Chapter 129 -- LFN Storyboard 2

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Date Posted: 05:55:22 09/22/07 Sat
Author: taurus2124
Author Host/IP: CPE-124-188-5-136.nsw.bigpond.net.au / 124.188.5.136
Subject: Chapter 129
In reply to: taurus2124 's message, "The Rising Dragons ... continued ..." on 07:49:03 09/02/07 Sun

Chapter 129

Andy Koo was seething. Furious at the turn of events in his nightclub tonight that had ruined his birthday celebrations and killed many of his guests and staff, he was in damage control.

He knew he would have to do something about what had happened downstairs and fast and turn some negatives into positives. But what could he do? His nightclub had been firebombed. There were dead bodies on the dance floor, there were police swarming all over the nightclub and his security monitors were out of action. It would be difficult to identify the perpetrators of the carnage as he had no footage of what had happened after they malfunctioned. He tried to weigh up his options. If he retaliated there could very well be a bloodbath like what had occurred tonight on the Rising Dragons� turf, but if he did nothing it would appear that the triad was weak. If he let Jiang take care of everything he would be implicated in why The Triangle was firebombed. Reasons could arise that could incriminate him and the triad as well and it was imperative that he keep his nose clean of any criminal activities. His cover as a legitimate businessman here in Hong Kong and what had occurred tonight could ruin his business and expose his liaisons with the Rising Dragons.

Andy had a nagging feeling in his gut that something was not right. Something was very much amiss. Was someone out to kill him? Or were the perpetuators only out to cause mayhem and trouble? But who would want to do that and more importantly why? Someone had been out to discredit the triad and him in particular, and they had been successful in doing so. This was indeed a catastrophe but all his questions only raised more questions. The only thing he knew was that members of the Black Panthers and 14K triads had managed to infiltrate tonight�s festivities. The nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach only exacerbated. Perhaps he had a traitor on his staff. How else could the Rising Dragons� enemies gain access to the party when it was by invitation alone?

Worst of all was that the nightclub would need to be closed for forensic investigations. It may well be days or weeks before The Triangle could be back in business. He would need to cooperate with the authorities out of expediency, so leaving the country for any length of time to lay low was out of the question. It would raise too many suspicions and he�d had enough negative press of late. What worried him most was that his life was obviously in jeopardy. Andy was in a conundrum. He was dammed if he did and dammed if he didn�t but heads would roll he was certain of that and somebody would pay. Andy knew he would be looking over his shoulder for sometime if the triad or police didn�t find who was responsible for the fracas. Not only that but he had his orders from Sun Yee Lok concerning Nikita Wirth but unfortunately he may have to rethink his dinner date with her tomorrow night.

With many scenarios whizzing through his brain Andy summoned his right hand man Robert Ling to come up to his office immediately to plan his next strategy.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Outside the nightclub, people congregated in groups on the pavement exchanging stories as to their fate and thanking their lucky stars that they were able to flee. Many women were distressed and in shock particularly those who had witnessed the carnage inside but had managed to escape. They were the lucky ones. The party guests moved along the pavement jostling each other as they frantically looked for their friends to see if they had got out of the nightclub safely. Amid the disquiet of people�s chatter, the sound of police sirens filled the air. Their piercing wail echoed in the night as the sound came nearer and nearer.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

�Let's go.�

Michael spoke quietly to Nikita making sure that they had clear passage away from the nightclub and weren�t being followed. They soon disappeared into the night and hurried down the darkened alley. In no time they were near the exit that led to the main road. The two operatives paused before continuing on into the throng of people who were pacing up and down. Turning towards Michael, Nikita indicated than Karen and Steven were standing on the pavement some way from the main chaos happening around them and looking every which way to see if she had made it out too.

Michael noticed the agitated way the two were acting in their quest to find Nikita. His suspicions were once again heightened. Was it out of concern for her welfare or for other reasons? His eyes scanned the crowd but he was unable to see if Andy Koo had left the club. More than likely, there was a secret escape route for him or he was still inside, as he was no where to be seen. He cast a look Nikita�s way as she smoothed her dress and hair back into some semblance of order. His eyes caressed her features and marvelled at her tenacity inside the nightclub. She had been amazing.

Nikita caught Michael�s glance of admiration and it was hard to break away from his penetrating look. She glanced down at the pavement and spoke quietly. �I just wanted to � say thank you. That's the kindest thing you've ever done for me. Thank you Michael.�

�How are you doing?�

�I'm okay but Operations won�t like it that you disobeyed orders.�

�I can deal with it,� he answered nonchalantly. Then gesturing towards where the crowds had gathered on the pavement he said, �Shall we?�

Nikita�s glance cut him to the quick with a hidden meaning only Michael could understand. She was loathed to leave him to Operations� grilling back at Section One when he eventually returned. He had disobeyed orders and all for her and Nikita�s concern for his fate was tangible. However to Michael she was so beautiful ... all woman ... and his. His eyes caressed her for from head to toe before resting his gaze on her face. �Don�t worry,� he communicated with his eyes. �I�ll be fine.�

But Michael�s dismissal of what he had done tonight didn�t quite appease Nikita�s concern for she knew how Operations would react. Nevertheless with one last reassuring glance his way, she emerged from the darkness of their cover and made her way in Karen and Steven�s direction. Michael watched as Nikita hurried over to where the couple was standing. Knowing that he had to return to Section as ordered he was still concerned for her safety. He knew she would need to keep her cover in tact, but he was a bit worried that Karen and Steven may indeed try another kidnap attempt tonight. However, given that Nikita was to meet with Andy Koo tomorrow night, he thought not but erred on the side of caution anyway and contacted Section One. �Birkoff ...�

�Yes?

�... I need you to do something.�

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�Oh ... Nik ... there you are!� Karen exclaimed rushing up to Nikita as she saw her approach from out of the crowd on the pavement. �I�m glad you made it out safely. We were so worried about you when we got separated. Are you OK?�

�Yeah I�m fine but I think I�d like to go home.�

�Good idea ...�

Ushering to her boyfriend, Karen enquired, �Do you think you could get us a cab Steven? ... I�ve had enough excitement to last me a while.�

�Sure thing babe.�

Across the street Michael waited in the shadows watching. He saw Steven hail one of the many taxi cabs that were cruising down the street. Noticing the new fare a driver immediately pulled up beside where they were standing on the pavement.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Knowing that he had failed to do what Michael had asked of him in the first place and nervous of his reaction, Birkoff swallowed the lump in his throat. He hesitated somewhat before answering and finally relayed, �Michael ... Operations knows what happened tonight.�

�I see.�

�I�m sorry but I had to tell him.�

�What�s done is done.�

Under the circumstances, Operations was uncharacteristically reasonable and has authorised any request. What do you need?�

�I want around the clock surveillance on Karen Ho and her boyfriend tonight. Arrange it A.S.A.P.�

�Already done.�

�Who?�

�Fitzpatrick and O�Connor are on standby for their orders.�

�Thank you.�

Whilst talking, Michael watched closely as the three people stepped up to the curb and got into the waiting cab. Karen got in first, followed by Nikita. Steven closed the door then jumped into the front seat with the driver.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~

As they settled back against the leathered seats, Karen looked over to Nikita. �Gee! Was that some commotion in the club or what?�

�Yeah ... it was.�

�Without doubt it will be a birthday party Andy won�t forget in a hurry ... that�s for sure,� Karen replied. Although they had heard the sound of gunshots and a small explosion, they had not really known the extent of the carnage that had taken place inside the club as she and Steven had managed to get out before the explosion and all the crossfire.

Nodding in agreement, Nikita replied, �It was certainly memorable.�

�I guess the nightclub will be shut for a few days because of it ... so I�ll have time to spend with you babe,� Steven added candidly turning in his seat to look towards Karen.

�Well at least something good will come out of it,� she responded happily. The couple exchanged a satisfied look that Nikita caught them giving each other.

�Hmm ... I wonder if dinner is still on tomorrow or if Andy will cancel?� Nikita enquired.

�Depends ... Probably not but you just never know. There will be a lot of enquiries about this from the police so he may postpone rather than cancel. I�m sure he�ll ring either way.�

�Yes ... I�m sure you�re right.�

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~

As the door closed and the cab left, Michael quietly slid into the night as he discreetly followed the taxi back to Nikita�s apartment. The lights eventually came on and he saw Nikita�s silhouette in the window and watched as she moved about in her apartment. Once the lights went off as she readied for bed, Michael left to return to Section One as ordered, safe in the knowledge that those who may cause her harm were under surveillance until he could return later tonight or in the morning.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~
Play on Text from ... WOB

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