Fathers and Law: Lom and Fah Book One

Chapter 49

Khun Adi drove through the gate to find Mint, Tin, and Run outside waiting. Fah stepped out of the car and Mint enveloped him in her arms.

"Oh Fah, I'm so happy you're home and safe," she said. She kissed his cheek and his forehead and squeezed him one more time.

"Mom, don't squeeze him to death. Let us say hello as well," said Run.

"I guess you have something to share with me as well," Khun Adi said to Run.

"Yes, I was going to share that after dinner. I have a photo." Run smiled broadly.

"What are you two talking about?" asked Mint as Tin and Fah greeted each other.

"I saw Fah earlier today. I visited with him, or actually, Mek and I visited with him. Here's a photo I took to show you his physical condition, although he has no memory."

Mint took Run's phone and looked at the photo. Fah appeared happy in the picture.

"Fah, can you remember any of us?" asked Mint. "We don't mean to overwhelm you, we're just so grateful and happy to have you home safe."

"Let's go inside and talk about this, I'm being eaten alive by mosquitos out here," said Khun Adi. They went inside to the living room and Mint called the cook to come make dinner for Fah, and coffee for everyone else.

"I'm calling Mek, I'll be quick," said Run as he stepped out of the room. Returning to the living room he let them know Mek was on his way and bringing a cake he knew Fah liked. Fah went to eat the dinner the cook had made for him while the others sat in the living room chatting.

As he finished dinner, Mek arrived at the door with the cake. Mint had the cook cut slices for everyone and served it with coffee. She made sure that the cook had some cake as well.

"Fah, who was holding you? It was Lom, that man who kidnapped us, right? The one you were raised with, that gangster, right?" asked Tin.

To everyone's surprise except Mek's, Fah began crying.

"Please, please, don't tell the police anything about him. Please don't get him in trouble. I didn't think about what it would mean for Lom if I left. He doesn't deserve to be in trouble. Please don't say his name, please, I'm begging you."

Khun Adi was shocked by Fah's emotions. "Are you sure? This man shot you and kidnapped you at gunpoint."

"But he took me to his home, had me treated by a doctor right away, and had the doctor check on me every few days. When I overdosed on morphine he could have let me die but he called the doctor and saved me. He always tried to help me and he was kind to me. He even taught me how to cook curry."

The more Fah spoke, the more he realized Lom had been kinder than he had previously admitted to himself.

Why did I leave? What will happen now?

No one spoke. They stared at Fah not knowing what to say.

Khun Adi whispered to Mint, "Is this Stockholm Syndrome?" Mint shook her head no.

Mek broke the silence. "Fah, how did you end up at the police station tonight? You and Lom seemed fine earlier today. Did he let you go?" Fah shook his head no.

"Did you leave on your own?" asked Run. Fah nodded his head.

"Did you leave a note for Lom?" asked Mek.

"Oh no, no, I didn't. I should have. Oh no, what did I do?" asked Fah.

"I can call him and tell him where you are. Or you can call him from my phone." Fah held out his hand. He knew Lom would be mad but he needed him to know he wasn't going to turn him in.