LOVE WAS RED

CHAPTER 3

It was nearly 5:45 am in the morning and Director General Ma of the Royal Thai police was knocking carelessly at the front door of Police Captain Tito.

Police Captain Tito got off bed and slipped on his dressing gown as he made his way to the front, while wondering who would be knocking at his door at such an ungodly hour.

He unlocked and opened the door only to realize the unwanted visitor was the Director General. Quickly, he greeted his boss politely.

"It’s morning and you are still in your pajamas," The Director General demanded before walking into the house without an invitation.

"Start packing," The Director General ordered.

"Start packing for what, Sir?" Police Captain Tito asked as he followed his boss, who was strolling through the house, looking curiously about like he was searching for incriminating evidence.

"Captain Rachanon and his executive assistant have disappeared under mysterious circumstances while in Pattaya."

"Alright and why are you giving me this information?" Tito asked.

"I want you to go there and investigate the true circumstances of their disappearance." The Director General said, looking at the Police Captain with a sharp eye.

"Would you like some cappuccino, Sir?" Tito offered as he gestured in the direction of the kitchen.

The Director General nodded.

Police Captain Tito led the way into the kitchen and quickly engaged the coffee maker to make an espresso before adding the milk to it.

"What was Captain Rachanon doing something there?" Tito asked as he served his boss the cappuccino.

They went back into the living room to talk further.

"He was checking an inquiry for the National Intelligence Agency. In connection with an African d**g Lord known as Lion. Do you know anything about it?"

"No," was the Police Captain’s simple answer.

"I want you to leave for Pattaya today, in fact this very morning. I will send additional information by email before you arrive there. Then you can go through it." The Director General informed him before he sipped the cappuccino.

At that moment, Inspector Mudmee came in with her suitcase.

"Good morning, Inspector." Tito greeted her as he stood up from his chair.

"Good morning, Inspector Mudmee," the Director General said as he looked up.

Inspector Mudmee responded politely to each greeting.

"What brings you to my house?" Tito asked.

It was the Director General who answered.

"She will be assisting you with the case. Mudmee is more than capable and will be very useful to our mission."

"I have made arrangements for our transportation to Pattaya like you ordered." Inspector Mudmee informed the Director General as he sipped his cappuccino.

"Good."

"I guess we will be working together then," the Police Captain said with a hand shake.

"I am looking forward to it," Inspector Mudmee replied.

"Good, I want you both to go there and find what happened to Captain Rachanon."

Saran had not slept much the previous night, and when morning came he had to pack for Pattaya.

He dragged the suitcase from the closet and set it on the bed before filling it with clothes.

An hour later, he came out of his building carrying the suitcase, he opened the booth of the hatchback, and installed the suitcase there before closing it. Then he opened the door to the backseat where he placed his backpack before getting behind the wheel and finally setting off for Pattaya.

The break-up was still fresh and Saran was still in an emotional state. He was devastated by how Kit suddenly ended their relationship, which ultimately turned his world upside down.

Saran could not help thinking about all the sweet memories of the time that they spent together. It just kept coming up and triggering more painful feelings that Saran did not quite know how to deal with or how to move on from their failed relationship. Now, Saran realized how important it was to surround himself with friends that love and genuinely care about him.

Saran and his hatchback finally entered Pattaya with its fantastic beaches, and endless entertainment and attractions. When he reached the house where they would all be staying, he unlocked the door and let himself in. He opened the windows for fresh air to come in and took off all the white sheets from the furniture.

After, he did some cleaning and unpacking his suitcase. Saran had to go buy food and drinks. Getting into his hatchback once again and driving off.

Along the way, Saran spotted an open gallery and suddenly he decided to have a look at the artworks on display.

He parked the hatchback and made his way into the gallery. After he had written his name, email address and telephone number in a large book at the entrance, he was now free to look at the artworks.

He was promptly greeted by the art curator and a waiter served him champagne.

"Are you looking for anything in particular," the art curator asked.

"No, I just want to have a look around and see if I like anything," Saran explained.

"That is fine." The art curator nodded, handed him a thick glossy brochure and then left him to speak with another patron who needed her attention about a particular artwork.

Saran thought the art curator was very lovely as he quickly looked through the brochure that he had been given.

He sipped his champagne and looked around, realizing that the crowd were mostly expats.

Saran walked around a bit before finally stopping in front of a painting and taking a careful look at it. He checked the name of the artist and realized it was an artist whose works he very much admired.

"Do you like paintings by Thanawat?"

Someone asked.

Saran turned. And he saw a young man who was taller than him, very masculine and handsome. Great hair and a cute smile.

"Yes, I do. I like the way he paints, " Saran said, and returned his attention to the painting.

Police Captain Tito came closer and stood next to Saran and also revealed to him.

"I like his intimate portraits and I also like his dreamy landscapes."

"When you look at this landscape portrait, you can see that he uses loose brush strokes," Saran remarked.

"His landscapes always seemed to flirt with the abstract," Tito added.

"And he uses the aesthetics of classical painting, so they are always saturated with color." Saran observed as he turned to admire the man's smile again.

Saran didn't know why, but he liked the way the stranger smiled.

"Which of his works on display here is your favorite?" The Police Captain asked Saran.

Saran looked around for a moment then pointed to a painting.

"I like this one the best." Saran smiled for the first time while looking at Tito.

The Police Captain took a closer look at the painting. It depicts a group of high society friends relaxing at an outdoor luncheon. One of the characters in the painting was playing with a dog. Behind him was a dashing figure trying to flirt with him.

Saran looked at the price tag and he nearly fainted. It was 200,000 Baht!!!!

It was too expensive to consider ever buying it.

Looking at his wristwatch, Saran announced: "I have to leave. Goodbye."

Saran gave a brief wave and then he left the gallery with Police Captain Tito stirring after him with a sweet smile.