London Calling
'WHERE THE HELL IS she, what is she up to now, and who the devil is she with?'
Pat's father was typically 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, I 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, and 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, well, nothing terrible, Sir.'
'Come on, man, what?' Lord K was rapidly losing his patience with this man.
'Um, well, Sir, 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 mightily 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 quickly before his wife asked more questions.
Lord K would find out later.