LAST CHRISTMAS I GAVE YOU MY HEART

Chapter 40: Venice

Both Pete and Chan broke down in front of P' Perth's body, confusion, disbelieve and regret haunting them. What could possibly make a man like Khun Perth betray the family he considered his own? He had always cared for them a lot more than any other.

One time he saved Kun Theerapanyakun's life, their father then patriarch of the family wanted to reward him with anything he wished for. Perth wanted to build a small house for himself anywhere in the estate, as a reward so that he could even serve them after retirement. Theerapanyakun Sr. made a villa for him instead and gifted him and his family that. Why would Perth consider destroying the Theerapanyakuns? These questions tormented Pete as they rummaged through Perth's belongings.

Even though the man lived in a luxurious villa his life style was simple, the man really believed in simple living. The only expensive items, though just a few in number, would be found in his daughter's room. Oddly enough the team was trying to contact Victoria but they couldn't.

As Pete and Arm entered Victoria's room their eyes fell on Debo, a dusky grey stuffed bunny in the middle of the bed. It's was Pete's first gift to Victoria on her sixth birthday. Something clicked in his mind. It can't be a coincidence that moments before dying Uncle Perth spoke about Debo and suddenly it's here. Not to mention as Victoria grew up all these stuffed animals and dolls were moved to a showcase in her room, she was attached to them but out grew the habit of sleeping while hugging them long ago. Pete picked it up and inspected it carefully, nothing was abnormal except one of the shiny eyes of the bunny had a small speck.

'Arm' Pete ushered.

'What?' Arm asked.

'Look here and tell me what you see.'

'In the eyes of the bunny?' Arm asked confused, Pete noded.

'There is something in the eye. It looks like dust... wait no,' Arm said bringing out his magnifying glass, 'It looks like a crack... no a silver star... no no... it's a... oh my god... is that a nanochip... good lord.'

Soon the chip was extracted and fitted to a thumb drive. Pete connected it to his phone to see it's contents. He wanted to personally check it first. There must be a reason why Uncle Perth couldn't speak freely.

'Hello Pete'

It's a video recording addressed to Pete and the recording was shot in Khun Perth's bedroom.

'I knew you will find this drive. Also since you found this I am most probably dead by now. The very first thing I have to say is I am sorry. You can't even begin to imagine how sorry I am for betraying you and our family.' Khun Perth was crying, 'But trust me I had no other way. I had to. I made a mistake Pete, I made a huge mistake.'

Khun Perth aggressively wiped his face.

'I should not have trusted my Victoria to Riccardo. I made a huge mistake. He is connected with the mafia. They killed him Pete, they killed him. They took my Victoria and little Venice.' Perth broke down.

'Did I tell you I had a grandson Pete, a grandson. I named him Venice after the beautiful city he was born in. He was just 5 days old when they took him. I couldn't do anything. I am so useless.' Uncle Perth started hitting his head.

'Please save them Pete. Please save Victoria and Venice. I beg you, Pete... Please' Uncle Perth pleaded.

'I know after what I did I do not deserve any mercy. But please forgive me, have some mercy on Victoria and Venice, he is just an innocent little baby. Save them Pete. After I am gone, they might not be of any use to them. They might kill them or use they as collateral in some drug deals or worse. Please Pete go fast. They are in Venice'