Contents
Chapter 45: Very Bad People
Overview
Wen endures captivity as the Faltas barukan reveal their brutality by executing Tako. In Janloon, Hilo turns the Kaul house into a command center, rejects police involvement, and traces the abduction to producer Guttano’s tip. Hami detains Guttano; Hilo prepares a 40 kg jade and 2M ransom for an imminent handover.
Meanwhile, Woon and Tia struggle at home, and Ru steadies the family as Hilo braces for the exchange that will decide Wen’s and Shae’s fate.
Summary
Wen is hooded, bound, and isolated in a Leyolo safe house, fighting panic by recalling home and reasoning that her captors want leverage over Hilo. She hears Tako’s worsening moans nearby, proof he still lives, and notes Shae’s separate removal and loss of jade.
In the morning, a young guard escorts Wen to the bathroom. Seeing Tako bleeding and stripped of jade, Wen demands aid. The barukan leader—short, feral, jade-ringed—arrives and, after brief argument, shoots Tako in the head, asserting impunity and warning Wen that Hilo cannot reach them.
Back in Janloon, Hilo converts his study into a war room, refusing to involve Shotarian or Kekonese police to avoid provoking the kidnappers or public humiliation. Traces show the rental SUV was calmly abandoned, implying fake or corrupt police. The Matyos likely aren’t involved, pointing elsewhere.
Clan checks fix suspicion on Wen’s visit to Diamond Light. On Hilo’s orders, Hami abducts producer Guttano, who admits he tipped barukan boss Choyulo of the Faltas after Wen’s demands. Hilo spares Guttano for now but confines him, promising release if Wen and Shae return—or death if they do not.
At home, Woon is distraught; Hilo brusquely directs him to care for Tia. Hilo tells Tia the truth: “very bad people” took her mother and aunt for ransom. Ru arrives, steadies Tia, and keeps her occupied while the adults work.
Hilo prepares the ransom—two million thalirs and forty kilograms of jade—dispatching trusted Fists to Shotar for an eight-hour deadline handover. Exhausted and powerless to act further, he prays for Wen and Shae, braced for either reunion or vengeance.
Who Appears
- Kaul WenKidnapped by Faltas; pleads for Tako’s treatment; witnesses his execution; remains defiant despite terror.
- Kaul Hiloshudon (Hilo)Leads crisis response; rejects police, traces leak to Guttano; orders ransom delivery; balances fury with caution.
- Faltas leader ("Big Dog")Ruthless barukan boss; asserts control and shoots Tako to silence him and intimidate Wen.
- Second-in-command ("Second Dog")Supports the leader; complains about Tako’s moaning; helps restrain Wen.
- Young guard ("Junior")Nervous captor assigned to Wen; escorts her; unsettled by Tako’s killing.
- TakoNo Peak Fist wounded guarding Wen; executed by the Faltas leader.
- LottHorn advises restraint; helps trace call; cautions against killing Guttano yet.
- HejoOversees technical tracing; deduces radio-relayed phone call from Leyolo City.
- Hami TumashonDetains Guttano; extracts confession linking Faltas to the kidnapping.
- GuttanoShotarian producer who tipped Faltas about Wen; now held under threat by No Peak.
- Woon PapidonwaShae’s husband, distraught; urged by Hilo to focus on caring for Tia.
- Tia PapidonwaLearns of her mother’s abduction; begs Hilo to pay ransom; comforted by Ru.
- Kaul RuReturns home, calms Tia, supports Hilo while the clan prepares the handover.
- Anden EmeryHelps family logistics, driving Tia to and from school during the crisis.