Turtle Curry Man Arrives
PI MEOW HAD LEFT the rest of the group. No one noticed.
The Pomeranian group jumped out of their craft. They spread out on the steep water's edge; it was not luck they arrived at low tide; they timed it, hence being so worried about being late. Of course, they weren't to know, but it made little difference. As they made their way up the hill, the man with the binoculars was busy checking that the island was unoccupied. Seeing no one, he changed his viewfinder to the top of the mountain.
They found a pile of stones, as their Hong Kong contact had told them they would. The shape of the letter "H" was pictured in rocks. On one side and eight paces to the right was another "H", HH, Heil Hitler. Dead centre of the two letters' Hsʼ they started digging. It didn't take long before the Germans were sweating, but they refused to show tiredness. Eventually, nearly two feet underground, they uncovered what they were searching for: a battered tin box about the size of a carton of Black Magic chocolates.
Pi Meow returned with the turtle curry man. Both men were laughing. When the turtle curry man spotted Mike, he stopped laughing and ducked out of sight before Mike noticed him.
The turtle curry man had a small but fast craft moored on the opposite side of the island to them.
'You are probably interested to know your tour group will be back - with the boat - not long to wait, so donʼt worry and all is okay.'
Pi Meow looked very pleased with himself.
Skylab could not help herself by asking, 'Pi, excuse me, but what is going on?'
'Let's say I was well paid for my part in this mystery. My friend here,' he said, pointing to the fast-disappearing turtle curry man. 'Is also very satisfied with today's outcome. Now, please, no more questions.'
In the distance, they could see the boat on its return voyage. On arrival at the landing spot, the German passengers remained in their seats - stoic and quiet, but all with the faintest smile. The rest of the group boarded. They had no smiles. It would be pointless to ask what the aged group were doing. Nobody tried. It was a silent ride back to the minibuses and as quiet back to the hotel.
Back at the Dusit, the German group lined up in military formation and almost marched to their rooms.
The tour leaders boarded the bus and looked at each other, trying their best not to laugh. Finally, Skylab sniggered, followed by Charlie, and they all laughed, relieving the tension. Kev was stony-faced. He asked the driver to stop at the first phone box he saw.
'Mr Black, I need to see you urgently.'
'What is it, Kevin? Tell me on the phone if it's that important.'
'You had better find out when twelve East German nationals are checking out of the Dusit. I guess that they have the information you will be keen to share. I do not understand what it could be, but something interesting.'
'You are the man on the spot. You can find out when they plan on leaving. For example, say someone left something on the bus, and you must return it. Then get back to me, A.S.A.P.'
Kev's change was running out.
'Hello. You saw my colleagues earlier at the hotel's reception, and I was with the group that took the East Germans on tour. Are they staying long? Only one lady left her bag on our bus, and I'd like to return it.'
'Sorry, Sir, they all checked out.'
'Do you know where they are going?'
'No, it was strange. I booked them until next weekend. Maybe my boss upset them?'
'Please, can I talk to him?'
'Yes, Sir, Iʼll put you through to his office.'
'John Gale, how can I help you?'
'Mr Gale, sorry to trouble you, but it's about the East German group. I think you probably remember them. Do you know where they are going? Unfortunately, one lady left her bag on our bus, and I'd like to return it.'
'Silly cow. They left for Bangkok, but I donʼt know where they are staying. I didn't ask. Glad to be rid of them. Wait a minute; the coach company will tell you where the driver is taking them.'
'Great. Thank you, Mr Gale.'
Kev rifled through his pockets for his last coins for the callbox. 'Mr Black, they are on the way to Bangkok. They are heading towards The Oriental Hotel. Where they are booked in for tonight only.'
'Thanks, Kevin, oh and well done.'
Praise was rare from Mr Black. Finally, Kev got back on the minibus and could relax, at least for now.
Black immediately got on to his contact at police headquarters: Captain Wattana of the Central Investigation Bureau. These two men had been friends since Black joined the Bangkok Cricket Club. Wattana is an opening bat and captain at cricket, as well as a police captain. Hence, the pet name Skip.
'Look, Skip. I need these people taken in for questioning, which wonʼt be easy as no one speaks the same language. I need to be present when they are searched. They will have something in their possession that interests my government greatly. Maybe yours too?'
'We'll catch them before they reach their hotel. Come to my office. I'll put them in cells here, and we can then see what they have of such interest. By the way, I need you to bowl this weekend. See you later.'
The German group filed into the police station, heads held high. They were all chanting something - God knows what. They searched each group member, and so far, each group member had a pocket full of rubies. Black joined Wattana as the last person in the queue was about to be searched.
'I trust your government has more to do than worry about some stones?'
'Sir, sir, what is this?' called a veteran officer.
'Well, well, that is what Downing Street will be more interested in.'
'What is it, Black?'
'That, my friend, is the proof we have been looking for years. In front of us is an award issued by the Viet Cong. I can't read it but recognise the man in the picture. He worked for us in Hong Kong. Then, he switched to the other side, handing over countless secret documents before doing so! Since then, he has disappeared, but we have seen traces of his work.'
'Explain, please, what is this all about?'
'During and after the Second World War, a young spy worked for us in the Far East. They based him in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, he was turned. Before the war ended, he worked against the West every chance he got. But along the way, he became wealthy. He is still giving us the runaround; we want to catch this man, and by God, we will. We believe he has been operating from Laos or Burma recently.'
'What must I do with these East Germans?'
'To be honest, I donʼt care up to you, as they say. What Thai law have they broken?'
'We have laws covering National Treasures. We can list the rubies as National Treasury. I'll have to get the lawyers on it. Or we can release them. It's a lot easier all around. You have what you need, and I can find a good home for the stones.'
'Will I get to bat this weekend?'