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Chapter Text

Siam 2467 (1924)

Patpong, the infamous red-light district of Bangkok was once again coloured with crimson.

“Shit!” The Inspector cursed, kicking an empty bottle of beer rolling on the dirty ground.

“Sir…” The Sergeant tried to calm him down but his plea echoed to deaf ears.

“Third one this month…” Watee murmured, looking at the poor woman lying on the narrow alley with nothing seeing eyes.

It was just like the two previous victims. Her throat was slashed by one deep cut which completely severed all the tissue down to the vertebrae. Even without the statement of the coroner, the Inspector knew it was the work of the same serial killer who had been tormenting the streets of Bangkok for the past two weeks. There was no doubt, the unfortunate lady had become that beast’s third victim. Slasher of Siam had struck again.

“Hmm…” Maitee carefully examined the body. “It looks like done with a similar surgical instrument—”

The inspector banged the wall. “Constable Teedo!” Watee shouted. “Get the warrant.”

“Watee…” Maitee startled that desperate Inspector was jumping into a hasty conclusion. “We haven’t even found the murder weapon. We cannot randomly accuse—”

“We must stop these killings!” Watee yelled, pointing at the woman in the pool of blood.

“I know.” Maitee nodded. “But we don’t have any evidence.”

“We have.” Watee steadied his posture, trying to find strenght in his voice. “Liston knife.”

“That’s just an assumption based on the very precise cutting wounds.” Maitee reasoned.

“Um, our murderer clearly possesses anatomical knowledge.” Watee had made up his mind.

“Please, Watee reconsider…”

“If arresting him will stop the killings, that’s proof enough.” Watee stated, looking straight at his sergeant.

Maitee couldn’t say anything against it. Currently they had no better guesses.

“Constable Teedet!” Inspector yelled. “Get the doctor.”

“Yes, Sir!” Teedet proceeded with the orders. It was simple as that. The best surgeon of the town must be their man.

Chapter Text

“Hihihi…” Maetee giggled as butterfly kisses peppered his cheeks.

“Any sweeter than that and I won’t hold back…” T-rex murmured, pinning Maetee on the bed.

“Uih!” Maetee gasped as T-rex moved to devour his neck with his plump lips. “T-reeex…” He hummed as the sneaky hands conquered more bare skin by slipping under his shirt.

Was it happening now? Was Maetee going to lose his virginity to his boyfriend of mere one month?

Should have Maetee been more chaste? Not give in that easily for his desire. But T-rex’s kisses were sweet and his hands were warm and Maetee couldn’t help his legs subconsciously spreading, allowing T-rex better access to get closer to him.

“Ahm!” Maetee moaned, unable to hold his voice when T-rex’s hand had reached his chest, teasing his sensitive nibbles.

“Shh…” T-rex hissed, pressing his finger over Maetee’s gapping lips. “If you let out alluring sounds like that I cannot guarantee what happens to you, my sweetie…”

“Umh…” Maetee whined as T-rex held his chin, guiding his mouth closer and closer and—

*knock knock*

“Aow?” T-rex gazed at the door.

“We are busy!” Maetee shouted, hoping that anyone who was behind the door would leave them alone so that they could continue their thrilling escapade.

“Tee!” Maetinee’s voice came through sharp. “Open the door.” Her tone was demanding.

“No!” Maetee disagreed. “Go away, Nee.”

“Come on!” Maetinee’s frustration was clear. “You got a letter from the capital and it seems urgent.”

“A letter?” T-rex’s curiosity was awakened and every last remnant of the romantic atmosphere drifted away.

“Haa-ah…” Maetee sighed as T-rex got up and rushed to the door.

Sadly it seemed like he would stay a virgin a while longer.

Chapter Text

They had gathered around a small table at the twins’ childhood home. After everything that happened with their previous investigation of missing sister, Maetee and Maetinee had decided to return to their home village to spend some quality time as family.

It was just a bonus that Doctor Todsatid had recommended fresh air in the countryside to be good for T-rex’s recovery. So three of them had come to live with the twins’ mother for a while.

When the newly formed couple were together, nothing could keep them apart from each other. The two lovebirds were treating their little vacation as a honeymoon. Their love was all over the place and Maetinee had to remind them everyday that there were other people living in that house as well.

Although Maetee and T-rex had got a room for themselves. The walls of the old farm house were thin and even Maetee’s mother pointed out she heard everything. Young love was addicting, trying to lure them deeper into swirls of that uncontrollable feeling.

Were they moving too fast? They had known each other for two months from which they had officially dated one, but they were so in love! Maetee knew it with his every cell that T-rex was the one. His one and only true love. His honnie-bunnie love sucker tongue twister—

“Earth to Tee!” Maetinee called as her brother had once again fallen in his daydreams.

“The letter.” She handed it over and right away T-rex was precisely examining it.

“Sniff.” He told Maetee.

“Huh?” Maetee did as told. “Smells delicious.”

“Exactly! Tom Kha Gai.” T-rex flashed him a cunning smile.

“Ooh! The iconic dish of Im Prem.” Maetee counted one plus one.

“Wow! Whose faen is this clever…” T-rex pinched Maetee’s cheek, clearly aiming to peck the lips.

“Ahem!” Maetinee cleared her throat. “The delivery man told me that the sender was desperate to have the letter here as soon as possible, so maybe you two should stop your flirting and focus.”

“Um, let’s open it.” T-rex adjusted his glasses and ever so carefully pressed his thumb under the sealing and popped it open.

The letter paper was a torn-off page of a recipe book and writing errors filled sentences were written on hasty letters.

Dear Consulting Detectives,

Mhor— Ten has been arrested as a suspect of those grisly murders. Please, help me to get him out of there. The police do not listen and they do not let me see him. But I am sure he isn’t the killer. Please save Ten.

Sincerely,

Prem Premmatat

“W-what does this mean?” Maetee startled.

“Murders…” T-rex read the letter over and over again. What on Earth was going on at the capital?

Then mother passed the kitchen corner, plopping bowls of steaming broth on the table. “Eat.” She told.

“Mae!” Maetee whined. Mother knew she shouldn’t sneak around like that for sake of Maetee’s jumpy heart.

“It seems you must go, so fill your tummies before you leave.” Mother winked.

“Aww… Maeee…” Maetee hugged his mother. “I don’t want to go. It sounds like there is a serial killer hunting in the city.”

Mother ruffled her son’s hair. “But you must follow your heart, don’t you?” She smiled, nodding towards T-rex who was enthusiastically examining the letter as if it could have given him more answers about what was going on in Bangkok.

“Mh,” Maetee nodded. He would follow T-rex around the world if had to.

“Maetee!” T-rex lifted his eyes, looking up to him and Maetee already recognised that burning, that over-powering curiosity which filled all his senses. The criminal psychologist’s desire for mysteries was unbeatable. Maetee already knew before T-rex even had to say it.

“Wherever you go, I will go too.” Maetee said and the joy in T-rex’s eyes glimmered even brighter. He stood up and rushed to hug Maetee.

“Thank you!” T-rex squeezed Maetee in his arms. “We are the dream team.”

Maetee giggled. That was like honey in his ears and willingly he sunk into the embrace. To be honest, Maetee was scared about what was waiting for them at the capital. But at the same time he knew that T-rex by his side, it was going to be alright. Together they could solve the mystery and help cook and doctor to reunite. But…

It also meant they must face T-rex’s brother who had not yet approved their relationship. Well, who knows, maybe Watee had changed his mind during the past month.

“Nee? Will you come too?” Maetee asked for allies, just in case. There never could be too much support.

“Hah! And become a third wheel?” Maetinee huffed. “No thank you. I would rather help out Mae here.”

“Aren’t you planning to return to work with the police?” T-rex stunned. How anyone could leave such a thrilling job.

“Seriously? Under that idiotic Inspector who cannot see further than his snobby nose.” Maetinee rolled her eyes. “I have had enough of the capital. I moved there for Tee anyway.” She glanced at Maetee with a teasing smile.

“But since you now have someone else to look out for you, you will manage without me, right?” Maetinee elbowed her brother’s side, almost making Maetee spill his soup.

“Umh.” Maetee shyly nodded, blush spreading on his cheeks, knowing what his sister was implying. She was passing the baton to T-rex.

“Mae, Nee, you don’t have to worry. I promise I will take care of him.” T-rex boastly announced holding Maetee’s hand.

“Mh.” Mother nodded, approving. “You are like opposite halves of a compass. Logic and emotion. But when you come together, you spin wildly, allowing you access to both worlds.” The witch told. “Stay united and no harm can come to you.” Mother handed over a voodoo doll, or more correctly two voodoo dolls that were tightly tied together. “Good luck.” She winked.

“Wow!” T-rex gasped, accepting the peculiar gift.

“Mae!” Maetee whined embarrassed. What on Earth was his mother implying? The figures were tangled together so tight that it was hard to tell where one started and one ended. It represented the idea of how Maetee wished them to be. Inseparatable. By heart and bodily as well…

Chapter Text

Maetee’s home village located in the rural area along Pran Buri river. They got a lift from a local farmer heading to the town to sell his goods at the market place. The train from Hua Hin was scheduled to depart in the afternoon, so they had a couple of hours to spend exploring the town.

Even if Hua Hin had become a popular vacation destination it was still a small city compared to bubbling and sparkling Bangkok. 

“T-rex what do you think… Doesn’t that look kind of romantic?” Maetee pointed at a rose garden with an arched gate. 

“Secret Garden?” T-rex read the sign hanging above the entrance. Somehow it sounded familiar.

“Excuse me? Are you going in?”

There was a man in his white doctor coat impatiently waiting to get past them.

“Ah! Sorry, Phi.” T-rex moved aside, letting the man step in.

“Psst! T-rex. T-rex.” Maetee tucked his sleeve. 

“Huh?”

“That was Doctor Pat.”

“Who?” T-rex burrowed his brows. The name didn’t ring a bell.

“Don’t you remember? That man who the actor of Chan was said to have eloped with.” Maetee smiled, remembering the hottest gossip from the theatre. “This must be his cafe!”

“Ooh!” T-rex recalled their previous investigation. “Should we go in?”

“Mh! Mh!” Maetee enthusiastically nodded.

The sweet scent swirled in the air, fresh baked pastries and thai desserts were neatly placed on the counter on cute porcelain plates and serving trays.

There were few customers enjoying their tea and sweets outside but the inside of the cafe looked empty although some suspicious noises were heard from the staff room.

“How weird? Where did the doctor disappear?” T-rex asked, looking around.

“Umh, well… It’s lunch time, so maybe they are having lunch at the back…” Maetee guessed, rather correct because they could hear someone loudly munching or maybe it was more like smooching…

“We could have something sweet before the train leaves.” T-rex said and pressed the bell on the cashier counter.

“Ah! Wait, let them—” Maetee tried to stop him but it was too late.

T-rex was making the little bell tinkle and right away there was rustling and hasty whispers heard from the staff room until a little pink faced pastry chef emerged, apologising. “Sorry for the wait. What can I have for you?”

“Hi, Nonsee. Do you remember me?” Maetee recognised the tiny man.

“Aow! Maetee… W-what are you doing here?” Suddenly Non looked a bit afraid.

“I was visiting my mae and…”

“Hello! I’m T-rex, you can tell Doctor to come out from his hiding place. We already met him at the door.”

Poor Non turned even redder on the face. “I-I was just…” He didn’t have more time to explain as the tall man appeared to his side. 

“I think we got caught, Non.” Pat rubbed his nape. “But if his mother hired a private detective to find us, you can tell her Non isn’t coming back. Ever.” He glared at T-rex.

“Ah! No. We are not here for that.” T-rex corrected the misunderstanding. Although happy they knew who he was.

“Are you sure?” Pat looked at them, tightening his hold around Non’s shoulders.

“Yes! No worries. Me and Maetee, we are on a date.” T-rex grinned, pulling Maetee closer by the waist.

“Huh?” Maetee stunned.

“Didn’t you say it was romantic here, sweetheart?” T-rex gestured around the cute cafe.

“Ahm…” Maetee blushed. He wasn’t used to so openly tell about their relationship.

“Aow!” Pat smiled, relaxing. A couple like them wasn’t any threat. “I always come here for lunch break.” He leaned towards the little patissier. “This place offers the sweetest things…”

Poor Non was blushing all over as Pat sniffed his hair. 

“Aww…” Maetee cooed. He wanted love as sweet. 

They all sat around a small round table covered with a cute lace tablecloth and one pink rose in the flower pot. From time to time Non popped up to serve other customers, but returned next to Pat whenever possible.

“Mhm!” T-rex ate the cake with a good appetite. “These are super good, Non.” He praised.

“Right!” Pat smiled from ear to ear. “N’Non is the best.”

“P’Pat…” Non wasn’t very good at receiving compliments, embarrassedly trying to hush them from exaggerating. It was just an ordinary cheesecake with honey and fruits on the side.

“Mh,” Pat swallowed down a sweet spoonful before opening his mouth again. “If I were you I would stay away from Bangkok.”

“Huh?” T-rex lifted an eyebrow.

“Haven’t you heard of the Slasher of Siam? A serial killer is roaming free on the streets killing young women.” Pat gossiped while enjoying his sweets.

“Uuh…” Maetee shivered.

“But didn’t the police make an arrest?” T-rex fell into his detective mode, recalling Prem’s letter.

“Um…” Pat nodded, sipping his tea. “They are making a mistake. I know the guy. We were in medical school at the same time.”

“So you don’t believe the suspect is the real killer?” T-rex inquired, getting more and more invested.

“No way!” Pat shook his head. “That dude is even more gay than me! He wouldn’t chase women at night to fulfil his sexual fantasies.” Pat refused to believe such nonsense.

“Eh?!” Maetee shocked. “Is it a sexual crime?”

“The police have not revealed any details, but the girls…” Pat stirred the tea with his spoon. “They were all prostitutes.”

“Oh!” T-rex and Maetee looked at each other.

“Happen to know any names of the victims?” T-rex asked.

“No idea.” Pat shook his head. “But Ten wouldn’t get involved with that. I have never seen anyone as smitten as him. There is no way he would even look at other people when all his attention is occupied by that little cook.” Unconsciously Pat’s hand landed on Non’s thigh like ensuring he was still there.

Non placed his hand above Pat, assuring him he wasn’t going anywhere.

“P’Prem taught me many recipes.” Non finally spoke out. “If anything like that happened to P’Pat…I-I….” Non clenched his fists.

“Hey, we will always be together.” Pat assured, holding Non’s hands and kissed the tensed knuckles. The sleeves of the patissier were rising, revealing scars on his wrists.

T-rex made a mental note. There were various rumours about the noble family of Bussababan. Like that the son was closed into an asylum to cure his melancholia, only to fall in love with his doctor… What an ironic outcome that surely didn’t please the matriarch.

The human mind was very fragile. If one were left alone to endure all that pain, they would sink into darkness. And that darkness would swallow them, forcing them to do terrible things, like the killer who was now raging, unleashing his malice on those poor women.

The police’s suspect did not fit the picture that the murderer profile had formed in T-rex’s mind. Ten had Prem, he had no reason to do the atrocities he was now accused of. That was not possible. T-rex had to go back to Bangkok and hear his brother's reasons for coming to such an absurd conclusion.

“Do you—” T-rex’s thoughts were distracted by Maetee’s laugh. He looked at how Maetee enjoyed this double date. Was it wrong of him to force Maetee out of his happy bubble, back to cruel reality…

Light reflected from the blade of the desert knife as the doctor cut another piece. His fingers curved over the edge, guiding the instrument with delicate and firm grip as it cut through the cream frosting, cake flesh all the way to the juicy filling.

“T-rex…”

“Ah! Y-yeah?” T-rex faced Maetee looking at him with a concerned expression.

“Do you want more cake?” Maetee offered T-rex another piece.

“Mh, sure.” T-rex smiled, taking his spoon. But his thoughts were travelling far to the shady alleys. “Um, Doc Pat. Is a doctor able to kill?”

The metal clashed on the floor as Nonsee dropped his spoon. “S-sorry…” Non hissed, squatting down to collect his utensil.

“Doctor’s duty is to heal. Harming others goes against The Hippocratic Oath.” Pat said, helping Non up. 

“But could you?” T-rex insisted, being unable to ignore how Non avoided Pat’s gaze.

“If you really want to know…a doctor is just a human. And a human, is capable of anything.” Pat stated. “Especially if something threatens the one most important to you….”

Non gripped Pat’s sleeve, his whole body trembling.

“I swear I could have killed that bitch…” Pat hissed, gritting his teeth.

Non furiously shook his head, clinging on the doctor even tighter. In the fuss he bumped on the table and a cherry pie crushed on the floor. The sticky red filling spilled out like the yolk of a broken egg. Non looked at the mess as a lonely tear poured on his cheek and Pat wiped it off with his thumb. Never again Non would get hurt.

Chapter Text

Bangkok felt lively, not a ghost town it could have been assumed to turn into after the awful incidents. Instead colourful posters and flyers spotted every street corner. Circus had come to the town. 

Maetee admired the delicate illustration of ropedancer. She was so pretty with her filly hems. If Maetee wore something like that… Would he look as beautiful?

“Um, if you like that. We can go watch the show after we solve this case.” T-rex promised. “But first! We must meet our client.” 

They headed to the riverside, at the porch of the little restaurant. T-rex knocked the door and immediately it was opened.

“Ten!” Prem gasped, but his hope died as soon as he saw it wasn’t the one he was waiting for.

“Ah, um, please come in.” The cook invited the guests in. The place looked shadier, dirtier. There clearly had been no customers in days.

“How are you doing?” Maetee asked, seeing Prem’s pale face. “Have you slept at all?”

Prem just sat absentmindedly on the chair, gazing at the pictures on the wall. His eyes stopped on the picture of him and Ten in blue suits, widely smiling with a pair of matching silver rings.

“I need him to come back home.” Prem said, fighting back his tears.

“Could you tell us what has happened?” T-rex stood beside them.

“Four days ago a third victim was found. We were just having Sunday brunch…” Prem gazed at the unfinished dishes at the table. “…Police came in and took him.”

“Have there been any deaths since then?” T-rex questioned and flames sparked in the little cook’s eyes.

“Ten was home that night! And all the other nights as well.” Prem defended. “We sleep together. It is not possible for him to leave the bed without me noticing.”

“Did you tell that to the police?” T-rex asked.

“Yes, but they didn’t listen. They said because Ten is a doctor he might have drugged me!” Prem rolled his eyes, emphasising the stupidity of that assumption. “But that’s not true. Ten is the sweetest person I know. He would never hurt anyone.”

Next tears were streaming on Prem’s face. He was tired of explaining it over and over again, no one believing him. “Please… I don’t know what to do anymore.”

“Don’t worry. It seems like there is no link between Doc Ten and the victims.” T-rex assured and Prem’s posture stiffed. 

Maetee noticed that as well and moved to sit next to Prem. “Um, is there something else? Why does the police suspect Doctor Ten of these murders?”

“Because he is a good doctor.” Prem simply answered.

“Huh?”

“The girls… They were prostitutes. They couldn’t afford to get treatment in the hospital, but Ten was so kind… He helped them without getting paid, but the police…” Prem’s voice was shaking, about to break any minute. “The police think that they paid him another way…”

“Oh!” Maetee gasped and took sobbing Prem in a hug.

“I see…” T-rex adjusted his glasses. It sounded to be more complicated than he had first thought. “Even if there are some hints that might link Doc to these girls. It all seems to be circumstantial evidence. That is not enough for the police to prosecute him.”

“Really?” There was a glimpse of scattered hope in Prem’s eyes.

“Of course. Heat your stove, Cook! We are getting your husband out of this mess.” T-rex swore.

Maetee looked at him with admiration. That was so cool. What a gallant hero his man was.

Chapter Text

“P’Watee!” T-rex barked into the inspector’s office without knocking. Just in case, Maetee left standing by the door. “By what right did you go and arrest an innocent man?” He hopped to sit on the table.

“Hoi!” Watee spilled his coffee, startled but not surprised. He already knew his brother couldn’t keep his nose out of it for too long.

“I’m talking to you Inspector.” T-rex leaned closer. 

Watee turned red from anger. Citizens were mercilessly flaying the police. They had become a public laughing stock as they had failed to catch the killer. And now he had to take that same shit from his foolish brother.

“And what right do you have to come here and play a hero?” Watee retorted.

“The same right you have to play a villain!” T-rex snapped back.

“Please, two of you.” Maitee arrived hearing the shouting.

“Didn’t you learn anything from the last time? The first idea that goes across your mind might not be right.” T-rex reminded Watee from his previous mistake.

“Get out!” Watee didn’t want to hear his younger brother scold him. His superiors were pressuring him hard enough to solve the murders as soon as possible.

“No! Your incapability is—”

“I said out!” Watee yelled, pointing at the door where Maetee tried to make himself as invisible as possible.

“I don’t think so.” T-rex lifted his chin. “I was hired by Prem Premmatat to solve this case and free doctor Todsatid.” He declared.

“What?” Watee’s anger switched to confusion as he tried to understand what T-rex was saying. “You don’t have any authority to work with this case.”

“Hah! I am a consulting detective.” T-rex smirked. “Let me talk to your suspect and I will prove to you in five minutes that he couldn’t have done it.”

“Are you mocking me?” Watee narrowed his eyes.

“No, dear brother. But isn’t efficiency the word of the day?” T-rex flashed him his charming smile. That might work on their father, but not on Watee.

Luckily Maitee saw his chance to interfere. “Watee, it doesn’t hurt anyone if your brother talks to him. You know he is good with that.”

“Umrgh!” Watee groaned, ready to say something against it but the sergeant shook his head soothing down the counter argument.

“Fine. You have five minutes.” Watee agreed.

“Excellent!” T-rex stood up with new energy. “Can I see the case files since I don’t really have any background information about these murders?”

Watee gritted his teeth, but Maitee was faster. “Teedo! Teedet!” He called the constables.

“Sir!” The duo alerted.

“Please share the current situation of the Patpong murders with Detective T-rex and his partner.” Maitee gave a smile to the man standing by the door.

Poor Maetee blushed. Of course in that kind of context partner meant workmate, but in his ears it sounded even more romantic than it should. 

Warily Maetee stepped next to T-rex when he moved to examine the case files. Maetee felt the shivers running across his back as the constables led them through the case. Not only because of the vicious crimes, but the inspector’s piercing eyes drilled to his spine. Although, Watee tried to look ignorant, he was watching over the situation from his desk like a hawk.

The murders had occurred on three consecutive Saturday nights around midnight. So the next murder was expected to happen in three days. They must figure out who it was if they wanted to prevent the horrible event from repeating itself.

“How does our killer choose their victims?” T-rex wondered aloud.

All the girls had nothing else in common other than their work. They were all prostitutes working in Patpong district. There was no signs of sexual abuse, so the killer wasn’t after that kind of thing. Instead the bodies were cut neatly, with one slice on the neck.

That had led police into the assumption that it must be someone with medical knowledge, or someone who knew how to use a knife. A butcher maybe?

Police had logically limited the suspects to professionals in those specific fields and as they found out that the victims had been treated by Doctor Todsatid the theory was ready.

The doctor was supposedly traumatised by his mother’s death which led him to commit murder after murder. 

T-rex shook his head while reading the brainless report.

“Doc Ten’s mother has been dead for over ten years. Why would he suddenly start killing these women?” He questioned the whole thing.

“With all our evidence, it looks like he did it.” Teedo reasoned.

“But you have no evidence!” T-rex pulled his hair. “You haven’t even found a murder weapon.”

“Hey, if no one dies until next Saturday, he must be our man.” Teedo supported the idea.

“What?!” T-rex blinked, was he hearing right. Were all these police total idiots?

“But if you are wrong… someone will die again.” Maetee hissed. He had a very bad feeling about it. It was gamble against time and in stakes there was a life.

Chapter Text

The suspect slept on a wooden bench of a tiny dim cell. He was stirring up as the door was opened.

“Doc Ten?” T-rex leaned closer to see the man. Did they serve any food here? Ten looked as pale as the cook.

“Cook?” Ten was hastily searching for his glasses but as the lenses rested on his nose, the clear vision was followed by the disappointment. “Aow… Khun Detective.”

“We have something for you.” Maetee pulled out a lunch box, handing it to Ten.

Ten held it with shaking hands and opened the lid, seeing the sweetest homemade meal. He didn’t even have time to taste when the tears were pouring out, wetting his cheeks.

“Coook…” Ten burst out crying.

“Hey, get yourself together, doc.” T-rex patted his shoulder. “We are here to prove your innocence.”

“Eh? Right. I didn’t kill any of those ladies.” Ten dried his eyes.

“Yes, we know.” T-rex offered him a consoling smile.

“You were with Prem every night, right?” Maetee

“Mh,” Ten nodded. “Hugging him in my arms…” The tears were about to come back and Maetee offered him a tissue.

“Thank you.” Ten blowed his nose.

“So, did you offer those murdered ladies medical help?” T-rex wanted to confirm the facts stated in the case files.

“Yes. I did. They had sores and a skin rash. It seemed they had caught syphilis, so I gave them penicillin.” Ten explained.

“Autopsy report states they were given lethal doses of mercury.” T-rex read from his notes.

“Um,” Ten’s expression darkened. “Some doctors recommend mercury to treat STD, but that is a harmful substance and can lead to poisoning.” He clarified.

“The police have several theories why you would be their killer—”

“I am not!” Ten panicked. Wasn’t T-rex and Maetee there to help him, not the other way around?

“If that is so, we must nullify their suspicion.” T-rex pointed out. “The police suspect you might have killed those ladies to hide your treatment mistake.” 

“No,” Ten shook his head. “I never give patients any medicine that has side effects I am not sure about.” Ten adjusted his skewed glasses.

“Okay. Where could they have gotten the mercury, then?” T-rex asked.

Ten deebly sighed. “Any street sale. Drug dealers have many kinds of tropes in their selection.” The doctor looked sad saying that. “Fire can confirm. He is the pharmacist with whom I prescribe all the medicines.”

“Did the police interrogate him?” T-rex asked, not remembering seeing any mention of the druggist.

“I don’t think so. They were so fixated about the thought that I must be their killer.” Ten admitted. “But I didn’t approach these ladies myself. P’Earn guided them to me.”

“Can that be proved?” T-rex questioned. There was no mention of Paramedic Earn either. Having any documents would be a good way to get Ten out of the hook.

Ten shook his head. “We don’t have any records because they wanted it to stay confidential. It would be bad for their work if it would be known they had contagious infection.”

“I see.” T-rex crossed out that option. “But the penicillin you prescribed for them, isn’t it quite expensive?”

“Yes, I paid for it by myself.” Ten nodded. Sure that son of the Reaungrittiroj family would understand. “When you are in a fortunate position to be able to help others, that is the least you can do. A good doctor never turns back on the patient in need.”

T-rex nodded. He himself also helped customers, not expecting them to ever be able to pay him back the wage what other professionals might ask.

“Your father, he is an influential man…” T-rex glanced at Ten and he didn’t have to specify it any further. Ten knew what he meant. Privileged life of rich. Khun Wannaphongjinda was the head of the whole medical concern so he wouldn’t let his son rot in jail, too long.

“I am sure he has already talked with the judge.” Ten clenched his fists. Problems like these shouldn’t be able to be fixed with money. Even so it was only a matter of time when the high heels of Methinee Pothiyakorn would clack on those hallways.

Or maybe these oh, so important people were busy and now they were just waiting for the next weekend when the new body would appear and police would have no proof to hold Ten in.

“Why you? Why were all those ladies asking for help from you?” Maetee guided the conversation back to the topic. He didn’t know anything about the complicated world of wealthy people and maybe it was better that way.

“Well, those ladies felt safe with me.” Ten honestly answered. He was well liked among the patients and rumours spread effortlessly from the hospital waiting rooms to the streets of Patpong.

“Safe?” T-rex frowned, not catching what Ten meant by that.

“Um, it is a known fact that I live with a man.” Ten touched the ring hanging on a chain around his neck hidden under the shirt. Thank god the police had allowed him to keep it. “So the ladies didn’t have to be afraid to put themselves in a vulnerable position in front of me.”

“Aa… I see.” T-rex wrote it down. “So you don’t really know anything about these patients?”

“Not even their names. Some even hid their faces. There were numerous ladies. But I didn’t ask. They do their job and I do mine. I can only hope they get better, so it saddens me to know what has happened to them.” 

“Oih!” Maetee gasped as his imagination was trying to fill the gaps. “Could it be possible that someone found out? Or even got infected by those ladies and now… They are killing them for revenge!” 

“Hmm… That’s not totally impossible.” T-rex rubbed his jaw as considering other possibilities. Right now they couldn’t rule out any option.

“If we could guess who will be the killer’s next victim…” Maetee wondered aloud.

“That’s it!” T-rex gripped his shoulders. “Maetee, you are a genius!”

“A-am I?” Maetee stunned.

“If your assumption of the killer’s motives is right, it is possible that the next one as well was treated by Doc Ten.” T-rex’s eyes shimmered behind his glasses and Maetee felt his knees getting weak.

“I’m sorry. It is impossible for me to tell who it might be.” Ten apologised.

“Okay. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We must first prove Doc Ten cannot be the killer.” T-rex recollected his focus. “The police suspect that the ladies were killed by a liston knife. Do you possess such a weapon?"

“I am a doctor.” Ten stated the obvious. “I do surgeries where I use that medical instrument. But I won’t bring that out of the hospital. At home we only use kitchen knives and the cutting technique and even the way you hold the knife is very different. Cook has been teaching me.”

“I see.” T-rex wrote it down.

“Have the police found the murder weapon, yet?” Ten asked.

“No.” T-rex bit his lip. It meant that the murderer still had the knife in their possession.

“Aow?” Ten amazed. “They examined the liston knives at the hospital and all the kitchen knives at our home, I was sure they had found something.” He rubbed his nape confused. It really seemed the police had no real evidence.

“No, they haven’t made any progress at all.” T-rex sighed. His own investigation on the other hand was going well. He smiled and closed his note book. “Thank you, Doc Ten. I believe we are ready here. The police have no reason to keep you here any longer.”

Ten’s face shifted into a smile. “C-can I…go home?”

“You have no motive and you have an alibi during each night of estimated time of death. So there isn’t any reason to believe you would have committed these crimes.” T-rex concluded.

“Release him!” T-rex gazed at the constable duo, guarding by the door. “And confirm his statement about the penicillin and mercury with the druggist.”

“Yes, Sir.” Constable Teedo saluted.

“Damn, he is good!” Teedet rubbed his nape. Once again impressed by the inspector’s younger brother. T-rex got a brain and most importantly, he knew how to use it.

Maetee was doing intensive heart eyes while admiring his little detective. T-rex was so…

“Maetee!” T-rex turned to his partner. “Next we might need your skills.” 

“Huh?” Maetee swallowed seeing T-rex’s cunning smile. What exactly did he mean by that…

Chapter Text

After a somewhat successful visit at the police station, the obvious next stop was at the coroner’s laboratory. Pathologist Tam examined the body of the latest victim with precise professionalism, comparing it to the other two.

“I would say it doesn’t need any anatomical or scientific knowledge to make these cuts. Just common sense and enough power.” Tam clarified.

“I see.” T-rex wrote it down in his notebook. “What about the murder weapon?”

“The cutting wound seems similar to the one made by a liston knife.” Tam explained, demonstrating with his own amputation knife. “I understand where the connection to surgeon or even butcher might come from, but no. Anyone could do this.” Tam shot down the inspector’s theory of medical professionals.

“Even a woman?” T-rex clarified.

“There is no sign of sexual abuse of any kind. Instead the victims were recovering from syphilis, thanks to the penicillin. Still there are signs of use of mercury which have harmed their kidneys. But as it can be seen, the cause of death is the deep cut on their neck. Therefore excluding women would be a mistake. Especially, assuming they have no such power is pure underestimation of their capabilities.” Tam pointed out.

“Hmm…” T-rex adjusted his glasses, trying to intake all that information. “But who might kill prostitutes? Angry customer? Jealous wife? Rivalry opponent? Or a disappointed pimp…”

“T-rex, let’s go.” Maetee hooted from the doorway. He had refused to come any closer than that.

“They look all young and pretty…” T-rex was deep in his thoughts, not hearing Maetee.

“Hmph!” Maetee huffed. T-rex was more interested in the bodies of dead ladies at the mortuary than him.

Tam smiled, pleased to have a visitor who could appreciate the beauty of his work.

Tam looked at the death-stricken, pale ladies with adoration. New customers joining him on the postmortem table shouldn’t have been as joyful as it was. Lately it was almost getting crowded in his little laboratory. Despite, Tam didn’t complain.

The silence of death was peaceful and the rotting smell was calming. Tam was allowed to enjoy the corpses’ pleasant company until the case was solved. Then he had to hand over the bodies to the undertaker. Perhaps, P’Krathing would let him help with make up and dressing them up.

There were going to be so many funerals…that was something to look forward to. In his mortuary, dead people were always welcome. Unlike the constantly jabbing theatre kid jealous of his beauties, whining for attention. 

“Uunh…” Maetee whimpered. “It smells like death here.” He pinched his nose.

Tam felt his irritation rising. So typical for the cry baby to play a damsel in distress, even though they were in the middle of paradise. He hated that kind of pitiful martyr behaviour. If you get bullied…you must fight back, just like Phum had taught him.

“T-reeex…” Maetee was wailing at the door. He didn’t want to stay there any longer.

Tam rolled his eyes. What an annoying drama queen. “Do you think your bitching is any use to him?”

“Huh?!” Maetee shocked how the pathologist was talking to him.

Maetee and Tam had attended the same middle school years ago. The both of them being weirdos who supposedly talked to dead people, had led them to get bullied, but they never got close albeit their somewhat similar backgrounds. Maetee liked to be with people. Tam liked to be alone. That drew the line on how they spend their time.

“You!” Maetee narrowed his eyes and pointed at Tam with a shaky finger. He was about to start a cat fight.

“Tsk.” Tam clicked his tongue while his grip on the liston knife tightened. That idiot didn’t want to see him get angry.

“Oops! Oops!” T-rex ran between them. “Ahaha! Maybe we should get going. Thank you, Doc Tam.” He pushed Maetee out of the laboratory.

“Hoi!” Maetee turned around as they stepped out and the door behind them slammed close. “Didn’t you hear? He was calling me an attention seeking whore!” Maetee complained.

“Eh?” T-rex, blinked. He surely hadn’t heard anything like that.

“T-reeex… I’m not like that. I was just scared. I don’t like places like this.” Maetee pouted, tucking T-rex’s sleeve.

“Okay-okay.” T-rex didn’t have time to analyse Maetee’s behaviour deeper. “So? Did you see their ghosts?” T-rex asked, anticipating Maetee’s answer.

“Uh-uh.” Maetee shook his head. “Their souls were not with their bodies. Those were just empty shells.” 

“Ahaa! Souls are gone.” T-rex wrote it down. “Hmm… Maybe we should look for evidence and possible witnesses from somewhere else.” He wondered, the next part of his plan getting clear in his mind.

“Come, Maetee!” T-rex rushed ahead. “We cannot waste any minute.”

“Ah! Wait for me!” Maetee ran after him. The sun was setting and Maetee didn’t want to be even an inch away from T-rex when the evening would take over.

Chapter Text

T-rex led Maetee to the crime scene where the bodies had been found. Patpong district, the narrow alley where red lanterns lighted up an otherwise shady corner of Bangkok. There if anywhere such crimes could be assumed to occur.

Maetee sensed the eerie aura swirling around the place where these poor girls had taken their last breaths. He could still see the blood stains on the pavement and the rust red splashes that dotted the walls.

Maetee shivered, tucking T-rex’s arm. “They are here…” He shivered, feeling the cold breeze, shaking his heart.

“Who?”

“The girls… I can feel their fear.” Maetee’s knees were doddering.

“Can you try to talk to them?” T-rex suggested.

“B-but they are ghosts!” Maetee yelped, petrified of only being there.

“Um, that’s why only you can help them.” T-rex encouraged, clasping his hand and squeezed it. “Please.” He smiled. “My partner is the most skillful with intriguing the poor victims.”

T-rex’s smile was gentle, like a lantern in the otherwise dim alley, offering its soothing light and warmth. Maetee swallowed and nodded. He wanted to please T-rex, to be useful for him. Instead of dead weight. 

Maetee rummaged through his bag and pulled out an incense and matches. Then he kneeled down to the ground and lit it. Maetee clutched his amulet, silently murmuring a prayer he had heard monks whisper when helping death people to move on.

“Aww… He looks so sweet!” 

Maetee heard someone cooing and peeked between his closed eyelids. And there they stood, three girls holding each other’s hands.

“Aaiiiieeee!” Maetee screamed as the ghosts appeared to him.

“Do we look that awful?” One of the girls asked, swirling a lock of her curly hair around her finger.

“Even though I have my best dress on.” Another one pouted, lifting the hem of her dress.

“Iiek!” Poor Maetee screamed even more terrified.

“Hey, are you alright?” T-rex squatted down to hug Maetee and rubbed his back.

“Oih!” One of the girls yelped. “I ship it!” She giggled.

The other two looked at her confused.

“Can’t you see it? They are so sweet together.” She explained.

“Aa…” Now the other two realised what the fujoshi meant. “Are they lover boys?”

“Hihihi! So adorable. Look how perfect pair they are.” The fujoshi couldn’t conceal her joy.

“Uumh…” Maetee whined, clinging on T-rex.

“Can you see them?” T-rex asked, guessing the reason for Maetee’s reaction.

“They are here and think we are cute…” Maetee sobbed, barely able to look at the corpse ladies.

“Aow! Are they trying to hit on us?” T-rex stunned.

“Hahaha!” The ghost girls burst out laughing.

“Uh-uh…” Maetee shook his head. “No, they think we are…” A pink tint creeped on Maetee’s cheeks. “…a sweet couple.”

“Aow!” T-rex’s face lit up. “Ahem! Ladies, can you hear me?” T-rex tested. Although he couldn't see ghosts like Maetee could, maybe they could communicate.

“Maybe…” The fujo-view girl winked.

“She said maybe.” Maetee delivered the message.

“Aha! What about now?” T-rex smirked and sniff-kissed Maetee’s cheek.

“Kyaa!” The girls screamed unable to handle the cuteness.

Poor Maetee blushed. “T-they can see us too.” He confirmed and a cunning smile spread on T-rex’s face.

“Okay, ladies. We can offer you even more sweeter sight if you tell us who killed you?”

“Hmph!” The curly haired girl huffed. “Is the little one getting cocky?”

“No! No!” Maetee panicked and hid deeper in T-rex’s hug.

“Aww… Don’t scare him.” The fujoshi defended, getting protective of her new ship.

“But how could we possibly know our killer?” The sassy hem flasher rolled her eyes.

“Do you perhaps remember who did this to you?” T-rex asked again as Maetee just snuggled to him.

“We are sorry. This beautiful lady came to us and swept away our memories.” Fujoshi apologised, sorry that they weren’t able to help the sweethearts.

“Someone came and erased their memories.” Maetee hissed, not letting go of T-rex.

“She told us to re-birth and forget our past lives.” The curly hair clarified.

“Who was that?” T-rex wanted to know.

“Yommathut. Soul keeper.” The sassy girl said.

“Or was it a Grim Reaper?” The fujoshi wondered.

“She was so nice. Telling us it was going to be okay.” The curly hair added.

“She is going to come to get us on the 49th day of our death and then we will be reborn.” The hem one told.

Maetee translated everything to T-rex. 

“Excellent! Thank you ladies.” T-rex made a flamboyant bow. “You have been a great help.” He flashed the ghosts the most gentlemanly grin. “And do not worry. We will catch your killer.” T-rex promised and kissed Maetee out of the blue.

“Uiiih!” Fujo girl screamed. “Now I can die happy.”

Chapter Text

Since they were already at Patpong aka the infamous red light district. It was a perfect opportunity to ask around. Soon they were standing in front of Midnight Motel.

“Oh-hoo!” Mote hooted, smugly smiling. “Room for two?” He leaned on the counter.

“We are here investigating the Patpong Murders.” T-rex announced, glaring back.

“Aow…” Mote’s smile dropped.

“You knew those ladies, didn’t you?” T-rex pestered.

“I already tell everything I know to those constables.” Mote sat back down.

“Um, and now you are going to tell us what you really know.” T-rex looked at him through his thick glasses.

“It has already been so many days since it happened so I am afraid I cannot remember.” Mote rubbed his chin.

“Does this help you to remember?” T-rex placed a little bag on the counter with a clatter.

“Hmm… Those girls might have gotten kicked out of Club Sun…” Mote’s fingers danced on the counter asking for more.

“Huff! So shameless of you.” Madam Kat appeared and Mote pulled his hand away.

“Give them the list.” Kat said. “Making money on someone’s death.” She shook her head disappointed.

“Huh? As if you haven’t ever—” Mote tried but one murderous glance from Kat was enough for him to give in. “Um, this information isn’t really free.” He murmured, holding out a list of names.

T-rex quickly snatched the paper before Mote changed his mind. “Eh! What is this?” T-rex alerted, recognising three names of the victims among the listing.

“Girls who the asshole Sun sacked. I gave them another chance. My friend, Doi is good at handling scandals.” Mote revealed.

“You offered work to women who had caught syphilis?” T-rex frowned, questioning his morals.

“Hey! I didn’t know about their medical state. I just tried to be helpful.” Mote shrugged.

“Please.” Kat interrupted. “Find the bastard who did this to them.”

“I promise.” T-rex told. “Can we talk with your girls?”

“Mh, the last room on the right.” Kat nodded.

T-rex and Maetee walked through the familiar hallway to the tiny room.

Politely T-rex knocked.

“Come in!” The voice inside responded and they stepped in.

“Where have you been!” Looksorn jumped up, tucking T-rex’s sleeve.

“How can we sleep our nights peacefully, knowing someone is hunting us down.” Soundlab complained.

“Don’t worry. I don’t believe that—”

“Hah!” Cherry huffed and stood up from the divan. “What does a rich boy like you know? You haven’t needed to live a single day without knowing whether you get your tummy filled or not.”

“Cherry…” Looksorn tried, but she didn’t need to since Maetee stepped ahead.

“Don’t talk him like that.” Maetee stood between them. “You don’t know anything about him.”

“Oh, you clueless boy…” Cherry’s face turned into a mocking smile. “Soon you will learn that the world of him…isn’t for ones like us.” She poked at Maetee’s chest with her finger, leaning closer. “Your dreams of getting princess treatment will soon be crushed.” Cherry whispered. “Then you will taste the dust of reality.” She patted his shoulder.

Maetee looked at her confused. Cherry has always been somewhat bitter. But was she more afraid of the Slasher of Siam than she wanted to admit?

“Did you know any of those ladies?” T-rex asked, pulling Maetee back to his side.

“Everyone knows everyone in this field.” Soundlab rolled her eyes.

“We didn’t personally know them, but maybe you should ask her cousin.” Cherry nodded toward Looksorn.

“Mh! Eugene worked at the same club as them.” Looksorn revealed. “Until her Black Knight stole her away.”

“Intresting…” T-rex’s brain were swirling. The underworld was more messy and complicated than he could comprehend.

“Please… Let’s not go there.” Maetee whined, shaking his head.

“Okay, you can choose.” T-rex gave him a reassuring smile. “Currently we have two tracks of inquiry. Either we try to find Yommathut or—”

“Let’s go find Eugene!” 

“Aow! That was a quick decision.” T-rex smiled.

“Um,” Maetee nodded, hugging T-rex’s arm against his chest. If he had to choose from two bad options. Obviously meeting a girlfriend of the most fearsome gang leader was safer than meeting with a Grim Reaper.

Chapter Text

The talk of Cherry resembled the talk of ROL, the activist gang that radically fought against the social classes. Although that privileged blood ran in the veins of their core.

T-rex and Maetee visited Gumpa’s Garage. They didn’t receive any warmer welcome there either. Or they could consider themselves almost lucky since the place looked empty. The gang was out committing a gig.

They decided to snoop around a bit, but got caught red handed.

“While the cat’s away, the mice will play.”

Maetee was about to scream but T-rex was fast enough to hold his hand above his mouth.

There was a girl with long curly hair. She was wearing men’s clothes, a simple sleeveless t-shirt and trousers. Black’s clothes…

“Eugene…” Maetee recognised the girl.

“Um,” Eugene huffed. “Why do you look so surprised to see me here?” She smiled a bit amused. “You can thank your luck it was me who found you and not anyone else.”

“Have you heard anything about the Slasher of Siam?” T-rex went straight to the point.

“Aa! That’s why you are here.” Eugene sighed, almost disappointed. “Well, as you can see, I am locked here, like a little canarian in her cage.”

“You aren’t allowed to go out?” Maetee confirmed the meaning behind her words.

“Mh,” Eugene nodded. “Black goes to extreme lengths to protect people he cares about.”

“He is afraid of losing you…” T-rex counted one plus one.

“Um, he seems so tough but inside he is so fragile.” Eugene smiled. “My sweet Blackie…”

“So do you have any idea what might be going on?” T-rex asked, hopeful to gain more hints.

“If I knew, I wouldn’t be locked in here.” Eugene plopped on the couch. “Instead Black would have already spent a bullet in that head.”

Maetee swallowed. Eugene said it with a straight face and somehow it sounded like she wasn’t lying or exaggerating.

“Mh, so your gang isn’t involved?” T-rex confirmed.

“Involved, not involved. It is hard to tell.” Eugene spun around the room, bored to be inside. She ended up leaning on another old armchair, her nails picking lint on its worn out surface.

“Many girls like us are yearning for a better life. If they can find a way to accompany a man outside of the bedroom... It is a success.” 

“Success?”

“The man sees their worth. Gets attached, wants to spend every hour with her by his side.” Eugene talked out of experience. “They must be jealous… I have everything that others can only dream of.” She winked at Maetee.

“So are you saying a rich man will bring happiness?” T-rex tried to understand the logic of a girl from the back streets.

“That’s what many girls are after. A regular who will waste money on them, spoil them and finally… Take them out of there.” Eugene gazed at the window near the ceiling. “The other way is to…” She never finished her sentence.

“How did you end up there?” Maetee dared to ask after a moment of silence.

“It does not matter how I ended up there.” Eugene shrugged. “But how did I got out.”

“Did you work for Mote?” T-rex asked.

“Haha!” Eugene laughed. “No! Gram’s older brother has a fancy gentlemen’s club. Club Sun. How creative naming.” She rolled her eyes. “I worked there.”

“Aa…” T-rex wrote it down. Club Sun was something to look closer at. “Did Black go there?”

“At that time Black was still living with his richy-rich parents.” Eugene huffed. “He was good friends with Todd. He brought Black there after he had once again had an argument with his father.”

“Ooh… Was it a destiny.” Maetee was getting invested as he smelled a love story.

“Who knows…” Eugene smiled. “He was smoking, watching me dance. And I knew he wanted me so bad. I was a dancer girl, not a girl for other pleasures, but I wanted him as much as he wanted me. So I offered him a taste for free and Black was hooked. He came there night after night.”

“Oih!” Maetee gasped.

“Black was so cute when he finally realised I wasn’t a girl you could buy.” Eugene recalled how they had got caught and her little secret had come out. “P’Sun got so furious after he found out I have been seeing Black.”

“But you didn’t get into any trouble?” T-rex had heard rumours how a betrayed pimp could get violent. But Eugene seemed fine. At least she was alive…

“Not really. P’Sun is a businessman and he thought he could black mail Pothiyakorn family. But by that point, Black had already left them. He ran away from his privileged life.” Eugene smiled. “He chose me.”

“Aww…” Maetee couldn’t hold his adoration. “That’s so romantic.”

“Hehe!” Eugene chuckled. “Maybe. But I was indebted to P’Sun and he got mad. He doesn't like his girls taken.”

“Maybe he wanted revenge?” T-rex wondered.

“Nah! My Black is someone who does not ask. He takes what he wants, what is his…” Eugene glanced at the door as the roaring of approaching motorcycles filled the air and the gang returned home.

“T-T-rex…” Maetee frightened and the men marched hin.

Black’s eyes were burning with anger as he saw the detectives near his woman. His woman! He was dashing towards them like a raging storm.

“A-a. Don’t you dare.” Eugene was faster and stepped between them. She clung on Black’s arm like a serpent tangling on a branch saving it from drowning. 

The gang leader was Eugene’s ticket to freedom. Black couldn’t save her from poverty since Black had run away from his home a long time ago and there was no returning back to that fancy life.

But Eugene wasn’t with him for the money, but because of those eyes that burned with ideals of an equal world. With Black there was hope for a better future.

“Who bought you out then?” T-rex asked after Black seemed to be calmed with a few hasty kisses. Eugene wasn’t going anywhere. No one was going to hurt her or take her away from Black. Not even the Slasher of Siam.

“Tsk.” Black clicked his tongue about to say something unnecessary rude.

“It was our childhood friend.” White arrived with Sean.

“Todd…” Black gritted his teeth even if only mentioning the name was giving him a headache.

“Black, you should show a bit more happier face, better to owe P’Todd than P’Sun.” Eugene reminded.

“If you are looking for that killer, you won’t find him here.” Sean glared at the snooping duo, wanting to go rest with White in his arms.

“W-we were just about to leave…” Maetee was ready to escape.

“Even if P’Sun didn’t kill those girls by his own hands, he sent them to die…” Gram gritted his teeth.

“Eh?” T-rex saw a new lead pointing straight at Club Sun. But wasn’t it almost too direct?

“But didn’t those girls get a new job?” Yok joined the conversation. “I heard that the theatre accepts background dancers with open arms.”

“T-theatre?” Maetee stunned. Could the answer be so close to them?

“Um, we are entertainers with many skills.” Eugene smirked. “You might be surprised if you know what all we are capable of.” She winked, stripped off Black’s jacket and wore it herself. She leaned to whisper something in Black’s ear.

“Umrgh!” Black groaned.

“Bye Bye!” Eugene waved at T-rex and Maetee as she followed Black in their room.

It had not been a worthless visit. They had gathered a lot of new information. Their list was getting filled with even more possible lines of inquiry. Club Sun, Theatre and Yommathut…

Chapter Text

Last thing that night T-rex and Maetee visited Club Sun—The luxurious entertainment house. Unfortunately they were not getting in due to the dress code. They both looked too casual coming straight from the countryside. Maybe they should have taken that into account before jumping into the investigation.

“We must sneak in.” T-rex decided.

“How do we do that?” Maetee was doubtful. How could they get past the tough looking guard?

“Elementary, my dear.” T-rex cunningly smiled. “We need to disguise ourselves.” 

“Disguise? But it’s so late already.” They surely had no time to go back home to change clothes and come back.

Maetee looked around in the dark night. Who knows, maybe someone was already watching them. Only waiting for their chance to chop them in pieces…

Maetee shivered. He shouldn’t let his imagination run wild, but it was too late. He had let the thought slip in and now he was scared. “M-Maybe we can come back tomorrow morning when it is brighter.” He sobbed.

“Maetee, this is a night club.” T-rex patted his shoulder. “The cradle of sinful secrets…”

Maetee loudly gulped. “T-rex, I’m scared. What if P’Sun is the killer?”

“Hey, our killer is only after pretty ladies and tonight you are a handsome man looking for beautiful company.” T-rex winked.

“Huh?” Maetee blinked. “I don’t think I can…” 

“Come! Let’s borrow some costumes from there.” T-rex pointed at a fancy tailor shop across the street.

“Um, it is the middle of the night. They are already closed.” Maetee justified.

“Uh-uh.” T-rex waggled his index finger. “Don’t you remember? I’m Reaungrittiroj.” He pulled out his wallet. “Shops are always open for me.”

In half an hour T-rex and Maetee were once again at the entrance of the Club Sun but this time they were warmly welcomed.

“Whaa…” Maetee gasped, his eyes almost popping out of his head as they stepped in an extravagant salon.

“Hello, Sir.” Immediately a bunch of ladies surrounded them.

“Isn’t this bowtie a bit too tight?” One girl was playing with Maetee’s tie.

“Umh… It’s fine krub.” Maetee didn’t really know what to do. The tailor had done so excellent job that his gayness didn’t radiate kilometers away.

“We would like to talk with the owner.” T-rex told to the girl who was clinging on his arm.

“Wouldn’t you rather talk with me.” The girl said hugging T-rex’s arm tighter against her generous bust.

Maetee saw red. “Excuse me! We want to speak with the manager, right now.” He errupted, not liking how the girls swarmed around T-rex.

“Are you sure mister…” The girl was persistent, not letting go of her prey that easily.

“Hmph!” Maetee huffed. How did she dare to flirt with a taken man. Maetee had found T-rex first. “Hands off. He is mine.” Maetee murmured, glaring at the girls.

“Um, ladies.” T-rex freed himself, realising Maetee wasn’t in a mood to play games. “We are here to negotiate about business, could you take us to your boss?”

The girl pouted disappointed and sighed. “Fine.” She turned, scattering the crowd as she guided the guest to a dim booth.

“P’Sun. These gentleman want to talk to you.” She quickly waied and hurried out.

“Do I know you?” Sun frowned, gazing at the stylish duo.

“I am afraid we aren’t formally introduced. My name is T-rex, consulting detective and this is my partner Maetee.” 

“Detective?” Sun jerked up an eyebrow.

“Yes, we would like to ask you a few questions about the Patpong murders.” T-rex pulled out his notebook.

“Pfft!” Sun huffed amused. “Seriously, if you think I have anything to do with—”

“We have gained information that the victims worked for you.” T-rex played hus ace right away.

Sun’s smile dropped. “Not anymore. They betrayed me…”

“How?”

“They had a job outside Club Sun.” Sun grimaced. “That’s against the rules.”

“Do you know who they worked for?” T-rex interquired.

“Hah! Do I look like a person who would let that happen?” Sun shook his head, taking a sip from his glass. “If I knew who it was. I swear that I would have killed that man with my own hands.”

“Are you sure it’s a man?” Maetee dared to ask after what Tam had told them at the mortuary.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Sun frowned. “He owes me quite a sum for killing my girls.”

Life in the Patpong district sounded like an endless running wheel of depth. Who owed what to who and how much. But what happened if you had no money to pay back…

Chapter Text

It had been a long night yesterday so the detective boys slept in. Luckily they had not scheduled any official meeting time but a visit at the theatre house was better to be done before any show started.

“Do many ladies come here to practice a profession?” T-rex asked as they were led to the office room upstairs.

The director of Good Pick didn’t look like he liked the thing that the question was implying.

“Art is for everyone.” Ryan hurried to answer before Jane could say something not as diplomatic. “We hire girls who want to change fields. We need dancers with good entertainment skills and vivid stage presence.”

“Did that ever cause any problems? Like an obsessed gentleman following them or girls fangirling over their favourite actors.” T-rex gave a couple examples.

“We don’t have such problems here. Everyone knows how to behave in a civilised way.” Ryan kept his polite business smile.

“Excluding your rival… Nine?” T-rex tested the waters and got the reaction he expected.

Jane grimaced hearing the name of that man. Under the table Ryan squeezed his hand, telling him to stay calm. If Jane started shouting. It would look bad.

“I heard Cloud Nine is recruiting more and more people for their new production. Even tried to lure your filming team.” Maetee revealed his information as they had planned. Somehow they considered casually gossiping Maetee being less threatening than the nosy detective.

“That won’t happen.” Jane finally opened his mouth. “Those are just rumours. We have nothing to do with that traitor.” He was forcing a smile to hide his scowl. But it was clear he was irritated.

“P’Nine stole my idea.” Ryan blurted out. “And our applicants auditioning as background dancers—”

“Oh my god!” Maetee gasped as if Ryan had admitted he did it.

“Uh-uh.” Ryan shook his head, guessing what Maetee was imagining. “We aren’t people who try to sabotage others in such a cruel way. Even a good movie is not worth killing anyone. Theatre and films are for entertainment. It is supposed to bring people joy, not misery.

“Khun Joy…” The name left Jane’s lips with a bitter tone and then even Ryan looked like he could murder someone. “She hired Cloud Nine, investing a lot of money for their production.”

“Khun Joy?” T-rex and Maetee shared gazes but the name didn’t ring a bell.

“That cow…” Ryan hissed disgusted while clenching his fists.

“Huh?” T-rex made a mental note. Ryan clearly had personal grudges against that woman.

“Have you really not heard of the JJ sister?” Jane stunned as the name didn’t cause any reaction. “Joy and June, wives of Tawi Kuerkulsvasti and Peerapat Phatthanawat.”

“What!?” Maetee shocked. “The two most rich business tycoons of Siam!”

“Um, Khun Reaugrittiroj should socialise more in the high society to keep updated.” Jane mocked. Not like he was interested in that world either but that was where the dirty money streamed and deals were made. 

“Tawi’s litigation about his involvement with drug sales is going on.” T-rex pointed out.

“Yes, but the chances he will be actually charged with that is extremely small.”  Jane corrected.

“But the police have the evidence.” T-rex insisted.

“You are surprisingly naive.” Jane huffed amused. Just like his Ryan when he had started. 

“Nothing of that matters when the judge is Methinee Pothiyakorn.” Ryan explained.

“But…” Maetee was stupefied. “Her sons are doing their everything to get Tawi behind the bars.”

“Mh, that’s why I believe there is also another way this can end.” Ryan was unraveling possibilities like plot twists of a play. “If they let Tawi be jailed. The power is going to be switched.” 

“Aow!” T-rex was on the same wavelength. “Pat Peerapat will take over the whole business world.”

“Um, only Tawi stands in his way.” Ryan nodded.

“Excatly,” Jane smiled at Ryan. Not so secretly proud of his clever assistant. “But isn’t it a bit suspicious that he has gone missing…” 

“Eh! When did that happen?” T-rex had been too long out of the city so he had missed all the important information.

“He went missing around the same time Slasher of Siam appeared.” Jane recalled.

“No way!” Maetee yelped, looking at T-rex.

“This starts to sound like a conspiracy theory…” T-rex examined the messy lines on his notebook.

Everything was linked. Like a tangled ball of thread that someone had tried to unravel. But as they failed, they had resorted to scissors, and now there were vague pieces of thread sticking out everywhere that led nowhere. How could they ever find the beginning and end of the yarn? Was this mystery impossible to solve…

“If this was our film, Pat Peerapat might be our killer.” Ryan admitted.

“But maybe you should ask further details from our production team.” Jane suggested. “They have done observations for… Let’s say, entertainment purposes.”

Chapter Text

Maetee and T-rex moved deeper in the theatre house. Knowingly that place was hiding many mysteries in its maze of drama. They must intrigue the HOD production about the auditions as well. If they would recognise the girls it might be one possible link more between the victims.

If the list that they had got from Mote would match with the girls who had participated in the audition, it could be possible that the next victim might be already among them.

Perhaps they could deduct who it was going to be. And then they could prevent the cruelsome ending for Saturday nights. Right. All of these killings had occurred on Saturday. Why on Saturday? And around midnight. There was a pattern that they could not yet understand.

On their way they passed a huge bulletin board advertising the plays, dance dramas, Likay, and cinema screenings. Among them they saw a poster of circus. How peculiar that three hour special show was always on Saturday evening… Could it be somehow linked to these murders or was it just a coincidence? Wasn’t there a show in the theatre on Saturdays as well? It didn’t make any sense… Still T-rex had a gut feeling. There was something in that.

Maetee was watching the poster with a lingering feeling. He wanted a sweet date. He wanted the killings to end. The murders to be solved and the killer to be caught so that the nightmare would be over. Then he would continue their lovely romance. Everything would be better, correct, fixed… But those lives of the poor ladies would never be resurrected.

Unfortunately the talk with Khai and Third didn’t give them the information they were hoping for. They let them watch footage from the auditions for background dancers, but the girls weren’t the same ones. Only one out of three matched, so not all of them.

That clue didn’t lead them any further. It didn’t explain why the killer had chosen just these girls among all the others. So they had come up with another explanation how these ladies were linked together. Or if they were not at all… What if the killer chose his victim randomly, just the area as the limitation?

It didn’t sound that reasonable, but was still something to consider. They had been at least there at the same time. Could they just surveillance the area during the time frame when the possible crime was about to occur. Could they save the next girl from death? It was already Friday, so if the murderer kept up their schedule someone would die tomorrow…

“T-rex, I am so worried…” Maetee walked behind T-rex through the theatre house’s long hallways after their visit at the filming department.

Khai and Third couldn’t help them to narrow the list of possible next victims.

“Maybe there still is someone who can help us.” T-rex adjusted his glasses, stopping in front of a familiar dressing room.

“Huh?” Maetee lifted his gaze. “Boss…Oh!” He read the sign and immediately realised what T-rex meant. There was a possibility that the stars had predicted the happenings of the upcoming weekend.