by Leo James
Adam focused on the road.
######
'Almost there,’ Adam said.
Mai yawned as she awakened.
'We are going over the old bridge to Penang Island and on towards George Town.'
They emerged alongside a long stretch of sea-fronted hotels, restaurants and the famous Gurney Plaza shopping mall, then on to the double frontage of the Evergreen Laurel Hotel and into the valet parking area.
'I will check in,' Adam said, 'You go into the lobby and take a seat.'
'Thank you.'
Adam entered the hotel and walked across the vast, crowded lobby to the reception area.
'Welcome to the Evergreen Laurel Hotel, checking in sir?' a receptionist said.
He handed over his passport and credit card, receiving them back along with a hotel key.
Adam walked towards the elevator and motioned Mai to follow.
They arrived at the hotel room, entered, and Adam inserted the key card to activate the electrical appliances and lighting in the room.
'I am happy to sleep on floor.' Mai straightened her dress with long, nervous strokes.
'It's OK, we can share.' He handed her a phone. 'Here is a new mobile phone which has a local Malaysian number. Please turn off your own phone in case they can track it.'
'Thank you, Adam. You are a good man.'
######
Steve made his way to a small restaurant in the embassy that provided breakfast options. He had not had much sleep since arriving the previous evening and was feeling the affects of forgetting his remaining Valium pills. He was the first to enter the restaurant, just as they opened.
The Vice Consul came into the room, sat down at Steve's table and ordered a coffee. 'Good morning, Mr Roussos. I hope you slept well.'
'Fine, thank you.' Steve lied.
'The UK police have arranged a conference call. Unfortunately the earliest the can be available is four PM today. That is eight AM UK time, today, Saturday.’
‘OK. Thanks for setting it up,’ Steve tried to hide his disappointment.
‘Detective Chief Inspector Graham Sproson and Detective Inspector Rebecca Power will be on the call, they are part of the National Crime Agency.'
‘Great. They are investigating the murder of David Morris.' Steve nodded.
'I'll get one of my assistants to escort you to the central office for the call at four PM.’ The Vice Consul drank his coffee and stood up. ‘And you’ll have your UK emergency travel document before the call.’
'Thank you. Much appreciated.’ Steve shook his hand before he left.
He slowly finished his breakfast. Steve didn’t need more time to think, he needed more urgency and action.
######
Later that day an assistant led him into the central office. The Vice Consul pointed to the chair next to his. 'Please take a seat, Mr Roussos. We have a link to the UK police using a videoconferencing unit.’
They sat facing a large screen which displayed the two policemen sitting with a recording unit and a writing pad on the desk in front of them. An assistant took notes.
The Vice Consul started the meeting. 'Good afternoon from the embassy here in Kuala Lumpur. Good morning to you in the UK, Detective Chief Inspector Sproson and Detective Inspector Power.'
The officers started to speak, and the Vice Consul interrupted. 'There's a slight time delay on the audio and video so please give plenty of time for everyone to speak. I believe you have met my colleagues from the UK, Mr Roussos?'
Steve nodded. 'Good morning.'
'Good morning, Mr Roussos, I will conduct a formal interview, ’DI Power said, 'Do you want a lawyer present?' She switched on the recorder.
Steve slumped in his chair. 'A lawyer. Why do I need a lawyer?' It concerned him.
'We are investigating the murder of Mr and Mrs Morris. You may wish a lawyer to be present. You brought to our attention details that may help with the case,' DI Power said.
'I've nothing to hide. A triad gang led by Prem Jothi murdered David Morris because he found crimes on a huge scale. Prem Jothi is Mountain Master, head of Kongsi Gelap triad group. They are trying to stop us from exposing the truth.'
'Can you take us through the sequence of events, so we can understand what has happened since you left the UK?' She made a note.
'OK. They detained me on arrival into Kuala Lumpur. They said you had alerted Interpol, and I was under suspicion. They then arrested me.’
'We contacted the Malaysian police, and they informed us there was no basis for further investigation. We didn’t contact Interpol.'
'Well, someone from the UK must have contacted them. Customs stopped me at Kuala Lumpur airport. This is confusing. What on earth is going on? It was a Malaysian police officer who tried to kill me.' It was exasperating Steve.
‘A Malaysian police officer tried to murder you?'
'Yes. His name is TetLeong. He came to my hotel room and tried to strangle me. If it wasn't for my friend, Adam, I'd be dead.'
'Can you explain how he tried to kill you?' DI Power said.
'Look at this.’ Steve pointed to his neck and explained how TetLeong had come to his hotel room, tried to strangle him and how Adam had stepped in to save him.
'For the benefit of the tape, there are deep abrasions around the neck of Mr Roussos and signs of bleeding and bruising. Carry on Mr Roussos.'
Steve explained how Adam had saved him and they made their escape.
DI Power asked, 'Is your friend willing to support your statements?'
'Yes, but there's a problem. Adam is Prem Jothi's brother.'
'You say you left your hotel room. The policeman was dazed. Did you get medical help for him?'
'No, I called the hotel from Adam’s car and told them there was a disturbance in my room so they could check. I rang the hotel, again. No one in the room, nothing disturbed. He must have been OK. The lampstand and everything else were in place, according to the hotel.'
'Where is Adam Jothi now? Can we contact him?' The officer asked.
'I think he's in danger. He will help but we need to be careful.' Steve sat bolt upright in the chair.
'Why would he be in danger?' the officer questioned.
'Because he is Prem Jothi's brother.' Steve gave him an incredulous look.
'But we need evidence, Mr Roussos. If we can't get your witness to talk to the police, how can we investigate your accusations?'
'There's a lot of information. I'm sure the local policemen are working for Prem Jothi,' Steve said.
'Do you have evidence?' She repeated.
Steve described his visit to meet with Superintendent Anwar Tempawan, ‘It seemed plausible. He said his team would look into the data. It makes sense now. You must have accidentally alerted the bad guys over here. When I arrived in Kuala Lumpur, TetLeong met me and he said he would charge me if I didn't cooperate and work with them. They were just gathering information from me. Then the sergeant tried to murder me. I don't trust the police in Kuala Lumpur. Can you understand why?'
'That's a very serious accusation against the Malaysian police. The evidence needs to be in place. Then we act. We will conduct further investigations and talk again tomorrow. Can Mr Roussos stay another night at the embassy, Mr Reynolds?'
'That's fine if Mr Roussos agrees.'
'Yes please, Mr Reynolds. Much appreciated.'
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
Sunday 17th May
THE FOLLOWING MORNING STEVE was woken at four AM for a call at five AM.
It was ten PM the previous day in the UK. An assistant accompanied him into one of the side offices in the embassy. She announced, ’Good morning, Detective Inspector Rebecca Power, Mr Steve Roussos is here.' She leaned forward to speak to the conference phone positioned at the centre of the desk.
'Thank you. Good morning, Mr Roussos,' DI Power said.
'Good evening,’ Steve said.
'We contacted the Royal Malaysian police. Sergeant TetLeong has no recollection of any mee
ting at your hotel or any struggle. At the time you said he was with you, he was meeting with a superintendent, at the Kuala Lumpur police station.'
Steve thumped his fist on the desk. 'He is lying. And the superintendent is lying.'
'Calm down, sir,’ DI Power said, ‘You have no witnesses prepared to back up your story. The policeman in question says he wasn't even there and has made no accusations of any struggle with him.'
'He works for Prem Jothi. I repeat what I told you. They murdered David Morris and Glen Lewis, framed Mark Farrell, and tried to murder me.' Steve crossed his arms in front of his chest.
'I'm sorry, but with no evidence, how can we corroborate your allegations?’ She repeated.
'So, you might drop this? This is crazy!'
'We need more evidence. If it concerns you, we can organise with the embassy to fly you home.'
'Does TetLeong know I'm here?'
'Yes, he knows you are at the embassy, but he is not suggesting he will press any charges or contact you,’ DI Power said.
'Press charges. This is crazy. He's lying.'
'I suggest you work with Mr Reynolds to organise a flight back to the UK. When you're home, gather your thoughts. If you get more evidence I may be able to help you.’
‘Look, I gave you data which exposed them. Guess you've done nothing with it? I'll get more evidence. You'll listen then. Thank you for your time.' A ball of fear formed in Steve's stomach.
'Thank you, Mr Roussos. Safe journey home.’
######
Steve waited until just after nine AM before he entered the Vice Consul's office. 'Mr Reynolds, thank you for your hospitality and for arranging the calls.'
'I'm sorry you've had difficulties in Malaysia,' the Vice Consul said.
'The UK police are not interested. My life is in danger. These bastards have murdered my colleagues. We know criminal stuff is going on here and nobody wants to help.' Steve shook his head.
The Vice Consul handed Steve a large envelope containing the official UK stamp and the words “British High Commission Kuala Lumpur.” ‘Here is the temporary passport. I’m sorry I can do nothing except help you get back home. I can organise a seat on the next available flight to Heathrow if that helps?'
‘Thank you, but what about my colleague Mark Farrell? I can't just leave him. They framed Mark, and he is in prison. Glen has lost the fight for his life. I can't help Mark if I'm in the UK, and no one is listening from the UK police.'
'Has Mr Farrell engaged a lawyer?' the Vice Consul said.
'Yes, one of Mark's friends who lives in Kuala Lumpur has organised one.'
'Then you should be able to return home knowing Mr Farrell is in good hands.'
'He's not safe in a Malaysian prison. I will talk to one of our shareholders here in Malaysia, Cliff Lin. If he is OK, I will return home. I would like to get my laptop and mobile phone to make calls and read emails if you don't mind?' Steve was determined to help Mark.
'That's fine, I will have your things brought to you in the public reception area.'
'Thank you, Mr Reynolds, and thanks again for your help.' They shook hands and Steve left the room.
######
Steve retrieved his iPad, notepad, chargers and emergency travel document, leaving the rest of his belongings in the room. He left the room and walked along the corridor, down two flights of stairs into the security area where UK border control personnel manned the X-ray and scanning machines. Once he had reclaimed his briefcase and mobile phone, he signed the release document and walked past the scanners into the public area where many people were waiting their turn to see one of the embassy assistants. He took a seat at a table, turned on his laptop and mobile phone, which beeped several times with text, voice mail and WhatsApp messages. Also, some phone calls; two from Roger, and three from Beth.
Steve received an incoming call. He rarely answered unrecognised calls but thought he should answer the local Malaysian number on this occasion. 'Steve Roussos.'
'It's Adam. I am in Penang with Mai. We drove up yesterday.'
'Are you both safe?' Steve said.
'It is safer here. Are you OK?'
'I got nowhere with the embassy or the UK police. They checked out TetLeong, but he denied everything, even denying we was hit him over the head.'
'Can you stay at the embassy?' Adam said.
'No, they said they can help me get home, but they don't even think there's a problem. I'm coming up to Penang.' Steve thought on his feet.
'You should go back to the UK. It's safer,’ Adam said.
'They'll stop me at the airport. The embassy will escort me but they have no jurisdiction if the Malaysian police arrest me. I'm sure Superintendent Tempawan and Sergeant TetLeong will have KLIA airport covered with police.'
‘That is a real problem,’ Adam said.
'I'm coming to Penang. I'll disguise myself and get a pay-as-you-go phone. Hire a car and drive up.'
'Are you sure?'
'Yes, I'll be there in a few hours. I have this number. I'll call you en route to get details of where you are staying in Penang.'
'OK. It's easy. We are staying at the Evergreen Laurel Hotel.'
'Great.'
He ended the call and turned to a woman sitting nearby in the reception area. 'Can you tell me where I can find the nearest shopping mall, please?' She looked confused, raised her shoulders and talked to him in the local language, Malay.
'There is a mall close by,’ said a man sitting next to him, 'One minute away in a car.'
'Oh, thank you. Can I walk?' Steve asked.
'Yes, if you turn left and walk up to Jalan Binjal, you will see it across the road. You will need to use the subway which takes you to the mall.'
'Perfect. Thank you.' He packed his briefcase and exited. As he walked away from the embassy, he could see the large illuminated sign of the Ampang Park Shopping Centre. He tried to look as inconspicuous as possible. Although a short walk, he felt the strength of the sun on his eyes, shoulders and arms, coupled with the humidity, this made him very uncomfortable. He reached the centre and entered the mall via an entrance next to a KFC takeaway. He welcomed the pleasant air conditioning as he viewed an electronic guide to look up men's fashion shops.
His phone rang.
'Steve, it's Mark.'
'Mark, are you OK?'
'It's great to talk to you. It's terrible here. I have to get out. It's frightening.' Mark's voice was hoarse.
'It won't be long. We'll get you out of there.'
'It's horrible. The guards love to beat the crap out of inmates. Won't touch me as they're afraid of western embassies,' Mark said.
'Oh, good. At least they'll leave you alone.'
'The only thing that matters to the embassy is if you are being beaten, otherwise, it doesn't care what happens.'
'They will help.' Steve did not know what to say.
'The guards are crazy if a prisoner fights back. They throw them in the hole for weeks and only give them milk and stale bread to eat three times a day. Two guys got into a small scuffle during the lunch handout yesterday. The guards broke it up and threw them into the hole.'
'Are the other prisoners OK with you?' Steve could not think of anything positive to say.
'I'm keeping myself to myself. They tried to steal my stuff when I wasn't looking, but no one bothers me. Guards beat the shit out of inmates if they get out of hand or complain. I upset a Chinese Malay guy who went mad at me just because I asked him not to tear apart a newspaper a guard had handed to us in the cell, so he showed me his fist.'
'We'll have you out soon.' What can I say? Not sure what to do.
'Not sure how I can carry on. The scary thing is I have no idea what is happening outside the prison. You get to talk to no one and you're cut off from all communication.' Mark's voice jumped to a higher pitch.
'Is it corrupt?'
'The local Chinese are here for drug possession. Most take ice. The guards are selling drugs to the inmates.'
/> 'What's ice?' Steve said.
'Crystal, crystal meth. Ice is the purest and strongest form. So, they tell me.'
'Jesus. And are the conditions any better?'
Mark's voice turned to a lower, angry tone. 'They're fucked up in here. In some parts, it’s fifty people per cell, just one blanket, crackers for breakfast, with porridge, and tea, or hot water. Sardines and rice for lunch and dinner, with a bread roll, a piece of chicken to replace the sardines if you're lucky. Only one hour a day in the exercise yard. Besides roll calls and feeding, we're locked in our cell. I daren’t get sick in here. There is no medicine. Shit overflows out of the toilets.'
'Are you in that cell?'
'No, I'm along the way, in a low-medium level prisoner cell, as it's called. But I'm sleeping on a hardwood floor, and the shitty food is taking its toll on my physical health.' Mark said.
Steve decided not to tell Mark that he was on his way to Penang. 'We'll get you out, Mark. Keep strong.' He closed off the call.
######
The escalator took Steve up to the second floor where he found the menswear shops. He spotted a store called Kirei Fashion, where he tried on a pair of DKNY jeans, and a multi-coloured shirt. He left the jeans and shirt on, so the assistant packed away his existing clothing into a bag. Once paid, he left and walked a short distance to a sports outlet called “Foot In” to buy Nike trainers and a baseball cap, leaving the shop wearing both items. He went up the escalator to the fourth floor, and into Suntec Mobile/Celcom where he purchased a pay-as-you-go SIM card and cheap phone. He used Google Maps to find the car rental, eight minutes' walk along Jalan Ampang. The shaded bus shelter acted as a long tunnel, stretching a good distance along the Jalan Ampang walkway. Once at the Advantage car rental, he hired a Proton saloon, set the SatNav GPS device to the Penang address and set off to meet up with Adam and Mai.
En-route, he rang Beth. 'It's me, sorry I missed your calls.'
'Is everything OK?' Beth sounded anxious.
'Same shit, different day. Problems at Q7. That's all. You ok?’
He tried to sound as confident as possible.
I'm glad Beth doesn't know what's going on. This is falling apart.
‘Yes, I’m fine love. Will you be able to sort it out?'
