VENGEANCE AT HIGH NOON - Short Story

Vengeance at High Noon – Short Story by Balagopallan Nambiar
(Translated from my Tamil Short Story – ‘Veri – Veruppu’ with several changes)

"Whose car is this? No parking here" shouted a traffic officer to the hordes.

"Sorry officer, it's mine. I'll move it right away" said a petite Indian reporter attached to a Tamil daily news paper. She was amongst a huge crowd that has gathered at the Kuala Lumpur High Court since 8.00am. Today on 6th June 1996, the presiding judge will deliver his verdict on the "Datuk Peter Raj versus Muthu" case. Mr. Muthu, aged 57, a vegetable farmer is suing the high-flying businessman Datuk Peter Raj for duping him to purchase an unfertile agriculture land for farming from one of the many Datuk's registered companies. The time is now 11.55am and the crowd has swelled further. It was hot and humid and the sun was shining brightly. There was plenty of noise everywhere as the people from all walks of life were chit-chatting away. Police have a field day to control the crowd. The scene here was chaotic. They all were curious to know the outcome of this trial.

This trial is billed as "The David versus Goliath trial." Datuk Peter Raj has ten top-notched lawyers to defend him. Many members of the public in the crowd said, "It's sure-win for Datuk." There was even betting on this trial. The current betting odd is 10 to 1. That means if Datuk lost the case, those who betted on Muthu to win, will receive a payout of ten ringgit for every one ringgit bet. But the majority of the bettors preferred to be on the side of Datuk Peter Raj. They all know that he is a winner - a winner in life. He's rich, influential and is well-known in social and business circles. He's also well-connected politically, the underworld and he often socialise with the rich, famous and powerful people.

The time on the clock tower shows its 4 minutes to 12 noon. Suddenly, the main door of the court building opened and a group of people came rushing out including the police. Instantly, there were camera flashes all around. The reporters were all trying to outdo one another by getting that perfect shot of the man himself, Datuk Peter Raj. The court has declared that the verdict is in favour of Datuk Peter Raj. The crowd yelled in celebration because they also won - payout from betting. In the minds of these bettors, there is no such a thing ethical or unethical. As long as they can make instant money, they won't pity the downed and trodden people like Muthu. The bodyguards shielded their boss, Datuk Peter Raj from these reporters with their non-stopping camera flashes and irritating questions.

A small group of people, many head-bowed and looking sullen came out of the main door. They were Muthu's wife, her two twin daughters and close relatives and friends. Her husband Muthu didn't attend the trial. The day before, he told his wife that he was unwell. Some reporters quickly cornered around Mrs.Muthu and instantly shot a barrage of questions to her. Her close relatives and friends quickly fended and escorted her and her daughters into a waiting car.

Over and the other side, a smiling Datuk Peter Raj was waving to the crowd. "I have always believed that the law is fair. I have always told people that I cherish the laws of this country. Because the laws of our country is fair. Don't you all agree?" His supporters clapped hands and yelled out in bouts of ecstacy. The time on the clock tower showed 12 noon. Suddenly, Muthu with a pistol in his right hand appeared in front of Datuk Peter Raj. He pulled the trigger but Datuk's bodyguards were quick to react. Amid the sound of gunshots, Muthu was pinned to the ground by Datuk Peter Raj's bodyguards. They snatched away his pistol and started to stamp and kicked Muthu repeatedly and mercilessly.

Someone shouted, "Datuk has been shot." Yes, Datuk Peter Raj was lying on the ground in pool of blood rush profusely and was not moving. All hell broke loose and everyone was running helter-skelter. The atmosphere was frenzy with shouting, screams and people scurrying. Datuk's wife and four children were restrained by their relatives. They were hysterical and crying loudly besides the body of their famous husband and father.

The seemingly lifeless body of Datuk Peter Raj was whisked away by his bodyguards and friends into a waiting car and escorted by several cars throughout the journey to the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital. Meanwhile, the police came to the rescue of the pitiful farmer, Muthu. Without the police intervention, he would have been dead by now. His mouth and nose bled and his face was swollen. His body ached all over from the severe beatings. He was arrested and handcuffed by the police and driven to the Wilayah Police Station near the Odeon cinema.

The news of the gunning down of Datuk Peter Raj by Muthu and his subsequent arrest was relayed to Muthu's wife, children, relatives and their supporters. All radio and TV stations reported the tragic shooting of the famous businessman. They say, news travel fast. Within half an hour, all over the country people came to know of this tragedy. Meanwhile, on the operating table at the Trauma Unit of the KLGH, the surgeons, doctors and nurses were frantically trying their best to save the life of the famousvictim. About half an hour, the medical team gave up and a doctor covered the victim with a white blanket.

Over at the Wilayah Police Station, the police told Muthu's lawyer that bail would not be given because killing is a serious offence. The gun that killed Datuk Peter Raj was kept in a closely guarded room at the Wilayah Police Station.

Once again, the news of the death of Datuk Peter Raj was reported throughout far and wide. His body remained at the mortuary of KLGH. His family cannot claim the body for burial until an autopsy is performed. The responsibility of finding the cause of the death of the famous businessman rests on the shoulders of Mr.Bagawan Singh, the country's top forensic specialist. Mr.Bagawan Singh graduated from Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts, USA with Masters Degree in Forensic Science.

The next morning at 10.00 am, Mr.Bagawan Singh and his team began the arduous task of finding the exact cause of death of this famous person. They discovered that a bullet was lodged in the spinal cord area. They were 100% positive that this bullet was from a rifle. Another bullet was lodged in the shoulder while another was lodged in the left arm. The two bullets are identical and they are from the same gun. They concurred that the exact cause of the death of Datuk Peter Raj is from a gunshot to the spinal cord. That means…, the pistol from Muthu didn't kill Datuk Peter Raj but the mysterious rifle. Mr.Bagawan Singh gave the autopsy report to the police investigating officer, Inspector Manimaran. The police commenced to file charges on Muthu on grounds of attempted murder.

On the final day of judgement, the defence lawyer for Muthu urged the court for a lenient sentence in view of Muthu's deep remorse, age, good behaviour and track record as provider to his wife and children. The court sentenced him to 10 years jail. Muthu's wife, children and close relatives thanked the defence lawyer for his strong commitment to get a lesser sentence for Muthu.

So, who actually killed Datuk Peter Raj??? The police don't have a slightest clue. From which building was the rifle shot fired? Who was the unseen enemy of Datuk Peter Raj? These were the often asked questions in everyday conversations. In offices, in coffee shops and in many other eateries, the subject was always "Who killed the Datuk Peter Raj?" The job falls on the hands of Police investigating officer, Inspector Manimaran.

In fact, the killing of Datuk Peter Raj was engineered long ago. To know why, we turn back the pages of time back to 18 years ago - 1978 was that fateful year. The story goes like this.................

OO00oo..

Leaning back on a lazy, foldable chair under a big tree, Kathiravan heaved a sigh of relief as he wiped away the sweat covering all over his face. “ Phew! Today's weather is terribly hot," as he says to himself. He looked at his good old watch - the time showed it's 12.00 noon. "No wonder-lah! It's so damn hot!" he further commented. He looked up to the bright sky and said "God, thank you for sheltering me under this good old tree" taking a sip of nice, cool lemonade prepared by his loving wife Gayathri, he felt very contended in life - a bountiful harvest from his five acres field in Raub, Pahang, a beautiful loving wife, a five year old cute chubby son Saravanan, a spacious house with a beautiful garden watered by a nearby crystal clear stream and of course a healthy bank balance.

"Sara dear, put down the crayon and stop colouring. That's enough. It's time for lunch" Gayathri told her son.

"Mum, not hungry" said her son Saravanan.

"Oh no, you have to stop right now, honey. Otherwise, after lunch, only mum and daddy will enjoy eating chocolate ice-cream" said Sara's mum.

Instantly, Saravanan yelled "Wow, chocolate ice-cream! How can I miss chocolate ice-cream! No way!" said her smiling son. Like a blink of an eye, Saravanan bolted to the garden tap to wash his dirty hands.

Suddenly, the young Saravanan heard someone groaning the words, "Help! Help me!" Gayathri's son was positive that the desperate sound of someone groaning was coming from the direction of the front gate. The boy ran to the front gate and was dead right. He was shocked to find a man lying backwards on the ground bleeding badly from the head. His face was full of blood and dirt. It was indeed a horrible sight for a young boy. He turned away and ran as fast as he could while shouting
and crying loudly the familiar words, "mummy, mummy!" Yes, Gayathri heard her son crying loudly and at once stops all work in the kitchen. Sara ran towards his mother and hugged her tightly and was crying badly.

"What's wrong honey, what's wrong?" Gayathri asked her young son. Looking at her son's pale face, 'something must be terribly wrong' she murmured to herself. "What happened... what happened son?" she asked again! A few seconds later, Sara regained his composure and told his mum that there is a badly wounded man lying on the ground at the front gate.

Gayathri ran to the front gate and right in front of her eyes was a man bleeding badly requiring immediate help and attention. Momentarily, she was too stunned to move and was just as shell-shocked like her young son, Saravanan. Seconds later, her fear subsided, her conscience reminds her to get immediate help and attention for this badly injured man. She told her son to stay inside the house while she is away to call his father. She ran to the fields and shouted for her husband, Kathiravan. From a distance, Gayathri could see her husband relaxing under the big tree. The time was almost 1.00 pm. Her husband was soundly asleep and in wonderland. He could not hear the desperate shouts from his beloved wife. A loud shriek from Gayathri was enough to jolt her husband, Kathiravan from having a beautiful slumber. A quick exchange of words was enough for Saravanan's dad and mum to run back to the house.

Sara's dad and mum helped to place the injured man on a wooden wheel barrow. Since he was quite good at carpentry work, sometime back he built the handy wooden wheel barrow himself. Without the wheel barrow, it would take a Herculean effort from Sara's dad and mum to carry the injured man into the house. Gayathri quickly laid out a cotton mattress over the floor. Together they slowly lowered down the injured stranger onto the cotton mattress and carefully rest his head on a pillow. There was a gash on the head and the bleeding has not stopped. Gayathri was quick to get the first aid box. Before cleaning up the wound, she put on a pair of surgical gloves to prevent infection. Next, she took a wet towel from the plastic basin to wipe off the stained blood around the neck and face. Sara's dad then, placed some cotton gauze over the wound and bandaged up the wound. Next, he slowly lifted up the injured man's shoulder and gave him drink a cup of lukewarm water.

Afterwards, the stranger regained his senses and strength and was able to mutter the words, "thank you, thank you". Upon hearing the words, it brought back smiles to Sara's parents; for they were worried sick over his physical condition. Together, they helped him to stand up and walk slowly out of the house to the waiting car. His car is a trusty old Ford Cortina. Earlier, while his wife Gayathri was wiping the stained blood from the man's face, Kathiravan got hold of the car keys and started the car engine; for he knows that in times like that, every minutes counts. They helped the injured man to the back seat. Kathiravan told his wife to take care and look after their son before leaving towards town clinic. The town clinic in Raub is about five miles away from his farm. Every now and then, Kathiravan would turn his head to have a quick glance at the stranger's condition. In a situation like that, the journey of five miles seems like a never-ending road. All along the journey, Kathiravan wished that he should have much earlier replaced this old vehicle with a speedier model.

Finally, after much worrying, Kathiravan could see the buildings of the town's only Primary Chinese School. His worries subside because he knows that in a minute or so he will reach the town clinic - Raub Clinic or Klinik Raub, whichever way it is pronounced. He stopped his car right in front of the clinic and put his car to sleep and helped to assist the injured man into the clinic. He assisted him to the sitting bench and asked him for his identity card for registration. The man took out his purse from his pocket and gave his ID. Kathiravan had a quick look at the ID - Name: Rajan. He handover the ID to the nurse and pleaded her to give attention to Rajan first. A short while later, the nurse called out for Rajan to enter into the doctor's room. Kathiravan assisted Rajan into the doctor's room and was told by the nurse to wait outside. He, then sat on the bench and heaved a sigh of relief. Next to him are some old magazines. He picked up one and flipped through the pages. He put on a smile because he is assured that Rajan is in good hands now.

About half an hour later, Rajan came out of the doctor's room and sat down next to Kathiravan. Slowly he opened his mouth to express his heartfelt thanks to his Good Samaritan, Kathiravan. Rajan told Kathiravan that he is right now in dire straits. He told Kathir, ‘he came all the way down from Penang to attend a job interview in Raub. At the central bus station, he asked someone for direction to the job interview since this is the first time he has ever step foot in this town. When he was led to the back lane of some dilapidated shop-houses, he knew that danger must be lurking somewhere. He turned backwards and tried to dash out of the back lane but a group of men blocked his path! They dragged, tied-up his mouth and blind-folded him into a waiting car and drove off hurriedly to some unknown destination.

When they reached the targeted place, they dragged him out and started to rain heavy blows to all over his body. Someone took a piece of wood and hit it on his head and he went blackout slowly. He could realise that they removed his purse from his pocket and took away whatever money in it. They also relieved him of his watch, gold necklace and backpack. They left him alone in a deserted place. Whether he is dead or alive it was of no concern to them. They already had got what they wanted and that's all that matters. When night came, he was still lying there unconscious.

When he regained consciousness, he removed the blindfold and the piece of cloth that bound his mouth. Instantly, he coughed a little and he felt a bit relieved. It was already morning, he summoned whatever energy he has left, in order to stand up. Slowly he staggered along and was walking about aimlessly. He kept on prodding not knowing which direction he was heading. The path he was heading was full of overgrown grass and he didn't realise that in front of him was a large stone. Unknowingly, his right foot knocked the large stone and he tumbled to the ground.’

“Oh my god! Is it?” Kathiravan’s interference has halted Rajan’s narration for a moment and he continued again.

‘They say that lightning never strikes twice at the same place. But for him it does. When he fell to the ground, unfortunately his head knocked on something hard. It turned out to be another stone. What bad luck! It opened up the wound that the robbers had inflicted on him yesterday. He yelled out in agony for he was obviously in pain. His head was bleeding badly.

He slowly got up and walked. Every step forward is a burden to him, for he was hungry, thirsty, in pain and his head was still bleeding. Slowly, he realised that he was not seeing things clearly. His vision was affected. His eyes were getting dimmer and dimmer by the minute. Then he went blackout completely and fell to the ground. Fortunately for him, he was at the front gate of the home of Kathiravan and Gayathri. He was lucky that was little Saravanan was washing his dirty hands at the garden tap. Otherwise, due to the loss of blood, it could mean that his days on earth are over.’

The village where Kathiravan stays with his family is well-known by every resident. He is a popular figure in the village. These country folks from all walks of life used to mingle with him. Villagers from all races often have afternoon tea and night barbecue at his home. Although without much schooling, he is quite well-versed in general knowledge, current affairs locally and abroad and of course the politics of this country. He is a branch committee member of the Raub Indian Political Party. His popularity is due to his honesty, hardworking and helpful nature, down-to-earth personality and his loads of generosity.

After paying the medical bill and collecting the medication, once again Kathiravan assisted Rajan to his car. Kathir started the car engine but he let it remained stationary as he wanted to have a discussion with Rajan. He told Rajan, "I think for now it would better for you to stay in my house to recuperate. Your present physical condition does not allow you travel far. Penang is so far away. We have a guest home. It is spacious, airy and comfortable with beautiful surroundings. I'm sure if you stay there, you will recover fast in no time. Let me and my family extend our hospitality to you. After you have recovered and if you still would want to stay a bit longer in the guest house, that's no problem with us. Better still; why not work for me here since there's plenty of work in my farm. I pay my workers well if they work hard. I don't like lazy workers. Some of my previous daily-rated workers cause me headaches. They disappeared for three to four days after getting their weekly pay. I asked them why they didn't turn up for work. I also told them that all of you know that there is plenty of urgent work here and you all have the guts to disappear for three to four days.

I asked them where they went. They say, "boss, we go to KL, boss we go to North and boss we go to GH - Genting Highlands." I told them they should have informed me of their intended holidays. I would have got some temporary workers to help out. Because of jokers like you, I could not meet the dateline to deliver the vegetables to the wholesalers. The vegetables rot. I got firings from my clients. I lost lots of money because of irresponsible people like all of you. My angry voice made them shiver. So you see, Rajan, I hope you can stay and work in my farm. If you are honest and hardworking, I promise will promote you be supervisor with higher wage in my farm. How about that?"

Rajan replied to Kathir affirmatively.

"That's good, I'm happy" replied Kathir jovially. "Come; let me get you some new clothes and personal necessities from the local supermarket. Afterwards, both of us can have a nice, hearty meal in a Chinese Seafood Restaurant. I'm sure you will enjoy the food there" said a beaming Kathir to Rajan.

After paying the bill for the meal, Kathir asked Rajan, "are you a smoker?"

Rajan replied, "yes, I smoke. One small pack a day. Smoker since I was 18. Well, this year is 1977. I'm 25 now. Wow, seven years smoking already. Boss, can get cancer or not?"

Kathiravan replied, "you think so easy to get cancer! There are people smoking for 50 years and yet don't get cancer. Myself smoking fifteen years already. I also not scared. If it's time to go, there's nothing you can do about it. Correct or not?" Kathir added, "don't worry, happy smoking, man". Then he gave Rajan three hundred ringgit for pocket money to spend. Rajan thanked Kathiravan for his generosity.

True enough, Rajan was very hard working, honest and a fast learner. From dawn to dusk, he was toiling in the fields and he gets along well with his fellow field workers. In the minds of the Kathiravan’s family, he was their choice to be farm supervisor. He also gets along with little Saravanan. He used to pamper Sara with toys and chocolates. The family of Kathir really treated Rajan as part of the family. Six months later, they promoted him to farm supervisor and they gave him a hefty pay rise.

As a farm supervisor, Rajan is also responsible to collect daily cash takings and hand them over to either Kathiravan or his wife Gayathri. Kathir has a vegetable stall selling freshly grown vegetables along the main road leading to Raub town. He is also busy with his other businesses. He and his chinese and indian business friends are partners in several other businesses such as rearing freshwater fish, oil palm plantation, sawmills, ice factory and others. Besides, he also involved in several charity organisations. He is glad that Rajan is capable of looking after the vegetable stall and coping with the heavy workload at the farm.

For the first two weeks of supervising at the vegetable stall, all cash takings collected by Rajan, was all accounted for and handed over to Kathir and Gayathtri respectively. On the third week, Rajan started to put some money into his own pockets. First, it was small amount. Gradually, he began to pocket more because business was very good and better by each day. He, not only became greedy but jealousy creep into his mind. He was envious of Kathiravan's wealth and fame. Every month, Rajan goes to his home town in Penang. His purpose was to hide all the stolen cash and stashed it in a safe place in Penang.

One day in June 1978, Kathir carried a black bag containing a large amount of cash and entered into his office room in his villa. The villa was built next to Kathir' s former house. The cunning Rajan, was also in the villa playing checkers with Saravanan who always love to play it.

Rajan told Sara, "I need to go to the toilet. Continue the game later".

"OK, Uncle Rajan" while replying, Sara continued to play the game alone.

Rajan sneaked by the office door which was left ajar by Kathiravan. He saw Kathir placed the bag into the cupboard. Then, he came back slowly to play checkers with Sara again. But, his mind was on that bag.

In wee hours of the night, Rajan sneaked into Kathir's villa. He went straight to the office room and took the black bag from the cupboard. He tried to make a quick dash but unfortunately he knocked a chair as it was dark. Kathir was awakened by the noise and so was his wife and son. Kathir grabbed a baseball stick and went after the black figure running out of the villa.

Meanwhile, his wife Gayathri and son Saravanan followed him. That night, the moon was at its brightest. Kathir knew that the black figure was none other than Rajan. He called out to Rajan to stop running and return the bag to him. Rajan stopped and turned around to face Kathiravan. He then dropped the black bag. Kathir bent down to pick it up. The cunning Rajan seized the opportunity to kick Kathir in the groin. He fell down flat. Rajan took a dagger and pierced into Kathir's chest. Kathir yelled in agony and he died immediately as the dagger poked into his heart. Rajan grabbed the bag and fled as fast as he could in the darkness.

Gayathri and her son Saravanan saw the whole incident and was clot. They were hiding behind a bush. She put her right hand over her son's mouth to prevent Sara from freaking out. With silent cry and tears rolling she ran banging on the doors of the neighbours for help. They quickly came over to look at her husband's condition. Kathir's face was pale and the eyes were wide-opened. Neighbours offered their condolences and immediately alerted the police.

At the funeral wake for Kathiravan, many of the villagers came to pay their last respect. People from all walks of life and from all races, came to offer their condolences to Gayathri and her son Saravanan. There was much crying and sadness feel the air. Gayathri asked her son to sit closer to her. She showed her six year old son the picture of Rajan. "Son, have good look at this ungrateful person. Remember his face clearly. When you grow up, you must promise to take revenge for your father's death." Saravanan was quiet. “You know how intimate were your daddy and mummy; I can’t imagine a life without your daddy my son. Your uncle will take good care of you.” Suddenly, she rushed to the kitchen, took out a long knife and pierced it deeply into her abdomen and died instantly. Pandemonium broke out. Saravanan was crying hysterically. People who were seated jumped out from their seats and were too shocked to utter any words. The relatives and friends were all crying loudly and inconsolable. This double tragedy became the talk of the town.

Kathiravan and Gayathri were buried side by side in the cemetery in Raub. Sara's uncle Vijayan took the young nephew to stay with his family in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Meanwhile, Rajan fled to Southern Thailand and remained there for three years. He got involved in all kinds of vices. He operated with his Thai partners in business ranging from gambling dens, prostitution dens, drugs, loan-sharking and money laundering. After his hibernation in Southern Thailand, he came to Kuala Lumpur as Peter Raj to establish his base. He expands his illegal businesses fast and made loads of money and friends. In 1985, he was awarded a Datukship for his many charitable causes. He got married and was blessed with three children. His business prospered with each passing day.

The young Saravanan was not interested in his studies. He was only interested to read books and magazines on firearms. When he was 16 years of age, he begged his uncle to register him as a member of the Selangor Shooting Association. He was a fast learner. His instructors were so impressed with his progress. He won many shooting competitions for his age group. Sometimes, he even beat seniors. His score were remarkable for his young age. But to Saravanan, his target is not to represent the country in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. To his fellow shooting mates, their ultimate target is the Barcelona Olympics. Saravanan's target - to avenge the lost of his beloved father and mother.

On 12 noon, 6th June 1996, Saravanan achieved his ultimate goal at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur.

"Vengeance at High Noon"
666

Saravanan sent the above note to every newspapers in Kuala Lumpur.

Inspector Manimaran is still cracking his head to trace the murderer of Datuk Peter Raj…

The End