Shadows of Deceit | MilkLove AU

Ch2: Accidental Encounters

She slammed the files on Captain Pasu's desk, her brow furrowed in rage. "How could you let him go?" she demanded. "I worked my ass off to build that case, and you just let him walk!"

The captain sighed, meeting her fiery gaze with a calm expression. "Detective Limpatiyakorn, what can I do for you?"

"These," pointing at the papers she slammed on his desk, "are release papers," she said while trying to maintain some formality despite the growing rage inside her.

"As I can see," the captain answered.

Pat shook her head in disbelief. "With all due respect sir, this is ridiculous! The man is guilty. The evidence proved it, I proved it, hell, even the victim could prove it."

"Detective Limpatiyakorn," the captain started, "while I don't like your tone, I'm going to let it pass for today. As you may know, the victim withdrew the complaint, case is closed. It's only fair to release him, that's how the law works."

'Is the Captain for real?' She thinks. "You call that fair?" she spat.

Captain Pasu leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing, meeting her gaze evenly, a glimmer of something unreadable in his eyes. "Sometimes, detective," he said, voice low and measured, "the path to true justice requires us to play a game with no discernible end."

Pat's brow furrowed, unsettled by the captain's cryptic words. She opened her mouth to retort, but the captain raised his hand, silencing her. "That's enough. The decision has been made. We need to release him and you won't do anything else but to let it go. Now get back to work."

Fuming, Pat turned on her heel and stormed out of the office, the captain's final words echoing in her mind.

Three days after the shocking news of the governor's murder, the bustling streets of Bangkok were once again back to their normalcy, alive with the constant hum of activity. Amidst the bustling chaos, a small coffee shop stood as an oasis of calm, its cozy interior offering a respite from the busy pace of the city.

Inside, Pat hurried through the crowded café, coffee cup in hand, as she made a beeline for the exit. The detective's brow was furrowed, and her expression was one with barely contained urgency - she was already running late, and the last thing she needed was any further delays.

"Oh god, are you okay? I'm so sorry!" the woman exclaimed, reaching out to steady Pat. "Here, let me help you."

Pat was so lost in thought that she didn't see anyone until they collided. She looked up and what stumbled upon her was a striking tall dark-haired woman with a concerned expression on their face. Pat was stunned. Up close, she couldn't help but notice the woman's arresting features - the cheekbones, the moles, the intense gaze, the subtle curve of her lips.

"Miss?"

"Uhmm, I-I'm fine, really," she stammered, suddenly acutely aware of the woman's proximity.