(In the evening, around 8 pm, at the Khao Takiab Beach)
(The rocky shoreline near the Khao Takiab lighthouse)
...Nat and Detective Khanthong stood at the rocky shoreline near the Khao Takiab lighthouse, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore filling the air. The detective shrugged, breaking the intense silence.
"It's possible, judging from the fact that he is the only staff member to go missing," the detective replies, "and also the time and situation is very strange." He continues as Nat quietly stares at him,
"Even if he saw something, knows something, we still need to find him first." Nat calmly says to the detective,
The determination between both Nat and the detective grew.
"I'll find him, I'm already on it, you don't have to worry". Detective Khanthong tries comforts Nat
The both of them went silent, and the air was fullied with intensity of the broken silence return,
Nat calmly said to the detective, breaking the silence once again, "I've been thinking. Since you sent me that cryptic message, we need to find a way to communicate comfortably" he says to the detective
Detective Khanthong nodded, "I agree, I hope I didn't scare you" he asked Nat calmly
"Oh no you didn't" Nat replies, "it's just that I can actually identify if it's you or not" he continues calmly,
"That's right it's dangerous because you won't know who it's from" the detective agrees, "And if we continue like this, there is a good possibility you let your guard down, even if it's not a message from me" he continues calmly,
"Yes, exactly" Nat agrees
"But We can't risk using our current phone" the detective says, "I think it's best if we get you a new phone, one that's secure and can't be easily tracked." He advised
Nat thought for a moment before responding, "That's a good idea. But how will we communicate once I have the new phone?"
The detective smiled, "leave it to me...I'll purchase two new burner phones, one for you and one for me. We'll use these phones exclusively for our communication. This way, we can ensure our conversations remain private and secure."
Nat nodded, determination in his eyes, "I'll make sure to check the phone regularly. What about the files? Where will you drop them off?"
The detective thought for a moment before responding, "I'll send you a secure message with a location and a time. Make sure you're careful and keep a low profile. We don't know who's watching."
Nat's expression turned serious, "I will. But what about the shadow? You said it's been seen around, but never caught on camera."
Detective Khanthong's expression turned grim, "Yes, the shadow. Let me tell you something, Nat. The shadow is not what you think it is. It's not a ghost or a supernatural entity." He says seriously, " I personally think it's a person, someone who's been careful to avoid detection." He continues
Nat's eyes widened, "A person? But how...?"
The detective held up a hand, "We'll discuss that later. For now, let's focus on getting you that new phone and establishing a secure line of communication. We can't afford to make any mistakes."
The atmosphere returned intense as their determination grew larger ,
Nat nodded, then asked, "Okay, when will I get the new phone?"
Detective Khanthong smiled reassuringly, "I'll send it to you soon. You'll know it's from me when you receive it."
Nat looked curious, "How will I know it's from you?"
The detective's smile widened, "You should know why. Just trust me, you'll know it's from me when you see it."
Nat nodded, "Okay..." His voice a bit uncertain
Detective Khanthong's expression turned serious, "Nat, be careful, okay? I'll send you the phone later. Take care of yourself until then."
With that, the detective turned and walked away, leaving Nat alone on the rocky shoreline. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore filled the air once again.
Nat waited for a little while, taking slow, deep breaths to calm his racing mind. He gazed out at the sea, the sound of the waves washing over him. As the tension in his body began to ease, he stood up, brushing the sand off his pants.
He took one last look at the beach, then turned and walked away, leaving the rocky shoreline behind. he walked towards the Khao Takiab Beach entrance, the sky was a deep shade of indigo, with the stars beginning to twinkle overhead. The beachgoers had packed up their belongings, only sounds of the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore and the distant hum of evening activities.
The streetlights along the beach road had flickered to life, casting a warm glow over the area.....