The Dying of the Light

Chapter Twenty-Nine

A/N: Well, we're reaching the end my dear readers. My heart overflows with happiness knowing how many of you are enjoying the story and sticking with it until the end. Any guesses as to how it will end? Feel free to drop a comment to guess. Love to you all.

There was a flurry of activity amongst the assistants as each was tending the needs of their bosses. Folders were being placed at each seat around the large circular table. As folders were placed another assistant followed with pens placed at exact locations next to the folders. Yet another assistant followed, placing crystal tumblers on the table in front of each chair. A pitcher of water was positioned between every other chair on top of a neatly folded cloth napkin.

An agenda was then affixed to the top of each folder, showing the order in which topics would be addressed. Last on the agenda was the installation and subsequent installation of the new president of Suthiluck Corp.

The time had come. One by one the directors entered the room and took their assigned seats. After some time, Kerkkrai entered the room flanked by Mongkut, Tanawat and Channarong. Each took their seat and waited for the meeting to be called to order. Channarong scanned the room noticing that two empty seats. He leaned over to Tanawat to question the absences but retreated when Kerkkrai stood at the lectern.

Kerkkrai closed his eyes, took a deep breath and began to speak.

"As CEO of Suthiluck Corp, Kerkkrai Suthiluck, I officially call this meeting of the Board of Directors to order. Thanks to each of you for attending. As you can see, we have a full agenda of activities and reports, so without further ado, let us begin."

Everyone in the room applauded. The Board Secretary began by announcing the first item on the agenda. One after another, speakers took to the lectern and votes were held on several initiatives and topics. After several hours, Kerkkrai one again took to the lectern.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we've been at this for several hours now. Perhaps now would be a good time to take a break. Please, partake of the various delectable offerings, which have been provided. If everyone could reconvene in fifteen minutes..." The participants applauded and a cacophony of sounds erupted in the room, multiple conversations taking place.

Kerkkrai exited the room, followed swiftly by Channarong.

"Khun Kerkkrai! Kerkkrai!" Channarong shouted to be heard above the fray. Kerkkrai turned to face Channarong, his fists clenched.

"What can I do for you Channarong?"

"There are two empty seats at the table. As far as I know, each board member is accounted for, except for the obvious." He lowered his head, the latter part of his sentenced hushed. Each knew he was referencing Kongpob. Kerkkrai's eyes filled with anger at the hint of his son's death. He recovered himself before he responded.

"Those seats are in remembrance of my son. Is that a problem Channarong?"

"No sir. I was just wondering why there would be two of them. I apologize for causing you pain, sir. It was not my intention. Again, I apologize."

Kerkkrai could barely hold back the sneer in his voice when he responded.

"You needn't apologize Channarong. Curiosity is understandable. Now if you will excuse me."

Kerkkrai turned on his heels, leaving Channarong standing in the anteroom of the boardroom.

"Two chairs? That just doesn't make sense." Channarong shook his head and simply shrugged off his confusion. It didn't matter anyway. In the next couple of hours, the company would be his and there will be no chairs necessary. He smirked and walked away.