The Dying of the Light

Chapter Twenty-Five

"I bet you can't wait to get out of here," the nurse was busy explaining his aftercare to Arthit."

"Yes. No offense, but this place is driving me crazy." Arthit smiled and finished buttoning his shirt. "My fiancé will be here soon to take me home."

The nurse smiled and pulled the wheelchair over to the bed for Arthit.

"Oh no, I don't need that."

"Sorry Dr. Rojnapat, but, as you know it's hospital policy. I swear you doctors really do make the worse patients." She giggled and shook her head at the perturbed Arthit.

"Ugh! Fine. What about Kongpob?"

"He asked me to pick you up and take you home. He was held up at the office at the last minute. I hope I'm a worthy substitute." Mongkut smiled, walking in the door.

"Sure. At this point, I would ride a mule out of here. Let's go."

"I'll take it from here, nurse. Is that alright?"

"Not a problem. See you soon Dr. Rojnapat. Su su na. We're all rooting for you and can't wait until you're back."

"Aww, that's sweet. Thanks so much and thank you for all you've done while I'm here. I'm glad to be going home." Arthit shook the nurse's hand and warmly smiled at her. "Let's go Mongkut."

"What do we know?" Kongpob was standing in front of the window in his office. Tanawat, Prem and his father were sitting in his office reviewing the intel they'd received from Prem's team.

"We have both, but neither of them no anything about the other one. We've done everything we can do but they're not talking. What should we do know?"

Kongpob turned around and sat next to his father.

"All we can now is wait. I'm ready."

"James and Liam will be there. I didn't trust anyone else to handle it."

"Son, are you absolutely sure this is what you want to do? As the CEO of this company, I understand, but as your father, I am desperately worried about you. What about your mother? What about Arthit? He's still recovering. Do you know what this could do to him? I don't know if he's strong enough."

"Dad, I don't have a choice. We've done everything we can to find my assassin, but he has not shown himself. Channarong has done nothing suspicious. Our only option at this point is to draw him out. If he wants me, I'm going to oblige him."

"I agree with your father. There has to be another way, Kong." Tanawat ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. "Channarong is a bastard for putting all of us in this situation."

"Greed is a powerful motivator. Coupled with his irrational hatred of me and my family, he's gone from crazy to depraved. Thankfully, we're prepared."

"As prepared as we can be. The meeting starts at 3:00. I'll be on pins and needles until then."

"Don't worry, dad. Okay, let's review the plan one more time."

The three men huddled around the coffee table in Kongpob's office, reviewing stacks of documents and pictures.

A shadowy figure was reviewing several documents and a floorplan of the executive level of Suthiluck Corp. He opened a dark case and removed a sniper rifle. After checking the rifle and cleaning it, he put the gun back in the case and closed it. Next, he unrolled a black velvet package, removing a syringe and vial of liquid. He examined the vial, reading the label and returning it to the pouch.

"Is everything okay, Kong?" Arthit was resting on the bed while Kongpob got dressed.

"Yes, everything is fine."

"You just seem kind of, well quiet. Are you sure nothing is wrong?"

Kongpob sat on the edge of the bed and held Arthit's hand. Looking him in the eye, he said "I'm just a little nervous. The stockholders are out for blood...my blood. I must keep them at bay while taking care to run the company. A lot of people are counting on me."

"Am I selfish to wish you could stay with me all day?" Arthit pouted.

"Not at all, my angel. I would like nothing more than to lie in bed, cuddling with you and kissing that beautiful face of yours." He climbed onto the bed and held Arthit close to him.

"Um, you're so warm and you smell so damned good." Arthit was sniffing Kongpob as he nestled his face in the crook of Kongpob's neck.

Kongpob blinked away the tears that were threatening to fall from his eyes. He sighed thinking about what he was about to do, and his heart tightened at the thought. He loved Arthit than he loved himself, but he didn't have a choice. If he didn't do this, he would never be free and Channarong would never stop. He squeezed Arthit tighter and kissed the top of his head. Then he stood up, leaving Arthit with teary eyes.

"I'm sorry Arthit. I must leave, but don't worry, okay. Mom will be here to take care of you. That's why I brought you to my parents' home. There will always be someone around to take care of your every need. Okay?"

"Okay. I love you, Kong. Have a good day at work."

Kongpob stared longingly at Arthit and kissed him on his forehead. "I love you so my Arthit. You are truly my lifeline...my angel. Be well and know that I will always love you."

"Kong, you're just going to work. Why do you sound like you're saying goodbye?"

"I'm just going to miss you, that's all." Kongpob smiled and left the bedroom.

Kongpob was met downstairs with Liam and James.

"Are you guys ready?"

"Yes, sir."

"You've been briefed, right?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Let's do it."

Kerkkrai joined them at the door. "Kong, are you SURE you want to do this?"

"Dad, my mind is made up. Unless you have another option, this is it."

Kerkkrai sighed deeply and hugged his son. "Fine. Let's go."