Love's So Contagious

Police Visit

Gulf was seated at his desk when the police officers approached him.

Gulf didn't want the police to approach him. He preferred to head home and snuggle up in his bed scented with Mew's fragrance. Alternatively, he wished to sit by Mew's side in his room, holding his hand as Mew recovered from the illness that had been sprayed up his nose.

He didn't shoo the police away, go back home, or rush to Mew's room. Despite being a worried partner concerned about the father of his children, he was also a doctor with responsibilities. "Gentlemen," he said as he pulled himself into a sitting position, "How can I assist you?"

The deputies exchanged glances, and the eldest among them, with a paunch and bloodshot eyes, stepped forward. He reeked of stale gin. "Dr. Kanawut, I'm Khao Wanarat, the Public Information Officer for the Yala Area Police Department. I'm also a close friend of Deputy Suppasit's. Can we have a chat?"

Gulf took a deep breath and glanced downwards. "I'm sorry, but Deputy Suppasit is under my care. I don't have permission from any family members to share his medical information with you. I understand your concern - it's natural for law enforcement to worry when one of their own is hurt. However, there are legal boundaries that I must respect."

Another deputy, a younger one, spoke up. "We're not asking for confidential details, Doctor. We're here as concerned individuals, not just as Mew's friends."

"We're aware of your close collaboration with Mew," Wanarat added, raising an eyebrow slightly. Gulf felt a flush of embarrassment. "He kept us informed about the investigation progress, but we're in the dark about the suspects. How close was he to finding the culprit?"

Gulf let out a bitter chuckle, his frustration evident. "Gentlemen, I know exactly who is responsible for this. I just lack the evidence to prove it." He sighed, resting his head in his hands. "It's like having a cure for a patient but not being able to administer it."

"Who's there?" Wanarat leaned in closer. "You don't need to concern yourself with proof. We'll take care of that."

Gulf stared at him intently. "I'm a scientist and a citizen. Proof is my top priority." He paused, then added, "Well, second priority, I guess. Seeing Mew in that bed, confused and suffering—it's unacceptable. I want this guy brought to justice." He glanced up. "But I want it done the right way, you know? No loopholes."

Wanarat took a seat in the chair opposite Gulf's desk. "Do you have a suspect in mind?"

Gulf nodded. "Yes. It was one of my medical students. Dew Lomasorn."

"Why do you think he's suspicious?" The other cop leaned against Wanarat's chair and cocked his head to the side.

"Well, first off, he came in here and was way too understanding of the killer. He tried to shift the blame onto me when those patients died instead of the killer. He claimed the killer was trying to raise awareness about meningitis, and it was my responsibility to prevent the deaths." Gulf let out a deep, shaky breath. He couldn't completely disagree with Lomasorn. It wasn't his fault that people were dying, but he felt guilty for not being able to save more of them.

"Isn't that strange?" Wanarat tilted his head. "I mean, I don't agree with that, but there are many people demanding that the hospital do more for their loved ones."

"He was talking about funding. How the killer's message was related to funding." Gulf grimaced. "When I mentioned that the killer had targeted groups that weren't a funding priority at the moment, he stormed out of the office. Five minutes later, Mew was attacked."

The deputies shared a look. "Count me in," Wanarat said decisively. "I'm on board, but there's a catch."

The other officer chimed in. "This won't stand in court. It's technically hearsay evidence." Gulf could now see his name tag - Deputy Boonaphat.