Gemsicuted

Written by Julian Robov


Twenty Seven


Early one morning after breakfast, Troublov went for a stroll alone in and around Chatuchak area. He cursed himself for being so stupid as to pretend to be a gay in order to meet Miko. The information he got was wrong, plus it was a disgusting experience, he vowed never to repeat.

The scenic greenery eased the anxiety, as he prepared himself mentally for the next mission. Several brainstorming ideas rushed to his mind while sipping iced tea and a few cookies at a coffee shop. His main target was Tito. If he could get Tito, and the expensive rubies he was hoarding, his job was over. Gracefully, he should be back in Moscow. The other option, the difficult one, was to kidnap Sanders, as a bargain to get Tito into his net, before it was too late. He had quite a lot of information from his patrons who operated several businesses in Pattaya, as well as in Bangkok, about the private lives of Sanders and Jeb.

Another bait was one Anna Garnetova, nicknamed Goldie, a discreet mistress who often catered to Sander’s sexual need. Tito was too clean. He had only one interest, money and gemstones, especially rubies. The magic combination between Pavlov and Tito was that, they stayed only with their loyal wives. There were several Goldie’s from Russia, catering to a variety of needs for the Thais, as well as foreigners. Some made a lot of money, while others just kept losing everything. But this Goldie was different. A rich and lucky one, having several social and political connections. She had a special taste for Americans. To make it look natural and homely, she legally married an old rich American millionaire, John Rich, in Cyprus, thus
becoming his fifth wife. Occasionally, Rich came to Bangkok in disguise to avoid the undercover agents who were after him for tax evasion and money laundering. They never bothered his first wife, Beryl, who ran hotels and restaurants in his home state of Florida, because her books were clean. At times she flew to Cyprus to satisfy his needs. He had homes in Spain, Cyprus, Bermuda, and Bali, and rarely stayed in Bangkok.

Goldie ran part of his business, which included travel agencies, hotels, and computer software. The Khunyings (a royal title) and other socialites courted her for her lavish contributions to various charitable institutions. She had forgotten her Russian patrons, Boris Luganov and Papov Kuchinsky, who had indirect influence in her present status. Instead she was acting more like a born-again American. A cheap imitation! Armed with this information, Troublov worked out his execution plan.

After paying the bills at the coffee shop, he returned to his hotel.
“Sir, there is a message for you,” said the receptionist. He remembered the phone number as he walked to his room. Troublov smiled. He dialed the number and waited.
“Is that you?” Troublov recognized the voice. “Good morning, Mr Papov! What a surprise! So what’s the news?”
“Why did you go to that American restaurant dressed as a gay?” Papov asked angrily.
Troublov knew the consequences. He didn’t realize how serious it was till the call arrived.
“Sorry for the stupidity. I apologize. It will never happen again,” said Troublov. “You almost ruined our plan. The undercover agents were waiting for someoneelse, and you happened to waltz in with an old man in his seventies. What do you think you are doing in Bangkok?” Papov exploded.
Troublov was sweating. He hit his forehead several times with his right hand disgusted at his foolish experiment.
“This is the last warning,” said Papov, reminding Troublov of the consequences. He continued, “and now listen to me carefully. A man will be waiting for you in the lounge. You have ten minutes to meet him, and listen to him carefully before you act. After that, I will call you,” said Papov. He then hung up the phone.

Troublov dressed hurriedly and walked to the lounge anticipating the man Papov just mentioned. Then he realized how stupid he had been for not asking Papov the identity or description of the person. With that thought, he looked around for a clue. He deliberated whether to call Papov again. There were several tourists arriving and departing with their families. He bit his tongue several times under pressure, while looking for the man.

Troublov glanced at his watch. One more minute to go, and before he could walk to the public telephone, a heavy hand pressed his shoulder gently. He couldn’t believe his eyes. It was that very same old man he met at the American restaurant.
“Hi, call me Vladimir. Nice meeting you.” He didn’t elaborate.
Troublov tried to compose himself, as he walked with Vladimir to a quiet corner seat. He realized he had a lot to learn. The only compliment he received from Papov was after the slaughtering of Roman Pavlov a gemstone dealer and a one time close associate of Tito and Miko with a bank account in Cyprus. With two more heads to go, they were not giving him any more chances to relax. That’s what he thought.

Vladimir took out a piece of paper and explained the road map for his second mission. In fact, Troublov wanted to know more about Vladimir and his activities, but he was too scared to ask.
“So the next fish is Tito. Is that right?” Troublov asked quickly.
“Goldie, Melvine, Tito and Miko, this time four people. But it is your choice in which order. All the details are in this briefcase. We want you to leave Bangkok, and be with your
family as soon as possible,” said Vladimir firmly. “And no more mistakes this time.”
“I don’t have a family in Moscow,” added Troublov. “They are all dead.”
Vladimir remained silent. Troublov had no idea what Vladimir meant by family. For reasons he couldn’t explain, Vladimir remained a mystery. He remembered like it was only yesterday the way Vladimir handled him at the American restaurant, someone with experience.
“Do you like rubies?” It was an unexpected question.
“Why?” Troublov asked.
“Because they are rare, beautiful, durable and, of course, portable. When you add all these attributes, they become highly valuable. You know something,” Vladimir added. “Only a very few had the opportunity to hold them. A very few.”
“What does that mean?” Troublov asked, puzzled.
“You are going to be the lucky one to hold them. I have yet to see a big one. You shouldn’t forget that,” said Vladimir, sniffing the air. Troublov couldn’t understand why Vladimir was talking indirectly.
“You never collected any rubies from Pavlov, only his stinking dead body. Do you recollect?” Vladimir continued. “But this time you are going to act different. Once, when you finish the job, all the rubies from Tito and Miko should be in a cloth bag, which is in this briefcase.”
He handed over his briefcase to Troublov and whispered. “You shouldn’t open it here, in your room. You have all the instructions, and their usual meeting places well detailed. Within one week, you should complete your mission, and return this very same briefcase with rubies to your room. You will be leaving Bangkok for Moscow with your reward just after that. Do you have any further questions?”
Troublov sat motionless pondering the deadline. Several questions came to the tip of his mouth. “What happens if I fail?”
Vladimir smiled. “A good wine matures with time. So don’t worry. You are on the right track. Just do the right things. The rest will take care of itself. Remember this,” he continued, “absolute concentration. That’s all that you need.”
Troublov paused. Absolute concentration! He repeated the two words quietly in his mind while gazing at Vladimir.
“I got to go,” said Vladimir, and rose from his seat. “Read the instructions and maps carefully. You won’t have any questions. Take care. Be yourself.”