Pete POV
It was early in the morning when I was warned that Vegas, Macau and some guests had arrived at the main family mansion. My heart started to beat fast with anxiety.
"Khun Pete!" Jenny knocked on my door bringing Venice. My baby smiled widely, opening his arms for me to be picked up, which I did without delay. "Khun Vegas ordered me to bring Venice to see you," Jenny said with her usual smile. Pol came to accompany them.I was touched that Vegas had taken such care. I barely had time to hug Venice when the room phone rang. They were calling me to a meeting in the main conference room. My anxiety soared to stratospheric levels. It would probably be a meeting with Vegas. I returned Venice to Jenny. Venice protested with a loud shriek that made other bodyguards open their doors to see what was going on.
I met Arm in the hallway.
"Hey Pete. I took a look at the second family mansion's security system files. The videos haven't been deleted. They haven't even been recorded in the last three months. I accessed remotely this morning and noticed that the system indicates that the cameras are working and images are being recorded, but absolutely no images are actually being captured. The change was made directly to the security system itself. I'm sending a team to replace the entire system."
"Three months??? I'll tell Nop about this. The bodyguards in the control room need to be investigated too. Either someone entered the command room and altered the system directly on the servers or the system was hacked externally, right?"
"When you took over the security of the second family mansion, the level of protection of the firewalls was reinforced to the same level as the main family's. You really can't rule out the possibility of an inside job...or a very skilled hacker. What's going on, Pete?"
"That's what I want to find out."
"Okay. I'll do my best to help."
"Thanks, Arm." I looked at the meeting room door. "Now let's go inside." I took a deep breath.
I nodded respectfully to everyone in the room. Vegas didn't say anything. He just nodded his head slightly. His face showed no particular emotion. It was like we were strangers again.
Arm and I came around the table, sitting opposite Vegas, Macau, Nong Yim and another man I didn't know. I felt an annoyance, but I tried not to show it. Yim greeted me with a nod and an embarrassed smile. I just gave a slight smile back.
Although Vegas and I were holding an impassive face expression, the weight in the air was almost paupable around us. I knew that everyone was watching us without the courage to say anything about this matter. Khun Kinn broke the awkward silence." Pete, Arm, we'll have to anticipate the negotiation. Vegas has brought in new information."
Vegas started the meeting.
"At the request of the client, Phi Sanya arranged an informal meeting with us tomorrow night at the Diamond Hotel's private club". The Diamond Hotel is one of the finest in Bangkok. Apparently it belongs to Yim's family... "Gu Wei's presence is expected."
Vegas pointed to the distinguished man sitting next to Yim. A very elegant man of about 30, tall and respectable. We bow to him.
"In order to meet the demand, we entered into a business partnership with Phi Sanya, represented by Yim, as they have solid connections with Chinese production lines." Vegas continued explaining, addressing Khun Sanya respectfully.
Khun Sanya is very good-looking and has delicate features like Yim's, but his posture and presence exude cunning, security and power... which easily reminds me of Khun Korn. He smiled at us cordially before starting to speak.
"For cultural reasons, this client prefers to have an informal face-to-face contact initially with its suppliers before having a deal." My brother Yim and Vegas have already informed me about the situation with Gu Wei and Tiānshǐ and the action plan that are being proposed to overcome the problem. Under no circumstances can the negotiation be canceled or postponed. Otherwise, it can harm other business relationships with our family and with Theerapanyakul family as well". Khun Sanya explained to everyone.
"But if they discover this plan, won't the damage be worse?" Pondered Kim.
"Clearly there is a risk and the repercussions arising from it would be tremendous, but it is still preferable to take this risk than not progress in this negotiation, given that it is just a trial demand". Then turning to Vegas "I know Nong Vegas expected for other ways to solve this problem..." Khun Sanya glanced at me. "...but I must agree with Porsche and Kinn this is a better way. Other more relevant potencial clients are just waiting for the outcome of this demand. Just trying to explain the situation to them would cost us more time. The weaponry is already hiden in the port waiting to be shipped. The longer we take to close the shipment, the greater the risk of it being seized in some police action, which could end up compromising us." Khun Sanya explained all the developments very clearly and objectively.
"Since this is the most plausible conclusion, we should go with it then." Vegas agreed to the plan. I noticed that he was different...more rational and centered. Apparently Nong Yim was really trying to help Vegas find a solution with his brother.
"Also, although Gu Wei's technical skills are widely known and respected, this client doesn't really know his face. Tiānshǐ doesn't allow images of Gu Wei or himself to be located easily. Anyway, they're more like urban legends. Perhaps Tiānshǐ 's face is best known for being a highly skilled former professional assassin and also for his general interesting appearance. But I see that you have already solved this matter." Khun Sanya concluded with another glance at me.
"Gu Wei and Tiānshǐ have assured me that they will keep their word and endorse our actions. However, although we insist, Angel will not release Gu Wei for this negotiation or any negotiation in the coming months." Kinn added.
"Hmn. Tiānshǐ used to work for our family. He honors his words. We can trust him. But he doesn't fear any retaliation from us. Trying to dissuade or to threaten him will not work. No one would become the number one professional assassin in the country if he wasn't so cold, crazy and resolute." Now addressing to Arm and me. "I believe, gentlemen, in fact a great responsibility about this deal rests on your shoulders. The success of this operation depends on you. Kinn told me that you spied on Gu Wei and Tiānshǐ for quite a time and got to know their habits, skills and personalities pretty well. Kinn and Vegas explained your qualifications to me. I'm sure you both will fulfill your roles very well". Khun Sanya concluded with an encouraging expression. "I know it's not for personal financial interests, but I will personally reward you accordingly. " And turning to me, Khun Sanya added. "I appreciate your initiative in participating in this mission, Pete, putting yourself on the front lines again. If there are problems and a threat to the safety of both of you, do not hesitate to kill...even the clientes if necessary."
Wow! Theerapanyakul' heirs...even Vegas...sorry to say it, but you guys should learn from this heir right here how to be a charismatic leader! How a few more years of maturity and wisdom make a difference! A feeling that I had a lot taking orders directly from Khun Korn and Phi Chan in the past. We nodded, feeling reassured.
"A whole deal put at risk by a couple's fight?!... Porsche sighed.
"Even the most remarkable professional can put love before duty, Porsche...Khun Sanya smiled thoughtfully..."
That I know, Khun Sanya! Hell I know! I, Pete, am an example myself of that. But I don't regret it at all...even when I'm mad at Vegas like right now!
And then Khun Sanya stated.
"Tiānshǐ has kept Gu Wei on a private island against his will for two weeks so Wei can undergo chemotherapy."
"Oh...I didn't know that...is that the reason then? Why didn't he just say it?
"In order not to show fragility to potential enemies. Gu Wei would become an easy target. Tiānshǐ wouldn't be number one if he didn't think of everything."
"Oh...I see."
We were all surprised and somehow touched.
Khun Sanya gets up to leave. Yim follows him like a shadow. Everyone stands and greets him with a respectful bow.
Before leaving, Khun Sanya turns to me with a slight smile.
"Curious...you two really look like...in many ways."
...
If Angel's frame of mind is the same as mine when Vegas was in coma because of the car accident, then yes, I think we have a lot of similarities. I sympathize with his unconditional dedication to the person he loves. He protects Gu Wei at all costs, including against himself. I would definitely do the same for Vegas. In fact, I must have already done that myself. Damn, I'm such a great husband too, you know?! Vegas, you should have cherished me more lately!
Khun Sanya and Yim left the meeting room. We remained.
"That means you only have between today and tomorrow to prepare yourselves." Vegas told Arm and me, not fixing his gaze on either of us.
"I'll take care of it!" Tankhun abruptly entered the meeting room, as usual. It's like he knows exactly which cue to step in every time. Do you have bugs around the mansion, Khun Noo?!
"Either I do this, or I won't allow my bodyguards to join your plan."
"Phi Pete is no longer your bodyguard, have you forgotten?"Macau made a bored face at Tankhun.
"Pete will always be my special bodyguard, idiot. This mission is much more a matter of acting than action. None of you know more about this than I do."
"Just because you spend all day watching TV series?" Kim laughed.
"Tankhun, this is not a play...it's an important negotiation, involving many millions of dollars, and more importantly, the safety of Pete and Arm."
"Their safety is your problem! The characterization is my problem!! It will be my masterpiece! Leave it to me, Kinn! Not that I'm asking, though."
"Leave it to him."
Vegas stated firmly, taking even Tankhun by surprise.
"Are you sure about this, Vegas?" Porsche asked worried.
"First cousin is crazy, but won't risk Pete and Amr's lives for madness."
I was admired at the reaction from Vegas. Today he is back to his rational and cold-blooded self.
"For the first time we've agreed on something, my fool cousin. Rest assured that I will personally take care of every detail."
"You better do."
Vegas left the room without looking at anyone. Macau followed, bowing to everyone and smiling slightly at me as if saying goodbye. I nodded in return.
After that, Tankhun whistled and about 8 people in white uniforms grabbed me and Arm and carried us out of the room, giving us no time to react.
"March, my make over squad. March!"
"Tankhun, what is this???"
"This is a brilliant plan in execution, Kim!"
...