ToughGirl

Janice Greene

SERIES 1Black Widow BeautyDanger on IceEmpty EyesThe ExperimentKula‘i Street KnightsThe Mystery QuiltNo Way to RunThe RitualThe 75-Cent SonThe Very Bad Dream

SERIES 2The AccuserBen Cody’s TreasureBlackoutThe Eye of the HurricaneThe House on the HillLook to the Light!Ring of FearTiger Lily CodeTug-of-WarThe White Room

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

Three WatsonIrvine, CA 92618-2767Website: www.sdlback.com

Copyright ©2005 by Saddleback Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any formor 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

SERIES 3The Bad Luck PlayBreaking PointDeath GripFat BoyNo ExitNo Place Like HomeThe PlotSomething Dreadful Down BelowSounds of TerrorThe Woman Who Loved a Ghost

SERIES 4The Barge GhostBeastsBlood and BasketballBus 99The Dark LadyDimes to DollarsRead My LipsRuby’s Terrible SecretStudent BodiesTough Girl

3

Wesley Chan stopped what hewas doing and listened. He could hearDave talking to someone in the nextaisle over. “Whoa! You’re new here,huh? Who are you?” Dave was saying.

A young woman answered him in amocking voice. “I’m the president’swife,” she said. “I just love shoppinghere at Sav-Mart.”

Wesley couldn’t help smiling.Dave laughed and said, “No, who

are you, really? I’m not letting you goby 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

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a girl swear like that. Then she said,“You don’t like attitude? Okay, wellhow do you like this!”

“Ow!” Dave howled.Wesley ran to the next aisle. Dave

had an angry red mark on the skinabove his jaw. His eyes were wide.

A Chinese girl about his age wasglaring at him. She looked furious—and tough. Very tough.

As the shift supervisor, Wesleythought he should step in betweenthem. “What happened?” he asked.

Dave was upset. “I was just beingfriendly,” 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.

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The girl shrugged and followed himto the cereal aisle.

The two of them pushed a largecart stacked with cereal boxes. If abrand of cereal was low, or sold out, theshelves had to be restocked. Theyworked almost without speaking.

Wes glanced at the new employeeas she worked. She wore a heavy plaidshirt with a tear in one elbow. Herskirt was tiny. There were smudges ofbright pink eyeshadow above her eyes,and dark circles below. But her well-shaped lips looked as smooth as thepetals of a flower.

Noticing that the girl’s hands wereshaky, Wesley asked, “Hey, do you wantsomething to eat?”

“Sure,” she answered.They went to a cramped, ugly room

at the back of the store. It wassupposed to be the “employee lounge.”Beside a table and a few beat-upchairs was the tiny office Wesley

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shared with the other assistantmanagers.

Wesley opened a package of muffinsand held one out to her. “Thanks,” shesaid. She ate it before Wesley washalfway through with his. Then shegrabbed another.

Wesley grinned. Every other girl heknew was on a diet.

After work, Wesley hustled throughthe San Francisco fog toward his car.As he unlocked the door, he spotted thegirl 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 drugsI take,” she said.

Somehow, Wesley knew exactly

7

what to say. “You don’t take drugs,” hesaid.

She shook her head and smiled—and it was a real smile this time, fulland sweet. Wesley felt lightheaded.

“What are you reading?” she asked.“Is that a schoolbook?”

“Yeah. Economics. I’ve got one moresemester before I graduate from SanFrancisco State,” he said. “What aboutyou? Are you in school?”

She ignored his question. “Are youmajoring in business?” she asked.

“Right again. Sounds pretty boring,huh?” said Wesley.

She gazed at him. “I bet you get allA’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, hard-working, and successful.

She patted his shoulder as shewalked past him. “Cheer up,” she said.

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“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, warmand clear. The girl seemed to be in aplayful mood. They were loadingcooking oil onto the shelves when shesaid, “Wesley—catch!”

Was she about to throw a bottle ofoil? “Don’t!” Wesley cried out.

She threw—a wild, high throw hecouldn’t catch. He cringed as it hit thefloor—but the plastic bottle bounced.

Sharp words sprang to his lips, buther laugh was warm and light. Hecouldn’t help laughing, too.

She stopped and smiled. “My nameis 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

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might trip over driftwood or step onsomething sharp. Who knows? A crazyperson might even be out there.

Zoe whipped off her sneakersand ran across the sand.

Wesley followed, the breeze blowingsoft in his hair. He was surprised thatthe beach was so beautiful at night.

When Zoe stopped, Wesley caughtup to her, his breath coming hard. Shewas wearing shorts and a T-shirt. Heroveralls and sweater were piled in aheap on the sand.

“We’ll freeze!” he cried out. But hetook off his shirt and shoes.

Taking his hand, she led him intothe surf. A small, cold wave curledaround his feet. He shivered.

They’d walked in up to their kneeswhen a larger wave broke and knockedhim flat. The shock of the icy coldwater made Wesley gasp.

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Zoe was already ducking under thewaves. He followed, worrying aboutjellyfish and the undertow—and theabsence of a lifeguard!

Beyond the breaking waves, Zoe layon her back in the water. Floatingbeside her, he looked up at the starrysky. The water gently rocked themback and forth. He forgot what time itwas, even what day it was. For now, therest of the world had disappeared. Atthis moment there was only the sky,the water, and the two of them.

When they got out, the breeze ontheir wet clothes made them shiver.“Hurry!” Wesley said, his teethchattering. They snatched up theirclothes and shoes and raced to his car.He turned the heater on full blast.

He held out his sweatshirt. “Wantto dry your hair?” he said. She bent herhead toward him. Gently, awkwardly,he started rubbing her hair.

Then she looked up, her face soft

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and questioning. The sweatshirtdropped to the floor and they kissed.Wesley felt like he was floating in theocean again—so far out, he’d nevermake it back.

Again, she wouldn’t let him takeher home. But her goodbye kiss liftedhis spirits as he headed home.

Coming in the door at 2:00 A.M., hetiptoed through the house, careful notto wake his parents.

Finally, Wesley lay on his bed,exhausted. He closed his eyes and sawsand and stars and Zoe’s face.

On Saturday night, she said“yes” to a movie. “I’ll meet you at thetheater,” she quickly added.

“Why won’t you let me give you aride?” Wesley asked.

Zoe looked annoyed. “Just let it go!”she snapped.

Wesley backed down. “Okay, okay!”

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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, andher head dropped to his shoulder. Sheslept through the whole movie.

Zoe woke up, startled, when thelights came on. For a moment, thetough look on her face was gone. Shelooked like a scared little kid.

Wesley reached over and gentlystroked her cheek. She smiled shyly,and his heart turned to water.

Then she grabbed his wrist to lookat his watch. “Gotta run for the bus,”she said. “Bye!” She was gone beforeWesley could put on his jacket.

On Sunday, they met in GoldenGate Park. When Wesley arrived, Zoewas waiting on a bench. As he drewnear, she jumped up and ran from him.He chased her, laughing. Feeling wildand free, he grabbed her at her waist.They fell onto the cool grass, laughing.

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Now her head was on his shoulder.“Where would you like to be—say, fiveyears 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,” hesaid. 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 slowlymoving across the field. Others lay inthe grass like great, brown logs.

“Wouldn’t it be neat to be one of

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those guys?” Zoe said in a dreamyvoice. “No worries at all.”

For some reason her remark madeWesley feel sad. “What are you worriedabout, Zoe?” he asked.

“Too many questions!” she said as shejumped up and started running again.

Wesley sighed. He wondered if he’dever really know this strange girl.

On Monday evening, Wesley wastaking his break when Dave walked inthe lounge.

“Hey, man. I can’t believe you’regoing out with her,” Dave said.

Apparently, some of Zoe’s attitudehad rubbed off on him. “Come on,Dave,” Wesley said. “Be nice or I won’tinvite you to the wedding.”

Dave snorted. “Did you hear whatshe did to Allison?”

“I heard—which doesn’t make ittrue,” Wesley said. Inside, though, hecringed. After an argument with Zoe,Allison’s coat pockets had been stuffed

15

with rotten oranges. No one had seenZoe do it, but everyone suspected her.

“I bet you’re never gonna tell yourparents about her,” Dave went on.“They’d really hate her, right?”

Wesley raised an eyebrow. “Myparents are having a big party thisweekend,” he said. “Zoe’s coming.”

“Yeah? You’re either really brave orreally crazy,” Dave retorted.

“It’ll be fine,” Wesley said coolly. “Soback to business: Have you finishedstocking the meat aisle?”

“Almost,” Dave answered.“See if you can get it finished by

ten,” Wesley said as he got up andwent into the office. He felt ratherthan saw Dave’s irritated look. As heclosed the door, he grinned.

The day of the party, Wesleywoke to the loud roar of the vacuumcleaner. Downstairs, he saw that extra

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leaves had been added to the diningroom table. The best white tableclothhad been freshly pressed. The houselooked perfect. His parents must havebeen up for hours.

Dad was on the telephone. Momand Aunt Vivian were in the kitchen,arranging rows of chicken dumplingson large platters.

“Why’d you let me sleep so late?”Wesley asked his mother. “I wouldhave helped you get ready.”

“You need your rest, sweetheart,”she answered. “You work so hard. . . .”

Tonight’s celebration would be ared egg and ginger party for his AuntHarriet and Uncle Mike’s new baby.Several bowls of eggs, dyed with redfood coloring, were set out on the table.There were also dishes of deliciouspickled ginger.

When he was a baby, there hadbeen a red egg and ginger party forWesley, too. Ginger was for good

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health. Red, a lucky color, was for abright future. A picture of him at hisparty was in the dining room. In fact,there were pictures of him all over thehouse: Wesley at his piano recital;Wesley on the debating team; Wesleyin a graduation gown. The perfect son,he thought to himself.

The doorbell rang. It was AuntHarriet, Uncle Mike, and their newbaby, Megan.

“Hi, Wesley,” Uncle Mike said.“Where’s this girlfriend we’ve beenhearing so much about?”

Suddenly, Wesley felt shy. “Uh—she’s not here yet,” he said.

More family members arrived. “Isshe here yet?” each one asked, lookingaround the room. “Not yet,” Wesleysaid again and again.

Finally, everyone was crowded intothe living room, talking. Wesley’s momcame up to him, fussing nervouslywith the bow on her new dress. “Let’s

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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 andshifted around in his chair.

About 10 minutes later, the doorbellrang. Wesley jumped up, but his fathergot there first.

Every eye was on Zoe as she walkedin. Wesley gasped. Her dress was wornand too small for her, and she wasobviously very nervous.

“Hi everybody!” she yelled.Wesley’s dad guided her to a chair.

Zoe clumsily lurched toward it,bumping his shoulder. Wesley sawcousin Art roll his eyes and smirk.

Wesley felt his skin go hot and cold.His dad’s face was like stone. Hecouldn’t look at his mother.

Everyone started talking again. He

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stared ahead as all the voices swirledaround him. But he heard nothing.

Finally, it was over. He stood at thedoor, saying goodbye to the guests. Zoestepped up to him. For a moment, hethought he saw tears in her eyes. Thenshe said brightly, “Bye!”

“See you later,” he mumbled.Wesley shut the door and turned to

face his family. The women wereclearing the table. His mother lookedexhausted. Then his dad said, “Wesley,”and led him into the den.

Ronald Chan rarely raised hisvoice. Now he quietly asked his son,“How much do you care for this girl?”

“Uh—I haven’t known her verylong,” Wesley admitted.

His dad frowned. “That’s not what Iasked,” 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.

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Mr. Chan’s voice suddenly got very loud and harsh. “And this is the kind ofgirl you’re proud to show off to yourparents?”

“She was nervous!” Wesley said.“Nervous—so she embarrasses you

in front of your family,” his dad wenton. “You need to find a girl you can beproud 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 seeZoe, but he didn’t know where shelived. 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. Tiptoeinginto the house, he headed for thekitchen. As usual, his favorite snackswere all there. He filled a plate. In the corner sat a stack of clean,

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

Wesley and Zoe usually tooktheir breaks together. The night afterthe party, though, he stayed in theoffice. He was studying when Zoeappeared in the doorway.

“They don’t want you to see meanymore, 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 yourparents next?” he said.

“Too late. They’ve already disownedme. I have to pick my boyfriends all bymyself,” she said.

“They haven’t disowned you!”

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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 goneoutside. He told himself she was fine.Anyway, he had a test coming up andhe needed to study. But he keptlistening for her step.

It was time to go home when Daverushed 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 stealinglast 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

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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’snot worth it. She’s—”

“Shut up!” Wesley roared.Several sales clerks who’d been

heading toward the door stopped andstared at them.

Dave backed away, his hands raiseddefensively. “Okay, okay,” he said. “Iwas just trying to help.”

Wesley turned away. A feeling ofdread covered him like a heavy blanket.

The next evening, Wesley hadjust arrived when he got a call from thestore manager, Joan Brandt. “Wesley,

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I got a call from someone on yourshift,” she said. “This person says ZoeSiu 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. “ButI don’t know for sure.”

“Well, find out,” Joan demanded.“And call me later tonight.”

Wesley sat on a rickety plasticchair and closed his eyes for almost 10 minutes. Then he got up and wentback into the store.

Dave and Allison were working oncanned goods. Dave looked up but saidnothing. Wesley walked on past aislesof juice and baby food and spices andbeverages. Zoe was restocking crackersand cookies and cereal. He walked bywithout looking at her. Then hedoubled back and stood at the end of

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the aisle where she couldn’t see him.He waited before peeking around thecorner. Now Zoe was standing just afoot 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 neverfelt so miserable.

“And I must not be a very goodthief,” she went on, “or you wouldn’t bespying on me.”

“Zoe—” he began.“You don’t have to fire me,” she

said. “I quit! Here!” She took threegranola bars from her pocket andthrew them on the floor.

“Stop it!” Wesley cried out as hereached for her hand.

Twisting in his grasp, Zoe had thelook of a captured animal, wild anddesperate.

When Wesley let go, she ran off.He followed her at a distance. Then he got in his car and watched her as

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she waited at the bus stop.A few minutes later, Wesley trailed

the bus as it rumbled down the street. He watched closely every timepassengers got off.

At the edge of Chinatown, Zoestepped off the bus and hurried up thestreet.

Wesley had a moment of panic. Thestreet was packed. There was no placeto park—none.

He double-parked, something he’dnever done before, and ran after her.

Then he caught sight of her steppinginto a gray, five-story building. Heraced up to the door just as it closedwith a loud click! Frantically, he triedthe handle. The door was locked.Wesley felt desperate. “Zoe! Zoe!” heyelled. Then he started to hammer onthe door with his fists.

A minute later, the door opened upa crack. He grabbed the handle andswung it open.

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“Quiet down, Wesley!” Zoe hissed.“What are you doing here, anyway?”

“You keep shutting me out!” Wesleysaid. “You wouldn’t tell me where youlive. I didn’t even know your last nameuntil yesterday!”

“Go home, Wesley!” Zoe said coldly.“Go back to your nice home and yournice 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 onthe floor stank of mildew.

“This is quite a climb. Doesn’t theelevator work?” he asked.

Zoe’s laugh was harsh. “Not since Ican remember,” she said.

Wesley was out of breath by the

28

time they reached the third floor. Thefloor creaked as they went down anarrow hallway. She stopped in frontof the last door and unlocked it.

“You must be quiet,” she whispered.The room was dark, but Wesley

could see boxes stacked high againstthe walls. At least 10 people weresleeping on three large mattresses onthe floor! As Wesley walked by, a youngboy sat up and stared.

Zoe led him to a door across theroom. Giving him a bitter look, shepulled the door open.

A rope hung with damp laundrywas strung across the small room. Ahotplate and a few dishes were on atable. Clothes were heaped in a corner,and a bare bulb lit the room.

From a mattress on the floor, an oldwoman stared up at Wesley and Zoesuspiciously.

She seemed confused. “Where’sZoe?” she asked in a weak voice.

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“I’m Zoe, Mom,” Zoe said quietly.Taking a granola bar out of heroveralls, she passed it to her mother.She gave Wesley a defiant glare.

“Are you satisfied? You can leaveanytime now,” she said, coldly.

“Oh, Zoe! Is this why you stole? Foryour mother?” Wesley gasped.

“Yes, it is! Your stinking Sav-Martdoesn’t pay enough,” she said bitterly.“On my salary I can barely pay ourroom rent.”

Wesley was in shock. “Doesn’t yourmom recognize you?” he asked.

Zoe shoved her fists against hischest. “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.

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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 yourmom’s memory been getting worse?”

She nodded slowly. A tear trickleddown her cheek.

“If she doesn’t recognize you,she may have Alzheimer’s disease,”Wesley said. “But she should see adoctor to be sure.”

Zoe whipped around. Her face was livid. “Don’t you ever tell anyoneabout my mom! You say one word andI’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

31

to Zoe’s mother. He gently stroked herwrinkled 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 andsaid quietly, “I’m not leaving, Zoe. Whydon’t you sit down?” Her motherwatched with bright, curious eyes asZoe 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 authoritieswon’t separate you.”

“Your dad hates me, like all the restof your family,” Zoe groaned.

“Give them another chance, Zoe,”Wesley said. “My Aunt Harriet’s adoctor. I know she’d want to help.”

“Wesley . . .” Zoe said, and he heardhow soft her voice could be.

“Zoe, I want to do everything I canfor you,” Wesley whispered.

“My mom knows every city service

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there is,” he went on. “She can findsomeone to stay with your motherwhile you’re at work.”

Zoe reached out and hugged himclose. “Oh, Wesley! After tonight, we’llprobably be fired,” she said.

“Nah. I’ll just say it was a familyemergency,” he said.

“But I’m not family,” Zoe said.“Not yet,” he said, kissing her hair.

“Not yet.”