Prologue
The exhaustion had started to take its toll. It had been a long frightening day, and all he now wanted to do was eat and replace his energy. Something in the distance caught his attention.
‘Food’ he thought as he made his way over to a white suspended object and took a large ravenous bite.
He felt a searing pain in his mouth and then water rushed past his face as he was dragged along. Panic set in as he struggled for breath. Helpless and confused, he hurtled toward a large object.
“Look matey, I’ve caught one” beamed Spock, as he swung the rod and took hold of the little fish.
“Mate it’s a monster, lucky if it would cover a Ritz cracker” said an unimpressed Stu, sarcastically, “Put it back in the sea, maybe you will catch again it when it grows up to be two inches long,” he chuckled.
“Oh yes! And what have you caught then, hmm?” asked a disgruntled, but proud, Spock.
The two lads had been fishing for about three hours now and the only result was the baby Quoy parrotfish, which was now housed in Spock’s large hand as he de-gorged the hook from the fish’s mouth.
“Another exciting day in paradise” mumbled Spock as he placed the small fish back into the sea and watched it swim away.
‘It has been a very exciting day, it’s a bloody hard life being a fish’ pondered the little Quoy. Shortly followed by ‘Oh bollocks’ as he swam into the gaping jaws of a passing barracuda.
The two lads packed their fishing gear away into Stu’s motor and decided to go home early after their fishing expedition had turned into a flop. They headed towards their homes. They now lived in Pattaya with their wives, Dao and Moo.
****
Several years had gone by since their last adventure in Cambodia and their lives had changed. They both had houses built in the Suvapom estate on the outskirts of Pattaya. They’d bought some land and built the properties, which thanks to their good friend, the mad monk, Pons intervention, had taken no time to build and cost very little. They now lived idyllic lives.
They had taken Dao and Moo to England several years earlier, which at first was fun. The two girls were gullible, especially when told that they would see herds of wild bison meandering majestically over sandy plains and, after looking up what a bison was they became very excited. Although when this turned out to be a few scraggy arsed donkeys wandering up and down Cleethorpes beach, with a few even scraggier arsed tourists wearing ‘kiss-me-quick hats’ riding on the donkey’s, the girls knew this wasn’t going to be the paradise they had hoped for and ‘shit hole’ was an expression they frequently used. After a few months the girls became restless, cold and homesick, although they never moaned. Dao missed Thailand and her young son. Stu and Spock had noticed the girls change and knew deep down they weren’t happy and truth be known neither were they. Stu decided after long talks with his mum Pearl, to sell his business, move to Pattaya, and try to set up in business with the girls.
It was a long painful goodbye with their respective parents and Chunky, Stu’s old boxer dog, who was to stay with Pearl. Two lovable old fossils, taking care of each other. The foursome promised they would always stay in contact with their families and try to visit several times of the year. Mainly the summer months as the two Thais didn’t like the cold, and as Stu was too stingy to have central heating installed, insisting they put on extra jumpers and told them that the word is ‘brisk’ not ‘fucking freezing’ therefore the four decided they would not return during winter or autumn.
They relocated to Thailand, much to the delight of Pon and Kim who had helped them by using their high-ranking status. Pon had used his influence to build their Pattaya homes and he was happy he could help, as his debt to the lads could never be repaid.
Pon and Kim were regular visitors from Bangkok. Spock and Moo, Stu and Dao married in a joint ceremony just after they’d come back to live.
Dao and Moo set up a clothes shop on Threpasit market and doing well. Spock and Stu did bugger all, which suited them, although Spock was a little short of cash at times, even though he’d somehow wangled a small disability pension from the UK. They had several attempts at learning to speak Thai, but lost interest after the first few lessons and gave up even with the girls badgering. The girls eventually gave up trying, coming to the conclusion that the loves of their lives were as ‘thick as pig shit’.
****
Pon intended to pick Kim up from Bangkok’s Savarnabhumi airport that afternoon. She had been gone for almost a fortnight visiting her parents in Vietnam after her mother had been rushed to hospital.
Pon missed Kim more than he could have imagined. They had been married now for over two years and, apart from the odd weekend, when his duties took him to Salaburi to teach the Tinju, this had been the longest period that he and his wife had been apart. Kim stayed by Pon’s side and, when he had his tail surgically removed for the first time, she would not let go of his hand throughout the long surgical procedure. Spock and Stu also attended the hospital to visit, but that was just to take the piss.
****
“What time are Pon and Kim coming matey?” asked Spock.
“I’m not too sure” replied Stu “He said he was picking Kim up from the airport at one o’clock and then they would come straight here, so I guess around four o’clock”
“That gives us plenty of time to pop for a beer?” said Spock
“Yeah, shame not to” replied Stu, as he drove toward the butterfly bar in search of an afternoon libation, and get their todgers fondled in the short time bar.
“Oh and did I mention I caught a fish” gloated Spock
“Yes, several times” sighed Stu.
“I can’t wait to tell Moo,” he boasted.
“You do that,” groaned Stu as he accelerated and wished the butterfly bar had been closer so he wouldn’t have to listen to Spock bleating on about that bloody fish.
“Did I mention I caught a fish” Spock beamed and asked again moments later, this was followed by another burst of acceleration and another long groan from Stu.
Dao and Moo were happy. They both enjoyed working in their clothing business, although hard at first, they now had settled into a routine and making enough money to send back to their homes and take care of their parents and Dao’s son. That day they were going to close their shop early today, because of Pon and Kim’s visit. Spock and Stu said they would pick them up and take home at around 3.30pm. The girls enjoyed the times Pon and Kim stayed with them as they could speak good English, albeit with a Northern English twang, and chatted endlessly with Kim about her lifestyle at the palace and the Royal Family. Moreover, it was a good excuse to get rid of the lads, which suited Spock and Stu, as that meant that they could go on the piss with Pon.
The girls started to pack up the shop and Moo noticed Dao wasn’t her usual happy self.
“What’s the matter?” enquired Moo “Everything OK?”
Stu and Dao rarely argued, unlike Spock and Moo who regularly argued, but always made up and it became normal to hear the slapping of Spocks head and “stupid man” emanating from Spock’s garden.
“Yes, I’m Ok,” said Dao
Moo had known Dao most of her life, they grew up together and knew she’d lied
“No you’re not,” said Moo, “Kim is coming, you are usually ecstatic”
“I’m OK,” said Dao now raising her voice
The girls carried on putting their stock inside boxes and.
Dao said
“Sorry, Moo” she said, “I do have something on my mind”
Moo knew there was a problem and she had an idea what,
“The secret?” said Moo
Dao nodded
“When is he due to arrive?” asked Moo
“He arrives tonight, and due here tomorrow,” said Dao sullenly.
“You need to finish it this time” advised Moo “You have too much to lose and, with Pon and Kim being here you won’t be able to go and see him, you know how observant Kim is, she will ask questions.”
There was a short pause, and Moo told her
“If Stu finds out you will lose everything and I know you don’t want that.”
“I know, I will, this time” said Dao unconvincingly “I promise.”
“Ok” said Moo, knowing Dao still lied.
They carried on packing away the stock in silence.
The bar girl scene was behind them now. It had been years since they had worked as bargirls. Dao and Moo were now happily married and content. Nevertheless, they both still had a had a past history with customers, which at times had caught up with Dao, although she’d managed to make excuses and bluff her way through. Unfortunately, for the happy couple Dao and Stu, on this occasion her timing would prove disastrous.
****
Pon relaxed in his plush apartment within the palace grounds. He had just finished phoning Kim, who was now in the departures lounge at Noi Bai international Airport, Hanoi and awaiting her flight.
Pon had gained weight over the years, although still muscular he had to train harder to keep trim, especially after his Pattaya excursions, but he had lost no speed, power or agility he’d just gained a little beer podge. His mother, Banti, had called in earlier to see if her son would be happier now that Kim was coming home and to enquire if he’d changed his mind about going to Pattaya and visit his English brothers and became disappointed when Pon said his plans were unchanged.
Banti thought, “It will only be for a few days and I can cook them a meal when they return and it will give me more time with Samnan.” Banti had grown close to her Son, Daughter and, baby grandson.
Kim had been way for almost two weeks visiting her parents in Ha Tay, a town situated just on the outskirts of Hanoi, Vietnam. She received news from her father that her mother had suffered a minor heart attack and had been admitted to Bach Mai hospital in Hanoi. Her father had told Kim that her mother had been feeling unwell with stomach pains for several days, but when they visited the Doctors for an examination, and the blood tests came back negative, she was diagnosed and treated for indigestion. A few days later, her mother collapsed at home, they rushed her to the hospital accident and emergency department and treated her for a cardiac incidence. The specialists then did full toxicology tests and found small traces of *Thalium in her system and after the doctors explained about Thalium, her bemused and concerned husband wondered ‘how the hell did she get that, and why?’
Kim and Pon had discussed the visit to Vietnam. They usually went everywhere together, however a Saudi dignitary had made an appointment to view the sacred light and protocol dictated the Prime Master had to be present to, so they therefore decided for Kim to travel alone.
Kim hadn’t visited her parents for some time and although the situation was a solemn one, at least she would see them, and some old friends in Hanoi.
Kim currently worked in the Thai Royal Palace’s foreign diplomatic office in Bangkok. It was her role to act as intermediary between Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam for Royal visits, which had been similar to her work in Cambodia, but required more administration. She loved her job and spent many times on the phone with the palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, speaking to her old friends, including the Royals, especially Her Majesty Norodom Monineath Sihanouk and Princess Bhuba Devi, who had become like second mothers to Kim when she worked as their maid in waiting. The incident with Colonel Tighe had long since been forgotten and no trace of the colonel was ever found.
Kim and Pon made an ideal couple, madly in love with each other, and they doted on their one- year- old son Samnan.
Pon and Kim had spoken several times a day on the phone and, after a week in hospital, her mother had would make a full recovery and the poison had almost been cleared from her system, so they would send her home for outpatient care.
The doctors told Kim that mother may have been poisoned, which confused both Kim and her father, She told Pon that her mother had suffered a minor heart attack, although Pon knew that something else troubled Kim, because she was evasive on the phone. They both decided that when she returned home they would spend an hour with Samnan and then go to Pattaya and visit their second families for a few days. It was Kim’s request, as she needed to get some advice from Stu or Spock on a matter that troubled her, and with them being English, they would be able to advise her.
Pon agreed to her request, as he had not been on a good night out since after the second, unsuccessful operation attempt to remove his tail. Neither Pon, nor the surgeons, could understand why the bloody thing kept growing back, but it did, much to the amusement of Stu and Spock. (Rumbles revenge was permanent).
Pon now spoke English, although he’d learned a few extracurricular words, which couldn’t be found in any English dictionary. However, according to Spock and Stu they were colloquial words used commonly in the North East, an example of which: “stop talking bollocks” which Pon had heard Stu, Spock, Dao and Moo say this to one another, so it must have been fact.
Pons thoughts were of Kim’s return, he’d booked the Royal limousine to go to meet her at the airport. The dark tinted windows gave Pon ideas of what to do on the twenty minute journey to the palace, and even more notions about the two hours journey to Pattaya, he chuckled to himself ‘I think I’ll pack the mullet’ he thought.
His passionate thoughts were interrupted by a buzz on his intercom.
“Your car is here, Prime Master,” said a female voice “Thank you Nid, tell the driver I will be there shortly” replied Pon
It had seemed like Kim had been away years, but she would be home in an hour, so he went into their bedroom to search out his mullet.
It was a hot and sweaty afternoon in Pattaya. Stu and Spock pulled up at Threpasit market, alongside Dao and Moo’s shop. The girls had already packed away. Stu stopped the car and the girls climbed into the back seat.
“Hello darling” said Stu, leaning over to kiss Dao.
Dao smiled and put her arms over the front seat and over Stu’s shoulder hugging his chest
“Did you catch any fish?” she asked
“I did” interrupted Spock, who then started to tell how he wrestled the monster. Stu banged his head against the steering wheel in despair
Moo rescued the situation from becoming too boring by slapping Spock around the head and said,
“Don’t talk bollocks stupid man.”
Spock went silent, ‘I’ll tell her the story again later, only next time with Gusto,’ he thought.
Stu drove the pick-up out of the market and headed for home.
They arrived home around 3:30pm, it had been a tiring day and they waited for their friend’s arrival.
Pon and Kim planned to stay in Stu’s spare room, which was where they usually stayed, because Spock’s home always stunk of sweaty feet, although it was Moo’s feet that gave of the pungent odour after being stood on the market all day.
The time ticked by, and at 4.30pm Stu said,
“I Thought Pon would have phoned by now?”
“Maybe he is still at the palace or delayed” reassured Spock.
Stus mobile telephone rang.
“He must have known that we had been talking about him, the mystical old dog”
Stu answered.
“Hello mate, are you on your way?” enquired Stu
Pon sounded anxious
“No Stu, Kim never got on the plane. Her father drove her to the airport, watched her go to check-in and nobody has seen her since”
Stu thought for a moment and said
“Don’t worry; maybe she’s getting a later flight”
“No” insisted Pon “She called me this morning from the airport and told me that she had been in departures and waiting to board her flight.” He continued
“I contacted her father, Minister Thran, and he went back to the airport after I told him that Kim didn’t board the plane and he has been frantically checking flight departures and paging her unsuccessfully for several hours, he is concerned.” . . . .“There were things that Kim wouldn’t tell me over the phone, things that troubled her deeply and she wanted to discuss them with you and Spock, but I haven’t got a clue about what.”
Stu paused for a moment, relayed the conversation to Spock and the worried looking Dao and Moo, who could tell by Stu's expression something seemed wrong.
Stu glanced at Spock, who looked worried as Stu returned to the phone conversation
“Are you still at the airport, Pon?”
“Yes I will stay here until I get some news” replied Pon
“Stay where you are, we are on our way” said Stu
“Thank you my friends” said a relieved Pon.
Pon started to pace around the arrivals gate, knowing this was fruitless, although he could think of nothing else to do for the two hours that it would take for the lads to get there.
Stu and Spock felt concerned
“It maybe something or nothing” said Spock “but we have to go and give him some moral support”
“He sounded frantic,” said Stu, “If it turned out to be nothing, we can always stay a few days in Bangkok”
“Right girls” said Stu, in his authorative voice
“Pack our bags; we could be going on another adventure.”
* Thallium salts, especially the acetate and sulphate, which have been used as rat baits, are very poisonous. Taken as a low dose the symptoms of chronic poisoning are manifested by severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and hemorrhagic gastritis, diarrhoea and respiratory difficulty and after long-term exposure cardiac arrest, High doses result in immediate cardiac failure. Its use has it has been eliminated in many countries because of its use for murder, Thallium has gained the nicknames "The Poisoner's Poison" and "Inheritance Powder" [alongside arsenic].Thalium can be either ingested or absorbed through the skin. One of the main methods of removing thallium from humans is to use Prussian blue, which is a solid ion exchange material, which absorbs thallium and releases potassium. The person takes up to 20 g per day of Prussian blue orally, and it passes through their digestive system and comes out in the stool.
*Vietnam and Cambodia have a policy whereupon the people can both work in each other’s respected countries without visas or permits, but still require passports.