Gypsy in Bangkok

Ready for Hell (Felix)

One month prior

This was probably the only thing that went right for me today. My favourite lunch spot was not crowded and my favourite table was also open. I gave my order to the uncle that ran the food spot and waited for my order. Hopefully, this luck would continue, I know my day is going to get more complicated. Then again my days are never good, fun or simple.

As soon as Uncle delivers the meal, I thanked him and dived in. This is the first meal of the day for me-a hot bowl of rice and green curry chicken. The first opportunity for me to reflect on the information I had learned between last night and this morning.

Uncle Fat's right-hand man had approached me two weeks before to set up a meeting-at 12:15 am we met last night. I had to hide how excited I was to see him. It had been a while since I had laid eyes on him. We spoke for a long time at a rinky-dinky bar that stunk of sweat, piss, and bad decisions.

"Felix."

"Gear, good to see you. It's been a long while."

"Hmmmm..."

Gear was an imposing figure and no amount of light could do away with the darkness of his face. Feared by many and loved by few. This battle-scarred S.O.B. was a pit bull.

"You have to know why I'm here Felix, let's not waste time with this small talk."

"Fair enough, let's get down to business then."

"Uncle Fat isn't good for business, and he wants to work with those Americans now."He literally spat out the word 'Americans' like a vile curse.

"You are known for getting things done Felix, I need you to get things done now."

"The Americans run good business, you know, it's not all bad news for your interest."

Gear slammed down his shot glass I was almost certain it would have shattered. I kept my laughter to myself, I really do enjoy stirring things up.

"I am gonna assume you are not good at telling jokes Felix. Rid us of the Americans and while you are at it, Uncle Fat. Let his death be a sign. You know who wants us to start making moves."

"Consider it done then. I guess it's time now. "

Gear gave me a hooded gaze and then nodded. He took another shot, savouring this one a little slower than the first.

"Out of curiosity Gear, are you ready for what may happen after you double-cross your boss? Is this the right time?"

Gear smiled, his too large mouth looking like a creepy character from a child's worst nightmare.

"I'm ready for hell."

Was Gear really ready for hell? I agreed with Gear though, Uncle Fat was making dangerous moves that could cause a widespread ripple effect. He was not being careful and the other players were getting antsy. Heads would, figuratively and literally, start to roll soon. Maybe he was too old now. I had known that soon Gear or somebody else would have approached me for my help in getting rid of either the new Americans or Uncle Fat. I was glad it was Gear who had approached me and no one else, it lined up with my ultimate goals.

People of the underground liked their business to stay that way and those two were doing everything too flashy and causing the police to look too closely at certain people; certain people that wanted to stay in the shadows. I am known for getting rid of problems quickly and quietly. The more dangerous the target the better I get it done. Not to brag but I was as skillful as I was creative. I harboured no real loyalties except to the almighty dollar, and maybe one other person. There was a part of me that was very excited to end Uncle Fat, I hated his style and his cruelty. It was fine to be cruel but with intent but he took a certain sadistic pleasure in it. I sighed into my meal.