearl, raising a hand. “But we won’t. “I am going to have a chat with your father Yuen-Jae. You and Min stay here and physically comfort one another. I’d be tempted to have a go with her myself but I don’t do animals. See you!” Hand in hand the pair strutted out as Min growled. Another guard commanding an Uzi appeared at the door and watched them. No words of fury or hurt could do justice to Yuen-Jae’s feeling of betrayal and self-recrimination. She buried her head in Min’s arms and wept. Her bodyguard said nothing. She felt as bad as her boss having not foreseen such a devastating intrusion by Pearl and her men. “Don’t blame yourself Min,” said Yuen-Jae, sensing her thoughts. “The bastards were too quick, too fast.” “Next time I see Pearl boss, I will break her neck.” “No you won’t. I will!” An uncertain period of time trudged by. Yuen-Jae rested her head against Min waiting for what would happen. It could mean the end of their comfortable way of life. Pearl’s act had been reckless. It jeopardised not just Yuen-Jae’s family businesses but Pearl’s own interests. There could be no doubt that the British authorities were already alert to a dangerous situation that was playing out at 30 St Mary Axe. The consequences would be painfully dire but they could wait. All Yuen-Jae was focused on was destroying Pearl, her mercenaries and their plans. Only at that point did she remember her girl Lucy. “Lucy! Where is she?” “Boss, stay calm,” said Min. From below them came a heavy and resounding thud. It was followed by a tremor that rocked the floor. The guard watching over them slipped and fell on his back. In what seemed a solitary movement of astonishing speed Min leapt toward him, scoped up his gun and delivered a bullet to his chest. Despite the trauma she felt Yuen-Jae beheld Min with disbelieving gratitude. “Brilliant Min!” she said. “Brillaint!” Yuen-Jae rose. She felt the tide was turning. Min gathered a revolver from the dead guard’s trouser pocket and threw it to Yuen-Jae. “Let’s find Pearl but remember Min, no one kills her but me!” They crept stealthily back down the corridor and came to the level where they could look down onto the casino below. There was not a trace of Pearl or her men but the sounds of screaming from further down were clearly audible to Yuen-Jae. “Jin! Dad!” she said. “Come on Min!” “No boss, wait and see. That sounded like a boom!” “We need to find them Min!” Movement was heard below. It came from the fire escape stairwell and Yuen-Jae watched and saw her sister emerge and stumble back into the casino. “Jin!” Ignoring Min’s cries she raced down the metal spiral stair and came to her sister’s side. “Are you okay, where’s Dad?” Jin, visibly shocked, her face marked by the stains of tears, said nothing. “Jin!” coaxed her sister. “Tell me what happened.” “The whole room blew up.” Jin’s voice was as far away as the look in her eyes. “What?” “There was fire. Pearl’s men were shouting and shooting. Most of our people escaped.” “Where’s Dad?” asked Yuen-Jae anxiously. “They escaped down the stairs. I was trapped by the fire and came back here. We can’t get down Yuen-Jae. We’re trapped!” “Dad? What about Dad?” “He got away. We got separated but I saw the people pull her back. He was shouting our names. He wanted to save us. They dragged him to safety downstairs. It’s just us and Pearl’s men on this side now.” “Lucy? Where is she?” “No idea.” “We’ll get out of this sis,” said Yuen-Jae reassuringly. “They have another bomb.” “Never mind that.” “They meant to hold us all hostage.” “We will get out of this, now come upstairs with me.” Min darted to their side and took up a defensive posture by the stairwell. Voices were heard approaching and a thick stream of smoke billowed up from the lower floors. “They are coming,” said Min. “We’ll pick them off as they enter Min,” said Yuen-Jae. “Then we can escape.” “You can’t go that way Yuen,” whined Jin. “They fire cut off the stairs!” “Then we will go to the roof and try to get help. There’s still time. Min!” The three retreated to one of the gaming tables. “Go up there boss,” said Min, signifying the upper level. “I will shoot them with this and you use yours. If I’m hit you can still escape.” “No Min, we all stay together.” The Burmese girl shook her head. “No boss I must disobey.” “Min! Upstairs now!” Min was steadfast. “You hire me to protect you so I protect you. If it means I die then I die. Go.” Yuen-Jae was in tears. “I should have picked you as my girlfriend Min,” she said. “Maybe you still can but you need to go there now. If we shoot them from two places, harder for them to know what to aim at.” Yuen-Jae pushed her sister up the metal steps, gave Min a quick hug then went to the upper level. “What did she mean by choosing her as your girlfriend?” “Never mind that now Jin. Move!” The voices of Pearl’s men could be heard remonstrating and arguing with each other and they were fast approaching. Yuen-Jae lay on her belly and aimed the handgun at the entrance. Jin slinked down beside her. “Tell me!” she insisted. “I don’t have time Jin. We could still be killed! Go and find a phone and get the Brit cops here!” Even amidst that deadly crisis Jin’s sisterly machinations were not to be superseded if it meant goading Yuen-Jae. “Are you les? Are you bi?” she whispered knowingly. “Never fucking mind,” growled Yuen-Jae. “I can’t believe you’re asking me this!” “I just want to know! We shouldn’t die with secrets between us. Mom wouldn’t have wanted it.” Yuen-Jae’s temper soared but the invocation of their mother soothed her. For Jin mentioning her banished the wilful fickleness of discovering her sister’s secret and the smirk on her face disappeared. “I like girls,” said Yuen-Jae quietly. “Happy?” Jin nodded. “Let’s wipe these guys out!” Six men, accompanied by Cha entered the casino and took grateful breathes of the cleaner air that in itself was gradually filling with smoke. “Where’s Pearl?” asked Jin in a curious whisper. “Hush!” reprimanded Yuen-Jae. “She’ll be here.” Yuen-Jae saw Min give her a signal. “This is it sis,” said Yuen-Jae, readying the gun. Min flung off the Uzi’s safety catch, stretched out her arm and squeezed the trigger. Three of the men wobbled and fell as they were struck as the smoky air competed with the dust-like puffs of body. Cha yelled something in Korean and he and a lackey dived for cover. Yuen-Jae’s aim was good and she easily took out the two startled furthermost men. “See Zukina?” she said to herself. “I can be ruthless.” Min rose and sprung to a new location. Ducking behind another gaming table she discharged a barrage of bullets in the direction of Cha. Yuen-Jae followed suit. The lackey panicked, get up and bounded for the exit. Min dispatched him with a single shot before he even made four paces. The influx of smoke heightened and Yuen-Jae began to taste it. “Min!” she yelled. “Roof!” This time her bodyguard obeyed. Min sprinted to the spiral stair and ascended. At that moment Jin screamed. Yuen-Jae turned and a flat, heavy boot smashed into her face. The ensuing seconds were nightmarish. Her head hot with pain, Yuen-Jae saw Min come to the top step. She raised the Uzi and aimed it. A popping sound was heard but it had not come from Min’s weapon. Then, like Hie before her, Min paused, grimaced and clutched her belly with her free hand. The fabric of her gown became red as she pressed against the wound. Min fell on her knees, breathing heavily. “Cha, get up here. We’re free!” Pearl’s voice. No doubt about it. She towered over Yuen-Jae and held Jin by her long hair. “Hold her Choi!” she ordered a weary looking Choi-Yei who took hold of Jin. Cha clattered up the stairs. He laughed when he saw the situation. “That was close chief,” he said, wiping his brow. “It’s only us three now Cha. Help me get them to the roof then you can go.” “How’d you get up here,” he asked. “Secondary fire escape. You don’t know this building very well do you Yuen-Jae? Now, on your feet!” Cha forced her to rise. “What about the guard dog?” he asked, referring to Min. “It would be a mercy to kill it but I’d rather it died slowly. Come on!” They came to the foot of another that skirted the interior of the triangular dome at the very top of the building. Cha motioned for the two women to ascend. Pearl and Choi-Yei went ahead with Jin while he took charge of Yuen-Jae. “So you are just going to blow us all up Pearl. Great plan!” said Yuen-Jae. “Yep!” said Cha, patting the briefcase. “I’ve another warhead in here.” “This battle has ended as a draw Yuen-Jae,” said Pearl. “Although a costly one it will wound your Dad. He will react with anger and fear and start a long, secret war of attrition; a war that I will win!” “Pathetic!” scoffed Yuen-Jae. “Say whatever words of defiance you want to Yuen-Jae. Soon it will not matter.” Yuen-Jae decided to halt and fight. She and Jin may well be shot yet that was a more worthy end than being locked out on the roof and incinerated. Jin would have to accept her elder sister’s decision to go down fighting. But Yuen-Jae did not have to do anything. From behind she heard Cha yelp. Spinning round she saw he had his back to her. Facing him and levelling punch after punch on his face was Lucy! But it was a different Lucy. A scowl of fury was ridden on her face as she discharged her blows with unrelenting rage. Cha, almost twice her height, had no reply to her attack and his bloodied mouth sagged like a dead fish. Yuen-Jae noticed him raise his gun. She called out to Lucy but it was too late. Cha managed to fire! Yuen-Jae shut her eyes. At point blank range Lucy stood no chance. One, two, three, four shots rang out. Yuen-Jae opened her eyes to see the red front of Lucy’s gown torn and steeped with crimson blood yet the girl stood firmly and continued to pummel the mercenary. He dropped his weapon and Lucy spun him to face the glass window. In one go she crashed his head against it and the pane splintered. “Lucy!” screamed Yuen-Jae, terrified, amazing and ecstatic all at once. “What are you?” “You’ve heard of guardian angels?” “Yes,” said Yuen Jae. Lucy slammed Cha’s head through the glass. “Well, there are guardian demons too.” With a flick of her stiletto she sent Cha’s groaning form out the shattered pane. Head-first he slid slowly down the lower portions of glass. Gravity asserted and his speed increased. His sweaty hands banged onto the vast windows in a desperate, instinctive effort to thwart the inevitable but there was nothing for Cha to grip hold off to prevent his descent. With a final yell of plaintive panic he vanished over the cusp of the building and was gone. “And sometimes,” continued Lucy as if disposing of Cha had been a mechanically routine chore, “bad things happen. Which is good. But no matter how bad they are they can always be made badder which is gooder if you see what I mean.” Before these semi-cryptic words could register with Yuen-Jae Lucy’s lips were upon hers. “Lust! My favourite!” growled Lucy. “Let’s get Pearl!” She led the way and Yuen-Jae followed. There was a platform at the very top of the stairs with a door that led to the flat roof. Pearl and Choi-Yei waited with their hostage. The former had her gun lodged against Jin’s temple. “Lucy don’t she’ll….!” Before Yuen-Jae could finish her warning Lucy rushed at Pearl and for the first time in her life Yuen-Jae saw fear on the tall woman’s face. Pearl aimed the gun at Lucy and fired. At least fifty cartridges must have been spent. Lucy received them all but to the astonishment of the four other women she pressed on and with one strike of her fist Pearl was sent hurtling against the metal door. Her gun spiralled to the casino floor far below and Jin collapsed onto the gantry floor. Choi-Yei fled through the exit while Lucy grabbed Pearl by the neck and hauled her out in turn. “Jin are you okay?” asked Yuen-Jae when she reached the top. “Yeah, what happened? Where’s Lucy?” “Out there,” said Yuen-Jae, glancing at the door. “Did you see her?” “Yes!” “She shot her!” “I know.” “She shot her and she survived. She shot her!” “Let’s get you downstairs Jin.” She helped her sister to her feet. “Go down and help Min Jin. Find the stairs Pearl used. Get out and find Dad!” “Come with me,” said Jin. Yuen-Jae stayed rooted to the spot. “I’m not going. I have to stay with Lucy,” said Yuen-Jae in response to Jin’s look of questioning disbelief. “Go on now Jin. Hurry! We’ll be down soon. If the police are there say nothing until we get down.” “Yuen-Jae. Lucy, she’s….” “What?” “Watch her. There is something about her. I….” “Don’t worry Jin. I trust her. In fact I must tell you this.” “Tell me what?” “She and I are together. We are lovers. We have been together for months.” “Yuen, watch her then come back down okay?” “I’ll be fine,” assured Yuen-Jae. Jin looked at her doubtfully. “Give me a hug,” said Yuen-Jae. Her sister complied before saying goodbye. “Get help for Min! Make sure she’s okay!” Yuen-Jae called after her. Jin went back down the stairs but before she went out of sight on one of the bends she paused, looked back up at Yuen-Jae then disappeared. It was cold up on the roof. Despite it being late summer Yuen-Jae shuddered when she threw open the hatch and crawled out onto a circular platform no bigger than seven meters in diameter. First she noticed Lucy. Her girlfriend was standing with her back to Yuen-Jae, arms folded looking out across the twilight city. Both Pearl and Choi-Yei lay on the ground nearby. The latter was writhing but Pearl retained a look of defiance. “Are you ready to learn pit-fighting Yuen-Jae?” came Lucy’s voice. Yuen-Jae stood up and walked slowly towards them. “Help me get them down Lucy and we’ll bind their hands. I can hear the police.” From far below the lights and sirens of the emergency services could be seen and heard. “Answer me Yuen-Jae,” said Lucy. Yuen-Jae sorely wanted to depart the roof and Lucy’s tone both confused and irked her. “Lucy…. I…. Look just help me carry them down,” she said. It was the first time she had ever raised her voice or spoken disparagingly to Lucy. “No.” “Lucy? What’s the matter? For God’s sake help me.” “I made a promise to you.” “Remind me,” said Yuen-Jae, growing more annoyed. “To teach you how to fight.” “And?” “Well now it is time for lesson number one.” “Lucy we don’t have time. We’ve got to clear this mess up and check on Dad, Jin and Min!” “They will be fine, trust me.” “Lucy, grow up! I am not starting my training in the midst of this so stop goofing around.” Yuen-Jae moved to help Choi-Yei to her feet. “I am too tired to hate you Choi-Yei,” she said. “Let’s go.” Choi-Yei did not say a word and allowed herself to be assisted over to the hatch. “You’re limping!” said Yuen-Jae. “She stomped my ankle,” explained Choi-Yei. “Lucy, why? She’s no match for you!” “To soften her up for you Yuen-Jae.” “Me?” “Yes, you.” “I don’t understand.” “Fight her Yuen-Jae,” said Lucy. Yuen-Jae could hear a metaphorical alarm bell begin to ring in her mind. This was a different Lucy, a Lucy who was sadistically determined. She recalled Lucy’s fight with the rude salaryman in The Red Rose in Sapporo, her bout with the Ukrainian giant in Los Angeles and her ruthless slaying of Cha not five minutes earlier. Cha and Pearl had shot Lucy yet Lucy lived. In her adrenaline-filled state Yuen-Jae had no time to consider these apparent miracles. “Well, there are guardian demons too.” Lucy’s words sprung back into her mind and a numb fear swept Yuen-Jae from head to toe and she looked carefully at the smugly poised young woman in front of her. Jin had been right. There was something uniquely unusual about Lucy. Behind the innocence, the sweetness and kawaii exterior burned something deadly, powerful and indomitable. “Get down the hatch Choi,” said Yuen-Jae. “Pearl, come over to me slowly.” “I can’t!” whimpered Choi-Yei. “My ankle!” Pearl rose carefully and shuffled toward Yuen-Jae. Between them was Lucy. The tall woman passed within two feet of her and when she did Pearl’s feet faltered somehow and she fell face down onto the ground. “I promised you I’d show you how to fight,” said Lucy. “Now’s your chance Yuen-Jae.” “I’m not interested!” “Aren’t you tempted Yuen-Jae? Do you want to fight with this wimp?” “Just let us go down Lucy.” “That’s a no then?” “Pearl,” said Yuen-Jae, reaching out a helping hand. “If you won’t fight her, someone else will!” Lucy grabbed Pearl’s purple hair and pulled her up. The woman yelled in pain. Yuen-Jae darted over to assist but found herself lying on her back. Some invisible force had knocked her down! Choi-Yei knelt to try and help but by now the pair were in tears of frustration as Lucy destroyed her opponent. Yuen-Jae watched as Lucy forced Pearl ever closer to the slippery ledge that marked the beginning of a five hundred and ninety one foot drop! The profound sense of irony was not lost on Yuen-Jae. Here she was hoping against hope that her family’s enemy, a woman who only minutes before had tried to kill her would survive this encounter and somehow banish this creature in human form she had once called her lover. The fluidic shifts of fate that orchestrate and move the Universe had produced this emotionally titanic situation and despite her cruelty and misused life perhaps Pearl took hope from recognising these bountiful characteristics of providence for she grinned, advanced and fought back with every ounce of skill and power she possessed. “Come on Pearl!” groaned Yuen-Jae. Yet the comeback had come too late. Enraged, Lucy kicked, spun and punched until with a final, calculated round house kick to Pearl’s chest she sent the redeemed woman toppling over the side. When Yuen-Jae opened her burning eyes she faced a distraught looking Choi-Yei. They were still on the roof and Lucy was at her side. “Fight,” she said. Yuen-Jae did not disobey. A heavy, overwhelming feeling, immune to any logical thought took charge of her and she took a step forward. The first strike with her fist landed on Choi-Yei’s left cheekbone. The second blow was intended for her nose but struck her forehead. The third hit her right ear. Choi-Yei made no effort to resist. “That’s it,” said Yuen-Jae, backing off. “Fight.” “No!” “Fight!” “No!” “I am fulfilling my promise Yuen-Jae. Fight!” Yuen-Jae stumbled over to Choi-Yei and pushed her on the belly. Her former lover threw an exhausted arm at her but missed. Lucy seized Yuen-Jae’s right hand, set her fingers in a fist and rammed it into Choi-Yei’s face. The young woman collapsed. Lucy forced Yuen-Jae to stoop and repeated the assault with her fist over and over. When he right hand was tired Lucy did the same with Yuen-Jae’s left hand. “Forgive me Choi,” she sobbed. Yuen-Jae found herself at the top of the platform, looking down into the casino. It was still filled with some smoke and the fire from the lower floor had spread there. “We have to get down,” said Yuen-Jae. “Is there any point trying?” asked Lucy. “Yes,” said Yuen-Jae. She set foot on the first step. Yuen-Jae heard a crash, accompanied by an airy, deafening roar. From beneath her feet came a rush of hot air. A fireball consumed the casino and shot upwards. The whole building lurched and Yuen-Jae fell, rolled and grabbed hold of a metal support. She was hanging for her life. The staircase was no longer recognisable as such. It was now a twisted mass of steel and Yuen-Jae was clinging to where it had detached from its lower portions. The aching muscles of her arms, already pushed to their limits, could not endure for much longer. “Cha’s second bomb.” The voice was Lucy’s. It was calm, matter-of-factly and had no trace of concern at the unfolding chaos below. “Help me!” screamed Yuen-Jae She strained her neck upwards and saw Lucy. Her arms were crossed in her trademark look, hips set provocatively and the warm, cordial smile of the old Lucy ran along her lips. Yuen-Jae gasped in horror yet again. Lucy’s pretty shoes had no support. Beneath them was the fuming air itself. She was motionless and floating; floating stationary without a care. “Lucy, help me up!” “You are a strong girl, a conqueror. You can do it yourself.” “I can’t,” hissed Yuen-Jae through gritted teeth. “So you do have some humility. Pity it’s come too late.” “What?” groaned Yuen-Jae. The pressure on her fingers was excruciating and the more she clung on the more intense was the pain. “You could never get past that wall of ego.” “Help me!” Lucy looked sad. “I can’t.” “Please!” “I made a promise to teach you to fight. I fulfilled that promise.” “Lucy! Help. Me!” “You made me a promise Yuen-Jae. Do you remember?” Pain, fire, fear: all vanished from Yuen-Jae’s mind. The memory pounced upon her and superseded all else. She and Lucy had sat together at night by the ocean. “Promise me that if I ever ask you to let go of someone or something, you will?” These had been Lucy’s words. Yuen-Jae beheld the long round metal strip that sustained her life. “Let go,” said Lucy. Her voice was softly seductive, impossibly to disobey. Dad, Jin and Min: they had lived, thought Yuen-Jae. In her heart she knew they had survived and would prosper, prosper without her. Who was she to go back a deal with the most beautiful, most intelligent girl ever to beguile the Earth with her very presence? As if in recognition of these thoughts Lucy smiled and reached out a tender hand and wiped away Yuen-Jae’s many tears. This was it. “Mother. I am coming.” Yuen-Jae smiled back at Lucy, eased her grip and felt a satisfying wave of cool relief surge through her body. Lucy’s eyes welled and she blew a kiss as the last of Yuen-Jae’s fingers detached from the support. The mild draught of her fall rippled up to flutter Lucy’s pitch hair as she blew forth another kiss. “Pride cometh before the….”

Cheshire

Old Tom was smitten. The cute, exotic girl who had asked him for directions to the cross in the centre of Chester had agreed to go on a cycle ride with him. Perhaps they would go down to Aldford or over the border into Wales. It was quieter along the latter route. If he felt daring enough he might even propose they get to know each other a little more intimately behind a haystack. Perhaps if he told her the story of the haunted bridge at Farndon she might throw her arms around him in fright! He would play it by ear. Either way he would make a move of some sort before they parted. There she was! He had been waiting on the laneway just off the Wrexham Road for about twenty minutes and feared he was being stood up but now she had arrived; sailing toward him on a red and black bicycle with a smile to rival the beauty of the sunny day. “Blimey I was beginning to think you weren’t coming! I’m glad you’re here.” She stopped beside him and Tom moved to hug her but she raised her hand and shot him a cautionary yet polite look. “Good to see you again,” said Tom. “Did you have any luck?” “I was looking for my friend Sarah,” said the dark haired girl. “Sometimes she hangs out by the cross in Watergate street.” “Well just be careful near that cross dear,” warned Tom playfully. “Folk hereabouts say it’s haunted by the ghost of a girl who hanged herself!” “Really? How interesting,” said the young woman though had his arrogance not brushed aside any vestige of sensitivity Tom would have noticed her tone betray a knowing smugness as if she were privy to dangerous knowledge pertaining to that ancient suicide. “You should join one of my ghost tours of Chester. It’s spooktacular!” said Tom with a rehearsed wink. “Is it? Well, maybe one day,” said the girl. “Shall we get started?” asked Tom, climbing atop his mountain bike. “Yep!” The girl began peddling away. “Oi! Wait for me!” chuckled Tom. “Hurry up Grandpa!” laughed the girl. “Wait til’ I get me hands on you my girl!” he called after her, fantasising on what it would be like to have her in his ageing hands. Tom peddled hard and drew alongside her. “Did you hear about that awful business in London?” he asked. “Yes, tragic.” “That brand new building: gutted. Roof blown right off!” “So I hear.” “Bunch of gangsters by the sound of it. At least that’s what the papers are saying. Honestly, I don’t know what the world’s coming to!” The girl’s eyes boiled with knowingness. What diabolic plans she had in associating with Tom were about to be played out to his extreme disadvantage. “You know,” he said, grunting as he peddled. “I never even got your name.” “It’s Lucy,” she said.

© Ciaran McVeigh 2011