Tough Girl (Quickreads Series 4)

Tough Girl Janice Greene

SERIES 1

SERIES 3

The Bad Luck Play Breaking Point Death Grip Fat Boy No Exit No Place Like Home The Plot Something Dreadful Down Below Sounds of Terror The Woman Who Loved a Ghost

Black Widow Beauty Danger on Ice Empty Eyes The Experiment Kula‘i Street Knights The Mystery Quilt No Way to Run The Ritual The 75-Cent Son The Very Bad Dream SERIES 2

SERIES 4

The Accuser Ben Cody’s Treasure Blackout The Eye of the Hurricane The House on the Hill Look to the Light! Ring of Fear Tiger Lily Code Tug-of-War The White Room

The Barge Ghost Beasts Blood and Basketball Bus 99 The Dark Lady Dimes to Dollars Read My Lips Ruby’s Terrible Secret Student Bodies Tough Girl

Development and Production: Laurel Associates, Inc. Cover Art: Black Eagle Productions

Three Watson Irvine, CA 92618-2767 Website: www.sdlback.com Copyright ©2005 by Saddleback Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the publisher. ISBN 1-56254-746-1 Printed in the United States of America 10 09 08 07 06 05 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Wesley Chan stopped what he was doing and listened. He could hear Dave talking to someone in the next aisle over. “Whoa! You’re new here, huh? Who are you?” Dave was saying. A young woman answered him in a mocking voice. “I’m the president’s wife,” she said. “I just love shopping here at Sav-Mart.” Wesley couldn’t help smiling. Dave laughed and said, “No, who are you, really? I’m not letting you go by until I get your name.” Now her voice was rough and harsh. “You’re in my way, dude,” she snapped. “Hey, what’s with all that attitude?” Dave asked in surprise. She swore. Wesley had never heard 3

a girl swear like that. Then she said, “You don’t like attitude? Okay, well how do you like this!” “Ow!” Dave howled. Wesley ran to the next aisle. Dave had an angry red mark on the skin above his jaw. His eyes were wide. A Chinese girl about his age was glaring at him. She looked furious— and tough. Very tough. As the shift supervisor, Wesley thought he should step in between them. “What happened?” he asked. Dave was upset. “I was just being friendly,” he gulped, “—and she hit me!” Wesley turned to face the girl. “Are you the boss?” she asked in a cocky, challenging tone. “Um—I’m one of the assistant managers,” said Wesley. “So are you going to tell me what to do?” she asked impatiently. “Why don’t you help me stock the breakfast cereal?” he suggested. 4

The girl shrugged and followed him to the cereal aisle. The two of them pushed a large cart stacked with cereal boxes. If a brand of cereal was low, or sold out, the shelves had to be restocked. They worked almost without speaking. Wes glanced at the new employee as she worked. She wore a heavy plaid shirt with a tear in one elbow. Her skirt was tiny. There were smudges of bright pink eyeshadow above her eyes, and dark circles below. But her wellshaped lips looked as smooth as the petals of a flower. Noticing that the girl’s hands were shaky, Wesley asked, “Hey, do you want something to eat?” “Sure,” she answered. They went to a cramped, ugly room at the back of the store. It was supposed to be the “employee lounge.” Beside a table and a few beat-up chairs was the tiny office Wesley 5

shared with the other assistant managers. Wesley opened a package of muffins and held one out to her. “Thanks,” she said. She ate it before Wesley was halfway through with his. Then she grabbed another. Wesley grinned. Every other girl he knew was on a diet. After work, Wesley hustled through the San Francisco fog toward his car. As he unlocked the door, he spotted the girl waiting at the bus stop. “Can I give you a ride?” he asked. The girl shook her head and turned away.

The

next night, on break, Wesley watched her gobble muffins. “You’ve got a great appetite,” he said. “It must be because of all the drugs I take,” she said. Somehow, Wesley knew exactly 6

what to say. “You don’t take drugs,” he said. She shook her head and smiled— and it was a real smile this time, full and sweet. Wesley felt lightheaded. “What are you reading?” she asked. “Is that a schoolbook?” “Yeah. Economics. I’ve got one more semester before I graduate from San Francisco State,” he said. “What about you? Are you in school?” She ignored his question. “Are you majoring in business?” she asked. “Right again. Sounds pretty boring, huh?” said Wesley. She gazed at him. “I bet you get all A’s, don’t you?” “Uh—not all,” Wesley said. “You’re the perfect son,” she said. Wesley felt stupid. Actually, he was the perfect son—respectful, hardworking, and successful. She patted his shoulder as she walked past him. “Cheer up,” she said. 7

“They’re all proud of you, I’m sure.” The next day, Wesley arrived at work just as the sun was going down. It was a perfect spring evening, warm and clear. The girl seemed to be in a playful mood. They were loading cooking oil onto the shelves when she said, “Wesley—catch!” Was she about to throw a bottle of oil? “Don’t!” Wesley cried out. She threw—a wild, high throw he couldn’t catch. He cringed as it hit the floor—but the plastic bottle bounced. Sharp words sprang to his lips, but her laugh was warm and light. He couldn’t help laughing, too. She stopped and smiled. “My name is Zoe,” she said. “Zoe,” he said slowly. “Zoe what?” “Zoe Zoe,” she said. “Want to go to the beach tonight?” “Uh—sounds good,” he said. He’d never been to the beach after dark. Was it a safe thing to do? They 8

might trip over driftwood or step on something sharp. Who knows? A crazy person might even be out there.

Zoe whipped off her sneakers and ran across the sand. Wesley followed, the breeze blowing soft in his hair. He was surprised that the beach was so beautiful at night. When Zoe stopped, Wesley caught up to her, his breath coming hard. She was wearing shorts and a T-shirt. Her overalls and sweater were piled in a heap on the sand. “We’ll freeze!” he cried out. But he took off his shirt and shoes. Taking his hand, she led him into the surf. A small, cold wave curled around his feet. He shivered. They’d walked in up to their knees when a larger wave broke and knocked him flat. The shock of the icy cold water made Wesley gasp. 9

Zoe was already ducking under the waves. He followed, worrying about jellyfish and the undertow—and the absence of a lifeguard! Beyond the breaking waves, Zoe lay on her back in the water. Floating beside her, he looked up at the starry sky. The water gently rocked them back and forth. He forgot what time it was, even what day it was. For now, the rest of the world had disappeared. At this moment there was only the sky, the water, and the two of them. When they got out, the breeze on their wet clothes made them shiver. “Hurry!” Wesley said, his teeth chattering. They snatched up their clothes and shoes and raced to his car. He turned the heater on full blast. He held out his sweatshirt. “Want to dry your hair?” he said. She bent her head toward him. Gently, awkwardly, he started rubbing her hair. Then she looked up, her face soft 10

and questioning. The sweatshirt dropped to the floor and they kissed. Wesley felt like he was floating in the ocean again—so far out, he’d never make it back. Again, she wouldn’t let him take her home. But her goodbye kiss lifted his spirits as he headed home. Coming in the door at 2:00 A.M., he tiptoed through the house, careful not to wake his parents. Finally, Wesley lay on his bed, exhausted. He closed his eyes and saw sand and stars and Zoe’s face.

On

Saturday night, she said “yes” to a movie. “I’ll meet you at the theater,” she quickly added. “Why won’t you let me give you a ride?” Wesley asked. Zoe looked annoyed. “Just let it go!” she snapped. Wesley backed down. “Okay, okay!” 11

he said. “I’ll see you at 7:00 tonight.” During the previews Zoe’s head started to nod. She looked so tired! Wesley put his arm around her, and her head dropped to his shoulder. She slept through the whole movie. Zoe woke up, startled, when the lights came on. For a moment, the tough look on her face was gone. She looked like a scared little kid. Wesley reached over and gently stroked her cheek. She smiled shyly, and his heart turned to water. Then she grabbed his wrist to look at his watch. “Gotta run for the bus,” she said. “Bye!” She was gone before Wesley could put on his jacket. On Sunday, they met in Golden Gate Park. When Wesley arrived, Zoe was waiting on a bench. As he drew near, she jumped up and ran from him. He chased her, laughing. Feeling wild and free, he grabbed her at her waist. They fell onto the cool grass, laughing. 12

Now her head was on his shoulder. “Where would you like to be—say, five years from now?” Zoe asked. “That’s easy—lying in the grass, next to you,” Wesley replied. “No, seriously!” Zoe insisted. “Okay, I’d like to have my own business—be the man in charge,” he said. He’d never said this to anyone. “The big boss, huh?” she teased. “Yeah,” he said, embarrassed. “Maybe I’m just a bossy guy.” “Maybe you’re good with people,” Zoe said seriously. Wesley was curious. “Where would you like to be in five years?” he asked. “In a house,” Zoe said quietly. “So you live in an apartment now?” Wesley went on. Instead of answering, she sat up. Some of the buffalo were slowly moving across the field. Others lay in the grass like great, brown logs. “Wouldn’t it be neat to be one of 13

those guys?” Zoe said in a dreamy voice. “No worries at all.” For some reason her remark made Wesley feel sad. “What are you worried about, Zoe?” he asked. “Too many questions!” she said as she jumped up and started running again. Wesley sighed. He wondered if he’d ever really know this strange girl. On Monday evening, Wesley was taking his break when Dave walked in the lounge. “Hey, man. I can’t believe you’re going out with her,” Dave said. Apparently, some of Zoe’s attitude had rubbed off on him. “Come on, Dave,” Wesley said. “Be nice or I won’t invite you to the wedding.” Dave snorted. “Did you hear what she did to Allison?” “I heard—which doesn’t make it true,” Wesley said. Inside, though, he cringed. After an argument with Zoe, Allison’s coat pockets had been stuffed 14

with rotten oranges. No one had seen Zoe do it, but everyone suspected her. “I bet you’re never gonna tell your parents about her,” Dave went on. “They’d really hate her, right?” Wesley raised an eyebrow. “My parents are having a big party this weekend,” he said. “Zoe’s coming.” “Yeah? You’re either really brave or really crazy,” Dave retorted. “It’ll be fine,” Wesley said coolly. “So back to business: Have you finished stocking the meat aisle?” “Almost,” Dave answered. “See if you can get it finished by ten,” Wesley said as he got up and went into the office. He felt rather than saw Dave’s irritated look. As he closed the door, he grinned.

The

day of the party, Wesley woke to the loud roar of the vacuum cleaner. Downstairs, he saw that extra 15

leaves had been added to the dining room table. The best white tablecloth had been freshly pressed. The house looked perfect. His parents must have been up for hours. Dad was on the telephone. Mom and Aunt Vivian were in the kitchen, arranging rows of chicken dumplings on large platters. “Why’d you let me sleep so late?” Wesley asked his mother. “I would have helped you get ready.” “You need your rest, sweetheart,” she answered. “You work so hard. . . .” Tonight’s celebration would be a red egg and ginger party for his Aunt Harriet and Uncle Mike’s new baby. Several bowls of eggs, dyed with red food coloring, were set out on the table. There were also dishes of delicious pickled ginger. When he was a baby, there had been a red egg and ginger party for Wesley, too. Ginger was for good 16

health. Red, a lucky color, was for a bright future. A picture of him at his party was in the dining room. In fact, there were pictures of him all over the house: Wesley at his piano recital; Wesley on the debating team; Wesley in a graduation gown. The perfect son, he thought to himself. The doorbell rang. It was Aunt Harriet, Uncle Mike, and their new baby, Megan. “Hi, Wesley,” Uncle Mike said. “Where’s this girlfriend we’ve been hearing so much about?” Suddenly, Wesley felt shy. “Uh— she’s not here yet,” he said. More family members arrived. “Is she here yet?” each one asked, looking around the room. “Not yet,” Wesley said again and again. Finally, everyone was crowded into the living room, talking. Wesley’s mom came up to him, fussing nervously with the bow on her new dress. “Let’s 17

go ahead and start the party,” he said. Mom looked concerned. “If you’re sure, sweetheart,” she said softly. “I’m hungry,” said Wesley. But as the food was served, Wesley found that he wasn’t hungry after all. He fiddled with his chopsticks and shifted around in his chair. About 10 minutes later, the doorbell rang. Wesley jumped up, but his father got there first. Every eye was on Zoe as she walked in. Wesley gasped. Her dress was worn and too small for her, and she was obviously very nervous. “Hi everybody!” she yelled. Wesley’s dad guided her to a chair. Zoe clumsily lurched toward it, bumping his shoulder. Wesley saw cousin Art roll his eyes and smirk. Wesley felt his skin go hot and cold. His dad’s face was like stone. He couldn’t look at his mother. Everyone started talking again. He 18

stared ahead as all the voices swirled around him. But he heard nothing. Finally, it was over. He stood at the door, saying goodbye to the guests. Zoe stepped up to him. For a moment, he thought he saw tears in her eyes. Then she said brightly, “Bye!” “See you later,” he mumbled. Wesley shut the door and turned to face his family. The women were clearing the table. His mother looked exhausted. Then his dad said, “Wesley,” and led him into the den. Ronald Chan rarely raised his voice. Now he quietly asked his son, “How much do you care for this girl?” “Uh—I haven’t known her very long,” Wesley admitted. His dad frowned. “That’s not what I asked,” he said. “I’m not sure,” Wesley mumbled. “You must get over her. She isn’t the right girl for you,” his dad went on. “Yes, she is!” Wesley cried out. 19

Mr. Chan’s voice suddenly got very loud and harsh. “And this is the kind of girl you’re proud to show off to your parents?” “She was nervous!” Wesley said. “Nervous—so she embarrasses you in front of your family,” his dad went on. “You need to find a girl you can be proud of. Not this—stray!” “That’s enough!” Wesley cried out. “I’m not listening to you anymore!” He ran out of the house, got in his car, and drove. He wanted to see Zoe, but he didn’t know where she lived. He knew how to make her smile, but he didn’t even know her last name! He drove aimlessly for hours. He’d hardly eaten at the party, and his stomach was growling. Tiptoeing into the house, he headed for the kitchen. As usual, his favorite snacks were all there. He filled a plate. In the corner sat a stack of clean, 20

folded laundry—his laundry. A wave of guilt swept over him: If he was the perfect son, his folks were certainly the perfect parents.

Wesley

and Zoe usually took their breaks together. The night after the party, though, he stayed in the office. He was studying when Zoe appeared in the doorway. “They don’t want you to see me anymore, do they?” she said softly. “They didn’t say that,” Wesley lied. “Oh, no? I suppose they thought I was just the perfect girl for their son,” Zoe went on. Wesley gave her a challenging look. “Okay, Zoe, why don’t we try your parents next?” he said. “Too late. They’ve already disowned me. I have to pick my boyfriends all by myself,” she said. “They haven’t disowned you!” 21

Wesley snapped. “That’s not true!” “You’re right!” Zoe admitted. “So we’re even. Now we’ve both lied.” She turned and left. During the next break, Wesley couldn’t find Zoe. Maybe she’d gone outside. He told himself she was fine. Anyway, he had a test coming up and he needed to study. But he kept listening for her step. It was time to go home when Dave rushed up to Wesley and whispered, “She’s stealing stuff!” “Who?” Wesley asked nervously. “Zoe!” Dave said. “I saw her. She put six granola bars in her pocket!” “You were spying on her, weren’t you!” Wesley said accusingly. “Yes! I was spying on her!” Dave burst out. “I thought I saw her stealing last week—but now I know.” “Are you sure?” Wesley asked. “Don’t tell me you don’t believe it!” Dave cried out. “You can’t be that blind 22

to the—the kind of girl she is.” “You’ve had it in for Zoe since brushed you off!” Wesley shouted. “Hey, this is your job, man,” Dave said. “If you let her get away with this, you’re gonna look really bad.” Wesley gave him a cold stare. “Look, man,” Dave went on, “all I’m saying is—don’t be a fool for her. She’s not worth it. She’s—” “Shut up!” Wesley roared. Several sales clerks who’d been heading toward the door stopped and stared at them. Dave backed away, his hands raised defensively. “Okay, okay,” he said. “I was just trying to help.” Wesley turned away. A feeling of dread covered him like a heavy blanket.

The next evening, Wesley had just arrived when he got a call from the store manager, Joan Brandt. “Wesley, 23

I got a call from someone on your shift,” she said. “This person says Zoe Siu has been stealing from the store. Do you know anything about it?” Zoe Siu, Wesley thought to himself. Now I know her full name. “Wesley?” said Joan. “Uh—someone reported that she’d taken something,” Wesley replied. “But I don’t know for sure.” “Well, find out,” Joan demanded. “And call me later tonight.” Wesley sat on a rickety plastic chair and closed his eyes for almost 10 minutes. Then he got up and went back into the store. Dave and Allison were working on canned goods. Dave looked up but said nothing. Wesley walked on past aisles of juice and baby food and spices and beverages. Zoe was restocking crackers and cookies and cereal. He walked by without looking at her. Then he doubled back and stood at the end of 24

the aisle where she couldn’t see him. He waited before peeking around the corner. Now Zoe was standing just a foot away. She’d been waiting for him! A small, sad smile was on her face. “You’re not a very good spy,” she said. Wesley shook his head. He’d never felt so miserable. “And I must not be a very good thief,” she went on, “or you wouldn’t be spying on me.” “Zoe—” he began. “You don’t have to fire me,” she said. “I quit! Here!” She took three granola bars from her pocket and threw them on the floor. “Stop it!” Wesley cried out as he reached for her hand. Twisting in his grasp, Zoe had the look of a captured animal, wild and desperate. When Wesley let go, she ran off. He followed her at a distance. Then he got in his car and watched her as 25

she waited at the bus stop. A few minutes later, Wesley trailed the bus as it rumbled down the street. He watched closely every time passengers got off. At the edge of Chinatown, Zoe stepped off the bus and hurried up the street. Wesley had a moment of panic. The street was packed. There was no place to park—none. He double-parked, something he’d never done before, and ran after her. Then he caught sight of her stepping into a gray, five-story building. He raced up to the door just as it closed with a loud click! Frantically, he tried the handle. The door was locked. Wesley felt desperate. “Zoe! Zoe!” he yelled. Then he started to hammer on the door with his fists. A minute later, the door opened up a crack. He grabbed the handle and swung it open. 26

“Quiet down, Wesley!” Zoe hissed. “What are you doing here, anyway?” “You keep shutting me out!” Wesley said. “You wouldn’t tell me where you live. I didn’t even know your last name until yesterday!” “Go home, Wesley!” Zoe said coldly. “Go back to your nice home and your nice parents!” “No!” Wesley shouted. “I’ll call the cops!” Zoe warned. “Go ahead!” Wesley dared her. Like boxers in a ring, they stared at each other for a long minute. Finally Zoe gave in. “All right! All right!” she said, surrender in her voice. She led him past the elevator and up dimly lit stairs. The worn carpet on the floor stank of mildew. “This is quite a climb. Doesn’t the elevator work?” he asked. Zoe’s laugh was harsh. “Not since I can remember,” she said. Wesley was out of breath by the 27

time they reached the third floor. The floor creaked as they went down a narrow hallway. She stopped in front of the last door and unlocked it. “You must be quiet,” she whispered. The room was dark, but Wesley could see boxes stacked high against the walls. At least 10 people were sleeping on three large mattresses on the floor! As Wesley walked by, a young boy sat up and stared. Zoe led him to a door across the room. Giving him a bitter look, she pulled the door open. A rope hung with damp laundry was strung across the small room. A hotplate and a few dishes were on a table. Clothes were heaped in a corner, and a bare bulb lit the room. From a mattress on the floor, an old woman stared up at Wesley and Zoe suspiciously. She seemed confused. “Where’s Zoe?” she asked in a weak voice. 28

“I’m Zoe, Mom,” Zoe said quietly. Taking a granola bar out of her overalls, she passed it to her mother. She gave Wesley a defiant glare. “Are you satisfied? You can leave anytime now,” she said, coldly. “Oh, Zoe! Is this why you stole? For your mother?” Wesley gasped. “Yes, it is! Your stinking Sav-Mart doesn’t pay enough,” she said bitterly. “On my salary I can barely pay our room rent.” Wesley was in shock. “Doesn’t your mom recognize you?” he asked. Zoe shoved her fists against his chest. “I said it’s time for you to go!” she said with a snarl. “Stop it!” Wesley cried out. They heard a faint groan. “Where’s Zoe?” the woman asked again. “What does the doctor say about her condition?” Wesley asked. Zoe looked alarmed. “Get out of here, now!” she hissed again. 29

Wesley grabbed her arms. “Tell me, Zoe!” he said. Someone pounded on the door. “Quiet!” a male voice growled. Zoe tried to twist away from him, but he put his hands on her shoulders. “Zoe,” he whispered. “Has your mom’s memory been getting worse?” She nodded slowly. A tear trickled down her cheek. “If she doesn’t recognize you, she may have Alzheimer’s disease,” Wesley said. “But she should see a doctor to be sure.” Zoe whipped around. Her face was livid. “Don’t you ever tell anyone about my mom! You say one word and I’ll see that you regret it—I swear!” “Why?” he said. “They’ll take her away from me!” she said in a trembling voice. “They won’t!” Wesley insisted. “Where’s Zoe?” her mother asked. Then Wesley sat down right next 30

to Zoe’s mother. He gently stroked her wrinkled hand. “Zoe’s here,” he said. “Did you have enough to eat?” Zoe’s mother nodded. “Good. That’s good,” Wesley said softly. Then he turned back to Zoe and said quietly, “I’m not leaving, Zoe. Why don’t you sit down?” Her mother watched with bright, curious eyes as Zoe sat next to him. “Look,” he said. “My dad’s a lawyer. He can find out what you should do. But I promise that the authorities won’t separate you.” “Your dad hates me, like all the rest of your family,” Zoe groaned. “Give them another chance, Zoe,” Wesley said. “My Aunt Harriet’s a doctor. I know she’d want to help.” “Wesley . . .” Zoe said, and he heard how soft her voice could be. “Zoe, I want to do everything I can for you,” Wesley whispered. “My mom knows every city service 31

there is,” he went on. “She can find someone to stay with your mother while you’re at work.” Zoe reached out and hugged him close. “Oh, Wesley! After tonight, we’ll probably be fired,” she said. “Nah. I’ll just say it was a family emergency,” he said. “But I’m not family,” Zoe said. “Not yet,” he said, kissing her hair. “Not yet.”

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