Layers of Deception

by Leo James

  'Cheers guys. We did a great job!' Steve raised his glass.

  Glen raised his glass. 'Cheers.'

  The rest of the guys responded.

  Once they finished eating and a few more drinks, they joined Glen in a taxi destined for the Cuban Latino bar.

  The taxi drew up outside the bar on Jalan Bukit Bintang. Steve paid the cab fare. They strolled past the patio tables positioned across the front of the bar, occupied in the main by young Asian women who smiled at them. The men congregating around the entrance to the bar itself, most of whom were ex-pats enjoying the balmy night air, beer and studying the array of pretty ladies.

  They walked inside, then approached a square-shaped bar area manned by several tenders. The interior depicted the design elements of a real Cuban restaurant: frescoes and peeling paint on the walls, giving an authentic Havana look. An exuberant DJ was playing the latest salsa, jazz and Latin music. Beyond the metal balustrades, upstairs they could glimpse an intimate lounge, furnished with comfortable leather sofas.

  Ordinarily, Steve would have expected to be struggling by now, but he suspected that the good food and adrenaline were helping to keep him buoyant. He ordered a round of drinks. Glen nudged him and pointed across the bar to Lloyd. ‘He’s over there, mate, chatting to those birds.’ Glen shouted. ‘Hey Lloyd, how’s the wife? Cushty.’

  They approached as Lloyd was in deep discussion with two women. He did not acknowledge them until Glen pushed his palm against Lloyd's shoulder.

  'Hey guys, meet Perla and Alya. They are my new friends from the Philippines.' Lloyd winked. 'Perla is a pearl all right.' He raised his glass.

  Glen made a zigzagged beeline, beer in hand, towards Alya. 'Namaste, I'm Glen, how are you?'

  A confident woman with an American accent stepped forward. 'I am Alya.' She bowed her head and brought her palms together.

  Glen moved closer to Alya and brought his palms together too. ‘Namaste. Alya is a lovely name. Mad, eh?' He winked at the onlookers.

  Lloyd put his arm around Perla as though protecting her from the predatory advances. 'You're such a cool operator.' He ordered another round of drinks, having to shout above the noise of the crowd and thumping music.

  Overhearing David and Mark talking about cyber security attacks by the Chinese and Russians, Steve smiled. Look at David sipping a soft drink! Typical. Those two talking shop when they should be enjoying themselves.

  The bar was packed wall-to-wall with women, ex-pats and locals congregating around the perimeter of the square-shaped room. A Filipino salsa band replaced the DJ on stage and soon played UK and American cover songs.

  Mark ordered more drinks, prompted by Glen.

  Steve suddenly felt intoxicated. What the hell? The relief of the deal was encouraging him to let go.

  'Don't forget our lovely ladies, mate,' Glen said. Mark nodded as he pushed past a number people to get closer to the bartenders, whilst holding up a five hundred ringgit note to get their attention. His imposing stature allowed Mark to tower above others waiting to be served, as the nearest barman struggled to deal with the throng of people.

  A man standing next to Mark beckoned on of the staff. 'Hey, he's next.' The smiling bartender obliged, and Mark reeled off his order.

  Mark turned to the man who had helped him and nodded. 'Cheers.'

  'No problem. Adam. My name is Adam Jothi from Malaysia.' They shook hands.

  'Good to meet you, Mark Farrell from the UK.' He handed the round over to Glen and David, who in turn handed them out. 'Can I buy you a drink?'

  'No, thanks.' Adam raised his glass. 'Maybe later.'

  'OK, great.'

  'Where are you from in the UK?'

  Mark leaned towards Adam and cupped his ear. 'Sorry, say again?' He pointed towards an area away from the bar.

  They moved away. 'That's a bit better,’ Mark said.

  Adam repeated the question.

  'Manchester.'

  Adam smiled. 'I lived in Birmingham. I attended the University of Birmingham.'

  The group cranked up the sound: two percussionists, one keyboard player, two singers and two dancers packaged into a seven-piece Colombian band played sets of salsa, bachata and merengue music.

  Mark leaned forward towards Adam's ear. 'Music's loud.'

  'Yes, shall we go to sit out on the terrace? We can talk,’ Adam said.

  'OK.' He followed Adam through the crowd, and they sat at one of the few free tables outside on the terrace. The sound of the music hit every corner of the seating area, but the volume was low enough to chat. Soft blue lighting spanned the awning covering the complete length of the terrace. Waitresses stalked the tables, eager to take drink orders.

  Back in the bar, Steve struggled to focus as he looked around. 'Where's Mark gone?'

  'On the terrace.’ David pointed towards Mark. ‘You OK?'

  'Oh yeah, fine. Who is his friend? Can’t see his face.’

  'Not sure.' David scratched his beard.

  Steve put his arm across David's shoulders. 'How's Trish?'

  'Fine thanks. She doesn't want me to spend too much time over here, but she's fine.'

  'How’s- Oh no, look at the state of him.' Steve spotted Glen walking towards them. Leading Alya by the hand, he knocked into a few people in his path as he made his way over.

  Glen moved from side to side in time with the music. 'Come on guys, let's dance. Hot babes on stage and on the dance floor. Let’s show our moves. Come on.’ He grabbed David's hand and pushed it back and forth in a mocking imitation of dance.

  Steve steadied himself by holding on to the stool just behind him. 'I think I'll just watch thanks. I'm… You know.'

  David pulled his arm away from Glen's grasp. Glen shook his hips, this time grabbing Alya's hand and waving his arm in a clumsy parody of a dancer. 'Come on, we've had a few beers and we're celebrating the big win. It's time to party. Great stuff.'

  Steve shook his head and smirked. 'You're a party animal.'

  'I'm going back to the hotel,' David said, 'to call Trish.'

  Glen gulped back the rest of his drink. 'OK party pooper you get off, speak to your little wifey. It’s mad.'

  Steve put his hand on David's shoulder. 'Don't listen to him. I'll be following you.'

  'Good night.' David left.

  Glen stood stationary for a moment. 'Bloody hell mate, it's Mai from the other night, coming over.' She was heading right towards him with a friend following on.

  'Quick, you talk to Alya. Cushty. She's with you OK,' He motioned Alya closer to Steve. His gaze caressed Mai's painted-on red dress and matching knee high patent leather boots as she approached.

  'He's got a new friend?' Alya's eyes shifted straight to Steve.

  He struggled to think for a moment. 'Just an old friend.'

  'I'm Alya, what's your name?' She said.

  'Steve.' He held the bar stool to steady himself. 'I'm Steve.'

  Alya sat on the stool and rubbed the back of her hand down Steve's arm. 'Where are you from?'

  His gaze lingered over her. He sensed the danger she might pose. 'The UK.'

  She smiled. 'You are. Where in the UK?' she said in a soft voice.

  Steve coughed. 'Fareham.'

  Oh, woozy now. Beer has gone to my head.

  She cupped her hand around his bicep. 'Are you going to buy me a drink?'

  Although his focus was impaired, he could not divert his eyes. Her white dress caressed her dark skin. The top cut low, just covering her breasts, and a slit to the waist exposed the top of her leg as she sat cross-legged on a bar stool. Steve took a seat on the stool next to her.

  'OK, just one. I've had enough already.' He shifted his gaze away from Alya towards the band.

  As he waited for his beer, a dull, nervous throbbing in his stomach caused him to contemplate walking to the restrooms and then leaving the bar. They watched the band playing whilst Lloyd ordered more drinks and then passed two over to Steve and his new friend. Glen, Mai and Mai's friend Tien joi
ned them. Alya linked Steve's arm, tugging him closer, making him feel even more uncomfortable, although the beer reassured him. She is harmless.

  Lloyd made sure Perla and Tien closely flanked him. Steve smiled to himself as Glen towered over Mai. He glanced at his watch, struggling to focus on the exact time.

  Alya studied Steve with a wry smile. 'You're handsome.'

  This is unravelling. Keep calm. She looks so good.

  Her eyes held him hostage. 'Are you a sportsman?'

  Shit. 'No, but I try to keep myself as fit as possible.' What the fuck am I saying?

  'You look like a sportsman. You're muscular and firm.' She squeezed his biceps. This made his stomach flip again. He admired her body and tried to think of something less suggestive but could think of nothing else.

  Steve paused. Think. Think. 'Where do you work?' He was feeling very anxious and wondered if he should take another Valium.

  'A fashion shop, here in Kuala Lumpur. Rich people buy expensive clothes. It's called Bon Bon Boutique. Do you know it?'

  Lloyd interrupted. 'Let's go back to your hotel.'

  'Great stuff. Cushty. Hit the bar,' Glen slurred.

  Steve shook his head. 'I'm ready to go back, but it’s straight to bed for me.'

  Lloyd laughed. 'You're keen.'

  CHAPTER SIX

  Thursday 12th February

  THE WALK BACK TO the Concorde Hotel in the humid night air, made Steve even more light-headed. Lloyd marched Tien and Perla into the bar. Glen and Mai embraced as they entered the lobby and again began to caress each other when they reached the bar. Steve and Alya followed. Mai looked like a little girl next to Glen, Steve thought.

  Lloyd reeled off another drinks order and pointed to Steve. 'Put the bill on his room.'

  Steve swayed and plonked himself onto a nearby dark blue leather armchair. 'OK, one more beer.'

  Lloyd sat on a matching sofa and pulled his two new friends onto his lap. It was a symphony of colour: Tien in a bright orange Kimono-style dress, Lloyd in a tan linen suit, and Perla in a jade-green, strapless number. Lloyd laughed. 'The walk of shame, the looks from the cab drivers. Who gives a shit?'

  On the adjacent couch, Glen and Mai settled into the plush leather seats. Glen pulled Mai even closer. 'No one cares after midnight. No one cares, and hey, what goes on tour stays on tour. It’s mad.'

  Steve sat cross-legged, shaped in a way to stop Alya from getting too close while Lloyd gave equal attention to his two friends, caressing their thighs, and alternating between petting and kissing.

  The resident Filipino band was playing the hit song “Waterloo”. Steve cringed and finished his drink, stood up, staggered, walked a step, then turned, and stumbled a little. 'I'm off to my bed now guys.'

  Alya jumped up, smiled, then tried to steady him with both her hands on his waist.

  Lloyd raised his glass. 'Enjoy. Both of you.'

  Glen smiled. 'Yes, enjoy mate. '

  Steve held the palm of his hand towards Alya. ‘I’m fine. You stay here.’ He looked at the rest of the group. ‘Goodnight.’

  He walked in a zigzag motion across the lobby towards the elevator. He pressed the call button, and the doors opened. Alya ignored Steve’s instructions and followed him in. She already knew the exact floor and room. He struggled to press the floor number, so Alya stepped forward to help him. As they ascended, Steve found it difficult to avert his gaze from Alya's petite frame, jet-black, shoulder length hair, piercing blue eyes and dark tanned skin.

  ######

  As they left the elevator Steve said, 'I will sleep now, you should join your friend. Nice to meet you'.

  Alya smiled and moved closer. 'I'll walk you to your room.'

  The fragrance of her perfume reminded him of fresh jasmine. Smells wonderful, and I'm horny. She looks so good. Drunk and nervous, he fumbled with his key card. 'You are a lovely woman Alya, but I must go to sleep now.'

  Again, Alya helped the swaying Steve to open the room door. 'Am I beautiful?' They entered the room together.

  'You are a beautiful woman, but I will sleep now. I'm so jet-lagged.' He felt a rush of butterflies in his stomach.

  'I need to sleep, too. A nice time together.' Her face lit up.

  Steve sat on the leather chair and Alya on the side of the bed. The split in her silk dress parted, and the dimmed lights reflected off her shining legs.

  'Where are you from?' Steve tried a little small talk. Consumed by the scent of her perfume, he struggled to keep his eyes off her.

  'Davao in the Philippines.'

  'Why are you in Kuala Lumpur?' Thinking about her gave him sharp palpitations.

  'I can get work here to make money for my family.'

  'A big family in Davao?' His brain fizzled.

  'Yes, mother, father, two brothers, my sister and my son.'

  'Your son, how old is he?' His thoughts wouldn't line up. Every time he tried to align one, it tumbled down, scattering the rest. He wondered for a moment if one of his drinks had been spiked?

  'He is six.'

  'Oh, dear. How old are you?'

  'I'm twenty-three.'

  'Twenty-three, wow. When did you last spend time with your son?' Holy shit.

  'I send him money, and I go home once a year.'

  'Who looks after him?' His mind was turning to mush.

  'My sister and mother.'

  'You miss your son?' His cheeks flushed.

  'Yes, I miss him.' She leaned across the bed to open her little pink handbag and get a picture of her son to show him. The slit in her dress widened as she did this, increasing the difficulty for him to focus on the photo.

  ‘He’s a handsome little fella. Where is his father?' His cheeks burned hot.

  'His father has gone.'

  A moment of silence. Inches away, Alya gazed into his eyes, her knees now touching his. In slow motion, she stood up and reached behind her neck, unhooked her strap, and her dress fell to her feet. No bra. Hard pink nipples topped her firm breasts. Steve remained motionless, unable to look away.

  His heart pounded furiously as she stood before him, inches from his face. Oh, my God. She's gorgeous. Fucking hell. I'm hard.

  She sat back down on the edge of the bed and moved both her hands over his thighs, leaned forward, put her head on his shoulder and her breath tickled his ear. Paralysed, breathing heavy and laboured, an avalanche of launched missiles tearing through his mind: twenty-three, twenty-three, son, hard for her, I'm hard, I'm gonna puke, too much beer, she looks lovely, Beth, horny, shame, the guilt.

  'I can't do this,' Steve muttered through clenched teeth.

  'What did you say Steve?'

  'I can't do this!' He said.

  'But I want you.' Alya placed a gentle kiss on his ear.

  'I can't.'

  'We both want this, and no one will ever know,' she whispered.

  No one will ever know.

  There was a slight nervous hesitation before he pulled her towards him.

  No one will ever know.

  ######

  As the sun rose, a shaft of light beamed through the parted curtains of Glen's hotel room. Waking, he stretched and looked over towards Mai's delicate frame lying next to him. Already awake, she stared back at him.

  'Hello, Mr Glen. How are you today?' Mai's face lit up as she spoke.

  'Hung-over. Not sure how we got back to the room.' His voice was husky from the previous night.

  'Would you like me to help you with anything?' A sheet covered her from below the nipples of her breasts.

  'My head hurts. You're gorgeous. Beautiful skin. I'm horny. Do you want me? Hanky Panky eh? ' Glen smiled.

  'Yes. I make you feel wonderful.' She tracked his gaze.

  He gestured her to move nearer, whilst he pushed the bedsheet down with his hands and legs, far enough down to cover only his feet. She smiled and moved forward to caress his midriff, kneeled beside him on the bed, moved her palms across his chest, his stomach, and then back to his chest in a circular m
otion. Her hands moved softly towards his legs to caress the insides of his thighs.

  She looked at him and smiled. 'It is very nice, Mr Glen?’ Her dainty hands moved across his willing body. He leaned over, opened the bedside drawer, fumbled around, and found a single wrapped condom. She smiled and took the packet from him, opened the wrapper and pulled the condom down over his erect penis. She straddled his thick-set body and moved into position.

  He gave a gentle sigh as he closed his eyes, and pressed his head back into the pillow, consumed by the emotion. 'This is paradise.'

  Mai smiled and shook her long, black hair as she moved up and down on top of him. Glen groaned as he climaxed in record time, even for him. He pulled her towards him and put his arms around her.

  Glen was already looking forward to how he would enjoy a “girlfriend experience” with Mai. He loved to find a woman for the entire length of his visit and treat her like his girlfriend. As his companion and guide, to go to restaurants together, take day trips and act like a couple. He always paid for everything. In the past, two romances blossomed from his “girlfriend experience” into the “wife experience”, but he soon discarded them once he got bored. He loved the fact that he not only got a sex partner, he got a friend with benefits. Mai would become his new temporary girlfriend, his sleeping partner, and his lover.

  Afterwards, he breathed deeply, relaxed on the bed and stretched across to reach for his cigarettes and lighter. He offered Mai one.

  She shook her head. 'I love you, Mr Glen.'

  ’Bet you say that to all the boys. Mad eh?’

  She smiled.

  'You hungry?' Glen picked up the room service menu.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Friday 13th February

  A HUGE MAN, WHO seemed to collect tattoos, opened the door of the old shophouse. Vanguard entered carrying a soft leather briefcase.

  Mountain Master was expecting him. 'What did we get? Sit.' He pointed to a chair.

  Vanguard sat down at the desk and placed the case on the floor, next to his chair. 'Audio and visual are in all the rooms.’