GODDESSBLESSYOUFROMDEATH, Case File 31: The Price to Pay

“Which one?” Once they were in the car, Singha immediately asked the question that was on his mind. Thup kept looking at the photo he had taken with his phone.

“Hey, Thup, which woman in this photo is the ghost you saw?”

“The one… with the stark white eyes, torn lips, the ghost full of vengeance, that’s her, but…”

“But what?”

“In this picture, she doesn’t look like when she was a ghost at all.” Thup looked up at the hospital again. The bright and cheerful face of the woman in the picture, how did it turn into that?

Singha drove following Thup’s directions until they reached a secluded house far from people. A single-story wooden house raised slightly above the ground, covered with vines and grass all around. Even though there was a faded, dilapidated white fence, it seemed like no one would want to break in. The sign at the gate had Thai letters that were starting to peel off, unreadable. The parts that could be read were not auspicious at all:

‘Ha… Ghost, Ho… l’

   The cloudy sky at four in the evening did not make the atmosphere feel any lighter. Before reaching out to open the car door, Thup looked into the house.

Both stood in front of the wooden fence; the key once there had rusted and fallen to the ground. Singha was about to walk in to open the gate but was pulled back by another hand.

“What’s with you, Thup? Let’s hurry up so we can get back soon.”

“Phii, can I ask you something? Please listen to me.”

“Go ahead, what?”

Thup looked towards the front porch with trembling eyes. His hand gripping Singha’s tightened slightly. The older man noticed when he saw an elderly man with a composed demeanor, wearing red trousers, his upper body bare, revealing various tattoo yantras clearly. He was looking at both of them with a stern face. His white mustache and hair indicated his advanced age before he would soon depart this world. He tapped a cane rhythmically on the house post, consistently. Singha, who was in a hurry, was about to step into the house again, and as his white sneaker touched the boundary of the fence, the cane’s tapping accelerated, loud and echoing throughout the area, forcing Thup to pull the older man back.

“Listen to me… I need to go in alone.”

“What? Are you mad, Thup? Are you so haunted that you’ve lost your mind?” Singha stared at the young man in front of him as if what Thup just said was completely absurd.

“He won’t let you in, so it’s only me who can go inside.”

“What the hell are you thinking? Who would let you go in there alone? If something happens, what am I supposed to say!”

“Phii, listen to me first.”

“If I’m not going in, then you’re not going in either!!” Thup, seeing that Singha was upset, quickly grabbed the older man’s shoulder to make him face him. He himself wasn’t particularly brave; in fact, he was so scared his legs were shaking.

“Phii Singha. It’s not just because he could help with your case, but I also want to know. I feel like there’s something related to me in this, so… let me go in.”

“How can you be sure you’ll come back out?” Singha asked with a serious tone. Even though he couldn’t see what the kid in front of him saw, from all that had happened, it was clear the ghost Thup encountered wasn’t just there for a scare but was out for blood.

“How could I not come back out? Otherwise, you’d be really mad at me.”

“Not funny, Thup.”

“Wait for me here, okay?” Thup smiled until his eyes nearly closed before stepping forward, passing through the gate into the house’s yard. Every step was filled with the oppressive feeling from the sharp eyes watching him, the sound of a wooden cane tapping rhythmically with his steps, sweat beads forming on his temples just like on his palms. Thup clenched his trembling hands together until he reached the stairs of the house. He turned to look at Singha, who was still standing outside the fence, watching him. Seeing the older man still there calmed his previously fearful heart.

“Ten minutes.” Singha shouted into the house, “If you’re not out, I’m coming in for sure.”

Thup nodded lightly with a smile, his little heart pounding so fast he could feel it. He took a deep breath until his lungs were full, then exhaled slowly to calm himself as much as possible. He followed the spirit of an old man dressed in red loincloth across the threshold into the house. Suddenly, a chilling cold hit him, making Thup rub his arms. Inside, the house was covered with thick dust on the remaining furniture, dark and gloomy with no light except from the doorway. Thup glanced and saw a wooden bench in the middle of the house, biting his lips together.

“Uh… hello.”

Thud!!!

Thup jolted and looked behind the slightly ajar door that was now firmly shut. He stepped back and tried to open it, but to no avail. No matter how he pushed or pulled, there was no sign it would open. A dark shadow passed behind him, making Thup slowly turn his face around. Now, he was not alone with the old shaman. Around him, sitting on wooden stools, were numerous spirits, some appearing as they did in life, others in the state of their death, both humans and animals making a cacophony of noises until Thup had to cover his ears and collapse to the ground.

‘Silence!’

   With that command, everything returned to calm. Thup slowly lifted his head, looking around fearfully. What was once an ordinary wooden stool had transformed into a ceremonial altar. Behind the shaman was a tall shelf above his head, filled not with Buddha statues or sacred items commonly seen in temples, but with offerings, enchanted dolls, and skulls whose authenticity Thup didn’t dare to ponder. The smell wafted over, making the young man press his hands tightly against his pants.

‘Why have you come here?’

   “I… I have something I need help with.” Thup never thought he’d find himself talking to ghosts and spirits like this for help.

‘Hmm, I’ve lived here for decades, and no one dared to step in here. Those who tried ended up with their heads spinning. You are quite brave.’

   The deep, hoarse voice echoed around.

‘You think bringing that young giant with you will keep you safe, huh?’

   “I… I didn’t come to mock or test. I’m just seeking answers for what I’m facing.”

‘Answers… not every question in your life needs an answer.’

   Thup bit his lip tightly; he was the one who suggested to Singha that they come here. Giving up out of fear now wasn’t an option.

“The broken-headed doll…”

‘Hmm?’

   “Someone performed a ritual… a human sacrifice ritual, with a broken-headed doll made to resemble a lion’s head according to his Mae Sue’s daily beliefs… I want to know why. What’s the purpose of this?”

As he finished speaking, the surrounding spirits shrank back behind the shaman, seeking reasons from those who chose to perform such a ritual.

The fierce eyes looked down at Thup.

‘The broken-headed doll is believed to be a substitute for taking on the ill fate of the living, whether it be misfortune, sickness, or death. It’s believed if you perform the ritual, those fates would transfer to the doll.’

   Suddenly, a clay doll rolled slowly until it bumped against Thup’s knee. Observing where it came from, he saw a pale, wet ghost child under the wooden stool, giggling at his own play.

‘As for Mae Sue, she’s believed to be either a ghost or a deity summoned to protect the child, to shield them from other spirits that might snatch the newborn’s soul. So it’s considered as a representative too.’

   “But… the murder that took seven lives doesn’t seem like protection at all, destroying others’ lives like that.”

‘That’s true. Sacrifice isn’t meant to benefit others. It’s all for personal gain. Seems like the one who did this might start again soon.’

   The old shaman spoke while stroking the head of the ghost child who had only his upper body.

“Yes.”

‘Long ago, there was a belief passed from Cambodia about a way to extend one’s life span that was effective. People tried, but all ended up dying horrifically. Do you know why?’

   “Because… the spirits didn’t accept the offerings?”

‘Because what was offered was insufficient. Welcoming a spirit, especially an ancient one, means they’re more powerful and hungrier for offerings. At first, they might trick the host into thinking their wishes are granted, but then their demands grow, and if not met, only death awaits. I’ve heard of such rituals, but there was no need for me to perform them. It’s believed that sacrificing humans to the Mae Sue spirit would be like giving her the sacrifice to extend the conjurer’s life, any ailment or misfortune would vanish, from near-death to full recovery. Do you think that’s true?’

   “Whether we live or die, we can’t escape it, right?”

‘That’s not wrong, but the person you’re looking for survived because of these rituals, didn’t they?’

   “Thank you for your help.” Thup said as he crawled backward to the door, nearly ten minutes having passed as Singha had advised. He should leave now. If he let his older brother barge in, it would surely displease the spirits here.

‘I never help anyone for free.’

   The cold voice made Thup pause. The door that should have opened remained firmly shut. The feeling of a hand gripping his ankle made Thup press his lips together briefly.

‘Everything has a price.’

   A knife fell in front of Thup, clattering to the ground. He already knew that coming here meant he wouldn’t be able to leave easily, but everything requires compensation.

‘Make a little offering. After all, you’re already marked. Saturday, right?’

   “Can I ask one more question, please?” he said, holding onto it.

‘Huh, you want to know the whole story and what’s about to happen, don’t you?’

   “If the price isn’t too high.” Thup picked up the knife by his feet before turning to face the old shaman. “I’m willing to pay.”

Outside the house, Singha was pacing back and forth like a caged rat. He cursed almost every word in the world, yet there was no sign of Thup coming out. He wondered if by now Thup had been scared to death by ghosts.

“Why hasn’t he come out yet?” Singha pulled out his phone to check the time. Less than two minutes left until the deadline, and he wouldn’t hesitate to storm into the house. His phone rang, diverting his attention from the house. “Yeah?”

[Got anything yet?] Say asked with a weary voice.

“Got it. Now we have preliminary info on the suspect, Uncle-Khuean is also on the list. The ghost Thup encountered is named Chaba, wife of one of the suspects, same name Aisuan.”

[Aisuen? Why does that name sound so familiar?]

   “Get Lieutenant Khem to check that out, and how’s it going over there?”

[Chaotic.]

   “The villagers are in uproar because they arrested the abbot, right?”

[Yeah. King made a big scene arresting the abbot right in front of the whole village still gathered at the temple.]

   “And where is he now?”

[Back at the temple, after finishing the interrogation of the abbot, we found out that before this, Uncle Khuean had been in jail. When he got out, he had to stay at the temple because his wife didn’t want him, his children didn’t want him, he had no family. Combined with the information you gave before, they went back to check on Uncle Khuean at the temple again.]

   “And what about the abbot?”

[In the holding cell. By the way, Singha, we can’t contact Lieutenant Khem at all.]

   “Have you asked Lieutenant Prom?”

[Singha, no one has seen the lieutenant since yesterday afternoon. Asked at his house, they said he didn’t return,I thought he was stuck at the station.]

   “Send people to find Lieutenant Khem, I should be able to return tomorrow, because things are getting really chaotic.”

[Okay, okay, that’s it for now. I’ll go check on the kid named Dear.]

   “Wait. Do you remember what day the lieutenant was born?”

[Huh? Can’t remember, I’ll ask Lieutenant Prom.]

   Singha waits on the line while looking into the house again; the door opens, and Thup walks out, which eases him, but as Thup gets closer, his relaxed brows furrow again, tight. Thup’s face is pale, both palms covered in bright red blood, dripping all the way down as he walks, a stark contrast from when Thup entered.

[Hey Singha, are you listening? Lieutenant Khem was born on a Thursday, Singha, Singha, it’s been seven days now!!]

   “Watch the target, I’ll rush back. That’s all for now.” Singha hangs up before throwing the phone into the car, just as the young man reaches him, his face pale as if bloodless, slowly forcing a smile.

“Sorry to come out late…” Before he can finish, Thup’s consciousness fades. He collapses into Singha’s waiting arms, his sharp face resting on the broad shoulder.

“Thup! Hey, Thup!” Singha helped the young man into the car before driving straight to the hospital. During the ride, he took Thup’s hand and noticed long cuts on both palms, with blood slowly oozing out, indicating the cuts were quite deep. He had no idea what had happened inside there. Nor did he know what Thup had just encountered.

At the police station, there was chaos due to both a protest in front demanding the release of the abbot and the disappearance of Lieutenant Khem, causing people to run around frantically. Say rushed into the medical room and sighed in relief when he saw Darin still sitting beside Dear’s bed.

“What’s going on?” she asked, noticing her friend was out of breath. “Lieutenant Khem has disappeared.”

“Huh?! Maybe he’s just taking a break with his family?”

“No one has seen him since after noon yesterday. Importantly, Lieutenant Khem was born on a Thursday.”

“It’s complete… seven days are up, right?” Darin said with a trembling voice. “Now it’s just a matter of when I’ll disappear, right, Say?” from his bed.

“Stay here, lock the room, and don’t let anyone in, get it?” Say said before he walked to open the door of another room to check on Jump, who was still sound asleep with both arms still locked as before. If the abbot was the culprit, he couldn’t commit any crimes now as he was also detained, unless the police were holding the wrong person. “I’m going to check on the kid named Bom, who should be in the resting room. Be right back.”

Say quickly left the medical room, making sure to lock it from the inside. Now, all the targets were accounted for; the only thing left was for the culprit to act. No, the culprit had already acted.

Upon reaching the temporary quarters of Bom, Say immediately opened the door to find the room in disarray, with no sign of its occupant. A piece of paper was written on with fresh red liquid, prompting him to curse before he picked up his phone to call the person handling this case second to Singha. While waiting for the call to connect, Say looked at the paper in his hand:

‘Friday, Friday’

   [What’s up?]

   “LieutenantKhem has vanished, and so has the kid named Bom.”

[That kid was a target, wasn’t he?]

   “Uh, I’m about to check the CCTV, so I hurried back.”

[Uncle-Khuean disappeared.]

   “Huh?!”

[We found some money in the wardrobe, there’s embezzlement from the temple because Uncle-Khuean was in charge of the accounts. It’s suspected he transferred money to a kid named Nai to hire him to take a car out and destroy it at the cemetery. Nai, who wanted money to buy drugs, accepted. Moreover…]

   “What moreover!”

[Song’s body was found in the bathroom, in the same condition as the first seven. Also, all seven dolls were placed in the storage room. That guy must be here.]

   …

“Damn it!” Say swore before pushing his cheek with his tongue to ease his frustration. His red hair was roughly swept up before he prepared his equipment and walked back to the infirmary. “Darin, open the door, it’s me.”

The tightly closed door opened quickly. Darin looked at his close friend through tears, making Say hesitant to inform him about finding Song’s body among the seven victims.

“Wh… where are you going?”

“King called me to check the site again. Stay here, don’t open the door for anyone. I’ll have an officer guard you, understand?”

“And… What about the kid named Bom?”

“He’s probably around here. I’ll be back soon.” Say lightly patted his friend’s head to comfort him.

After settling things with Darin, he immediately went to the station’s IT department to review the CCTV footage. Yesterday’s footage showed only Lieutenant Khem working at his desk in the morning, going out for lunch with other officers, but not returning. Today’s footage showed Bom coming to see Dear, then collapsing in the hallway before returning to his room worried. When he entered his room, the camera suddenly went off. Everything happening here made Say utterly annoyed.

“Lieutenant Prom, Singha told me to tell you to guard the front of the infirmary. No one unknown is allowed in.”

“Understood.”

Say took care of everything before driving alone to the temple. He handled everything for everyone to the point where he forgot that it’s not just living and breathing murdering people one should worry about.

While driving, Say picked up a bottle of pills. It wasn’t labeled, but by examining the shape of the pills, he might know what type they were. With one hand steering, he used the other to open the pill bottle, and a laugh began to grow louder from the back seat. Say paused and glanced at the rearview mirror. He had forgotten…

Forgotten that once he drove out of the hospital room with the statue of the deity Vaisravaṇa, the ghost would return…

Crash!!!!

  

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