Dhevaprom: Kwanruetai

Chapter 14

A four-wheel drive was parked beneath a large tree deep in the forest. Not far from it, two men stood talking with serious expressions. One wore a plain dark blue mohom shirt, while the other was dressed in a more formal outfit.

"Why did you have to go and get rid of Phon?" asked the formally dressed man, displeasure evident on his face.

"If we hadn't, he'd have gone to the police. It's better to silence him permanently, don't you think?" replied the man in the mohom shirt, unfazed. His face was weathered, hands rough from hard labor, his jaw sharp, and his eyes narrow, marking his heritage.

"But now everyone's looking at me as if I ordered the hit on Phon."

"So what if they're suspicious? You're a powerful man in this district. Even the police captain was transferred in just a few hours."

"Now that it's come to this, if we hadn't acted, things would be even more chaotic. I had to pull some strings with the higher-ups. You should ease up a bit too; don't make the drug business so blatant. Otherwise, we'll all get burned."

Their network was deeply entangled with high-ranking police officers and influential military officials who helped manage everything discreetly.

"Do you think I should be afraid of anything at my level?" he scoffed.

"I can't protect you from everything. There are some limits to my power."

"Fine. I'll be more careful next time. By the way, have the villagers reacted?"

"There's been some murmuring, but they wouldn't dare say anything. I've already had my men talk to Chalerm and her daughter. As long as they don't pursue it, no one else will."

"Who are you talking about?"

"That new doctor in town, of course. He's enthusiastic, and his family's well-off. He's a Mom Luang after all."

The man in the mohom shirt shrugged dismissively, not concerned. He couldn't imagine a military doctor causing any real trouble. His family had been in business in this area for years, all made smooth by connections in uniform.

"He's just a Mom Luang. What could he do?"

"Don't underestimate the Chuthathep family."

"Chuthathep? Never heard of them."

"The Five Lions of Chuthathep once saved the crown prince of Wiang Phu Kham and restored his throne. Even though this new generation isn't as renowned, they still hold substantial influence. Mom Rajawongse Ronapee is currently the Air Force Commander. You wouldn't want to get on his bad side, would you?"

"I see."

"Best if you and your men lay low in Chiang Rai until things calm down. Don't make any more moves that could escalate the situation."

"My guy who took care of Phon has already fled across the border to Myanmar. You don't need to worry. As for me, I have a big job coming up in Chiang Mai, so I won't be bothering you for a while."

"Good. Let me catch my breath. I've got enough headaches already."

"Your only headache is probably that son of yours. I hear he's causing you quite a bit of trouble. Must be hard keeping up with his debts."

The formally dressed man's face darkened. His son, his only child, was out of control, a slave to gambling.

"How did you find out about my son?"

"Not just that. I know he's started using drugs too. I don't want to see you heartbroken. It'd be best to tell him to lay off the drugs, or he'll end up overdosing someday."