Not Far Enough From Worries, page 9
'Did you report this break-in to the police?' asked Sombat.
'No, we left Nick to do that. I thought you wouldn’t want us to be late,' said Kev showing a flicker of anger.
'So, it was a chance robber, hoping for something left about, or...' Sombat was cut off by Skylabʼs interruption.
'Excuse me, but we live in Hua Hin. We get very little planned crime, and if you leave a bag full of belongings unattended on the beach, it may go. But I have never heard about a skilled burglar working in our town.'
Sombat carried on, 'Someone was looking for something else. Information plans, or maybe a photograph!'
'Oh! Come on, Sombat,' the lady raised her hands in exasperation, 'we have already worked that out. That is him!'
She was pointing at a man in one photograph - the turtle man.
'This man, known only as Pu Yai. Both Thailand and Britain have wanted him for years. His first known crime was in 1975, blowing up a temple in Bangkok, he hates religion, and he hates the government. He must have arranged for someone to steal this photograph. Or was it him?'
'No, I would say the person was younger and much fitter,' suggested Kev.
The lady stood up and put her hand out, first to Skylab.
'Thank you both for coming up to see us. On other occasions, we will need your help as the people on the spot. There is an envelope prepared for you outside. You can call me Miss Young. Goodbye and good luck.'
As they left the outer office, an envelope was passed to Skylab by the secretary. She looked at Kev and said, 'She had better look after that. Bye.'
Skylab pushed the envelope into her handbag, leaving Kev puzzled but not daring to ask.
The taxi took them to the nearby Central Department Store at Chidlom. The Chidlom shop was large and modern and had a popular coffee shop. Skylab knew it well. One waitress remembered her from her college days.
'Hello, long time no see.' She cheerfully greeted them. The couple ordered their drinks and got themselves settled at a corner table. Skylab wanted no one looking over her shoulder as she opened the envelope.
First, she showed Kev the money under the table; it was quite a lot, but she did not want to take it out publicly. Then she showed Kev a photocopy of a newspaper clipping. It was about her uncle. The Times of London had printed an article about a Siamese man. Who had shown incredible bravery under fire? Saving the lives of four British soldiers in Burma. That man was her uncle. She burst into tears.
Off they went to meet the Bangkok branch of the family. All the family were shocked and proud to hear about their relationship and what he had done in the war. Thankfully, nobody thought to ask how and why they discovered his secret.
They were keen to meet Kev and excited to hear about the wedding. Poor Skylab did not get a word in. They discussed the wedding plans over and over. Food was ordered, and beer and more food arrived. So far, the evening was going well.
Then the difficult topic of sleeping arrangements was brought up as they were guests of Bangkok folk. Very modern, they decided it was ‘up to themʼ, they were to sleep in the same room, and what they did in that room was ‘up to themʼ.
Bright and early, the happy couple waved their goodbyes. Kev wanted to go back to Central Chidlom. He had spotted a jewellery store. He had also noticed they had a sale on.
Skylab was bubbly, the choice was huge, and the selection was too vast. She took ages to pick a suitable engagement ring. It was beautiful, a sapphire with two small diamonds, a diamond on each side of the central bluestone. It cost more than Kev was planning on spending, but she was worth it.
Kev got down on one knee right in the middle of the shop. His words were mumbled, but the meaning was clear. The nearby shoppers and the open-mouthed store staff all clapped. One was even crying as she heard Skylab say:
'Yes!'
She looked forward to showing her new ring to her friends and family in Hua Hin.
Back in Hua Hin, a tap was at the door to Emma and Giʼs beach house. Giʼs turn to walk the dogs today. So Emma was alone in the house.
'Did you get them?' asked the elderly man.
'Sorry, no sign of any photographs,' answered Emma.
Chapter 17 BACK TO THE JUNGLE
MAD MIKE WAS encouraged to push ahead with the tour business by Pat and Kev. His girlfriend, in particular, was keen on the new business. Mike now had the ideal opportunity, as two partners had turned up to check on their investment. More likely to drink their investment. To be fair, Mike had been telling everybody who had visited The Headrock about his excursion company. His sales and advertising techniques were working. Quite a few customers had shown some serious interest in going.
On offer was a day trip or an overnight trip. The day trip was proving the most popular one. Kev, Skylab, and Nick had signed up for the first one. Pat was to be the tour guide, she had been busy reading about the wildlife they were likely to encounter. She told everyone there were wild tigers in the area, but sightings were rare—a great tale to tell visitors.
The visiting Headrock partners wanted to see the tigers. They put Pat in charge and Skylab was to be the official photographer. It was better that Mike stayed behind and watched the bar.
Pi Meow and the driver sat in front, with two young lads in the cab, while the rest were in the back of the new, shiny pickup.
Pat was good at her job. Questions she could not answer truthfully, she made up a tale with a very believable answer. Skylab would whisper to her in Thai a knowledgeable answer. There were a few wildlife questions. There were more queries about beer than animals. It was easy to forget Pat was more English than Thai. Growing up and spending most of her life in London, where tigers were even rarer.
The Aussies, Geoff and Finn, struggled in their wait for the Esky to be opened. Geoff proudly explained that an Australian invented the world’s first portable cooler.
'The guy deserves a medal!' said Geoff.
Nick happily joined them in a cold one, but Kev said he would wait and have one later. Bringing comments like, 'See what happens when you get tied up with a Sheila.'
'Donʼt you do it as well, Nick.' And comments in a similar vein. Kev could drink with the best of them, but he needed his wits about him.
The security at the gate let them through with a cheery wave. The Aussie lads were in awe of the expanse of water, as they were more used to mile upon mile of a dusty mine. Pat continued with her commentary. She proved to be a natural talker.
The boat ride was uneventful. But before getting on the boats, the Thai men had split up. Each senior man piloted a boat, and one youngster assisted in each craft. One boat was full of the tour group, and one with just the captain and his assistant.
Kev hoped somebody would ask why they had an empty vessel with them. It would be more comfortable spreading out in two boats. The last thing he wanted was to draw any attention to himself, and guessed Skylab thought the same. He was soon to find out the answer. The group all made their way to the hilltop building. Inside the building, there were four crates patiently waiting for them. Six feet long, six inches high and about two feet wide, placed on the floor, with the turtle curry man sitting on top. He was keen to talk to Pi Meow. They immediately got into a hushed conversation.
The turtle curry man, who they now knew was Pu Yai, kept looking at Kev. As the young lads made themselves useful with small jobs. Kev had noticed the older man’s interest, and he didn’t like it.
The other boatman told Pat to take the tour party down the bank on the opposite side of the building. There would be something interesting to see.
As the group moved down the bank, they reached a plateau. On the flat stretch of trampled grass was a large cage. Made of flimsy wire and filled with some sturdy cut branches. From that distance, they could see nothing moving, but as they got nearer, Nick yelled out.
'My God! Keep that thing away from me.'
No one had ever seen Nick move so fast.
Nick had a long-standing fear of snakes. As a small child, a family friend had dropped a slow worm in his lap, thinking it was funny. That friend was not seen at the house again. In front of him, this time, was the far more dangerous Burmese Python. Curled and seemingly peacefully asleep.
Darkly coloured with a patterned skin like a giraffe’s neck. Although it was hard to judge, the snake must be 12 feet long. They were all pleased the creature was in the cage, even if the wire appeared too weak to hold it.
Nick returned to the house. He had to get away from the reptile as far and as quickly as he could from the beast of his nightmares.
The three Thai men in the building were not happy at being disturbed. They all glared at the sweating giant. Pi Meow slammed the lid of the suitcase the three were peering into. He recovered his composure, put his arm around Nickʼs shoulders, and led him back outside. Sat him down and tried to discover what had unsettled him. Skylab and Kev ran up the hill to see if their friend was okay. Skylab explained Nickʼs fear of snakes to Pi Meow. He laughed and excused himself and went up the steps inside.
A shot rang out. The tourists looked around at each other, must be someone shooting at wildlife. Nick had stopped shaking when the others arrived. Naturally, the Aussie lads had to make a joke, saying he would not last five minutes in Aus. The python was the first time the Aussie lads had seen a snake in the wild.
Another shot.
This time the turtle curry man was seen holstering his pistol. He said dangerous animals and wild dogs should be put down. He and Pi Meow had a little head-to-head.
Through Pat’s translation, Pi Meow offered a meal at his place if they would help the boys carry a few things to the boats. Nick went the shade of lilies at a funeral, just the thought of going near “that creature” again. So Nick made himself useful by moving some other crates. Pi Meow and Nick were finishing settling the large boxes on the second boat. When the cage, carried with great care by the boys, was placed on top. Nick was already aboard the first boat, looking the other way.
When the boats got to the other side of the lake, they then shifted the cargo to the pickup—leaving them no room to sit. Nick would rather walk than go near the snake again. They were wondering what was going on. Another brand new pickup arrived, they all climbed into the back. They then whisked off to Pi Meowʼs jungle retreat.
As the cooking smells wafted around, Pi Meow took them all for a short walk. He led them through a gap in the foliage. He proudly showed them his private zoo. Felines large and small, some with stripes, some without. Primates, some with tails, some without. And snakes!
They had placed the new addition in a much stronger cage. Pi Meow was a proud man and loved showing off his collection.
As promised, a meal was their reward for shifting the boxes and cage. They were to eat “old fashioned food” seated in the “old fashioned way” on the floor. First served up were fried insects, locusts, ants and ant eggs. Next was chicken feet cooked in broth. Finally, Nick’s favourite, the snake, did not know what it was until after he had woofed it down. This time Skylab translated for Pi Meow, who said.
'After eating that curry, you don't need to fear reptiles again.'
All those samplings, the Thai delights sniggered at Nick’s pained expression.
When they left Pi Meowʼs jungle home, the young lads stayed behind. They changed their jeans and t-shirts with two very nervous young girls who did not appear to speak Thai. With caps pulled well down, they were driven off before the tour group left in a separate vehicle.
The food was not to everyone’s taste; it was different and added to the experience of a jungle trip. They could not stop talking about the meal, particularly the miners. It was just the advert Mike needed to get his business up and running.
One thought at the back of Kevʼs mind, what was in the nailed-down crates and what was that all about with the young girls? If those thoughts were enough to keep him awake at night, what Nick told him was enough for permanent insomnia. Nick had glimpsed wads of cash and a paper showing a plan. Nick did not know what it meant, as it was after his snake scare, and he wasn’t thinking straight. There was something else that poked his overworked brain. What dangerous animal got shot? Nobody had retrieved its corpse. They would be proud to show off the trophy?
Mad Mike was in the bar as the tour party streamed in, all talking and laughing.
'Seems you all enjoyed the trip.'
'Pat is a wonderful tour guide. She did a great job. You should be proud of her,' said Skylab.
'Do you know, that’s the first time anyone has ever praised me for anything!' said a weepy Pat.
Kev reported the news to Black when the Embassy opened the following day. The Embassy also had some news, but they had kept it from their “eyes in Hua Hin”.
Chapter 18 LONDON CALLING
'WHERE THE HELL IS she, what is she up to now, and who the devil is she with?'
Normally, Pat’s father was a calm and considerate man. After years in diplomatic service, he rarely lost his temper. But his daughter drove him to distraction.
'Darling, please donʼt work yourself up. You’ll make yourself ill.'
Mr and Mrs Komphetch, or Lord and Lady Komphetch, to give them their titles, had left their marriage late in life. Work had always gotten in the way. As he was known to his friends and staff, Lord K was always working. He was devoted to His Majesty the King of Thailand. He had studied French at University. Instead of joining the family business, Lord K went into the Foreign Office. Eventually became a diplomat in various choice posts. They then moved him to London. That was 25 years ago. Now, even past retirement age, he was irreplaceable. His father was Mom Luang, like Lord or the Honourable in Britain. They passed this title to his children. Lord Kʼs three brothers had all made great successes in their businesses. Lord K would go down in history for his service to Siam and later Thailand’s most beloved King.
His wife, Lady K, was also from a wealthy family, originally from China five generations ago. Her family built a shipping business to rival the Greeks.
Lady K blames herself for their only child’s behavioural problems. Pat has always been naughty, partly because she was sent away to school for long periods. And partly because they did not know how to control her. The best therapists, the best psychologists, the best psychiatrists, and even the best fortune tellers failed to find out why she got herself into trouble.
'What did the housekeeper say?'
'She was there, perfectly okay. The next time she looked in on her, she was gone, no note, no phone call, nothing.'
'Look, Iʼll have to ask a favour and see if someone from the Royal Guard can track her down.'
'There will be a meeting concerning the prince’s school governors and The Royal Household. I'm afraid I have to attend.'
'Please, I have said nothing all these years, but please, please put your daughter first, for once.'
'I have got The King’s secret service looking for her. What more can I do?'
Lady K turned and left the room without a word.
'Sir, we have found her.'
'Well, get on with it. Where is she?'
'Sir, she is okay and now in Hua Hin.'
'Okay, come on, get on with it. Tell me. Please don’t tell me it’s serious. What has she done wrong this time?'
'Nothing really, well, nothing particularly bad, Sir.'
'Come on, man, what?' Lord K was rapidly losing his patience with this man.
'Um, well, Sir, it appears she has moved in with a falang.'
'Could be worse.'
'Yes, of course, Sir!'
'Let me know if you find anything further or if she moves on.'
'Yes, Sir. Certainly, Sir.' A very relieved Royal Guardsman said.
'My dear, I thought you’d like to know that our daughter is safe and well. She is living, for the moment, in Hua Hin.' Lord K put the phone down as quickly as possible before his wife asked more questions.
Lord K would find out later.
Chapter 19 NICK HAS WOMEN TROUBLE
NICK WAS IN HIS favourite position, lying on the floor, but with his legs on the bed. To most people, this looked very uncomfortable. Nick loved to relax this way, especially in the company of a huge mug of strong tea.
Kev could not wait for someone to answer his knock. So he opened the wooden door, crashing into Nick’s head. If that was not bad enough, he had also spilt his tea. Once the swearing had subsided, Kev promised to run downstairs and make a fresh cuppa. Kev had the chance to say two young ladies were asking for him at the guest house.
'Forget the tea, and I’d better go.'
Kev hid his smile, saying.
'I think it’s about work.'
His comment went unheard and unanswered.
Nick moved like a three-legged greyhound. Out through the office door and bounding into the road. Luckily missing a samlor as he crossed the road and entered the guesthouse, panting. If he was expecting a red-headed Irish lass, he was upset. Nick was puzzled. There was no one in sight. The wooden door behind the reception desk opened. The receptionist popped her head out and signalled for him to enter the back room.
Two girls hugged Nick. That was surprising enough. So was the fact that these were two girls he had never seen before, of that he was sure. If it puzzled the guesthouse receptionist, Nick was staggered.
'These girls came in, all of a fluster, trying to get out of sight by ducking behind the reception counter. I can tell that they donʼt speak Thai or any English, but they tried to show you, um, how shall I say, by size. I could not think of anybody else. Sorry, but when one girl was jumping with her arm in the air, and the other was making big circles around her stomach.'
'Oh yes, I get it.' He said, raising one eyebrow.
'What, or who else could it be?'
Now the girls were thrilled, with small girly jumps and little claps. It was Nick they were looking for.
Nick was scratching his bruised head. What language were they speaking?
'I’d better go see Kev. Is it okay for them to wait here?'
