Fathers and Law: Lom and Fah Book One

Chapter 63

Fah heard the motorbike start up and leave. When he heard the car follow, he grabbed his bag and ran to the front door. Mek pulled round and he jumped into the back as Run sprinted to the front passenger side.

"Mek, they followed him! Please, we need to be sure he's safe!"

"Fah, he made me promise to get you to safety first. Lom knows what he's doing."

"Please, Mek, I'm begging you!" Fah was on the verge of tears. Mek bit his lip and looked at Run for support.

"Mek, stop the car. I'm going to sit in the back with my brother." Mek pulled to the side of the road and Run switched seats.

"Fah, I know it's going to be hard; I can't imagine what you're going through right now but Lom worked for his dad for years. He knows how to lose people who tail him and how to escape from difficult situations. He can also defend himself. You can't lose faith in him in less than an hour."

"But I didn't think they'd follow him. There are four of them in that car and he's alone. Also, we have no idea if they have guns. Lom's still not fully healed after being shot."

"Fah, Lom wouldn't have gone out the door if he thought he couldn't do it. He's dealt with people like that most of his life," said Mek.

"I agree with Mek. Lom is street-smart. He's going to be fine," said Run.

"Run, my hoodie should be on the backseat. Reach in the pocket and take out what you find," said Mek.

Run stuck his hand in, touched something, and pulled it out. It was a silver chain necklace with AHAW in the center. "AHAW?" asked Run.

"A-H-A-W. Always have, always will," said Mek. Fah looked surprised that Mek was saying this to Run.

"Fah," continued Mek, "Lom asked me to give you that when we dropped you off but I think you need it now. He bought it when he searched for you the year before the kidnapping. He wanted you to have it now so you have something tangible to remind you of his promise to return to you."

"Here, I'll help you," said Run. Fah bent his head down so Run could put it on him. "I'm sorry that it's me and not Lom putting it on, but it's his wish for you to wear it." He smiled at his brother and hoped the gift would calm him down.

Fah's eyes became glassy as he smiled, with his right hand against his neck he traced the AHAW with his finger.

"Thank you, both of you," he said, his voice quaking.

"You can thank Lom when you talk to him next week," said Mek. He looked in the rearview mirror at Fah who smiled weakly back.

"Are you okay now?" asked Run. Fah shook his head no.

"Will you ever be okay while the two of you are apart?" asked Run. Again Fah shook his head no. "Hey, did Manao confirm the new pick-up location with you?"

"No, not yet," said Fah.

"Try calling her to make sure she's headed to the right place," said Mek.

Fah called Manao who answered immediately. He listened as she spoke. He shook his head no and once again teared up.

"No, Manao...yeah, he's gone... A car with four men followed him. I'm worried he won't be okay." He had barely managed to finish the last sentence, so Run took the phone from him.

"Hi Manoa, it's Run, Fah's brother."

"Is he going to be okay?" asked Manao quietly. She prayed Fah couldn't hear her question.

"Hopefully. Did you see the text about the new pick-up location?"

"Yes, I'll be there in 45 minutes."