Beauty from Ashes

Coming Home to Roost

The makeup artist was applying the finishing touches to Kongpob as he ran over the steps of his plan in his head making sure he wasn't missing a step. Korn had done his part and procured him a weapon. Kong was locked and loaded. He'd spoken with Nam Soon and his forces were ready as well. Now, Kongpob just had to do his part. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

"Nervous?" The makeup artist smiled at Kongpob. "Don't worry. I've seen a million brides and grooms, and someone is always nervous. It's to be expected."

Kongpob simply smiled at the kind woman. Yes, he was nervous but not for the reasons she thought. He looked at his watch and, right on time, there was a knock at the door. Korn entered and took a seat in front of Kongpob. They exchanged a knowing look. The makeup artist finished up her work and announced her departure. Korn closed the door behind her and exhaled a breath he didn't know he was holding.

"Everything is set. Everyone is in place."

"Kongpob, are you sure this is going to work?"

"I know you're worried about Steve. If everyone does their part, he'll get the help he needs, and everyone will walk away unscathed."

"I pray you're right."

They didn't know how wrong they would be.

Mark and the other members of Steve's entourage were making their way from the villas on the opposite side of the island to the wedding location behind the main house along the coastline. There was excited chatter amongst the guests, but Mark was focused on one thing, eliminating Kongpob Suthiluck. He had spent days scoping out the main house, the shifts of the guards and the wedding preparations. He knew exactly when to strike. He patted the gun he had in his coat pocket and waited for the golf carts to arrive at the main house.

Guests were gathering and interacting with one another as a string quartet played in the background. Under other circumstances, the setting would be picturesque and romantic. The wedding planner was making his way through the crowd moving people towards their seats. Mark took a seat in the second row with a clear view of the altar. He kept his head down making sure to keep his face just hidden enough to blend into the crowd. As if on cue, Korn took his place in the front row and Steve took his place with the officiant at the altar. As the quarter began the wedding music, Kongpob took the short walk down the aisle as the sun was setting in the background. As dusk settled over the water, an ominous pall settled amongst the proceedings. The officiant began as Kongpob settled next to Steve.

"We're here this evening for the joining of two lives." The officiant motioned to Steve and Kongpob who took their place on either side. "Steve has informed me that he would like to say something to his groom before the vows begin." Steve stepped forward and gazed lovingly at Kongpob. Korn nervously sat in the front row, his leg bouncing and a cold sweat building up on his forehead.

Nam Soon looked around at the men immediately surrounding him and signaled them to get ready. "The ceremony has started. Alpha team is in place." Nam Soon radioed to Beta team?"

"Beta here. Ready." The Beat Team leader called back to Nam Soon.

"Gamma?"

"Ready sir."

"Good. On my mark move in. Remember this is an extraction not an extermination. We don't want any civilian casualties. God's speed everyone."

Each team moved closer to the main house from each side to surround the location of the nuptials. Nam Soon made eye contact with Arthit who nodded and followed closely. What Nam Soon didn't tell Arthit or Kongpob was that there was one more person in place to make sure nothing like this ever happened again.