Beyond the Badge

Chapter 10

The next morning, when Nanon woke up he could already smell the delicious aroma of their breakfast. While rubbing his sleep away from his eyes he stepped into the kitchen.

"Good morning, P'Ohm." Nanon greeted between a long yawn.

"Morning Nong," the inspector responded while bringing the food on the table.

Nanon noticed that Ohm didn't even spare a look at him and he didn't like it at all.

Before Nanon could say anything with his pouty face Ohm spoke. "Remember, the lead I was talking about yesterday, we are going to proceed on the basis of it."

"That's why you prepared breakfast so early?" Nanon asked, all his drowsiness vanished with the information he got from Ohm.

"Yes, get freshed and have breakfast. If you need anything you can call me and if I can not receive calls because of the investigation, give a call to Tu." Ohm poured the fresh juice in the glass and placed it beside Nanon's breakfast.

"Are you going to leave, now?" If Ohm was not thinking about the investigation deeply he could sense how upset yet worried Nanon sounded.

"Yeah." He almost shoved the  sandwich inside his mouth and gulped the juice. "Make something good for you in the lunch and don't forget to take medicines. If possible go out for a walk. Take care of yourself. I'll call Tu to you keep you company in the evening." Ohm finally lifted his eyes and met Nanon's gaze, somthing inside him shifted instantly.

"No need bother her." Nanon told in a small voice.

"I'll be back before dinner, take care na." His voice softened.

"Good luck, phi." Nanon said. "Don't worry about me na and don't skip your lunch."

Ohm smiled a little, extending his hand to hold Nanon's. "I won't, I promise. If you want to talk to me, call me, okay?"

"Won't it disturb you?" Nanon asked innocently.

"No, it will motivate me to work harder to save people. Just give me a call, okay?

"Okay krap." Nanon said with a smile.

"Now lock the door properly and don't open to anyone unless it's me or Tu." Ohm took his things and was about to leave.

"Phi," the younger called stopping the inspector at the doorstep. Ohm could sense the worry reflecting in Nanon's eyes. After a pause Nanon spoke. "Don't get hurt, na."

With a warm smile Ohm reached for Nanon's cheek. While caressing his face he promised to the boy, "I won't."

With that Ohm left for today's mission. It's not the first time he left his apartment for mission but the feelings he was encountering were brand new for the inspector.

On the other hand, Nanon looked at the table where breakfast was already set up for him. He was glad that Ohm had prepared this for him but the delectable breakfast could not compensate for the Ohm's presence.

After a quick goodbye, Ohm stepped out into the crisp morning air, his thoughts shifting from the warmth of their shared breakfast to the gravity of the day ahead. As he drove to the precinct, the image of Nanon’s worried eyes lingered in his mind—a bittersweet reminder of the responsibility he carried, both at work and at home.

The precinct buzzed with activity as Ohm stepped in, his sharp eyes scanning the room. His team was already gathered around a large board covered with photos, maps, and documents. The investigation into the human trafficking ring had gained momentum, but the stakes were higher than ever.

“Morning, everyone,” Ohm said firmly as he walked to the front of the room, his tone commanding attention. “Let’s get straight to it. Inspector Force, give us the updates from last night’s surveillance.”