The Source

Part 18

Heng: What did you want to t- Ugh! Freen shook her hand which was throbbing from the punch. WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR?! She narrowed her eyes at him and smacked his head. 

Freen: WHAT DID I TELL YOU ABOUT THE FUCKING DRUGS?! I ALMOST DIED LAST NIGHT BECAUSE OF YOUR DEAL WITH THE ORIGIN! He was shocked. You think I didn't know about that?! I know everything Heng! I told you years ago not to mess with them and now you owe them money. We're rich as hell. How the fuck do you owe them money?! He put his head down. Answer me! 

Heng: I don't have any money, ok?! I spent it all on my parties, the drinks and the drugs and then I tried gambling to earn it back faster and ended up owing more! She threw a glass at his head. Luckily, he ducked and it crashed into the wall. 

Freen: I was free, Heng. FREE of their bullshit! And now I'm being dragged again into it because of your dumbass! Mother's pride and joy and all you can do is fuck up every single time. Ugh! It's infuriating having to deal with your shit! This is the last time I'm solving things for you. She grabbed him by his shirt collar. If you mess up again, you better call Mommy dearest for help because I'm done Heng! She shoved him onto the couch and sighed. She grabbed the whiskey bottle in front of her and served two glasses downing both. 

Heng: W-what do you mean you were free? You had a deal with The Origin too? She narrowed her eyes at him. 

Freen: Not with them. I had a deal with the people who control The Origin. She sat down next to him. They found out about Song's accident. He got up and started pacing. 

Heng: No! How could they know about that? That was years ago! The case was buried! 

Freen: Will you calm down?! I already dealt with that. They won't tell anyone. I worked with them long enough to earn their trust. 

Heng: What do you mean? How did you work with them? Why didn't you tell me about any of this? She scoffed and moved away before she felt the need to hit him again. 

Freen: I didn't need to tell you because I had it handled. I was done with them. Our secret was safe until you and your drugs fucked things up for me. 

Heng: Was? 

Freen: The only way to help clean your mess up is if I ask The Founder for help and knowing her, it won't be a one time thing. She sighed. It's a good thing that I haven't deleted her number then. She unlocked the second drawer of her desk, lifted the flat base and took out the phone she thought she would never use again. Here goes nothing. The phone rang twice before Freen heard the voice she hoped she would never hear again. 

The Founder: Well, well, well. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw your name pop up on my screen. Freen Sarocha Chankimha, to what do I owe the pleasure? 

Freen: I need your help with my brother's situation. It's getting out of hand. Leader sent his men, and he almost got me and a cop killed. I don't think you want the cops knowing about The Source. 

The Founder: I can handle Leader and his mistakes, but you asking for help is definitely a first and I won't miss the opportunity. What can I do for you? She could feel The Founder smiling over the phone. 

Freen: I want to pay off my brother's debt and in exchange you will leave my family out of your business and Leader's permanently. Even if my stupid brother tries to buy more drugs, you won't sell them to him. Heng was about to protest when Freen raised his hand to stop him. 

The Founder: And what do I get out of this deal? 

Freen: I will continue my previous work. Small jobs only. Nate is perfectly capable of handling the big ones. 

The Founder: Freen, you know better than I do that Nate is an amateur and for these kinds of jobs, I need a pro. Freen closed her eyes knowing if she continued, she wouldn't be rid of The Source until she's dead. It's you in exchange for your brother's debts or no deal. 

Freen: Can I think about it? 

The Founder: Of course! I'm having a family dinner this Friday. Join us. I'll message you the details and you can give me your answer then. My wife is dying to see you again and you know I can't say no to her. 

Freen: Fine. Text me the details. I'll have an answer for you by then. She hung up and threw the phone in the drawer. 

Heng: Why can't you just pay off the debt and be done with it? She shook her head. 

Freen: It's not that easy. You've met Leader, haven't you? He nodded. Even if I had half a million dollars lying around, that wouldn't be enough for him. I can pay off the money, but he always finds other ways to extort you. I will fix this, but I need something from you, brother. 

Heng: Anything! What is it? 

Freen: Please get help. You're not a kid anymore, Heng. You know drug addiction runs in your genes. Clean up your act and that will be the greatest gift you could ever give to me. I'm sacrificing a lot to keep our family name intact so could you please do your part?

Heng: What about the company? 

Freen: Don't worry. I will handle it. She sighed. I will take care of everything and when you get back the company is yours. 

Heng: What do you mean? Tulip Enterprises is your dream. She smiled for the first time in the night. 

Freen: Let's face it. The company is more yours than mine. Even though I still love flowers and their effects on people, I think it's time I work on my other passions like art. After I'm done with this whole mess, I want to go to Europe and just enjoy life for once. Might even open up my own gallery. He hugged her tightly. 

Heng: Thank you for everything. I hope you find what makes you the happiest.