The Uninvited Guests

"Why are you here?" Rames asks Daou, who is sitting on the steps outside the hall, lost in thought.

"It's hot. Besides, there are so many people inside. It's getting hot and suffocating," the youngest replies, his voice tinged with a hint of frustration.

Rames nods and takes a seat beside him, the weight of the moment settling between them. "Ar Tony's business associates are no joke! That's why he's the richest in the community," he sighs, leaning back against the cold marble of the stairs. He watches the crowd pass by, their carefree laughter contrasting sharply with the heaviness in his heart.

"Did you still talk to Seth?" The suddenness of the question makes Daou's stomach twist with bitterness.

"No. I don't think either of us wants to..." His voice trails off.

Rames glances at his brother, concern etched on his face. "It seems like the Sawati have entangled us in such a complex way," he taps his finger against the hard surface of the stairs, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "Come to think of it, we shouldn't have associated with them from the beginning."

Daou hangs his head low, silently agrees with the claim. Yet, no matter how far they try to run, that's simply impossible. The bond between the Sawati and Ratchana families runs deep, forged long before they were born.

Both families have been friends for generations.

Tony used to send his children to school, together with the Ratchana siblings, whether for daily classes or special events like sports day and prom. In those early days, everything felt right. Eventually, Daou and Seth first caught each other’s eyes during the era. What began as a simple friendship blossomed into something more as they entered middle school.

But everything changed when Reis entered college. Tony's attention shifted to her, and everyone assumed it was because she was pursuing a degree in Business Administration. He offered to mentor her, and Tan supported the idea. That’s when things escalated. Tony’s obsession with Reis grew, seemingly without reason.

As the family drama unfolded, Daou's relationship with Seth began to deteriorate. Their meetings turned into arguments, each blaming the absence of Tony, with Reis as an unwanted culprit. Fight after fight, the strain became unbearable, and in the end, Seth couldn’t take it anymore. He broke up with Daou, leaving the boy shattered.

"How much do you know about the issue between cè and Ar Tony?" Daou asks Rames, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Hia Gi knows almost everything. I just learned the main part," Rames replies, his gaze steady on Daou. "That alone makes me furious at Ar!"

"At first, I blamed cè for being reckless! But how much could she do at such a young age? Fighting a powerful man like Ar Tony? We would need the best lawyer in town!" Daou sighs. "But no one was willing to help. Even Por never cared about her!" the weight of his frustration palpable.

Rames nods in silent agreement. The issue is monumental, yet tragically, Tan chose to trust his friend over his own daughter.

They sit in silence, their minds racing with thoughts. Just as Rames decides to return to the hall, his eyes catch a glimpse of two figures—a lady and a young man—entering gracefully.

"What's wrong, Hia?" Daou asks, noticing Rames frozen in place.

"I think the police are here..."

"How do you know they're police?" Daou springs up from his seat, anxiety coursing through him.

"Don't ask. I can smell them from kilometers away," Rames replies, hurrying down the stairs, leaving Daou in a whirlwind of confusion.

***

"Greetings, Mr. Parapat..."

Gi turns around, startled to find two people standing behind him. "May I help you?" he asks, his voice steady despite the unease creeping in.

"I'm Officer Q, and this is Detective Wen. It's fortunate we found you here. We're looking for Miss Ratchana," Q states, his tone professional yet unsettling.

"Did the Sawati file a report against my sister?" Gi's heart races, dread pooling in his stomach.

"No, they didn't."

"Then why are you asking for her?" anxiety tightens its grip on Gi.

"We believe there may be foul play in Mr. Sawati's death, and we're looking for clues—perhaps a suspect as well—"

"What does my sister have to do with his death?! Are you accusing her of killing Mr. Sawati?!" Gi snaps, his voice rising in anger. Q and Wen remain calm, their demeanor unyielding.

"We're here for a brief investigation. Just for a moment..."

"I won't allow that! Not until you have proper documentation to investigate my sister!" Gi's voice is firm, a protective instinct surging within him.

"I think you're aware of the police report made by her years ago," Q says, handing Gi a brown file. "Regarding a rape case against Mr. Sawati. That could be the first lead. She has a solid motive."

Gi's hand trembles as he takes the document, his heart pounding in his chest. "That happened so many years ago! How can that be a motive? And, I thought Ar Tony died of cardiac arrest?!" His voice quivers, the weight of the accusation crashing down on him.

Wen and Q exchange glances, their expressions serious.

"I'm sorry, but according to the coroner's report, the cause of death is questionable. While it appeared to be a cardiac arrest, traces of a substance were found that could indicate poisoning. It seems someone may have poisoned him the night of his death," Q explains, his words heavy with implication.

"I believe, it's inappropriate to conduct an investigation at a funeral."

All eyes turn to the voice that cuts through the tension.

"Felix? What a surprise!" Q glances at Felix, his shocking expression is visible clearly on his face.

"Q Kanaphan... It's been a long time, friend..." Felix's smile is faint, but his eyes hold a depth of understanding.

"You know him?" Gi asks, bewildered.

"Yes. We were classmates," Felix replies, his gaze shifting back to Q. "Can we take this conversation outside? I don't think anyone will keen to have police in a funeral hall. Plus, you came with no warrant, so, I believe this can be consider as trespassing."

Q and Wen exchange looks before Q nods, conceding to Felix's request. They exit the hall, with Felix following closely behind.

"Hia, who was that?" Rames appears suddenly, concern etched on his f

ace.

Gi frowns, his mind racing. "Call Mr. Chan. Just in case we need a lawyer..."