EIGHT
STAN WAS returning to his car when he heard the sound of gravel flicking up from behind. He turned to see his father standing before him.
"What's the plan, Stan?"
"We go there and pay Mike's way out."
"What if that doesn't work? What then?"
"It's a rape charge in Thailand, the sex capital of the world. They don't go to trial there, they settle."
"How do you know that?"
"That's the word on the street."
"Which street is that, Sesame Street?"
"I spoke to a guy on the way over."
"You don't seem to be taking this seriously."
"Of course I'm taking it seriously. Why do you think I came to you?"
"Your mum won't let me go."
"When did you start taking orders from her?"
Nigel took Stan by the arm. "My grandson's been charged with rape; he's alone in a Thai prison. Do you have any idea how bad they are?"
"I had a look on YouTube."
"He'll be scared. You need to get him out."
"Will you come?"
"Not with these meds I'm on, but keep me posted and make sure you have a back-up plan in case you can't just buy your way out. And there's no way Mike would have beaten and raped some girl."
"I know."
"Well, he's going to need you to tell him that."
"I will."
"Good. Then go and get our boy back.”