The Dying of the Light

Chapter Thirty

Murmurs erupted throughout the room in response to Kerkkrai's announcement. Arthit, shell-shocked by all the eyes upon him tentatively took his seat at the table. Kerkkrai placed his hand on Arthit's shoulder to ease his discomfort. 

Arthit gave Kerkkrai a thin smile.

"Dr. Rojnapat, welcome to the Board of Directors."

Arthit gave a wai to the other board members. Taking a cue from Kerkkrai, he leaned forward and lowered the microphone before him and cleared his throat before speaking.

"Um, thank you Khun Suthiluck for welcoming me. To honor your son, my fiancé, I will do my best to not disappoint everyone. Thank you again."

He exhaled slowly and sat back in his chair.

The meeting continued until they reached the final item on the agenda, the selection and installation of the new president of Suthiluck Corp. Despite his irritation with Arthit's presence, his anticipation was heightened. He had risked everything, including his own life, to make this a reality. Kongpob was finally gone, which cleared the path for his ascension to the presidency. Nothing stood between him and what he saw as his rightful place.

The Board Secretary once again took to the lectern to address the body.

"Everyone, with the untimely death of our president, we have the sad duty of naming a successor. Although there is only one candidate for the position, Channarong Khemkhaeng, the bylaws still require the floor be opened for discussion and a vote held to confirm the candidate by a majority. At this time the floor is now opened for discussion."

Channarong nervously scanned the other board members waiting for his supporters to voice their full-throated support of his candidacy. One after another, members spoke on his behalf, each espousing his experience, his intelligence and his track record for success throughout his tenure at the company. Having listened to all the speakers, Kerkkrai stood and spoke into the microphone in front of him at his seat.

"Fellow board members, I thank you for your kind words about my long-time trusted employee," his voice dripping with sarcasm.  The sentiment was not lost on Channarong.  He grimaced and clenched his hands into fists.  "Over the years, I have worked closely with Channarong and what you all say is true. He is experienced. He is smart. He is also a liar and a murderer!"

Channarong jumped to his feet and screamed.

"HOW DARE YOU? WHAT NONSENSE ARE YOU SPEAKING?"

Kerkkrai glared at Channarong.

"I think the better question is, how dare YOU?! You are a despicable piece of garbage and you will pay for what you've done!"

"Be careful Kerkkrai. Don't make unfounded accusations. I will sue you for slander."

Channarong aggressively approached Kerkkrai and grabbed his collar. Arthit leapt from his seat and pushed Channarong away from Kerkkrai.

"Take your hands off of him!" Arthit turned to Kerkkrai and checked him to make sure he was not hurt.

Board members were all standing and shouting. Chaos was ensuing.

"Explain yourself Kerkkrai."

"We don't understand."

"What are you accusing Channarong of?"

"This is preposterous!"

"What is going on?"

Questions were being hurled from all the board members towards Kerkkrai. He waved his arms asking everyone to be seated. The din lessened and everyone took their seats, except Channarong. He was throwing daggers at Kerkkrai with his eyes. If looks could kill, Kerkkrai would sure be bleeding.