Dhevaprom: Kwanruetai

Chapter 32

"What's this, Phii Thai?"

Mai Seek looked at the 1,000-baht note his leader handed him, overwhelmed with gratitude. For others, it might be a small amount, but the chubby man knew well how hard his boss worked for every single baht. And yet, upon learning of his trouble, his boss gave it willingly.

"It's money. This is all I have on me. Take it, and get your mother out of here to Bangkok. Once Lieutenant Pallop gets in touch, you can come back and give your statement."

"Is that okay? This is a lot of money. I feel bad about it—I've already troubled you so much."

"Why feel bad? When Khun Gong comes back, I'll ask him for more. We've known each other for years, haven't we? I see you as a true friend—one I'd trust with my life, even if I like to knock you on the head sometimes."

The chubby man clasped his hands in a wai, eyes brimming with tears. He knew it was his fault for not consulting Kwanruethai earlier, letting everything spiral out of control. If Khun Songphon found out the goods hadn't reached the customer and had instead fallen into police hands, he'd surely send Sakchai to silence him and his mother.

"Thank you so much, Phii Thai. I'll never forget this kindness. Once I reach Bangkok, I'll get in touch as soon as I can."

"Go quickly. By now, Samlee should already have your mother waiting at the meeting point. Call me as soon as you're safe in Bangkok. I'm worried about you."

"But aren't you coming with us to Bangkok?"

"I can't. I have to wait here for Khun Gong first."

"But if Khun Songphon comes looking for you, what will you do?"

"Let him. There's no evidence linking me to this mess. Besides, I think he'll hold back out of respect for my mother."

Khun Songphon had been courting his mother for some time, even taking her to Bangkok and showering her with expensive gifts. If he couldn't find the goods, the most he'd do was throw a fit. The loss would be negligible compared to his vast wealth. The rest, she decided, would be left to the police to handle. As far as she was concerned, she'd act like she knew nothing.

"Take care of yourself, Phii Thai. I'm worried about you."

"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Just take care of yourself and your mother. I'm worried about both of you."

The abandoned house at the forest's edge was the designated meeting point. Samlee had gone to pick up Mai Seek's mother, Mae Mann, from her temporary stay at a military camp and helped pack the essentials for their trip. Kwanruethai had arranged for a place in Bangkok and told them to call her as soon as they arrived.

Mai Seek was pacing anxiously, his neck craning as he looked down the dirt road. Samlee and his mother were still not there. Earlier, he and Kwanruethai had spent a long time at Lieutenant Pallop's house before going their separate ways—Kwanruethai to return a borrowed car and Mai Seek to wait here. His worry grew with each passing minute. He wasn't just concerned about his mother but also about Samlee and Kwanruethai, two friends he trusted with his life. If Samlee hadn't overheard his conversation with Sakchai, no one would have come to his aid. Without their help, he might have ended up as a drug courier himself.

He didn't want to run, but he had no choice. His mother's safety came first. If the goods didn't reach their intended recipient, Khun Songphon would be furious and would surely send someone after him and his mother. Just thinking about Sakchai's ruthlessness made his hair stand on end.

At long last, a taxi pulled up. Seeing the passengers inside, Mai Seek rushed forward, relieved.

Mae Mann sat beside Samlee, both looking pale as they climbed out.