Gemscentric

Written by Julian Robov


Seventeen


Five hours later, the strongman Praphan arrived with his entourage to visit Rudy. This tragic event had happened in his territory, and he had all the reasons to know the truth.

After waving his men to stay outside the room, Prapan sat closer to Rudy. Rudy thanked Prapan for coming. James and Johnny had just gone out for food. The explosion shook the whole trade—like a passing tornado, and dealers had just begun assessing the damages. Some were too scared to return, because of a repeat revenge act in the offing. Prapan looked at Rudy smilingly like always, but this time he had a message in it.
“What happened?” Prapan asked Rudy in a low tone.
“I just don’t know. I saw this blue BMW at a gas station near Chonburi, and then again on our way to Chanthaburi. The same car threw a plastic bag at us, and it exploded. Now this same gang, I believe is chasing us. I was at Johnny’s office, and look where I am now,” Rudy answered respectfully.
“I see. That’s what happened? Listen, I know you don’t do bad things, but who is suffering now? The traders and brokers. They are afraid to return, because they think another explosion is on the way. This is not good for the business. Every week we have a turnover of several million. The point is we want to continue the business—the old way. You are a farang (foreigner). When things go badly, you can always return to your country. Don’t misunderstand me. I’m with the people of Chantaburi, and they want to know who these people are—who want to kill the innocents in the street,” Prapan said reluctantly.

James and Johnny entered the room not realizing that Prapan was in the room. He motioned them to take their seats. Instead, they decided to stand to show their respect. They knew too well how powerful and influential Prapan was in the town. It was because of him they had survived, among a handful of few jealous dealers who had always wanted them out of the country. Under Prapan’s wings, they continued their business operation, contributing frequently to his favored charitable institutions. Rudy could have only guessed the reason for Prapan’s quick visit.
“Do you have any suspects?” Prapan leaned back and asked.
Rudy knew a few names, but linking them to this incident without proof didn’t sound sensible.
“Give me a week, and I should be able to get some lead. I’m back in Chantaburi to do business. My stay at Pailin for six years was a trap set by someone in Chantaburi and Bangkok. We are all working hard to put together our ideas and numbers so that we can do business the old way,” he said.
“What do you think?” Prapan turned his attention to James.
“We’ll find them. You have been extremely helpful in Rudy’s release from Pailin. I believe our enemies are still around plotting their next move. But we are here to stay. We are not fleeing anywhere.”
“Look at Johnny. What do you think?” Prapan asked merrily.
“If I knew them, of course, with your help, I would have those assholes cut to pieces for the crocodiles. But the thing is we don’t know. We do know one thing,” Johnny said.
“What’s that?” Prapan asked eagerly.
“It’s a blue BMW. How many in Chantaburi own a blue BMW. That’s what we should find out,” Johnny answered.
“There are hundreds of BMW’s in all colors coming in and out of Chantaburi from every province. But if we have some sort of an ID, may be we can do something about it,” said Prapan.
“I remember. It has a blue sticker taking the form of a hexagonal bi-pyramid of twelve faces—six above and six below—meeting at a girdle,” Rudy said firmly.
“Good. Then we have some serious work to do in the coming days. I have to go. One more thing,” Prapan paused. “Be in constant communication with me. And the rest well......” He didn’t elaborate.
Prapan rose and shook Rudy’s hand. James and Johnny walked to the door, as Prapan was joined by his entourage waiting outside.