Blood Kratom

Scammers

I never expected we would be on Satan. They painted it pink. My mind played a scene where a pink Satan sat on his throne in hell. I shut up my imagination. To distract my mind, I traced the paint; it felt smooth on my skin. It smelled.

“Just painted it last week,” Simon said.

Satan had a roof supported by four poles, protecting the passengers from the sun and rain. Six tires, four by boat sides, one at the front and another at the rear, shield the boat during accidents. The steering wheel was at the back.

I spotted two galloons of freshwater and disposable plastic cups in the middle. Near where I sat lay a sack of rice, a cooking pan, plates, and two manchettes. The blades looked sharpened. At the front, where Gun positioned, they put fishing rods and a row.

I faced the rear where Bill and Simon sat. I had to ensure his safety. I did not trust a man who could not speak English well. The assumption seemed stupid, but I could not help it.

Bill had returned from the USA last week. Sir Luther mentioned Harvard, but damn I never attended university. He needed rest, but Sir Luther knew no rest; he assigned Bill to a mission and sent me to come along.

I learned a lot from Sir Luther. He made his empire in ten years. Wealth did not belong to the lazy, he said. He told me to sacrifice something to gain what I want. I knew he had lost his soul for the wealth. I, myself, offered my freedom of choice for power.

Three days ago, Sir Luther called me into his room. He told me to pack my things and be ready to leave. I raised no eyebrows; a dog followed the order. He spoke in a low tone, looking away. He used to wish me returned safely, but that night he just dismissed me and locked his door.

The stream gleamed. I did not spot any plastic or trash, unlike rivers in Jakarta. I bet I could cup the water and drank it. Trees lined the bank, massive branches bent to the water, touching the stream. Two freshwater crocks jumped into the river as we passed. I noticed birds and monkeys played and feasted on tree branches. I took a long breath; my lung thanked me for the air. Eden had to be like this.

Like Eden, no matter how benevolent all the creations looked, there had to be a serpent. I worried when things went well, as if we, humans, did not deserve easy ways.

“What was that?” Bill stretched his arms.

“Everyday sight.” Simon giggled. “Competition. Boat’s owners.”

“What will happen once you are back?” Bill tapped the boat side, making fast beats.

Simon slowed the boat. “Beers tranquilize it.”

They laughed. I did not, not making sense to me. Few drinks would not solve being dragged to the floor and hit on the neck. I inhaled a long air; none of it was my business, though.

“Your tattoo, tell me.” Bill glanced at the hornbill tattoo on Simon’s neck.

Simon pulled down his V-neck. “This is a family marking. Hornbills are loyal; till death, we part.”

Gun smiled and pulled his shirt neck, too. I studied their faces. They did not resemble; Simon had a handsome face, but Gun was a bit ugly. Maybe, they were in a brotherhood or something.

“Tell me what brings you to our land?” Gun rose and walked to my side.

Gun just talked. I preferred his English.

“He won’t speak.” Bill waved at Gun.

Gun rose again and approached Bill. He almost stepped on the plastic cups. He sat down, staring at me. “Is he mute?”

Bill laughed, “No idea.”

Gun rubbed his nose and glanced at Simon several times. I suspected they hid something from us. I had to watch closely.

I could feel the heat below the roof. We all sweated. My ears ached; the engine sent had been slamming our eardrums. I filled the plastic cup with water and handed it to my boss. Later, he asked for another glass. I drank one glass and put it near me. I did not want to share the same glass. God knew what disease those men had. My boss slept and woke up as we parked the boat under a bayan tree. We had fried chicken for our lunch.

Simon and Gun climbed the bank and went into the woods after the meal. They said we could come along if we wanted to pee. We stayed. Bill signed me to get closer after the trees swallowed their figures.

“Can we trust them?” Bill sighted the woods.

I nodded, although I felt unsure. I knew my capacity. Simon looked weak, but Gun seemed skilled. I did not want Bill to worry. I returned to my position as their figure materialized among the trees.

“About Balu Village, what you want?” Simon sat down by the steering wheel.

Bill tapped his feet to the floor. He whispered at Simon. The driver's face turned dark. He signed his man to get close. He whispered to Gun.

They exchanged look. Gun shook his head and looked down.

“We return.” Simon sighed Bill.

“You couldn’t do that!” Bill raised his arms in front of his chest. “We have gone this far.”

“No pay.” Simon reached for the pile of money Bill gave beforehand and handed it back.

I rushed toward Simon and grabbed his V-neck. To my surprise, knifepoint tickled my rib. Gun patted my shoulder. “Easy. Easy.” A broad smile cracked his lips. I signed at his stomach; Gun pulled his knife after seeing my pistol.

“Stop it Shadow!

I released my grip and pushed Simon back to his seat. I returned to the middle of the boat, eyeing Gun. Lucky bastard. Had Bill ordered me to kill them, I would love it. Simon fixed his T-shirt, glancing at me.

“Sorry.” Bill reached for his bag and threw it onto Simon’s lap. “Fifty million. Take us or we kill two of you.”

Simon snatched the bag fast and hid it by his side. He smiled. “Deal!”

I believed Simon and Gun just wanted more money. I wonder how many tourists had been tricked by them. Threatening to return on the way to the destination would force tourists to pay more. I would punch either Simon or Gun on the nose If I had the chance.