Chasing the Shrew

The Bing Family

When Chris started driving his call connected; Theo’s voice rang out, “Did you need help with the hag?”

“Was it you who told my family where I was?”

Theo paused recognizing DS’s voice, “Yes.”

“Why? Was it for the bounty?”

Theo sighed, “Yes and no. Apart from the bounty they promised a favor, anything within their power they would grant. I need that so I gave you up. But wait is this what this call is about because, bro, if you take his side over mine, I’m…”

“YOU SHITHEAD! THEY TOOK AMELIA AND THE KIDS!!” Chris roared.

There was a moment of silence.

“Why would they take…”

“Don’t pretend to be innocent, Theo, you knew but didn’t care. They were the perfect hostages to keep DS in line. For your frivolous wish, you destroyed my happiness! The woman of my life, like mother is to father; you singlehandedly sent her out to die. I swear, if I can’t bring her and the kids home unharmed, I will skin you alive.”

“I really didn’t know you were serious about her. I mean she’s pretty but she had two kids and was living with another man. How good can she be?”

“THAT’S FOR ME TO DECIDE!” Chris roared, he stepped on the gas and they sped along the highway.

DS didn’t even blink; he was lost to his thoughts. Had he been there, the results would have been the same. Kae would have bound and gagged him and then whisked Amelia and the kids away as hostages. He would no longer be a son to the Bing family but a slave. He thought that by leaving, Kae would think Amelia and her kids meant nothing to him.

Chris took a deep breath and continued, “I need to know what we are going up against. We only have one shot to get this right so it’s either a negotiation or a high-stake rescue.”

DS snorted, “You can only negotiate, if you go in gun blazing you will die watching Amelia tortured to death. I know my family; they do not take kindly to threats.”

Chris glanced at DS, “Who are you? Tell me about your family and how we can get Amelia back.”

“I am Bing Dae-Seong, second son of Bing Ke Xing. My father was the leader of Venom. My mother is the daughter of a renowned Jopok, or what you guys call the mafia in Korea. They wanted to further tie the group together and had me betrothed to a girl from my mother’s group. I ran away because I did not want to live that kind of life or marry that kind of woman. I want to be an engineer and build things that change the world.”

Chris frowned, “You said ‘was’, is your father no longer the leader?”

DS nodded, “I believe my brother has taken up that role.”

“Wouldn’t it be better if you don’t go back? You may fight your brother for the position?”

DS snorted, “That’s why they want me back. They knew I hated the gangster life, I didn’t want to go back. I am the perfect stallion for them to marry off and sire future leaders for the group.”

Chris remained stubbornly on topic, “So how do we get Amelia and the kids back?”

DS sighed, “I can only think of one solution. Have Theo use his favor, you use your influence, and I trade my freedom.”

“F*CK NO!” Theo shouted, “I need that favor and none of you f*ckers are going to stand in my way.”

Chris growled, “Give it up. I need my babies home.”

“F*ck you and your babies. I waited five years for this and I am never giving it up. You can go find a hole and shove it.”

Theo hung up leaving Chris fuming, “That little s**t is dead!”

Theo had never rebelled against him before but Chris knew it wasn’t because Theo was afraid, it was simply because Theo loved and respected him as an older brother. For Theo to be so obstinate meant there was something he valued greatly but couldn’t get on his own.

DS sighed, “We can still go in with just you and me, but the success rate is pretty low. We need to prepare. Bring men and gifts to show your sincerity. My father loves ancient calligraphy and my mother loves musical instruments. As for my brother,” he paused, “he loves raw talent and only respects strong people.”

The two men talked in detail as they sped along the highway back to the Farley estate.

***

By the time the jet landed the kids were fast asleep. Amelia was unable to carry them but it didn’t stop her from trying; hell can freeze over before they took her babies from her.

She hissed as a bodyguard came closer, “Get away, I can carry them.”

The guard scowled and reached out anyway. Amelia jerked back waking the children.

Peter rubbed his eyes wearily, “Are we there?”

Amelia cooed and patted him, “Yes darling, go back to sleep, I will carry you.”

Peter shook his little head, “No, I can walk on my own. You carry Jellybean.”

Amelia smiled and touseled his hair, “Thank you my little Peanut. Whatever happens, I want you to stick with your sister. You are more sensible, I know you will take care of her.”

Peter laughed, “Yes, mommy. We will stick together like peanut butter and jelly.”

Amelia stood up and shifted Jenny in her embrace. Looking down at Peter she smiled, “Hold on tight to mommy, Peanut.”

Peter grabbed a handful of her dress and held on tightly, “Yes Mommy.”

The trio left the safety of the jet to face the Orient.

***

The drive over to the Bing Estate was long as it was nestled in the mountains deep in the suburbs. The sight, however, was wonderful. Both kids were awake and were gawking at the scene. They were surrounded by lush green foliage of bamboo shoots that seemed to spear the sky. When they finally made it, Amelia gasped at the hundred-year ginkgo tree in the middle of the clearing, the huge trunk and vast canopy seemed to be eerily welcoming. It stood in front of an old style Asian mansion surrounded by huge walls and three huge sets of imposing wooden doors. She noticed a middle-aged woman and a beautiful young woman standing near the front of the house rush towards Kae speaking a dialect she couldn’t understand. Kae answered calmly and gestured her way.

Amelia clutched her children around her tightly as the pair of female eyes landed on her; the malice was palpable. Whatever Kae had said obviously stuck the wrong chord.

Kae motioned towards her to come forward so Amelia led the kids out of the car, holding their hands tightly. The young Asian woman strode forward and stood face-to-face with Amelia.

Before Amelia could say a word she saw a blur swing towards her face followed by a loud crack that broke the silence around them. Her head twisted to one side and she saw stars. Peter hurled himself at the woman but Amelia jerked him back. They were in a foreign land now and this woman could do much worse.

“B*tch! You stole Dae-Seong for six long years, I’ll make sure your stay here is extra comfortable,” she hissed and spat on Amelia before walking back towards the old lady.

The slap across the cheek reminded Amelia that she was alone and if she wanted her children to survive, she had to behave herself. Amelia closed her eyes and held her tongue.

Patience. For her children she must remain calm and vigilant. She opened her eyes once more and looked at the impassive Bing Family; she could see why DS ran away from home.