Unpopular In Leather
THE BLACK HONDA TRANS-ALP XL600V pulled up outside the guesthouse. The rider took off her helmet and shook her long blonde curls. Then, she marched up to the reception desk.
'I need to see Skylab.'
Skylab rushed into the reception with a look of recognition.
'I've seen you somewhere before, haven't I?'
'Maybe, I get around.'
'You want to talk to me?'
'Yes, put that on. Come on, let's go.'
She passed Skylab the spare helmet from the storage box on the bike, turned and walked towards her bike.
'This is my baby. You can't buy a bike like this in Thailand. So, I bought her in Hong Kong and imported her to Bangkok. Cost a fortune. I can tell you, the import taxes were scary, but she is worth every Baht. Jump on.'
Skylab looked very wary, but unlike Camilla, she followed orders sometimes.
The Japanese machine roared into life as Kev arrived at the guesthouse.
'Where is she going? And who with?'
Skylab held on to the rider's waist, much to Kev's annoyance.
The bike slowed around the corner and pulled up in front of Pi Meow's house.
'What are we doing here?'
'I need to ask you a few questions.'
They then cruised to the French girl's house. This time, they parked the bike.
'Hello, me again,' shouted Camilla, 'I know you'll be happy to see me. I have Skylab with me.'
Emma and Gi were relaxing on their bit of the beach. Camilla grabbed Skylab's hand and dragged her towards the shore.
'What is going on?'
Skylab greeted her French friends. Camilla was busy stripping off her leathers. Under the leathers, she was wearing her skimpy swimsuit.
'Okay, can we join you?' she asked as she sat on the bath towel.
Skylab looked puzzled as Gi said, 'What the hell do you want? We had enough of your questions last time.'
Camilla's smile said it all.
'You are right. Skylab is beautiful. However, I need to get a few things straight.'
Skylab didn't know where to look or what Camilla wanted.
'Look, Skylab, and I'm sorry for all this. I'm not sorry at all. It makes my job fun.'
'What is such fun about people getting killed? All you do is write about it.'
'If nobody has told you, I'm a reporter working on a big story. And I'm getting close.'
'Why would anybody be interested in what you are or what you are doing? I'm Thai, and we are not usually rude people, but you are bringing out the worst in me, and it looks like with Emma and Gi, too.'
'Calm down. All I'm asking is, what do you think of a character called Pi Meow?'
'Horrible, spiteful pervert, do you want me to go on? I'm sure we all think the same.'
There were nods all around.
'Yes, but I can't make a story because he is nasty. Was he rude to you? What a shame! How sad! What is the matter with you girls? Can't you see the bigger picture? He must have some terrible mates. Who are they? More to the point. Where can I find them?'
'How bad do you want to? He is a killer, and I expect all his friends are too?'
'Maybe, but I think he's not the brains behind all this. I need to meet the top man.'
'Are you talking about Pu Yai?'
'Where can I find him?'
'Where he belongs. In hell!'
'Oh no, do not tell me he's dead?'
'Yes, thankfully, with hundreds of bullet holes through him.'
'I was hoping to get information from him.'
'You will have trouble now, him and his bunch of mates.'
The journalist was looking beaten.
'Where do I turn now?'
Nobody felt sorry for her.
Camilla abruptly changed the subject.
'Who wants to spread sun cream on my back?'
The girls did not leap forward to assist.
'Come on, Gi. You look like you have very soft and gentle hands.'
Gi was pushed forward by her friend Emma. Gi snatched the container from Skylab, who helpfully passed it.
'You know, girls, it helps me to think when a pretty girl rubs my back.'
Skylab looked at the French girls and groaned inwardly.
The beach was peaceful, and few tourists were visiting. A few stray dogs must have heard there was an excellent opportunity to find a new home with regular food.
A moment of laughter broke the quiet as a rare jogger tripped and fell over a rock. He landed on his face, slap bang on the body of a washed-up jellyfish. You must pay attention when running. Four gorgeous girls broke his concentration.
Camilla enjoyed her rub, and the sun cream was well smoothed in.
'How about moving indoors, Gi? You can start on my front?'
'That's enough, Camilla. None of us is interested.'
The other French girl commented,
'Not me! Goodbye.'
'Camilla, we are fed up with you. I can give you a hint about following up on your story, but only if you get out of our lives.'
'Oh, thanks, Skylab. Point me in the right direction, and I'll leave you alone.'
'I don't like this. Landing you on our friends, but you must talk to Mad Mike at the Headrock.'