by Leo James
'Can he talk?'
'He is on a ventilator so still not speak,‘ Mai said, ‘Today donors will go to the hospital. Two with same type. I hope they can donate and will help. Glen's red count, haemoglobin is around six, normal man is thirteen. Today they will give blood. Doctor say urgent need. He has bad anaemia because he doesn't have enough. Doctor say need a transfusion because danger of dying. He could have a heart attack from not enough of blood.’
'That's serious. I’m type A. Pity. I wish I could help.' Goose pimples shivered down Steve's spine.
'And creatinine dropped, so very good for Glen. Helps kidneys to work better. His lung water level lower. For kidney, the urologist will insert tube from the bladder to the kidney to clean both the bladder and the kidney. Doctor say Glen not stable yet. Sorry, this message is only overheard talk of the doctor with Alice through the phone. They send a form for Glen's uncle to sign.'
‘Glad he's improving, and great your friends are donating the blood. Roger is sorting out the insurance payment. Has the hospital asked for more money? Have you received money from Roger?'
'The hospital asked me to top-up the payment. At this moment, total payment is twenty-two thousand ringgit.'
'OK, I’m sure Roger can cover the costs until the insurance kicks in.'
######
Later that evening Steve arrived at the Tegu Gentlemen's Club. This time the concierge asked Steve to follow him.
'Farid, Prem, thank you for sparing the time,' Steve said.
'Always time for you.' Farid ushered him to take a seat.
Steve did not waste time with formalities. 'Malaysian police have arrested Mark Farrell because he is gay. I know it's forbidden in Malaysia, but it's obvious what's happening here.'
'Mark needs to be very careful,' Farid said.
'I know who Mark's lover is. I believe you framed Mark. I'll go to the police to tell them. Do you want me to do that or will you help to get him released?'
‘What can we do?’ Farid raised his eye-brows.
'You should help me get Mark out of prison and cleared of the charges against him.'
Prem shook his head. 'There is nothing we can do.'
'I have a full copy image encrypted and protected in a secure vault.'
'Of what?' Farid said.
'David created the copy. It's a log of every transaction on the Q7 network. The police in the UK are investigating the murder of David. The image logs the forensics and details the transactions. I will exchange the mini drive with you, in exchange for Mark's release.'
'Do other copies exist?' Prem said.
'No, this is a master mirror image of the data. It's a full image of the servers across the complete network at Q7. I will bring this to you if you arrange for Mark’s release.'
'We have done no wrong, Steve. I want to stop this paranoia. So, my friend, I will use my influence with the Malaysian government to help you with your problem,' Prem said.
I don't believe a word they're saying. They’re covering up their shit and will stop anyone who gets in their way. I must get Mark out.
'I will tell the police Adam is his lover! You had better get Mark released before I go to the police.' Steve left.
######
Once Steve was in the taxi, he called Mai to get an update.
'He still on ventilation but can breathe on his own with small oxygen. He signed a form for the operation to clear the urine from the bladder. They ask my friends to stand by for blood just in case. He not talk good at the moment. I pray for him. He is resting. Still weak and need to rest. Doctor says dialysis he need for a long time. Kidneys' terrible.'
'Wish him well from all of us,' Steve said.
Mai continued, 'Doctor suggest more operation to insert a urethral stent to help in urination to open the narrowed urethra. To open the blockage. Tube takes urine from bladder out of body.'
'You will be an expert. Thanks for explaining.'
'I am trained as a nurse in Vietnam. Glen creatinine has dropped again so very good. Tomorrow, dialysis again. For the next operation he need two more packs of blood. Heart doctor says because of the high creatinine is best to stay in ICU.'
'OK, I'll come to the hospital tomorrow.'
'I will tell him. The total bill is now thirty-seven thousand ringgit. They have asked for more money. Eighteen thousand ringgit so Glen can have more operation.'
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
Wednesday 6th May
ADAM STORMED INTO PREM'S office, pushing past the huge man. ’What have you done?'
Prem stood up, arms open. 'What is wrong?'
'You are my brother and you do this!' Adam pointed his index finger at Prem.
'I would do nothing to hurt you.'
'They have moved Mark to Sungai Buloh Prison. Why?' Adam's cheeks blew.
Prem nodded to the huge man, and he left the room. 'What are you talking about?'
'The police have arrested Mark. They had photographs of both of us together. Are the police going to arrest me too?' Adam shouted.
'Why arrest you?' Prem raised the palms of his hands.
'You know why. If you don't find a way of getting Mark out, the police will be told that I am his lover and they must arrest me too.' Adam leaned on the edge of Prem's desk and thrust his head forward.
'You can't do that.' Prem said.
‘Unless you stop this now!'
'My dear brother. I do not want you to be hurt. You need to forget Mark. You'll find new friends.'
'I will not forget Mark.'
'Let me try to help you,' Prem said.
'Can you call now and speak to someone?'
'It will take time.' Prem sat back down.
'We have no time. Steve Roussos can bring you and Farid to justice. What are you going to do?'
'Be careful. Do not trust Mr Roussos. He is working with the police. They are trying to gather information. This is a vendetta against me. Mr Roussos went to the police with the crazy idea that we murdered one of his guys. He is crazy.'
‘Steve told me David's car explosion is a murder investigation. The UK police thought at first that it was a terrorist attack, but they’ve ruled that out now. I hope you do not have blood on your hands. Please help me get Mark out of jail,' Adam said.
‘Why do you offend me. I will do what I can. I love you and want to protect you.'
‘Then you had better help me.' Adam stormed out of the room.
######
Once he was out of the building Adam called Steve. ‘My brother says he knows nothing about Mark.'
'I spoke to your brother and Farid yesterday,’ Steve said, ‘They now know I have a full image of the Q7 network showing suspicious transactions. I agreed to give them the full mini drive image, if they get him released with no charges.'
'If my brother does not get him released, I will go to the police myself. Mark has done nothing wrong. If they arrest him, they should arrest me.'
'No, you can't go to the police,’ Steve said, ‘If your brother can get Mark out of prison, I will give him the mini drive image. I will need your help.'
'Yes, I will help. I want Mark out of jail.... There is something I need to ask you.'
'What is it?' Steve said.
'Are you working with the Kuala Lumpur police?'
'Who told you that?'
'Are you?' Adam sounded anxious.
Steve hesitated. 'Well, yes. When I arrived back into Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian police stopped me and accused me of being part of the illegal stuff. They are investigating illegal companies in Malaysia. I told them I'm not part of anything illegal. If I help them with their enquiries, they will not arrest me.'
'So, what are you doing?' Adam asked.
'They assigned an officer, and I have been keeping him up to date with any information I find,' Steve said.
'How can I help?' Adam said.
'You can confirm Mark's release. Stay in contact with your brother and make sure he uses his influence to get Mark released without charge. O
nce I know he is safe, I'll give your brother the mini drive evidence.'
'OK, I understand' Adam said.
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Friday 8th May
TIEN ARRIVED AT THE hospital. She called Mai, who came to meet her at the entrance. They embraced, and Mai cried. They linked arms and went into the waiting area, found a couple of seats and sat down.
'I do not want Glen to die,' Mai said as they talked to each other in their local Vietnamese dialect.
Tien looked concerned. 'I hope he does not die too. But we work for Mountain Master. We have a job to do. Come back. Leave here.'
'No, I want to be with Glen.' Mai took a deep breath.
'Mountain Master wants you back at work.' Tien raised her voice.
'I can't. Glen needs me.' Mai's eyes widened.
'Is Steve also in the hospital?'
'No, he visits Glen a lot,’ Mai said.
'Is he sick?' Tien said.
'No. Only Glen is sick. Why do you ask about Steve being sick? I only care about Glen. I love him.' Mai breathed heavily and sobbed.
'We are friends from the same village. We care for each other and we work together. You should come back. Forget Glen.'
'I cannot forget him.' Mai wiped her eyes.
‘You need to send money back for your son. We must do as Mountain Master tells us.'
'I am…’ Mai paused. ‘I am pregnant.' Mai's words trailed off.
'A baby?’ Tien pulled a face of shock.
'It is Glen's baby. He is the father.'
'You are in danger, please stop. Mountain Master wants Glen and Steve dead.' Tien shook her head.
'Mountain Master. Did he do this to Glen?' Fear clogged Mai's throat.
'He told me. I am sorry.' Tears streaked down Tien's face.
'Told you what?' Mai flinched.
'Cendawan beracun. Bad mushroom,' Tien whispered.
'Bad mushrooms. The mushrooms you gave me?' Mai trembled.
'Yes, I gave you bad mushrooms. Mountain Master commanded me. You gave them to Glen and Steve.' Tien sobbed.
'No.' Mai's eyes didn't blink as she paused in shock.
'I knew you wouldn’t eat the mushrooms. You don’t like them. I hoped you were OK. You are my best friend,' Tien pleaded.
Mai stood up and shot Tien a venomous look. 'Why did you do this?'
'Mountain Master gave them to me. He said I must give them to you when Steve was visiting you.' Tears streamed down her face.
'You are not my friend.' Mai's eyes flashed with anger.
Tien stood up and held Mai's hand. 'You are in danger, Mai. I am your friend. I am sorry.' Tien sobbed.
'You are no friend of mine. I love Glen. You tried to kill Glen and possibly kill me.' She walked away.
Tien sobbed. 'Come with me Mai. They own us. They can hurt our families.'
Mai did not look back.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
Saturday 9th May
STEVE ARRIVED AT THE hospital ward. Glen was sleeping, so Mai and Steve walked together towards the coffee shop.
'How are you? Glen's looking better today.’ Steve tried to be positive. ‘Roger told me that Glen’s uncle is flying over. He arrives tomorrow.’
Mai nodded. 'The doctor says Glen will not die. He needs dialysis for a long time. I need to talk to him.'
'Roger told me the doctors have found the cause. They told Alice he ate something poisonous. So, you saved his life Mai. The poison affected his bladder and kidneys. Also, the problem with his kidneys caused the fluid on his lungs.'
'I tell the doctor. Cendawan. Cendawan beracun.' A pained look marred her face.
'Cendawan? What's that?' Steve said.
'Cendawan beracun. It is a mushroom, a bad mushroom. Sorry. I love Glen. From Tien. She is not my friend. I hate her.' Mai covered her eyes.
'There's no need to cry. It's not your fault. Just something he ate.' Steve tried to be supportive.
'I have Glen's baby. Have a child from Glen.' Mai wept.
Holy shit. Pregnant. No! Typical Glen. He’s a liability. 'Slow down, Mai. Are you pregnant? Does Glen know?'
'No. When he is better, I must talk to him. I love Glen.' Mai looked forlorn.
They reached the coffee shop, and they sat down. Steve tried to console her. 'How long have you been pregnant?'
'Seven weeks maybe eight. I want to keep my baby.’
'Talk to Glen when he is stronger.'
'Who is the wife? Why does she not come here? She old wife?' Her eyes narrowed to crinkled slits.
'It's his ex-wife.'
'I hope Glen is better soon, so I tell him I am so sorry. My family is in danger if they find out.'
'What do you mean? Your family is in danger?' Steve leaned closer.
'If I stay with Glen and baby, they will hurt my family.' Mai sank into the chair.
'Who?'
'Kongsi Gelap. Mountain Master. Own me.' Mai sobbed.
'Who is Mountain Master?' His eyebrows pulled together in question.
'Bad man.' Mai looked to the floor.
'Bad man. What do you mean?'
'Prem Jothi,’ Mai said, ’He is Mountain Master, very important in Kongsi. He is very bad man. Big secret. Now I tell, I am worried.'
Holy Shit. 'They're a triad gang?'
'Yes.' Mai nodded.
'He can't tell you what to do or control you! You are with Glen now.'
'Prem Jothi make me stay with Glen, and now I love Glen. He makes Tien give me the Cendawan. I cook. Now I worry he sick and not get better.' Mai sobbed.
'Prem Jothi!’ Steve said, ‘Oh my God! He wants to kill Glen. Hang on… Mushrooms? Isn’t that what you gave both of us when I came to dinner?' Steve could not get his thoughts in line.
Fucking Hell! I could be in hospital now. I should be in hospital now. Fuck! I could be dead!
'Yes, I am so sorry Steve. Tien gave me the mushrooms. Please forgive me. I did not know it would make Glen sick.' Her words fell shaky and clipped.
'Let's go to the police together. Just tell them what you have told me, and they will help you and stop him.' It made his blood curdle.
'No, I cannot do that. They will punish my family,’ Mai said.
'I'm sure the police will protect you and your family. Glen will look after you. You must tell the police. We need to stop him.' He tried to convince her.
'OK. I am sorry,' Mai said.
'Let me talk to some people. They will help. Don't worry. You should get some rest. Shall I take you back to the apartment? You can sleep?’
Mai shook her head. ‘No I stay with Glen. Make sure he is OK. I am trained nurse, I see delays in the hospital treatment and I see drip fall out of Glen arm. I not like. I will protect him.’ Steve sensed a determination in her voice.
######
As Steve walked along the corridor to the main hospital exit, he spotted Sergeant TetLeong waiting there. 'Can you help to get Mark Farrell out of jail? They’ve sent him to Sungai Buloh Prison,’ Steve said as he followed TetLeong to the ambulance waiting area.
'No, I cannot. You should inform your embassy,' TetLeong responded.
'I'm running out of options. What can I do?'
TetLeong did not respond.
Steve put his hands in his pockets and stopped walking. 'I've spoken to Mai.'
TetLeong took a notepad and pencil out of his top pocket and said, 'Mai is from Hanoi in Vietnam. She has a large family. Many live in a village just outside Hanoi.'
'Yes. Glen met her in Kuala Lumpur, at the Beach Club. They moved in together two months ago.'
'What has she told you?' TetLeong said.
'Where do I start? Mai is in love with Glen. She's pregnant. About eight weeks. Glen doesn't know.'
'How is he?'
'Problems with his bladder and kidneys,' Steve said, 'Mai saved his life by getting him straight to the hospital. He'll receive dialysis for a very long time. This upset Mai even more. She talked to the doctors and told them that Glen had eaten mushrooms
.'
'Mushrooms?' TetLeong said.
'The mushrooms were poisonous. Mai said her friend, Tien gave them to her. Prem Jothi ordered this.'
'How is Jothi involved?' TetLeong asked.
'When I went to Glen's for dinner recently, Mai cooked us a meal including a mushroom dish. I’m very thankful that I hate any kind of mushroom. Glen ended up eating mine as well as his own. Now Glen is in here and we hope they have done enough to save his kidneys. Mai worries that Prem Jothi will hurt her family.'
'Did she give you any more information?'
'She told me he is the leader of a triad gang,' Steve said, 'Do you know Kongsi Gelap?'
'Yes, there many Kongsi in Malaysia.'
'Prem Jothi is Mountain Master. Head of Kongsi Gelap.'
'We need to gather the evidence from her,' TetLeong said.
'She is eager to protect her family and I guess she will not cooperate unless we help her.'
'If she works with us, I will allow her to stay with Glen whilst we are gathering the information.’
Steve nodded. 'I'm going back to the hotel.’
TetLeong nodded and Steve walked back towards the hospital entrance. He hailed a taxi and asked the driver to take him to Petaling Street and not the hotel.
######
Steve arrived at Prem Jothi’s old shophouse. He started a voice recording App on his iPhone. Prem's minder, tattoo man, opened the door and escorted Steve through to the room where Prem waited. 'Take a seat, Mr Roussos. How are you?'
'Not good Prem. It's my good friend Mark. I don't know what's going on. Have they released him?' Steve skewered him with an unflinching look.
'Did you bring the drive?' Prem gave a dismissive wave of his hand.
'Yes.' Steve took it out of his pocket.
'I will need to check everything is correct.'
'It's here.' Steve held the mini drive in his outstretched hand,' It's a secure encrypted vault. A complete image of the Q7 network.'
Prem nodded to tattoo man, who left the room. He returned shortly afterwards accompanied by a short man wearing a knee-length grey laboratory coat.
