Gemscentric

Written by Julian Robov


Nineteen


There was a procession of pickup vans moving up the lane, as people danced in the street along with the music. They were on their way to the nearest Buddhist temple for the ordination ceremony of a young man. Dressed in white and clean shaven, the man sat quietly behind one of the pickup trucks wondering how on earth he was going to stay in the temple for the next three months—away from the material world. It was a tradition among the Thais to be a monk for at least three months or more once in their lifetime. They believed this spiritual gesture brought in lots of merits. Old women were in the front dancing the traditional way, while young women and men clapped hands keeping the rhythm.

Meechai had thought about it several years ago, but he was too busy with business and violence. He wished once his problems were over, he would be able to get back to his normal life.

Rasami returned in a tuk-tuk with shopping bags and food. Meechai opened the door for her. He looked much younger in his new Gucci outfit. After thanking her, he followed her to the kitchen for food. He was really hungry. They ate together. She had a lot of questions for Meechai, knowing Jeffrey’s unpredictable arrival. He had a tradition keeping it that way, despite her repeatedly requesting to be told in advance. But he never responded, instead he showered her with money and sex. He was too good in that as she enjoyed both, especially from a farang (foreigner). After a pause, she asked Meechai about his plans.

Rasami saw the fear in his eyes when he looked at her. He was almost in tears. In turn, she put twenty—one thousand baht bills—in an envelope, in case he needed the money, knowing his situation. Meechai knew staying forever with her wasn’t the solution. He had to be out of this home. But first, he wanted to meet Rudy in private. After thanking her for providing shelter, he asked her to hail a taxi for him. She complied without any questions asked. After he had disappeared from her vision, she sighed with relief.
The taxi driver asked Meechai his destination. It was then he realized he hadn’t told the taxi driver where to go.
“Silom!” he said quickly.
Meechai took out a piece of paper, and remembered the telephone number, praying for Rudy’s presence, when he called. Though the traffic was heavy, the taxi was moving slowly, as they approached Pratunam junction.
“Where do you want to go at Silom?” The driver asked gently.
“Hotel Narai!” Meechai said calmly.
“Thank you.” The driver replied. They were already on Silom, and it was a pleasure to see the lively street after a long absence. He didn’t know whether to cry or smile, but he had more important events awaiting. After paying the taxi-fare, he walked straight to the reception of the Narai, asking for directions to the telephone booth. He thanked the girl, because she was beautiful.
The lobby wasn’t crowded at all. It was quiet. He placed the piece of paper on the desk so that he could read the numbers better under the incandescent light. There was a moment of silence, as he pressed the numbers, and then waited.
“Hello!”
“Hello! Rudee!”
“Meechai! Is that you?” Rudy asked in utter shock and disbelief.
“You remember me, ya?” Meechai asked. He wanted to say more, but wasn’t sure if it was a wise move.
“Where are you calling from? Does anyone know what you are doing?” Rudy asked.
It was a big surprise, and then began worrying if anyone was after him. Rudy needed Meechai alive at any cost.
“Only the two of us. I’m at the Narai, on Silom. I have many things to talk to you. You must help me this time,” Meechai said softly. He didn’t know what else to say. For some unknown reasons he trusted Rudy.
“Okay. I am on my way. Don’t go anywhere. By the way, how will I be able to meet you?” Rudy asked.
“In the lavatory. You will find a blue sticker in front of the second toilet. I will be waiting for you,” said Meechai.
Rudy wasn’t surprised at Meechai’s ways. He always had an awkward way of getting things done. He didn’t care, but Rudy knew he had to be careful this time.
“Thank you. I’ll be there. See you soon,” he replied.
“Me too.” Meechai waited.
James was listening to the whole conversation.
“What’s up?” he asked Rudy.
“Meechai is in Silom, at the Narai. He wants to see me. That’s all I know at the moment,” Rudy said.
“Do you smell a rat?” James asked.
“It’s fucking everywhere. But I must help him this time. He is our only bait to know more about the past. I know it’s not going to be that easy. So what do you think?” Rudy glanced at James.
“You know better than me. If you need cover, I’m ready. What do you want me to do?” James said with a grin.
“Okay, come with me.”