In the Golden Triangle

Chapter 6: Yaba

Hin swatted at a fly as he watched the truck being loaded up. There was grim set to his face, and he crossed his arms. It was still early, the sun had not fully cleared the tree line, but the camp was abuzz with activity.

The truck itself wasn't anything impressive. A clunky monstrosity. It was painted a deep green—except for where the rust was chewing away at the metal. The bed was covered with a tarp and separate from the cab. Two wooden benches ran along the sides of the bed. It wasn't comfortable but it would transport them to the border.

There was a nagging feeling clawing at Hin and he couldn't put his finger on what it was. He was used to these raids, at this point they had become routine. But today he was nervous.

Hin didn't get nervous. His whole life people had remarked on how cool he was.

Championship game? Hin didn't even break a sweat.

First dates? Not a big deal.

But today he was feeling the itch of anxiety and he didn't like it. He gritted his teeth and his hand dropped to the 1911 holstered at his side. He had cleaned it last night. It was in perfect working condition. The P90 he would carry with him was also checked and ready to go. He had double checked all the weapons last night. Not because he didn't trust the men.

No, that was exactly it.

Between Chokh and Teh, he wasn't sure which one made him more nervous. It's not as if they were intentionally bad. It was just their nature. They were in a situation they shouldn't be in.

Last month he had started his morning the same way. There was no anxiety then. Everything went like it was supposed to.

But it ended up with him applying pressure on a bleeding wound and a helicopter taking two of his brothers to Chiang Rai. It had happened so fast. He had played the moments in his head over and over again—he knew there was nothing he could do. But the guilt wouldn't stop pulling at him.

Two cartel members had come back from reconnaissance. They stumbled upon them in mid-raid. They couldn't have been more than 16. The teenagers leveled their ancient .3030's at the men and Noi and Boss took rounds in the shoulder and leg.

Noi and Boss would be fine.

Those kids died.

And for what? A billion-dollar industry that didn't give a shit about those kids. Hin knew that sometimes getting involved with the drug syndicates was the only way these poor kids could afford to get out of poverty. At the cost of their lives.

He rubbed his eyes and heard Kitt walk up behind him.

"How is it going?"

"We're good to go."

Kitt nodded and glanced towards the mess tent where the group going on the raid was grabbing a quick breakfast.

"Are we really taking civilians?" Hin asked.

Kitt nodded. "Unfortunately." Kitt's face matched Hin's. They didn't want to be responsible for two more people.

"They'll be staying back with Chokh."

Hin raised an eyebrow. "Chokh?"

Kitt nodded. "Yes. It's the only way I would agree to it."

This was good. Hin felt some of his worries settle. He followed Kitt's gaze to the mess tent and watched the very source of his anxiety walking towards him.