Kev remained in his seat, struggling with several thoughts. What has all that got to do with Britain? And why would anyone wish to mess with something that is running so well? The beach-loving German with the ill-fitting wig disturbed his train of thought.

  'Hi, my name is Charlie. I have seen you here a few times, so I introduced myself. I hope you donʼt mind.'

  'No, I’m always pleased to meet new people. My name is Kev.'

  The last thing Kev wanted was to be disturbed. Maybe it was just what he needed.

  It turned out that Charlie was a twice-divorced teacher, which in Germany was not good financially. Being divorced once was bad enough, but twice was monetary suicide. So Charlie came to Thailand where he could follow his dream and become a professional singer.

  He left saying his father was a dentist for the Nazis during the war! A strange man thought Kev, but harmless enough.

  Not only that, he wants a long-term rental.

  Chapter 15 HOW “MAD” IS MAD MIKE?

  KEV ARRIVED BACK AT the office and explained he was to go to Kaeng Krachan again, this time taking Mad Mike. Nick was initially interested in going but decided he had better stay and get on with some work. Skylab also did not understand what Dam had against Pi Meow. She had been living in Bangkok and had missed a lot of family news. She had thought it might be fun going to the dam, but she did not want to be the only girl, not that Kev had invited her. Dam, on hearing Kev’s news rolled his eyes but decided against further comment.

  Kev went to Mike’s new townhouse, an easy walk from his bar. Most of the two-bedroom homes on that street were taken, and a few were left empty. 'These places would be a good fit for Charlie,' thought Kev.

  'Forget it. You have more important things to think about,' he said to himself.

  He arrived at 16/32 Mike’s address. Kev thought he may have forgotten the address. He grinned when he saw the Baner Cymru, the Welsh dragon flag hanging from the upstairs balcony.

  Kev knocked on the front door. Within seconds, the door swung open. A cheerful Mike stood in the doorway, wearing only his boxer shorts. He looked like a flagpole with the flag at half-mast.

  'Come in, Kev. I thought we were going tomorrow?'

  'Yes, we are. I wanted to make sure I knew which house was yours.'

  'Excuse the mess; I have not tidied up for a few days. This is Pat, my new girlfriend. Sorry, but I have not got her trained yet.'

  Mike was pointing at a shape on the tiled floor. She was asleep. Or she was pretending to be. Laying naked but with a sheet cover. Giving her the appearance of a performer nearing the end of the dance of the seven veils. There was not much in the house to make a mess with. Clothes, cigarette packets, and other rubbish were scattered around. It all could be cleared in minutes.

  'Excuse me for asking, but why donʼt you go upstairs to sleep?'

  'Oh, that’s easy. I don't want to make a mess up there too. It’s enough to worry about down here.'

  'Right.' A bemused Kev muttered.

  The kitchen was untouched, nothing in it: no food, no cutlery, no plates, not even a coffee cup.

  'Mike, donʼt you eat here?'

  'I don't eat much anywhere,' said Mike.

  'I would,' said a sleepy Pat, 'But the lazy git never goes shopping!'

  'Wow, you speak good English,' complimented Kev.

  'I should do. I was born in London,' said Pat. She explained that her Thai parents worked at the Thai Embassy in Queens Gate, London. She went to Roedean School on the South coast, hence the accent. That was until she got expelled.

  Now she is back in Thailand. Her parents thought she was in Bangkok, looking after their home in the city, but she needed a break at the seaside. Meeting Mike was the break she needed.

  'Are you going to be sober tonight? I will come round bright and early tomorrow. If I bang on the door, will you hear me?'

  'Kev, you can trust me. Can Pat come too?'

  Kev was not sure, but it would be hard to say no. She said she would get up and be ready to go in plenty of time. So, all set. Kev left them to their mess, still unsure of Mad Mike’s reliability.

  At first light, there was a tap on Kevʼs bedroom door. It was Skylab; she had brought him coffee and a bacon sandwich. Skylab had office keys and had let herself in. She prepared breakfast and went upstairs.

  This was the first time they had been alone together and the first time in a bedroom! And the first time she had seen Kev in bed. Half-asleep, Kev thought he was dreaming when Skylab leant over and kissed him on his lips. She turned and quickly left the way she had come in. Kev was about to say, 'as Mike’s girlfriend was going, so maybe Skylab would like to join them now.' He was too slow. He was unsure if it would be a good idea. What a bright start to the day!

  He walked around Mad Mike’s place with no lights or signs of life. Kevʼs hammering got louder. He was disturbing the neighbours. Street dogs started barking. Lights were flickering on in the adjoining houses. Then the front door opened.

  Mike stood in the gloomy light. Seeing a 6ft 3in Welshman in boxers decorated with red dragons was bad enough. When Kev saw the lump and vicious cut underneath his eye. Kev gulped. His mind went back to an England vs Wales rugby match he had witnessed. The back of Mike’s head looked like a kitten dipped in brown glue. His hair was matted with blood.

  'What happened?' asked Kev.

  'She did,' said a groggy Welshman, pointing to a form rolled in a sheet on the floor. Not the two rugby-playing pugilists of Kev’s imagination, but a tall, lanky man against a 5ft 2in girl.

  'It all started fine, laughing, joking, we were having a great time at the bar. As the evening went on, she changed, becoming morose. Then she went into a rage. God knows why. Then she attacked me. At first, she kicked my legs as we sat at the bar. I decided we had better come home. All the way home, she was ranting and raging. When we walked through the door, she clumped me with that piece of wood on the back of my head.' He pointed to a lump of 4 x 2 the builders must have left behind, 'as I turned, she caught me under the eye.'

  'Do you feel okay?'

  'Yeah, yeah, I'll just treat myself to a quick wash, then we can go.'

  'What about Pat? Are you going to leave her here?'

  Pat was arranging the sheet, making sure it covered her body. She now looked like an extra from a movie set in olden-time Rome.

  Pat stated she was coming. She sounded all sweetness and light. What a strange girl! Changeable like the Mumbles weather.

  The first of Pi Meowʼs, a convoy of two cars, came to Kevʼs office a few minutes late. The second car would join them soon.

  Mike had cleaned himself up well. He has had practice getting himself out of scrapes. His appearance did cause a few comments. Pat answered them in a ladylike manner, explaining he had tripped over a street dog. She had dressed conservatively, in jeans and a loose-fitting top. The whole ensemble was topped with a floppy hat. Very mature. Ladylike without being sexy, she wanted no unwarranted comments to ruin their day.

  They were told that this time, they would not be staying overnight. Pi Meow had to meet a significant contact tomorrow morning. It crossed Kev’s mind whether he would get to take a snap of this man or other mysterious contacts.

  Mike was told they would show him the places to take visitors and explain what they would see. That was good for all concerned. Particularly for Kev, as he was not sure about Pat or how long it would be before another explosion.

  As they got going, Kev made a big show of his picture-taking. Saying he had bought his new camera for his rental business. Mike would be using any shots taken today for his tourism venture. Mike wanted to print a leaflet to give out in the bar. All those present were happy to have their pictures taken.

  Kev was careful his new “baby” did not get wet when they arrived at the landing spot. It all looked very different this time. There was a clear blue sky, and the glistening vegetation last time was all dusty this time. They all trudged up the hill to the wooden house. This time they were not laden down with whisky and ice.

  It was approaching lunchtime. Spicy snacks were produced from somewhere, and they all sat down and tucked in. As they were finishing, the man who had brought the turtle soup last time arrived. Now this man did not want his picture taken. When the camera came out, he moved fast to cover himself—hiding behind Pi Meow, other people, or a handy piece of furniture. Stranger and stranger, thought Kev. It was making him more determined to get the shot.

  Pat had noticed what was happening. She took the camera and pretended to clean it. She was a sharp girl; she did not understand why the man hated to have his picture taken. Or why Kev wanted a picture of the man, which made her keen to get the snap. A natural photojournalist in the making.

  Again Pi Meow took the turtle man by the arm and led him to a spot where neither could be seen. Once again, more money changed hands. They returned to their boat and then to Pi Meowʼs own place. Mad Mike had been in a daze all morning. No sightings of rare animals, just a pleasant boat ride. But when they arrived at the teak house, Mad Mike livened, staring at the beautiful structure. He could not sit down. He wandered around with Kevʼs camera. They were taking picture after picture of the house and surrounding land. 'Not a bad thing,' thought Kev.

  Once more, people changed clothes and changed places in the vehicle. And this time, some new people with caps pulled down, hiding their faces, joined them for the trip home.

  They cleared the checkpoint without trouble, returning to Hua Hin before dark. Kev put his films into the developers and then went to catch up on the news in the office. Skylab was not happy that another girl went on the trip. When Kev invited her to their bar, along with Dam and Nick, she cheered up. The two girls got on famously and carried on like they had known each other for years. Odd because they were opposites.

  Charlie had been in to see Kev about a place to live. Otherwise, it was a quiet day for everyone in the office.

  Chapter 16 EMBASSY VISIT

  'COME TO MY OFFICE NOW.'

  'What about the film? It’s not developed yet.'

  'You should have got it done here at the Embassy.'

  'How do I know what equipment the Embassy has? I was doing the right thing waiting for the shots. And at my expense, I might add.'

  Kev was losing his temper with Mr Black.

  'You'll get expenses if you are worried about that!'

  'It is not the money. I donʼt enjoy being ordered about,' said Kev.

  'Okay, okay, calm down. Get the film and get here as quickly as you can,' said Black, ordering again.

  'I'll get the first bus in the morning as long as the photographs are ready.'

  Kev replaced the phone aggressively as a thought struck him, what to tell Skylab. Kev got back on the phone.

  'Mr Black, please.'

  'He has left the office.'

  'Tomorrow, I am coming to see him. But I have a problem, can you help?

  'How can I assist?' Black’s secretary asked. Kev began nervously, not knowing where to start.

  'As you know, I plan to marry my girlfriend soon. But if I keep nipping off to the jungle or Bangkok for the Embassy, there will be some difficult questions. Or worse, suspicions I have a secret girlfriend. I donʼt want to lie to her, and I canʼt tell her the truth. Can we, I mean, you and me, make it look like you, i.e., the Embassy needs to meet her before they allow her to marry a British man?'

  'No, I can't do a thing like that.'

  Kev was thinking. The secretary came to his rescue and said, 'But I can take her aside. And tell her what it’s like being married to an Englishman. You can then meet my boss in peace.'

  Kev called Skylab and asked if they would allow her to go to Bangkok with him. She replied that 'We donʼt need to be alone. I have friends and family in the city who can chaperone me'.

  All fixed, get the Black meeting over with, and then he could enjoy quality time with the lady of his dreams.

  Skylab, bag in hand, crossed the road from the family guesthouse. On the way to the office, her schoolroom and her boyfriend’s bedroom. It made her think of things a good Thai girl should not contemplate! As she skipped up to the front door, movement caught her eye.

  Kev was moving around. She could see shadows through the glass at the top of the door. Kev must be up and ready to go. As she readied the front door key, the door burst open, and a man half fell and half-ran past her and up the road, with Kev in pursuit.

  The man was too fast, and by the time Kev reached the corner, there was no sign of the Olympic-paced sprinter.

  'I think he left empty-handed, but what was he looking for?'

  'He had nothing in his hands that I could see,' said Skylab. 'Do you want to call off our trip,' she asked.

  'No, unless you are worried?'

  'No, no, I am fine. But we had better wake Nick and tell him to watch out.'

  Nick was not scared of anyone. 'Now bugger off and let me sleep,' was his comment.

  'He was not ready for an early morning chat! I have left a note for Nick when he wakes up, telling him to report what happened to the police. I wonder what that guy was after?'

  'And how did he get in?'

  'Yes, lucky I was up early and disturbed him. Christ, he was quick.'

  'Are you sure that it was a man? I am not so sure you know. The person moved like a woman,' said Skylab.

  Skylab had pleaded for a special favour from the camera shop the day before. She persuaded them to hang the bag of snaps on the door handle. The shop was an easy walk to the bus stop. Sure enough, a plastic bag with her name printed on it, with a note that said, “Amount due!”

  Even after the delay, they caught the first “Blue” bus, two seats near the front. On reaching Bangkok, they jumped into a nearby cab.

  As the taxi arrived at the Embassy, a well-dressed lady met them and hurried them up to Mr Black’s office. Skylab looked puzzled at the special attention they were offered. She thought perhaps all Englishmen were treated like this.

  Black’s secretary came in and led Skylab into another room. She welcomed her and offered her a drink.

  'Would you prefer hot or cold?'

  Her next hour was interesting. She was told how British weddings were held. How to make the wedding legal in British law. They also told her about a UK divorce and what she could expect if the worst happened. Then she was asked about her family. Which Skylab thought was normal until asked if any member of the family was ever in trouble with the police. If that was odd, the next question nearly floored her.

  'Are any of your family members of the Thai Communist Party or associated groups?'

  'What is this all about?' asked a very concerned Skylab.

  In the next room.

  'Right, Kevin, let me see the pictures.'

  Mr Black and the lady pored over the shots. They left Kev staring at the window until Sombat joined them. At last, Kev got to say what had happened earlier that morning.

  Mr Black and the superior lady were bent over the pictures, pointing and passing comments.

  'Excuse me, Mr Black, but you had better listen to Kevin.'

  'What now, donʼt tell me it’s about his wedding?'

  'No, sir, somebody broke into his place this morning.'

  'Right, Kevin, tell us exactly what happened.'

  'Yes, then weʼll ask what your girlfriend saw.'

  Who is this lady, wondered Kev. When Kev had finished, they asked Skylab to join them. To state accurately, in Thai or English, what she saw and what she thought happened.

  Skylab was a bright girl. By now, she knew she was not here to discuss weddings.

  'I am saying nothing, in Thai or English, until you tell me what is happening. I want to know my husband is not in any trouble.'

  The mystery lady left the room, and ten minutes later, she returned and nodded to Black. It was agreed Skylab could be brought up to speed regarding Kaeng Krachan.

  The lady took over.

  'I work mostly in London. Sometimes I have to go overseas if a situation occurs that requires me, and yesterday they asked me to come here. To deal with something that could affect both England and Thailand. Kevin is in no trouble. Mr Black and I will try to keep him out of trouble. But we need his help.'

  Skylab’s thought process had a lot of barely understood information to work through. She did not know what to think, how serious was this situation, how dangerous for Kev and anyone that knew him.

  'Now, Miss Thantawan, or shall I call you Skylab? We will also need your help. Are you willing to assist us and your own country?'

  'How do you know my real name, even Kev does not know it?'

  'When I left the room earlier, I was handed a sheet of paper with your details. And some interesting family information. Maybe you donʼt know, but your uncle worked with us during the war. He was a hero who bravely acted against the Japanese.'

  'He did not tell us anything about his part in the war, just that he broke his leg playing football.'

  'No, my dear, it was not playing football. I can tell you the full story one day, but today we have more pressing things to discuss.'

  Her mind, if before close to overload, was now in a tumble dryer whirl.

  Sombat took over the questioning. 'How much cash do you keep in your offices?'

  Almost nothing answered Kev.

  'Any deposits get paid directly to the homeowner, and we get our cut later. If Nick does any building work, it gets paid in instalments. We buy building supplies occasionally, so there would be cash for that, but none is currently in stock. Skylab, how about in the school?'

  'A few pupils still owe us about 400 Baht in the cash box.'

  'So it was not money he was after.'

  He said, 'What valuables do you keep in the house?'

  Skylab laughed, 'Not even an engagement ring.'

  Skylab had just learned about the betrothal English style. Nearly always with an engagement ring first! Kev reddened.

  'You may think this is a laughing matter, but it is not!' Bellowed Black.

 

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