The Minds Truths and Lies  PART 2


	The computer hummed softly to Kermit.  Keeping his counsels to 
himself more often than not, he also took upon himself to further 
investigate on Laura Caine’s arrival.  And to find out where she’s really 
been those past years.  Popping another gummi bear in his mouth, he read 
through the FBI’s wanted lists.  Kermit threw his glasses down. It was 
as if she never existed. There was nothing to be found on her. No paper 
trail, no witnesses, nothing. Kermit let his mind wander, for some reason, 
thoughts of Emma kept floating to the surface. She had no background or 
anything else to trace her by.  Two mysterious women, and Emma had turned 
out to be a bad seed.
	Kermit knew that something didn’t make sence. The conversations of 
why Laura left in the first place didn’t match. She told him she was 
bored of the humble life. She told Peter Sing Wah was after her. What was 
the truth?  Shaking his head, Kermit just didn’t know.  Insticts fully at 
work, he would just have to wait and see.


	Peter breezed into the precint a week later.  He had been on light 
duty since he was released from the hospital and today he was finally let 
off of desk work.  Jody offered him a warm smile as he walked past her 
desk.  Mary Margret shuffled papers in front of her.  He sighed, it must 
be hard for her, he thought, losing someone you cared about to an older 
flame that could never be extinguished. Spying trouble sitting on his desk, 
Peter made a b-line for the coffee pot first.  
	“Aren’t you even going to say good-bye, Officer Caine?” Juliette’s 
cool voice brought a shamed-faced detective over to his desk.
	“I’m sorry, I didn’t know you’d have to leave so soon. Get your bad 
guy and go, huh?”
	Juliette stood and walked out the precint.  
	“Good thing the vipers’ gone.”  Kermit chimed in, coming up behind 
Peter.  “I need to see you in my office now.”  With that, the ex-mercenary 
disappeared as quickly as a jungle cat, or a frog in the swamp.
	Peter followed him into the office and shut the door. “I guess you 
want to know how things are progressing, right?”
	“Bingo.”
	“Not as nicely as I had planned.”
	“Speak to me some more, my little fledgling.’
	Peter cast Kermit an irritated glance, he hated it when he played 
on the dramatics.  “Their lives are totally different.  Mom seems to 
making an effort while Pop just accepts it. They get along at times, but at 
other times, they seem to be complete strangers.  Mom got a job down at 
the art museum, I think she was tired of doing nothing all day.  Pop has 
patients to attend to, so he’s not there. Other than that, I gave them 
some space so they can work it out together.”
	Kermit nodded, it was what he was expecting. The background checking 
still yielded no results.  “Peter, be careful.” was all he said, deciding 
to keep matters to himself for now.  Peter left with a confused look upon 
his face.


	That night, Peter couldn’t stop thinking of reasons why Kermit would 
tell him to be careful. The truth is, he didn’t want to find reasons to 
be careful around his newfound mother. Pushing the nagging thoughts away 
for now, he smiled at his parents. Going out for supper had been his idea. 
And now, both were staring at him.  “What?”
	Frowning, Laura daubed his chin with a napkin.  “Your father asked 
you a question.  Why weren’t you paying attention?”
	Fending off the maternal caring, he began to feel as if had done 
something bad.  Ignoring his instants for the moment, he smiled sheepishly.  
“Sorry, what’d you say Pop?”
	“I asked how Juliette is doing?”
	“Oh,” Peter looked at the table in front of him.  “She went home 
yesterday.  The case was solved, so she didn’t need to stick around.” 
	“Look at your father when he speaks to you.”
	“Yes Mom.”  Peter inwardly groaned, having his natural mother back 
wasn’t what he’d imagined.  She was alot different than he expected.  And 
way different from Annie, his foster mother.  When he had told her of 
finding his birth mother, she was glad for him but also advised him to be 
careful.  He happily informed her that she would always be mom to him 
and he would still be over often for some of her home-cooked meals.  
	Suddenly, Peter’s attention was taken in by a blonde woman walking 
past.  Her body swayed beneath a short flowing dress.  A full figure and 
long legs battled for attention.  Peter watched her walk past their table 
and down the street.  A foot impacting with his shin, jerked his mind back 
to reality.
	“Ow Mom, why’d you do that?”
	She leaned across the table and whispered harshly, “You shouldn’t 
have been staring at that woman like she was a piece of meat.”
	Caine, not liking where the discussion was heading, ventured in.  
“Peter, why not tell your mother about your train set.”
	Laura rounded on him.  “Don’t you interrupt me when I’m scolding our 
son. I’m doing something you should have done long ago. And besides, I saw 
you oogling her too. I’ll discuss that with you later tonight.”  
	No one spoke. Peter looked at his watch, it was time to go. Walking 
home together, Peter put his dad in the middle.  “Guess what Pop?  Jody and 
Skaleny are taking some time off next week to go to the beach.”  
	“Skaleny that sound familiar. Is it Mary Margret Skaleny?” Laura 
asked quietly.  Peter nodded.  She smiled wickedly, “Good, I’m glad that 
hussys gone for now.  Wouldn’t you agree Kwai Chang?”  He looked at her, 
face blank.  “Well, if thats how you really feel,”  Peter distinctly heard 
the slap of his mothers hand.  His father never even tried to block it.  
Turning quickly, she disappeared down the street.
	Peter looked at his father who seemed half surprised. “So, I take it 
things are not going that great at all?” 
	Caine half smiled.  “No my son.  She is even more confusing now 
than back then.”  Peter laughed and hoped his father would continue on.  
Caine’s smile slipped as he sat down alongside the curb.  Motioning for 
Peter to sit next to him, Peter was only to happy to comply.  
	“Your mother is not the same as when I knew her. She has lost many 
of the qualities that I knew in her. Her love of life has been dimmed by 
many hardships.  And,”  Caine paused, unsure of to continue.
	“And what Pop?” 
	“And I think that this is a completely different woman.”
	Peter sat dumbfounded. Was his father giving up? Or did he just want 
his old life back?  “How can you say that Father?  With all she told you 
in the hospital room, how could she not be?”  His father shook his head.  
“How else would she know those things?  I’m starting to wonder if you want 
to be with her again. For all I know you could be just saying that to try 
to make her leave. You took me back didn’t you?”  Caine stared at his son, 
the words slowly sinking in.  “Come on Pop, just a few days more.  You’ll 
see. I know its hard but...”
	“Peter, why are you defending her so?”
	Peter’s jaw dropped, how could he not defend his mother?  “Because 
she wants to be back in our lives. Why can’t you give her a chance? Maybe 
its you who isn’t helping her by remembering how she used to be and how 
she is now?  Why is it so hard to accept the fact that she’s back?”
	Caine thought for a moment before replying.  “It is not so hard as 
in accepting her back but moreso of why she is returning now.  Peter, I am 
so tired in finding the hidden surprises in my life, I just want to know 
if it is worth it.”  Caine stared at his shoes on the last part.  
	Peter began to realize that his father was just expressing the 
doubts that he had hidden in his own heart.  Doubts of why unexpectedly 
his wife would return and even those of the past; the fifteen years, his 
own father lost, and even what other lies had been told.  Placing his arm 
around his father’s shoulders, Peter hoped he offered some comfort from 
questions that he couldn’t even begin to understand himself.


	It was dark when Kwai Chang returned home.  Finding it empty, he 
briefly wondered where Laura was.  He was confused by her, by the many 
changes that happened to her.  Why she came back now after all those years.  
She kept saying how much she missed him, yet she never made an effort to 
find him or Peter.  He still had questions and there was small string of 
doubt that wouldn’t abate. He shook himself of these thoughts, he was tired 
and wanted a shower before bed. Going into the bathroom he turned on the 
water then stripped off his clothes.  When the water was the right 
temperature he climbed in.  He always loved the feel of the water beating 
upon his skin. There was something calming and relaxing about it, as if 
your troubles would wash away with the cleansing liquid.  Caine vaguely 
heard the door open and close.  
	“Lonely in there?”  Laura’s voice sharply brought Caine into reality.  
Peering his head out of the curtains while holding it closed at the same 
moment, he saw Laura give him a familiar wink. She slowly, sensuously slid 
her own clothes off her body and was soon bare.  Laughing softly she drew 
apart the curtains.  “Surely you haven’t forgotten the many showers we’ve 
taken together before?”  Caine was half tempted to tell her to leave. 
Of all the thing they discussed so far, this topic hadn’t come up yet.  
Now that she was naked, he noticed the changes time had done to her. Her 
once smooth midsection was not as flat, the pear figure had evened out, 
and her once perky breasts had been touched by time as well.  She still had 
an astonishing figure though, and he began to feel the affects of her as 
he had years ago.  As he was studying her, he could feel her eyes on him.  
Time had touched him too, and both of their bodies had changed.  They had 
known each other when each had been in summer, and now, autumn had claimed 
them both.  
	Laura, seeming satisfied with what she saw, climbed in the shower.  
“Don’t worry, Kwai Chang, I won’t hurt you.  I just want to scrub you. 
Nothing more. At least not tonight.” She added in a whisper, as she picked 
up the soap.


	The computer beeped in announcing the arrival of new mail. Typing the 
keys faster than any eye could follow, the new information was displayed on 
the screen.  “And what do we have here?”  Kermit asked the electronic god.  
It only beeped in return and gave him more pages of its knowledge. “Nothing?  
No former address or passport?” shaking his head in disbelief, Kermit went 
back to unraveling the woman named Laura.
	

	“That was one delicious meal, Mom.”  Peter happily pushed his plate 
back.  “It was nice not having to eat rice with a meal here.”  He smiled 
at his father.  Caine knew Peter hated rice but always made him eat it if 
he ate with him.  Giving Peter a look that dared him to say anything more 
about his cooking, he responded with  “I am a Shaolin priest, not a chef.”  
Peter and Laura broke out into laughter.  After clearing the table, Laura 
went into the adjoining room and Peter helped his father with his herbs.
	“You said this weed clears away stuffy noses?” Peter asked, waving a 
hand full of yellow flowers.  He sniffed it, and began coughing.  “Whew, it 
cleared up my nasal passages.” Caine rescued the flowers from Peter’s grip.
	“The flowers are dried then ground up into a powder.  That is the 
remedy.”
	Peter shrugged and moved on to the next plant. Following his fathers 
instructions, he carefully cut and ground certain parts.  He didn’t 
personally care for the apothecary trade, he was a cop.  That and the fact 
there wasn’t much excitement in picking flowers.
	“You two work well together.”  Laura remarked, sneaking up behind 
them.  “It seems I have missed much.”  Her voice had a slight ring of 
sadness to it.  
	Peter looked at his watch. “Its getting late. I need to go.” He put 
away the plants and bowls he was working with.  He watched his mother put 
his arms around his father and lean her head against him.  
	He was halfway to car when he relaxed he had forgotten his keys.  
Coming back into the room, he saw his parents in the same way, only arguing.
	“I think we should wait a little longer.”  Caine said in a soft voice, 
a slight note of mild anger breaking through.
	“I think we have waited long enough. You want this to work out, don’t 
you? Make love to me tonight like you used to. You are still my husband and 
have duties to fulfil.”
	Peter coughed, embarrassed at interrupting them. “Uh, I forgot my 
keys.”  He walked over to the table and picked them up.  
	“Peter,” Laura called out, drawing him in the argument. “You want us 
to be together, don’t you?” Her voice had a threatening tone to it. “Do you 
agree in that many relationships, sacrifices and compromises will have to 
be made in order to achieve it?”
	Peter thought for a moment before replying. “I think that in all 
relationships, decisions should be made with consent of both people.”
	Caine looked up at his son. 
	Laura gave him a bitter glance, “Your father doesn’t seem to be trying 
in this relationship. I think we’re ready for the next stage but he doesn’t 
seem to trust me enough.”
	“I never said that.” Caine softly replied.  “I just do not think the 
time is right.”
	Peter stared at the two.  
	“Well, you can at least try to put your suspicions aside and you’ll 
see that they’re groundless. You’re just resentful of me that’s all.  
You probably wish I had never come back and ruined your perfect world.  Who 
knows all the women you might have fucked since I’ve been gone. You 
probably even danced on my grave.”  The acid in her voice surprised Peter 
as Laura bolted from the room.
	Peter moved next to Caine and pulled out his wallet.  
	“You know I loved your mother.”  Caine said gently.  
	Peter nodded, noticing that his father had spoken in the past tense.  
His fingers brought out what they had been searching for. Setting the packet 
in front of his father, he said, “I am not getting involved in this, but be 
careful.”  With that, he hurriedly left, car keys in hand.  
	Kwai Chang Caine looked from the condom to the doors from which his 
son departed.  He listened to the sobs coming from the other room and felt 
very lonely.  What neither of them realized was that when Laura had 
supposedly died, many parts of him had to.  He closed his eyes and felt the 
cool wood of the worktable beneath his hands.  Laura’s crying had died off, 
and the silence felt oppressive.  Caine opened his eyes and picked up the 
condom, then, as if in a trance he walked into the room where Laura had gone.  
	In the enticing glow of candlelight, he saw she had laid down upon 
his bed and was staring at him.  Crossing slowly to where she lay, he knelt 
down beside her. Her eyes flickered from the packet in his hand to his eyes.  
“Do you still love me?”  she asked sitting up.  Taking his hand, she asked 
again, “Do you still love me, Kwai Chang?”  He looked down at the joined 
hands.  He had always worn his wedding band and he noticed that she hadn’t.  
Laura put her hand under his chin and forced Kwai Chang to gaze into her 
eyes.  Her fingers dug into his skin as she waited for his response.  
“Do you still love me?”  She asked more harshly.  He bowed his head 
defeatedly and replied, “I do not know.”

	Peter was nervous.  Sure, he had taken his father to Chandlers before, 
on many occasions.  He had even brought his mother a time or two. But never 
had he taken them both at the same time.  The rest of the gang was there, 
Karen and Kermit, Blake and Jody.  Strenlich was playing a game of pool 
against TJ, and seemed to be winning.  
	He had been quiet at work about the reunion, only Kermit knew the 
truth.  And now, being around his friends with them made things seem 
unbearably akward.  Peter watched his mother talk and act naturally.  He 
envied her on how she could be so calm and actually be enjoying herself.  
His father on the other hand seemed quieter than usual and would rather be 
someplace else.  Peter tuned into the conversation when he heard his mother 
trying to goad Caine into playing something on the piano.
	“He learned how to play the piano only because he found out that I 
liked it.”  Laura smiled at the announcement. 
	“Why can’t I find a man who’ll do that?”  Jody asked everyone and no 
one in particular, but stared right at Peter.  Karen patted hand and told 
her that she’ll find her prince charming one day.  
	“Yeah, you’ll probably arrest him.” Blake added. Receiving unfriendly 
stares, he announced that he was going to join TJ against Strenlich.  Peter 
glanced at his watch, feeling the night drag on forever.  After the argument 
he witnessed the night before, his parents had seemed more cold to each 
other and yet closer.  Vaguely he heard someone ask what it had been like 
when Peter was a baby.  
	“He always liked to take off his diapers and dance around.  He never 
could keep still for long.”  Laura told the group.  Blushing, Peter wondered 
if he could get the topic changed.
	“Hey Mom, why not tell a story about you and Pop?  Those are sure to 
be more interesting.”
	“How about if she not” said Kwai Chang quickly. The group around them 
disagreed.
	Laughing, she thought for a moment.  “Humm, there’s so many 
fascinating ones I can tell.  I know, how about the one where I started a 
bar fight and your father was thrown in jail. Or maybe...”  her eyes took on 
a mischievous gleam.  “The lake incident.”
	Caine’s eyebrows went up.  “Which one?”
	“All of them.”  
	“How about none of them.”
	Smiling cat-like, Laura gave in. “Ok, only one.  The time I got you 
drunk and you fell off the pier.  Oh, I know a better one, the boat story.  
One night Kwai Chang and I decided it would be fun to have sex in a boat in 
the middle of the lake.  We rowed out and things got a little wild, to wild.  
The boat tipped over throwing both of us into the freezing cold water. All 
our clothes were lost as well as the car keys. We had to call some friends 
to come and pick us up.  But don’t worry, it didn’t spoil the rest of the 
evening.  It was a long wait before they arrived.”
	The group forced out laughs at the private story.  Most slightly 
embarrassed at how personal it was.  Caine was a priest after all.  
	Laura sighed, undaunted at the response. “Those were wild times.  
I think to get you to repeat them, I’ll have to give you some Viagra.”  
She placed her hand lovingly on Caine’s thigh.  He seemed slightly 
self-conscious as he glanced at his son in confusion.
	Peter shook his head before explaining.  “Its a sex stimulant, Pop”
	“Oh.”  Caine stared at the table. 
	Peter looked at his watch again.  “I have first shift tomorrow.”  
He announced while standing up.  “You two want a ride home?” he asked his 
parents.
	“I think I will walk.”  Caine replied.
	Laura frowned at him. “You walk too much. See you at the house.”  
Everyone gave akward good-byes as the Caines left.
	Kermit watched all in an aesticic manner.  Watching, learning, he 
knew things weren’t perfect.  And he was beginning to wonder if Laura’s 
return wasn’t perfectly planned.

	The noonday sun blinded Peter as he rose out of his car and climbed 
the stairs to his father’s place.  “Mom, Pop, anybody home?” he called out 
and walked into the main room and stopped.  There stood his father by the 
bench wearing a pair of loose khaki pants and a white dress shirt.  Peter 
walked over and gave him a pat on the back.  “You look like a grown-up 
hippie, Pop.”  He lightly pulled on Caine’s shoulder-length grey hair.  
“Why the change in wardrobe?”  
	Caine gave Peter a side glance before starting again with his work.  
“Your mother said I needed to dress a little more, up to date.”  
Peter laughed at the way his father said the last part.  “And you let her 
get away with this?”
	“She hid the rest of my other clothes.”
	“Oh, where is she now?  I came by to see if you two wanted to join 
me for lunch.”
	Caine pushed his sleeves back and washed his hands.  Peter could see 
the dragon and tiger branded on his forearms.  The dragon for wisdom.  
The tiger for strength.  Going out on the terrace, Caine finally responded.  
“Your mother is out, but I would be honored to join you for lunch.  But 
first, will you please help me bring in these plants?  It might rain later 
today.”
	Peter glanced up at the sky, not a cloud in sight.

	Later that night, Laura returned home with a bag of groceries.  
Neither of the two men were home yet, but soon to be expected. She silently 
hummed to herself as she started making supper. It was going to be a 
special evening. 
	Thunder rumbled outside when she heard them arrive.  “Hi Mom.” Peter 
cheerily called out.  “Mmm, that smells good.  No wonder you married her 
Pop, she’s a great cook.”
	Caine followed his son into the room, giving him annoyed look.  
	“Hi the both of you.  Go wash up, its time to eat.”  Laura made eye 
contact with Kwai Chang as he walked over to the table. He noticed a bottle 
of red wine.  
	“What is the occasion?”
	Laura waved the spoon she had been using at him.  “Isn’t life a 
celebration enough?  Now go wash your hands.”  She shooed him out of the 
kitchen.  And then poured the wine.

	Peter sat back in his chair, stomach content.  Draining the last of 
his wine, he marveled that the three of them had finished the bottle so 
quickly.  The pasta had been superb and he felt as if nothing could go 
wrong. He observed his parents as they talked back and forth easily.  Both 
turned to him.  “What?”
	Laura smiled, “nothing, do you think you could clear the table?”  
Rising smoothly he collected all the plates and most of the glasses.  
Thunder rumbled, announcing its presence.
	“Hey Pop, it sounds like your rain has arrived.”  
	Caine listened to the angered clouds. Standing up, he asked, “are your 
car windows still down, Peter?”
	Peter winced. “Yup, I’ll be back in a sec.”  With that he disappeared 
out the door. 
	“Your son needs to learn more responsibility, Kwai Chang.”
	“Why is that?” he asked, while clearing the table of the leftover 
dishes.
	“Nevermind.  Just go play with your plants.  I’ll take care of the 
dishes.”  Caine’s eyes narrowed, a feeling that the real storm was inside 
dominated all else.  Going up behind her, he gently massaged her shoulders.  
Feeling how tense she was, he said softly  “Go rest.  I will be more than 
happy to do the clean up.
	Laura slammed the plates into the sink, “I don’t feel like resting.  
And I want an apology.”
	Caine gently pulled her away from the sink, “I am sorry.”
	Peter walked into the room, raindrops decorating his dry shirt.  
	“Peter, your father is impossible.”
	“Yeah, I know, but I keep him around anyway”
	The look Laura gave Peter could have cause the most brave to rethink.  
“Oh Peter, why do you do this to me?”  Getting a confused look from him, 
she continued on. “You’re unruly, wild, and live life on the edge. One day, 
it might just kill you.  And the violence that surrounds you day in and day 
out.”
	Peter paused, sure, he was reckless sometimes but most times he was 
just doing his job.  “Mom, once I told Pop, I’m a cop. That’s what I am and 
that’s what I do. I will say the same thing to you. I’m a cop. Its who I am 
and what I am.”  
	Turning, Laura walked over to the doors that led to the terrace.  
Lightning lit the room in silver streaks as rain ran down the glass doors.  
After a moment she looked Peter straight in the eyes. “Peter, I want you to 
give up your gun and badge,” Peter gasped at what he was hearing. “And come 
to Paris to live with me.”
	The rain beat out their violent emotions as confusing and powerful 
as the ones inside. Kwai Chang was the first to respond. “No, Peter’s life 
is here.  And he is a police officer.  He can be no different.”
	Laura snapped at him, “let him awnser for himself, you’ve done enough 
you old bastard.”  Caine stared in shock at the attack.  
	His mind in confusion, Peter went from one parent to another. Finally 
able to reply, Peter shook his head. “I’m sorry Mom, I belong here. I’m a 
cop regardless of how others think.  I really can be nothing else.”
	Laughing in a hopeless yet evil way, Laura walked over to Caine.  
“You are just loving this aren’t you?  Wife comes back and finds out that 
she’s no longer needed or wanted. She was only desired years ago to deliver 
a healthy baby boy. And now, when she comes to redeem herself, the husband 
wants someone younger and the son has a life that doesn’t enclude her.  
Yeah, I can see how it is.  I’m leaving.”
	“But Mom, that’s not it at all.  I mean we want you back into our 
lives.  Why is that so hard?”
	Laura eyed her son, standing tall and indignant. “You don’t understand 
Peter.  When your father and I married, I knew there would be some hard 
times in that your father was a Shaolin priest and we were still considered 
a threat to many people.  I had to change, your father has an almost holier 
than thou quality and I never felt good enough.  Whatever I did, he did it 
just a little bit better.  Don’t you ever feel like that around him?”
	Peter wisely decided not to awnser, even though it was a truth, his 
father did seem perfect at times.
	Laura smirked, and stood in front of Caine. “I hate to ruin that 
perfect world of yours that you always imagine yourself in Kwai Chang, but 
its time you knew the truth, I never loved you.  To me, you were just a 
break in the boredom of everyday life.  All you did for me was create a few 
interesting nights and managed to get me pregnant.”  Caine eyed her coldly.  
Laura smiled and pushed him back. “You are doing exactly what you did then, 
ignoring the truth. I never loved you and I never will. How could I when you 
were so possive and hypocritical?  Some priest you are, couldn’t even tell 
that I was seething inside. The hate almost consumed me, that’s why I faked 
my death. I knew that if I had taken Peter with me you would have tracked 
us down.  How does it feel Kwai Chang to finally know the truth that was 
between us?”	
	Caine stood motionless at this revelation. During the assault of 
words, he had slowly began to back up, knowing that some words did no harm 
and others were just words spoken in anger, forgiven later on. But this was 
more than an onslaught, it opened old wounds and caused them to bleed.
	Laura smiled, realizing she had found a crack in his armour. “All 
those years and you never suspected a thing.  As the time went on, I knew 
I had to get out. Your friends at the temple even helped me. How does it 
feel to be betrayed by those you trusted?  Old Ping Hi gave me a concotion 
that made me seem like I was dying, fooled you, didn’t it.  And how I was 
glad of the freedom.  I didn’t have to pretend anymore.  That and the fact, 
you’re not Peter’s real father.”
	The last struck Caine like a physical blow, all those years, and now 
this. He sunk to the ground and put his hands over his ears, trying to stem 
the hateful words. Laura clapped her hands in satisfaction, turning to 
Peter, she blew him an air kiss.  “Are you regretting bringing me back into 
your life yet?”  Laughing, she disappeared out the door.
	Peter went to his father, who was just sitting on the floor. Not 
wanting to disturb and yet not wanting to keep quiet, he quietly began, 
“Pop, what do...”
	“Peter, please let me be alone for awhile.”
	Peter drew back, he wasn’t the only one hurt by this. “Yeah sure, 
I’ll be back later.” Peter followed the path his mother had taken. And left 
his father alone.

	Kermit couldn’t, no wouldn’t, believe what he was told. A few minutes 
ago Peter had called and asked if they could talk.  And now with what Peter 
just told him, he wished he could be anywhere but here.  What the worst 
part was is that he was the one who started it all, bringing Laura back.  
It was his fault that he let it happen.  Why couldn’t he leave well enough 
alone?
	Peter sipped his beer, shrouded by his own gloom.  Kermit wished he 
knew what to say.  He had been trying to discover a background on the 
supposed Laura, but to no avail.  And now, he was personally thinking of 
finding her and letting the mercenary in him find out who she really was.  
	Peter smiled at his friend, knowing along what lines he was thinking.  
“I think you should just stick to the computer aspect of it.”
	“Huh?”  Kermit was drawn out his thoughts.
	“On finding her.  Just stick to the computer.  I’m the one who wants 
to have the first crack at her.  And its not your fault.”
	“Oh.”  Kermit smiled in realizing his friend wasn’t blaming him.  
It didn’t bring him any solace.  “Well, I still have some reliable sources 
that haven’t contacted me yet.  They should have something to go on.”  
	“Thanks.”
	Kermit took off his glasses and looked at Peter.  The younger man’s 
skin seemed pale and slight sweat had broken out.  “Hey kid, you feeling 
alright?”
	Peter tried to stand.  He sunk down and groaned in pain.  Clutching 
his abdomen, he curled up.  “My stomach.”
	Kemit yelled for someone to call an ambulance as he caught Peter 
falling to the floor unconscious.

	Kermit was not having an easy time.  Forced to retell the evening 
events over and over, he was tired of repeating himself.  “Then he just 
collapsed, ok?”  The doctor he was explaining this too didn’t seem to 
understand that.  He sighed and tried to force away the images of him 
strangling the man.
	Karen Simms sensing this, put her hand protectively on his arm.  
“Don’t even think about it.”
	Kermit smirked, “Think about what?  The Bahamas?  I heard its nice 
this time of year.”
	Karen gave him a disapproving look. “You know what I mean. You can’t 
hurt him.” 
	“Come on, let me break his arm.”
	“Why not put your brain to something more constructive, like what’s 
keeping his father.  Caine is always around when Peter gets taken to the 
hospital.” 
	Kermit fumed, he was beginning to wonder the same thing, unless...
	“I have an idea, and I believe we need to bring an ambulance with us.”

	Kermit raced into the room, taking note that no one awnsered his 
calls.  Coming into Caine’s meditation room, his saw the priest lying 
comatose.  Feeling for a pulse, Kermit silently vowed to find the one 
responsible.

	The lights were very bright.  And they caused his head to hurt.  
Peter closed his eyes.  Where was he and how did he get here?  Slowly it 
all came back.  The supper, the argument, the talk with Kermit, the pain.  
Peter opened his eyes against the momentary ache.  Becoming used to the 
light, he observed his surroundings.  Light blue walls, an old sitting 
chair, a meal tray, and numerous beeping instruments around his  head.  
Oh great, a hospital, he thought while sitting up.  A small moan escaped 
his lips as his stomach protested.  “Wonder where everyone’s at?”  Peter 
examined the room once more an noticed a small black purse sitting on the 
floor.  Jody’s his mind informed him.  The door then opened and the woman 
walked in.  
	“Peter!”  Jody rushed over to his side, almost spilling her coffee 
on him.  “We were so worried about you.  How are you feeling?”
	Peter smiled, delighted in the attention.  “Better now that you 
arrived.”  Jody blushed.  “My stomach feels like its been on fire.  Where 
is everyone?  Kermit?  My father?”
	Jody took a sip of the coffee and grimaced.  Peter wasn’t sure if it 
was at the coffee or what she had to say.  “Most people had to go back to 
work and Kermit has been on his computer trying to track Laura down.  
Everyone was so worried when you didn’t wake up, no one was sure of what 
had really happened until Kermit had...”
	“Wait,” Peter hated interrupting in midsentance.  “How long have I 
been out and where is Pop?”
	“Why Peter, you’ve been out for nearly three days and your father, 
he’s in the room next door.”
	Peter sank back into the pillows.  Three days...and Pop, next door.  
“Is he ok?” He asked hesitantly.  
	Jody paused before replying. “The poison had more time in his system. 
Mary Margret has barely left his side.”
	Peter pulled the IV out of his hand and stood up.  The world whirled 
about him quickly then settled down as his legs threatened to give mutiny.  
“Which room?”
	Jody pointed to the left.  “That one, room 207.”
	Hobbling down the hall, Peter entered the room.  Mary Margret stood 
to greet him as he entered.  Peter read many emotions in her eyes, concern 
being forthright.  He smiled and winked at her.  “Don’t worry, he’ll be 
alright.”  The words almost choked in his mouth as he noticed the prone 
figure lying upon the bed.  Going over to Caine, Peter couldn’t help but 
recall the conversation a few nights before when his father had wondered 
if it was worth it.  
	“Come on Pop, you know its worth it.  Wake up.”  
	Caine just lied there.  Peter couldn’t help but slightly unnerved at 
seeing his father lying so venerable.
	Jody put her hand on Peter’s shoulder and pulled him away.  “Come on, 
Peter, you’re still healing too.  We’ll wake you if there’s any change.”  
The two left the room.
	Mary Margret watched them leave.  Moving her chair next to Kwai 
Chang’s bed, she took the man’s hand and waited.

	Kermit’s fist slammed into the desk as he read the information.  
“Dew Street?  That’s only six blocks from Chinatown.”  Grabbing the Desert 
Eagle, he gazed over the gun.  He would bring it along on this stakeout.  
After all the searching of trying to find the identity of Laura, the effort 
paid off.  She had rented an apartment only a few blocks from Chinatown.  
Her mission, Kermit could guess at that one.  But why would someone attempt 
to kill the Caines in so cunning and cruel a way?  
	Moving rapidly thru the squadron he was blocked at the door.  “Move 
it Strenlich.  I think I found the hideout of the one who poisoned Peter 
and his father.  Dew Street.  Are you coming?”
	“I am.” Karen said loudly coming up behind him.
	“Good, I doubt we’ll need back up but a warrant would be nice.”
	“Give me a phone and five minutes.”

	In the corvere, it had only taken them a few minutes to arrive at 
the address.  Pulling his gun, Kermit nodded to Karen.  “On three.  One, 
two, three.  Freeze police.”  The door flew open revealing a trashed 
apartment.  Old bottles and Chinese cartons littered the floor as Kermit 
and Karen weaved their way through the room.  
	“Damn.” Kermit swore in finding it vacant.  Making his way to a desk, 
he found an old journal.  Leafing through, it was almost entirely in 
Chinese.  
	“Who’s is that?” Karen asked.
	“I’m not sure, we’ll have to ask Caine.”  Karen moved to search the 
other rooms as Kermit stayed at the desk.
	Scanning quickly, he noticed another paper entirely in Chinese.  
What drew his attenion to it was the signature at the end.  A flamboyant 
Laura was scribbled out with the words Sing Wah written under it. Sing Wah, 
the Shaolin’s greatest enemy, Kermit knew that those guys would try 
anything they could to take out the Caines. Grabbing the journal and paper, 
Kermit and Karen left and went to the hospital.

	Laura had failed and she knew it.  Peter her son was alive.  But was 
he really her son?  She shook her head, not sure anymore, even about who 
she was.  Adjusting her nurses hat once again, she willed herself to calm 
down.  I have to finish it now thats all.  She picked up a needle and 
examined it.  It would do.  Slipping it into her pocket, she examined 
herself in the mirror one more time.  Dark brown hair, more fine lines, 
high heels, no one would recognize her.  
	Laura cautiously opened the door, the hallway was empty.  Most of the 
visitors had been forced to leave during the night but all gave promises 
of returning tomorrow.  Grabbing a clipboard before leaving the room, the 
walk down the hallway began.  203, 205, Laura glanced mildly into the rooms 
as she passed.  Stopping outside 207, she studied Caine sleeping inside.  
He had woken earlier.  That wasn’t part of her plans either but what she 
had in mind would solve that problem.  
	Finally, room 209.  Silently opening the door, she observed the 
blond-haired woman napping in a nearby chair. Laura tiptoed over to Peter.  
He was sleeping peacefully.  One arm thrown over the side of the bed, legs 
tangled together, mouth slack-jawed, Laura paused.  He is so handsome and 
beautiful, she stopped her hands just short of caressing his wild hair.  
No, it must be done.  She pulled out the needle.  Soon she saw the new 
ingredient mix with the IV and start slithering down the tube.  Giving him 
a kiss on the forehead, Laura walked away with a motherly smile on her 
features.
	Jody heard the door click.  Pulling up a walkie-talkie next to her, 
she briefly spoke into it.  “She’s just left.  Went right outside of door.”  
They had suspected Laura’s return but what she would do was the mystery.  
Jody stood and stretched.  Her job was to keep an eye on the troublesome 
detective and, in watching him sleep, decided that was a full twenty-four 
hour job.   
	Removing the fake IV on Peter’s arm, she then stepped out into the 
hall to see if they had nabbed their evil impersonator.
	
	Kermit saw the nurse leave Peter’s room as he got the message from 
Jody.  Showtime.  “Going somewhere Ms. whoever-you-are-but-lived-on-Dew-
street?”  Laura looked at Kermit and ran.  “I hate it when they do that.”  
Kermit took off after her.  
	Racing down the corridors, the white walls seemed endless.  Laura 
threw anything she could get her hands on at Kermit, who narrowly missed 
being clobbered by a bedpan.  He had almost reached her when she ran into 
the elevator as it was closing its doors.
	“Damn.”  He banged on the buttons to open up.  Grudgingly the doors 
slid open.  Desert Eagle in hand, he entered the elevator.  Nothing.  
No one was in it.  Kermit examined the small space.  Worn red carpet, 
dirty grey walls, buttons with floor levels written on; no escape.  
	Perplexed, he went back down the hall to where he started, knowing 
that anything was possible when the Caines were involved.

	Caine silently pondered the events that had brought him to the 
hospital.  It was all too much.  What was the truth, he didn’t know.  
After waking up Mary Margret had told him a little of the events: that 
Peter was poisoned but is in the clear, that Kermit had almost apprehended 
Laura, and most importantly, that Laura was Sing Wah, the eternal ememy of 
the Shaolin.  But who was she really?  No one could tell him. 
	Thinking back, he remembered her when they had been together. She had 
smiled alot, And she had loved him, of that he was sure.  As to the 
question of Peter’s paternity, Caine felt confident to trust that she had 
been true to him.  Their love had been too deep and to draw doubts upon it 
now bordered on blasphemy.  Despite what lies the imposter had said, it 
still hurt him that someone had tried to use her against him.  All he had 
of his beloved wife was memories and his son, proof of their love.
	Staring out the window, Caine allowed himself to fade into the past.

	Peter turned the journal around.  For all his worth he couldn’t read 
a single word of the Chinese script.  He knew some and could speak more, 
but this was a totally different style.  
	“It is upside down Peter.” said the all-knowing voice of his father.  
	With a cheesy smile he returned the ledger to its owner.  “So when 
are you going to read it to me Pop?  I wanna know all about your wild days.  
I mean, I am your son.  Like father like son.”
	With the glance Caine gave Peter, he realized it wouldn’t be anytime 
soon.  So he tried his luck with Kermit.  “How did you find out where she 
had been?’
	“I traced the computer terminal she used to chat with me.  It wasn’t 
as foreign as she claimed.  The whole thing was a setup right from the 
start.  With her stealing Caine’s journal, she could gain acsess to his 
past.  All she had to do was translate it.”
	“But how could she contact you?’
	Shaking his head, Kermit replied “I still don’t know the awnser to 
that but it probably wouldn’t be as hard as you would think.  I tend to 
leave an open window in case someone needs to get a hold of me.”
	Peter nodded as if satisfied. “Sing Wah, that explains everything.”
	Mary Margret sat on the edge of the bed and watched the playful scene 
infront of her.  Still feeling somewhat leftout she kept quiet.  Caine, 
noticing this, reached forward and took her hand. She felt pleasant shivers 
race down her back as she stared into his eyes.  Something new was there, 
a peace at gaining a freedom or laying something to rest?  She didn’t know, 
she just enjoyed staring back.  The most important look in those eyes was 
one of future promises.  And love.




            THE END  (OR IS IT?)  (Hee heeee, I just had to do that)