I turned in time to see Haibin taunting Kate with the broom much to the amusement of the table of uncles.
Kate grabbed onto the broom and in that split second, Haibin pulled the broom towards himself, pulling Kate off balance and right into his arms.
Haibin : WHahahahahah….hahaha…
I was about to dive right in when I saw Haibin grabbed Kate’s shirt and her bra together as his men laughed behind him, commenting in crude accented mainland Chinese.
‘他妈的，新加坡的娘们可真辣哈哈。。” (Damm, Singapore girls are dam feisty )
“可惜新加坡的男人都没用。。哈哈。。都是一群废物 “ ( It’s a pity Singaporean guys are useless, all are trash )
I tore into Haibin and Kate, separating them apart as Haibin laughed in a delirious manner, claiming Kate’s breast is firm and bouncy.
I looked at the table of gangster like men who continued smoking and looking at us with much amusement. I’m pretty sure a few of them were Singaporean, how the fuck could they just sit there and watch this without lifting a finger.
Then again, it was none of their business.
Haibin wiped his sweat from the top of his lips and pointed a thumb at himself.
Haibin : 你懂不懂我是谁 ?？ ( Do you know who I am ? )
Kate : 你就是个他妈的大陆乡巴佬 ! ( You’re just a boffin from china ) !
Haibin laughed and gestured to his men.
Haibin : 跟她说。。。快。。。 跟他说我是谁。。。 ( tell her quick… tell her who am I )
I was looking at his men who was about to spew out some words when I noticed something funny.
Something is wrong with the lights.
It was as if the sky was getting dark.
Rat tat tat ta…… There was that metallic shake of the roller shutter.
The sky was not getting dark.
It was not about to rain.
There was no approaching thunderstorm.
Instead, i saw the sun which was spilling into the coffee shop slowly gets cut off. The bright light retreated from the old tiled floor as the roller shutter of the coffee shop lowered itself, the whirl of the motor sounded angry as it cranked the gears to turn.
Haibin’s men looked puzzled too as the shutters all lowered around them, closing everyone inside the coffee shop.
No one spoke.
The table of men just smiled and look on with amusement at Haibin.
Haibin : 干！。。 什么啊。。吓唬谁啊! ( Fuck. What is this ? Who are you trying to scare ? )
I pulled Kate behind me as I orientated myself to face the 2 groups of men in the coffee shop.
Before anyone else could do anything, the gentlemen who was checking the invoices earlier came out from behind the coffee shop and walk towards us.
The moment the approached the table, almost all the men stood up with exception of Anthony Wong who continued to shake his leg.
The gentleman, took a seat, lit a cigarette, and took a deep puff.
He pointed the cigarette at Haibin.
Man : 刚刚你说新加坡男人怎么了 ? ( You were saying something about Singapore men ? )
He leaned a little closer, offering his ear as he took another puff of the cigarette.
Man : Say it again…
Haibin kept quiet, glaring at him.
That man shook his cigarette at Haibin again before pointing to Kate, smiling slyly.
Man : Do you know who is she ?? hhaha…
I quickly whispered to Kate.
This is it.
We’re saved .
Boss of the coffee shop has spoken.
James : Kate… He’s your brother ??
Kate shook her head.
James : Then why is he helping us ?
Kate spoke softly without emotions.
Kate : He works for my brother…
James : what about the rest ?
Kate : They all……. Work for my brother. ..
……………………………………………….
Haibin kept quiet, trying to evaluate the situation.
Everyone just kept quiet, waiting for Haibin to make his next move.
There were no gang cheer. No such thing here. No one shouting aw ah aw… yo ah yo…
No one announced their gang names too, this is not some secondary school kid pretending to be cool.
No techno music with disco lights shooting about
No tapping of the table legs with metal rods or knives.
Nothing.
Just an eerie silence as the table to men stared at Haibin and his men.
Smoking.
They were only smoking.
And perhaps it was the very fact that they did nothing that affects Haibin. He definitely did not look as confident as before.
Yet He continued to act tough, putting on a nonchalant look. He gestured to one of his men who took out Kate’s wallet.
Haibin : 这不管你们的事。(It’s none of your business )
He gestured to Kate.
Haibin : Bitch….You want …… your wallet back…… come and suck..
Before he could finish his sentence, the chicken rice stall assistant literally teleported to Haibin, appearing in front of him so fast and delivered a smack on his head, shoving him against a table.
Haibin : 你妈的B。。
Before he could speak more, Kate stepped out from behind me, reached forward and with a fluid motion, slapped Haibin across his cheek with a smack.
“ PIAK ! “
Haibin had a shock and he was about to raise his hand to hit Kate when the Chicken rice seller’s assistant shot out of nowhere once more and bulldozed Haibin across the breadth of the coffee shop, smacking his body against the wall with peeling paint with a loud thud.
Haibin’s men came forward immediately but was stared down by the rest of the men who had gathered behind the chicken rice assistant, forming a human wall separating Haibin and Kate from them.
Haibin : It’s none of your fucking business… !!
Kate walked right up to Haibin and slapped him again.
Haibin : ARHH…
Kate took her wallet from him, jerking it forcefully from his hand.
Haibin cursed and made a grab for Kate, scratching her forearm before he was pushed back against the wall by the assistant again.
Haibin’s men finally decided to move, shouting and cursing at the group as they tried to force their way over to Haibin.
The chicken rice seller’s large hand grabbed one of the PRC chap by the face. Fuck his huge hands literally cover his face and with a grunt, he threw him like a bag of trash onto the floor, pressing him down like he was compressing cardboard for recycling.
He fell like a rag doll and his friends quickly bent down to help him up, retreating a few steps to put some distance between them and the human wall.
I pulled Kate back as she tried to hit Haibin again.
Kate : Uncle BEN !!!! …
Kate looked towards Anthony wong who was just sniggering away like a kid before he stood up and snuffed out his cigarette.
She looked exasperated, angry and tired.
Uncle Ben started to walk towards Haibin.
Suddenly one of Haibin’s men shouted at him, warning him not to try anything funny.
Haibin’s man : 这里是新加坡！！！讲法律的！！ ( This is Singapore, you are governed by law !! )
Uncle Ben paused. He turned his head slowly towards that young chap.
Fuck even the way he turned looked menacing . he smiled and swaggered towards the chap.
Uncle Ben : 什么 ?？ 你说什么？？ ( What ? What did you say ? )
He covered the distance between him and the chap in 2 steps and he clobbered him across his cheek with his fist. It was not a hard hit.
Just a light thud, meant to provoke.
Something like a playful hit among friends.
A taunt of sorts.
Uncle Ben : say it again .
He clobbered him again, harder this time round. I could hear the chap’s teeth knocking against his knuckles as he stared and glared at Uncle Ben.
It’s not exactly a punch.
Uncle Ben : Say it again !
He fucking wacked him once more, this time round his head was forcefully turned by the impact.
Then that China guy snapped, he reeled back his fist and started raining blows on Uncle ben who turned his body to the side. Another PRC guy started to attack him too, but uncle Ben just continued blocking the hits without hitting back.
He fell to the ground, and I was horrified no one bothered to help him.
I was about to rush forward when Kate pulled my arm to stop me.
That was when I realised his 2 assistant had their phone on and they were taking a video of the 2 man attacking Uncle Ben.
The attack lasted 30 seconds the most and the moment the phones were put away, they each grabbed an attacker and shoved them onto the floor easily. Uncle Ben started laughing as his sniffed his vaporub inhaler, getting up on his feet.
Aside from a messy hairdo, he looked fine.
Haibin : 来呀！！。。来。。。要打就来。。( come on, come… you want to pick a fight ? Come on! )
Uncle Ben sniggered and laugh before grabbing one of his attacker by the hair so fast that I had trouble following his movement. I could feel my body shiver as his knuckles connected with that man’s skull, driving him onto the floor with one punch, almost knocking him out completely.
A stark contrast from the earlier confrontation where he just endured the hits.
The commotion started again with all the pushing and shoving.
Haibin started shouting to Uncle Ben to challenge him.
Haibin : 你妈的B。。你以为你是谁啊。。我告你。。。你等着。。。我找律师告死你。。 ( Fuck you !… who do you think you are ? I’m going to sue you… I’ll fucking find a lawyer and get you )
As if that was not enough Haibin seemed to be so pissed scared that he mixed up reality with Hong Kong drama.
Haibin : 我干爹是有辈分的！！ 。。 我管你是什么洪興东興。。 有粽等我叫人来。 ( My godfather is not someone to be trifled with, I don’t care if you are from Hong xing or East Xing, if you have balls , wait for me to get my guys here. )
Uncle Ben started to walk over to Haibin.
Like Moses parting the sea, the mass of human bodies parted for him as he advanced towards Haibin. I could see Haibin literally shrinking into a small ball yet he tried to put on a tough front.
You can act tough but your body would still react.
Haibin’s arms subconsciously raised themselves a little, as if anticipating a hit coming his way.
Uncle Ben : 小朋友！！！ 你港剧看太多了！！ ( My young friend !, you watch too much HK drama )
Uncle Ben grabbed Haibin’s phone from his hand and threw it across the coffee shop without warning and Haibin immediately cowered and started to shield his head.
Uncle Ben : 我不是洪興，也不是东興。。。这里他妈的。。是个熟食中心。！ ( I’m not from either hong xing gang or East xing gang, this is a fucking coffee shop ! )
Uncle Ben gave him the once over with his eyes before deciding he was not worth his time and he walked back to his seat for another cigarette.
The well-mannered man who had been watching without a word stood up and reached into his wallet.
He took out a name card and passed it to Haibin with both hands.
He introduced himself as Uncle Ben’s lawyer, and he showed the clip of Haibins’ friends assaulting Uncle Ben.
Andy : 你好。 我是Andy. 你的朋友打伤了我的客户。 我会进一步跟进，跟你们索取赔偿。 ( Hi I’m Andy, your friends hurt my client. I will follow up with you on the necessary compensation )
He said it politely and professionally with a smile.
No threats.
Professional and calm.
Andy directed his men to take pictures of all the PRC work passes, both front and back. There was nothing they could do.
It finally dawned on Haibin the amount of shit he has gotten himself into when it was his turn to get his work pass photographed.
He still managed to muster up a retort.
Haibin : 冒充公务员是犯法的 ! 你走着瞧！！ ( It’s illegal to pretend to be a civil servant, just you wait )
Andy : 我几时说我们是公务员啊 ?？ ( When did I say we are civil servants ? )
Haibin : Then why did you check our work passes !!
Andy laughed.
Andy : I didn’t, I just took photographs of them…. You handed them to me off your own free will..
He stood up and gestured to the roller shutter. As if a silent command had been given, they started to rise. That was when I noticed the coffee uncle by the control panel.
The roller shutters shook and 1 panel of it started to go up.
Mr Chicken rice gathered Haibin’s men and sent them out of the coffee shop but not before giving them a warning.
“小朋友。来新加坡是要求财的，不是来惹事的。。明白吗？？ “
( My young friend, people come to Singapore to seek a better life, not to come and stir shit. Do you understand ? )
One of them nodded and the trio scurried away, leaving Haibin alone in the coffee shop.
That was the point when Haibin really freaked out, being abandoned by his friends alone in the place with us.
He stopped talking altogether.
Kate was wearing a light yellow dress and a pair of white heels, she looked really sweet and pretty that day if not for that frown on her face.
Well, if I was her and getting my breast touched by Haibin, I too would be pissed. Not to forget he might have done more to her if I did not show up in time.
Andy : Kate… enough already… let it go..
Kate : No !… he would have raped me if given the chance..
The Chicken rice seller took his chopper and wiped it down before passing it to Kate.
Kate : Ah Keong ah !… don’t be crazy !…
Keong : You want you kill him lor….if not then suar la…. Small thing… your brother won’t be happy if you blow things up.
Kate : Uncle Ben !
Uncle Ben : oei oei.. oei… don’t uncle Ben me hor….. I already did my part…. Last time you run away from home I ask you to stay you also never give me face.
Kate stormed her heel on the floor and bit her lips, obviously unpleased with just letting Haibin go like this.
I decided to step in and demanded an apology from him.
Pulling Kate towards Haibin, I asked him to apologise and we will let the matter rest.
We’ve wasted enough time there and it was technically still a work day for me.
Haibin : I’m…. I’m sorry Kate… I’m sorry…
Kate folded her arms and she did not look like she was satisfied with the apology.
Uncle Ben : Ok la, ok lah…. Suar liao la….
I watch Uncle Ben took a small bowl, pour himself some chicken soup and walked over to Haibin.
He spit inside the soup and offered it to him.
Haibin eagerly took it over and drank it despite it being steaming hot.
Uncle Ben : Ok ? happy now ?
I could see Kate’s eyes searching around the coffee shop. It appears as if what Uncle Ben did gave her an idea of sort. I guess if it was not done by her, she would not be satisfied.
Then I had the shock of my life when I watch Kate hold onto my shoulder and slipped off her heels.
She took another bowl of soup and poured it into her white colour heels and passed it to Haibin.
Everyone laughed except Haibin, Kate and me.
I was honestly shocked.
Haibin looked like he wanted to protest but did not.
I don’t know what was happening.
Looking at the scene unfold, I felt an erection stirring in my pants.
Imagine the pair of heel Kate wore for the day, steep with her scent and sweat. Now it was filled with a ladle of steamy fragrant chicken soup.
How do you drink soup from a heel ?
I don’t know either.
I watched as Haibin tried to put his mouth by the side, but it doesn’t work. He tried to lick it, but it’s weird too.
My erection got bigger and bigger as I watch the soup slosh around Kate’s heel, washing and soaking up her feet’s essense. Haibin finally turned it around, tipped it and drank from the part at the back that comes into contact with Kate’s heel.
Usually a blister causing spot, I never knew it was a good soup drinking spot as well.
Holding it with 2 hands, he looked like the was toasting the emperor with it.
Haibin lapped up everything and apologised to Kate again.
Uncle Ben just waved his hand at Haibin, gesturing for him to quickly get out of his sight.
As soon as Haibin disappeared, the roller shutters of the coffee shop started to rise again. There was an immediate cooling breeze that flooded into the stuffy coffee shop.
Keong, Andy and Uncle Ben went to a corner to talk and as for me, I have a shitload of questions for Kate.
So many questions flooded into my mind and I had difficulty organising them properly to ask her.
She walked barefooted up the flight of stairs by the side of the coffee shop and unlocked the door to her old place.
It was nicely furnished, you could tell it was a work of a good designer. The space was big and cozy at the same time. I only saw a nice presentable dining area, a round table that sits 10 and a bit of the sofa that sat on the grey stone tiles .
Kate did not enter the house, instead, she went straight to the full height shoe cabinet and opened it, picking out another pair of heels. The cupboard was filled to the brim with shoes and heels of various types.
James : WAH!… you like that call move out of this place ah…. You can open a shoe shop..
Kate : Tsk …
She gave me an irritated look before we went back down the stairs again
James : Kate, I have a lot of questions to ask you.
Kate : I’m not going to answer them James.
James : Just a few quick one…. What does..
Kate suddenly paused at the bottom of the stairs and I almost knocked into her.
I saw a man talking to Andy.
Tall, broad shoulder and good looking. Even as a guy, I have to admit he looks good. His features are sharp and he looks like a fucking Korean hunk. Not some pissy boy band dancer.
I saw him turn and look towards our direction.
Andy walked away as the man approached us.
He extended his hand towards me and introduced himself.
Gabriel : Hi, my name is Gabriel.
James : Hi I’m James, Kate’s colleague.
I was about to turn to Kate but she had already walked away. She walked right pass Gabriel and towards the coffee shop without acknowledging him.
What the fuck is her problem.
I turned back towards Gabriel and he said it’s ok.
Gabriel : Don’t mind her, she’s still a little kid at heart.
James : It’s ok, it’s ok. She’s quite a nice colleague.
Gabriel did not make any small talks, he thanked me for helping Kate and he hope I could continue to keep an eye out for her in the office.
Gabriel : If any time she wants to quit, tell her I’ve been wanting her to come back and help out in the family business.
James : Oh ok.. sure…
He gave me a wave and got into his car and left.
My phone rang and it was Mr Liew.
I spent another 10 minutes with him on the phone talking about projects.
When I was done, I immediately went over to look for Kate and I saw her beside Uncle Ben.
Her arms were folded as she looked at me.
I had a bad feeling about this when I saw the way she looks at me.
Uncle Ben came over, put his hand around my shoulder. I could smell his breath, heavy with cigarette smoke. His arm felt heavy and dense, literally like a sack of rice, I probably got shorter by a cm with that weight.
Uncle Ben : Brother, my niece…… has something to ask you
James : Huh ?
Kate remained emotionless and waited for Uncle Ben to speak on her behalf.
Uncle Ben : I heard…. There’s a project….. she wanted to do…. But you objected. ….
My heart started pounding.
No.
No way.
Not that.
I could not let Kate do it.
I could not give 2 fuck who asked me. It was for her own good.
Omar will not have her.
James : Brother, that project, I honestly is out of Kate’s league…. I don’t think she can handle it.
I saw Kate’s eyes widen as she looked at Uncle Ben again who in turn looked back at me.
His hand left my shoulder and he brushed his hair.
Uncle Ben : What you want me to do ? I’m a civilised man ok ?? I am a law abiding citizen ….
Kate : James !… are you doubting my capabilities ?!!!
James : If you have to ask Uncle Ben to ask on your behalf, I would say yes.
Kate’s mouth gasped open, and her shoulder rose as she inhaled a deep breath before she tried to hit me but I backed away.
Uncle Ben : hahaha…. Got logic… got logic… Kate… don’t waste time already la… come back and work…. Everyone so busy…. Only you get to go and work in simi lan jiao design firm…. How much they pay you ?
Kate : I’m not touching the family business !… we had this discussion…
Kate turned towards me and she managed to muster a “ I hate you “ before storming off.
Kate : James.. i… i…. I hate you !!! …
As she disappeared round the corner, Uncle Ben offered me a cigarette but I rejected it.
Uncle Ben : KNN… even I non-romantic …old uncle also can see she likes you ….
He shook his head and took a deep puff before turning towards me.
Uncle Ben : James ….
Before he could start I immediately answered.
James : I’m attached !!… attached already…. For many years…. We’re just colleagues…Kate and me….
He laughed and asked his guys to load up the truck and start the engine.
Uncle Ben : Don’t hurt her James…. if you do…. A lot…. A lot….. a lot of people… would hurt you….
He gave me a snigger and waved bye to me before heading over to say bye to the rest of the guys.
I ordered another drink but it was given to me free. After washing up a little in the bathroom, I tucked in my shirt and was considering heading home to change when I saw Andy waiting for me outside the bathroom.
Andy : James… right ?
James : Yes.. yes… you’re Andy…
We shook hands and he gestured to a plastic stool before sitting down himself.
Andy : I understand that Kate likes you…
James : Er.. I think there’s a misunderstanding..
Andy : Relax… I know … you’re attached…. Ben told me….
He looked away for a moment, searching for the right words.
Andy : I’ll go straight to the point. …. Can you…. Make Kate quit the job ?
James : Why ? she’s only been working a few months…and..
Andy : Ok ok… look look… Kate…. Is my cousin…and… she has other… responsibilities…
I immediately put up my hand and replied.
I know where this is going.
Ya la, the usual need her to go back to family business shit. Take over inheritance and stuff. This storyline is overused, probably like in every Korean and hong kong drama channel.
James : Even if I make her quit, she would get another job…. She’s stubborn… so this…doesn’t…
Andy cut me off too.
Andy : James… it’s just a request…. You can say no…. but ask yourself honestly, is staying in your office the best option for Kate ?? She’s not from your industry….is she contributing to the team ?
I hesitated for a moment and I was struck with an idea.
If I get her to leave, she could stay away from Omar.
Andy : My family’s practice has a ready spot for Kate anytime she wants to come over.
James : She did say she don’t want to touch the family business..
Andy : Hahahaha.. James… everyone goes through that phase…. You think I haven been down this road when I was her age ?? haha…
Andy continued , he followed up with me about the project he heard from Uncle Ben.
Andy : I think this is a good opportunity…. Let her do it… let her screw it up… then she’ll leave..
James : No… she cannot do this project…
Andy : Why not?
James : It’s complicated…
Andy : Look, it’s your office man…. Whatever… but the thing is….. we don’t mind Kate getting a bit of experience outside but it’s only a couple of months and look at what she has stirred up.
I looked away and my mind was thinking.
Andy could tell that I was considering and he kept quiet, giving me the space to let my mind wander.
2 minutes later, I decided it was the logical thing to do.
Kate might hate me, but as least she doesn’t get rape by Omar and his men.
James : Ok… I’ll make her quit…… but…
Andy : but what…
James : I’ll need help….
Andy : What kind of help ? Money ? Lawyer ??
He gestured to himself with a smile with 2 thumbs in a comical way.
James : I….. I need people…..
James : I need people…. To do things…. That….. no one should see, …..ask, or ……ever talk about…
The smile disappeared from Andy’s face and he waited for me to go on.
I took a deep breath, and my eyes closed for a few seconds as I quickly organised my thoughts.
When my eyes opened, I knew what I wanted to do. What we had to do.
Kate is not a kid, she is not stupid.
Even if I tell her about Omar, she would think I was joking. It was something too absurd to believe unless it happened to you.
She would not understand.
I had to make her understand.
My eyes met with Andy and from the corner of my eye, I could see Ah keong raising his chopper up into mid air.
Right at the point when he brought it down onto the chicken on the chopping board, splitting it into 2, I told Andy what I wanted. If it worked, Kate would leave the job on her own in a matter of weeks.
There were no expression on his face.
No emotions as well to betray his thoughts.
30 seconds later, Andy asked;
Andy : When do you need it ?
I mentally calculated the days till Omar’s arrival and gave Andy a rough range. He said he would get the things I need ready and give me a call.
Andy : I’ll lend you the men and the vehicle, they’ll clear out once you’re done and you’re on your own… you get caught… it’s on you.
James : Ok.
Andy : are you sure you need to go this far to make her quit ? Can’t you just pick on her or something..? play office politics or some shit… make it unbearable…
James : This project that Kate wanted….. it would destroy her… she must not do it…
Perhaps it was the tone of my voice or the way I said it, Andy nodded his head.
Andy : Kate would hate you if she ever finds out….. Ben would hurt you bad if she gets hurt….. ….Gabriel….. Gabriel would kill you…. And I’m not joking James…
Andy : My advice to you James…. don’t hurt Kate…. You’ll regret it…
James : Everything I’m doing…. Is to make sure she don’t get hurt….
Andy stood up and extended his hand.
Andy : Good luck….. and don’t fuck it up…
……………………………………………………………………………………………
My plan is simple
It’s always the simple plans that work.
End of the day, all I need to do is to stop Omar from getting Kate. There is a few ways to do that. The simplest way of all would be to stop her from meeting Omar.
That’s it.
No meeting, no trouble.
As long as he doesn’t sees her, it’s done.
Knowing Kate, she would still press on with whatever she wanted to do especially Mr Liew had given her the go ahead. Sure, I may voice my objection, she gets bothered by it because she has some feelings for me but I’m sure she would not let this stop her from going ahead to host Omar and company.
To her, this is a career opportunity.
I would let her plan all she wants and all I need to do would be to prevent the initial meetup and keep it that way until the visit is over.
Kate can go MIA for a couple of days, Mr Liew would get pissed and if he gets rid of her, all the better. In fact with Mr Liew’s anal views towards accountability, he would sure fire Kate if she goes missing and uncontactable.
Not to worry, I can take over as host, I doubt Belinda would even want to see Omar again anyway. I can bring Omar and his dad around and fuck as many whores as they want for a few days.
We can do this in 2 ways but either way, Kate must not know about this until it was too late for her to do anything.
She will stay in a comfortable place provided by Andy, she can grumble, and protest but end of the day, she’s safe and not going to get raped by Omar.
Even if she hates me for it, it’s for her own good.
She will not die without a phone and internet connection for a couple of days.
If she doesn’t cooperate, we will still grab her, lock her up, take away her phone. She can scream and kick up a fuss all she wants but it would be nothing compared to her cries if she gets taken by the Arabs.
Either way, i’m not letting Kate go near Omar.
1st June 2012
9.00am
The first thing I did was to grab Belinda aside in the pantry and talked to her about Kate and what happened the day before, telling her in detail about Kate’s uncle and brother.
Belinda : Are you serious ? You are kidding right ?
James : No I’m not… I’m serious… it’s like some fucking Hong kong drama unfolding in front of me.
Belinda’s eyes lit up immediately and she floated the idea of paying the men to wack Omar up.
James : What ? Are you mad ? Am I hearing you correctly ?
Belinda : They’re businessmen right ? that’s what you said. We’ll pay them. !
I rolled my eyes and tried to walk away but Belinda held me back.
Belinda : James ! …. If….. if this is a chance for me to get back at him…. I will take it.
I calmed her down and dispelled the idea immediately.
James : Don’t be silly…. It’s not going to happen. As you said they are businessmen, they are out to make money, not to find trouble….
Belinda : But you said they beat up that PRC guy and made him drink spit right ??
James : Ya but….. it’s complicated…
Belinda : Why is it complicated ? I’ll go ask Kate for help…. She would surely agree…. If I tell her what Omar did to me…. I’m sure she could get her brother or uncle or whoever it is to help us…
James : Dear…. Please…. Don’t blow things up…. Let’s not think along that line…. Nothing good will come out of it… besides, those people hit that PRC guy because of Kate…. They will not stir trouble unnecessarily….
Belinda : But…but… you don’t understand… i..
I look around the office and made sure we’re alone.
James : Dear… I love you…. I still do…despite everything that happened..….. I just want you to know that I love you…
Belinda smiled and she gave my hand a squeeze before walking away.
Belinda : I know James… I know….
We left it at that and I walked away too.
Kate was busy at her desk, checking out the sites to bring Omar and his dad, researching about where to eat. I saw what was on her screen and from the reflection, I could tell she saw me looking at her from behind.
A couple of seconds later, she swivelled her chair around but I quickly looked away.
Kate was about to speak when I heard Sharon calling out to me from a distance away. I immediately head towards her, eager to get away from Kate as least for now. I’m still thinking about the details of how to get her away before she meets Omar.
As I walked towards Sharon, I saw Belinda bringing some folders over to Kate, distracting her attention away from me.
Sharon pretended to ask me some questions about timesheets for projects before dragging me to a corner. From her body language I could tell she was about to feed me the latest gossips in the office.
Sharon : James… James…!… I tell you ah…. But you don’t say you heard it from me…. Promise ??
James : Yah.. yah… of course… when did I ever say anything to anyone ?? What is it ?
Sharon lowered her voice a notch and told me that Terry had just informed her that he would be taking a break.
James : What do you mean ?
Sharon : Aiyah… he got no new project…. No face la… say take a break is just nice to hear only… I think he that side closing shop liao….
James : Is it ?
Sharon : His people leaving he also never replace, left a few do nothing one surfing net… aiyah… anway, he will be away for a month for now.
I asked if she knew where he was going and she said something about Malaysia.
My ears immediately perked up as Sandy was in Malaysia. At least that was what I knew.
James : Oh ok…. Then that side of the office how ??
Sharon said Mr Liew would temporarily be in charge and I nodded.
Sharon said she’s going to get back to her work and left after reminding me not to tell anyone.
I thought about the implications for a bit before I locked eyes with Kate.
She got up and walked towards me, I knew there was no hiding then as she looked determined to get me.
Kate : James !…
James : Yes ?
Kate : We need to talk.. !
James : Sure… I have so many questions… I want to ask.
Kate and I went to the pantry and she folded her arms and leaned against the counter.
Kate : I’m not sharing anything about my family if that’s what you wanted to ask.
James : Ermm.. that is exactly what I wanted to ask but if it’s like this, then I have nothing to ask you already.
Kate : What is your problem ?? !
James : What do you mean ?
Kate : Can you tell me why you don’t agree to me taking this up ? The whole Omar thing… at least tell me…
I kept quiet for a moment as I thought about how much to say.
James : It’s ermm… complicated…
Kate : Go ahead… I’m listening…
I looked around the pantry and decided to test the water depth and see how Kate would react if I told her a portion of the truth.
James : Omar…. Is a… womaniser… he…. He would surely make a move on you ….. if you do this…. He will…
Kate’s eyes widened for a bit and unfolded her arms.
Good.
I had her attention.
I guess all girls are afraid of perverts.
I quickly continued seeing how positively she reacted.
James : He’s, he’s very sleazy, he will anyhow touch you when given the chance….. he’s very touchy…. Don’t believe you ask Belinda…. he got body odour, very hairy…
Kate’s mouth opened a little, and I saw her bite her lips.
Good, good, this is easier than I thought.
James : And he’s very despicable… he’ll… he’ll offer you money…. Ask you to sleep with him…. Imagine doing that to….. a ugly hairy arab…. Isn’t that insulting ?….
I was about to continue when Kate stopped me.
Kate : James… stop…
James : Kate…. It’s for your own good…. Really… from the bottom of my heart…. I don’t want you to get hurt… you’re a nice girl…. You don’t deserve to….
Kate suddenly took my hand and it was my turn to get a shock. I quickly looked around the pantry to make sure no one is heading our way.
Kate : James…
James : What ? !
My eyes widened when I finally realised what Kate was thinking.
Kate : I… I didn’t know you cared so much about me…
James : wait… wait.. wait…. … I think you…
Kate : It’s ok… don’t need to say anything….
She looked at me with a smile before taking a deep breath.
Kate : You…. You should… control your feelings James…. Sis is the one for you….it’s impossible between us…
James : Kate you misunderstood… I meant…
Kate held up her hand and brushed me off.
Kate : It’s ok James… I understand…. But don’t worry, I’ll be fine… I know how to take care of myself…. I’ll just say no firmly…. He can’t force me….
She spoke with such confidence that for a moment I almost believed her.
I sighed as she walked by me.
I heard her heels click twice before she turned around.
Kate : Well, if it weren’t for Sis, …. We… hahaha…. Nevermind…
She laughed and went back to her seat.
That short talk strengthened my resolve to make sure Kate was out of Omar’s way.
The following week saw a flurry of emails and exchanges. After a couple of changes, the dates were finally firmed up.
Omar and his dad would be arriving on the 25th of June, Monday at 11am.
8th June 2012
Friday .
By the end of that week, Kate updated everyone the plan she had worked out and Mr Liew was impressed with her organising skills. Transport vehicles were booked, so were restaurants and tickets to some sightseeing places.
It’s been a while since Omar’s dad stepped into this country and Kate wanted to make sure he was impressed with how far the country has come along this couple of decade. She had even made plans for a private tour guide to join her for one of the days.
Belinda had already applied for leave during the period when Omar would be here and she would largely be away from the office except for 1 afternoon when she needed to present and update Omar about the project together with me.
Belinda : Sorry James… I really don’t feel like seeing him….
James : Don’t worry about it… I can do the presentation too if you like… just call in sick and fill me in on the details ….
Belinda just smiled.
Mr Liew had only minor comments about the schedule and did a brief allocation of our responsibilities over a meeting.
Mr Liew : Ok…. To summarise, the cake is already right by out mouth already, we just need to reach out and take a bite. …
He updated us about projects and ongoing discussion with Omar, he says he’s confident there would be jobs lined up for the team for the next 5 years.
Mr Liew : We will be expanding, slowly of course but I want to let everyone know that exciting times are coming…….
He hinted on a sizable bonus and increment for the team at the end of the year before saying that the trip is more of a formality.
Mr Liew : Let’s just play our part as a gracious host and wrap this up….. any questions ? good…. Good….
9th June 2012
Saturday
11am
I made plans to meet up with Andy at the coffee shop and over a cup of coffee, I told him the dates I needed his help.
Andy : 25th June? …… it’s errr…… Monday…. Yes Monday….
James: Yes… The client is arriving at 11am…. Base on the plans, Kate was supposed to be at the airport to pick him up with the transport and send them to their hotel.
Andy : Ermm… ok… but if you think we’re going to grab her at the airport, I would say you are out of your mind….
James : No of course not…. Not at the airport…. I would make sure she’s back in the office in the morning, we’ll do it when she’s enroute to the airport.
Andy : Wah ? Brother… this is Singapore leh… not Hollywood….. how to grab people along expressway ?
I told him what I have in mind and he thought about it for a while before nodding.
Kate had booked 2 toyota Alphard from a transport company, the vehicles would be waiting at our office at 10.00am sharp.
Kate would be hopping on one of them to head to the airport to pick Omar up. For the journey to the airport, it would only be her and the drivers.
Her task for Monday is simple, just an introduction, bring them to the hotel and let them have a rest after their flight.
She would also inform Omar and his father that Mr Liew would be hosting dinner at a hotel in town. Our entire team would be joining for dinner that evening.
James : We will switch the vehicles…. Kate would get into the vehicles you prepared instead of the one that goes to the airport.. that way, we can whisk her away without much trouble.
Andy : I need to know the colours of the vehicles.
James : No need. The transport company could not confirm which one they are giving us till that day itself, just as long as similar model will do.
Andy : Ok.
James : I’ll be taking the vehicle to the airport to pick the client up while your guys can send Kate to the safe house and keep her there for a few days.
Andy : Don’t mind me asking…. Who the fuck is this Omar ?
James : Some rich Arab, he’s a fucking pervert…. I tell you he will rape Kate if he has a chance.
Andy’s eyes narrowed before looking back down at the piece of paper we were both scribbling on.
I will take care of Omar for the rest of the trip.
All Andy had to do was to make sure Kate stays safe and uncontactable.
We went through the plan twice even though it was plain and simple.
Get Kate into the car, take her phone, make her comfortable for a few days.
That’s it.
I would take care of the rest, maybe book a few escorts for Omar to fuck if he wants.
Andy : Sounds straight forward…. What if she doesn’t get into the car ?
James : She has too… she can’t possibly take a cab to the airport when there’s 2 empty vehicles waiting for her right ?
Just to be sure, I would ask to meet her in the office for a quick briefing before she departs. I can also send her down to the lobby and make sure she enters the right vehicles.
The transport company was one I had dealt with before. In fact it was I who gave Kate the contact.
I will call up the boss and make a request on the change in pick up location and timing and he was not to say a word about it.
13th June 2012
Wednesday
1pm
I had lunch alone again. For the past few days it seemed it’s quite hard to find anyone to lunch with. Both Kate and Belinda seemed to disappear well before lunch time.
Alex was stuck to his girlfriend like glue and Hakim had his own lunch khakis from another company.
Even Mr Liew was not available.
4pm
Belinda bumped into me in the pantry and she casually asked me what was the plan.
Belinda : Omar would surely go for Kate if he sees her.
James : Don’t worry, I got it under control.
Belinda : How ?
I was about to let slip some details but I quickly held my tongue. I don’t want to risk Belinda doing something stupid.
James : Don’t worry… Kate will not meet Omar…. I will make sure of that…
Belinda smiled and gave me a light squeeze on my arm.
Belinda : Be careful ok ?
I nodded and we parted ways.
As the day drew closer and closer, I could feel myself getting more and more nervous.
Would Kate throw a fit ?
Would she be so mad that she would never talk to me again ?
Or can Andy keep her away and uncontactable for a few days ?
16th June 2012
Saturday
1pm
I met up with Andy again at the coffee shop and ironed out the outstanding details.
Andy : Peter and Ah Fong will be the driver. These are their numbers… The cars are prepared. ….
James : Does Kate know them ?
Andy shook his head.
Andy : I will be following behind in my own car with Ah Keong … We will drive her back here eventually.…
James : Here ! ?
Andy : upper then ?? You think suka suka you can find a short term rental for a few days ar ?? … There’s no place safer than upstairs…. She used to stay here anyway…
James : Oh… ok..
Andy : We’ll pull over before we get up the expressway at the HDB estate here….
He gestured to the blocks along cantonment road. At that point, Keong would take over Andy’s car while he would get into the same vehicle with Kate to grab her phone and stop her from calling anyone.
The convoy would then proceed back to the coffee shop in Joo chiat where they can easily get Kate up to her place.
Sounds about right.
As long as Kate gets in the car, everything would be fine.
I had a few sleepless nights thereafter thinking about what I was about to do.
The 25th drew closer and closer.
And everyday Kate would fill the team in on more information and updates to the schedule. Even the dress code for dinner was sent out.
22nd June 2012
9am
Kate sent out a mail to inform the team that Omar would be arriving an hour later at 12pm.
I text Andy about the change.
11am
I called the boss of the transport company and he told me his pickup timing for Kate has been shift back too to reflect the change.
12pm
I saw Kate with a self made banner of Omar’s name with glitter pen and cute drawings as she put on the finishing touches to it.
James : Are you a 15 year old waiting for your Korean Idol ?
Kate : No… I’m going to pick up the man who’s going to pay my salary and bonus for the next few years…
She ignored my jibe and gave me the cold shoulder.
5pm
I gave the boss of the transport company a call to remind him on our arrangements and he reassured me everything would be fine.
25th June 2012
7.30am
I was in office at 7.30am with my coffee and breakfast.
I reminded Kate that I wanted to meet her at 8.30am to brief her on some of the details and project information in case Omar asked. Some simple figures that would not be hard to remember.
8am
I was still the only one in office.
Omar would arrive at 12 noon, Kate was to leave the office at 11am for the airport, it would give her plenty of time to get there.
8.30am
Kate walked into office at 8.30am sharp and I heaved a sigh of relief.
She looked beautifully dressed in a black skirt that reaches up to her knees. Her long sleeve silk blouse a shimmering pale grey that seemed to shimmer silver when the light catches it. It’s not figure hugging, it hung a bit loose for her frame and she had on a pair of simple black heels.
Her hair was tied up into a bun with a striking orange band.
Kate : Morning…
James : Morning.
I spent 20 minutes with her and it was over. She got back to her work.
9.50am
Kate : Where’s Sis ?
James : Belinda’s on leave for a couple of days…
Kate : Oh… ok..
10.10am
Andy text me to inform me that they were already in place. Their 3 vehicle convoy formed up at the HDB estate 5 minutes away.
10.20am
My heart thumped as I watched Kate got about her own stuff before heading to the toilet.
I looked at the time and it was almost there.
She should be leaving soon after she’s back.
I called the transport company and the boss himself was driving one of the vehicle. He told me not to worry, he will tell Kate he’s waiting at the lobby when in fact he was parked at carpark beside Tanjong pagar plaza.
10.35am
I got up and took a deep breath and made my way downstairs. I text Andy to tell him to come over to the lobby and get ready.
I found a position which gave me a good vantage view of the drop off point.
10.40am
2 black Toyota alphards pulled up to the waiting area before Andy’s Volvo stopped a distance behind it.
10.45am
The boss of the transport company confirmed with me that Kate had just contacted them to ask them if they were ready as she’s heading down soon.
I informed Andy and his guys.
10.51 am
I would feel myself perspiring as I shifted the weight on my feet.
I kept my eyes at the building exit, waiting for Kate.
Suddenly there was a glimmer of words as the glitter markers caught the late morning sun.
I saw a group of people existing the building and even though Kate was blocked by a few men, I could see the large signboard she made.
My eyes immediately followed it as I my heart started thumping faster.
The sun was a little glaring at the angle I was standing at but I did not want to risk exposing myself to Kate.
It happened fast. I saw the flash of Kate’s orange headband as she stepped into the vehicle, I stepped out in time to see the cardboard sign slowly disappearing into the vehicle as the door closed.
I could feel as if a weight equivalent to an elephant was taken off my shoulder.
As the 3 vehicles pulled away, I went back up to my office. Mr Liew called me into his office to confirm some details as Belinda was not around to fill him in. My phone was buzzing away in my pants but I ignored it.
11.15am
I left My Liew’s office and saw that I had 8 miss calls from Andy . I wanted to chuckle.
He probably had trouble handling Kate.
I dialled his phone and Andy picked it up immediately.
Andy : WHERE THE FUCK WERE YOU!
James : Why ? What happened… ?
Andy : Get down her now !!.. lobby..!
He hung up on me and I immediately flew down to the drop off point.
The same 3 car convoy waited at the same spot.
I dashed towards the 1st car and the door opened even before I got there.
As the car door slid opened, my heart stopped beating.
Staring right back at me was Andy and Belinda. She was dressed in the same clothes Kate was wearing moments earlier.
James : What… what is this !!
Belinda : I’m sorry James…. Kate…. Kate agreed to help me after I told her about Omar …
James : WHAT!!! NO!.. NO!!… NO!!!
I immediately hopped into the vehicle and all 3 cars headed for the airport.
James : HOW could you !!!
Belinda : I didn’t want to either…Kate… Kate said she can deal with it….she insisted !…
I sighed as I felt myself getting pushed back onto the seat as the driver sped up, tearing down the expressway on the extreme right lane.
James : There’s still time… still go time… we’ll grab Kate at the airport..
Belinda tried to talk to me but I was too angry to reply her.
Andy just looked on without a word.
12pm
I jumped out of the car alone at the arrival drop off and ran into the terminal.
There’s still time. Plane landed still need to taxi, to park, to unload.
They still need to clear immigration.
I dashed towards the belt and my heart literally dropped out of my ribcage.
Passengers were streaming out of the gate. I pushed my way through, trying to find Kate in the sea of faces.
I looked around, even standing on a chair to get a better look. I looked at the information panel and I cursed at myself for not checking the flight details on my own. The arrival time was still 11am. Not 12pm as informed by Kate.
There was a slight delay but it still landed at 11.20am
My heart started slamming hard, squeezing blood and oxygen around my body as I scanned the faces around me.
I felt the hard tap on my shoulder followed by a squeeze.
Before I turned around, I heard the familiar laugh.
‘wahahahahahahaha’
That unique familiar laugh.
Rasid : As salam aleykum !! James !.. my brother.. !… wahahahaha….
A breathe escaped from my mouth as I turned around and came face to face with Rasid, Omar and a elderly man with a cane. A few of Omar’s aide was a few steps away
James : Wa aleykum as salam..
I exchanged greetings with them as I quickly scanned for Kate.
She was nowhere to be seen.
Omar : How are you James ?
I was about to reply when Omar continued his sentence.
Omar : You have……. A lovely colleague… …
Rasid : Very lovely……. Wahahahahah… wahahaha….
Kate stepped out from behind as I watch her talk to Aliya with a smile.
Kate looked up and locked eyes at me before flashing me a brief smile, as if asking me not to be angry.
Kate : If you would please follow me, I’ll show you to your transport….
Rasid : Of course we would follow you… whahahah.. whahaha…. I’ll follow you where ever you go ..!! whahaha….
Kate covered her mouth shyly with a laugh and I saw that glimmer in Omars eyes as he traced her body with her penetrating glare.
Kate : I apologise in advance if I’m not a gracious host… heee hee…
Omar : don’t worry about it Kate….. I look forward to get to know you better.. haha…
Kate flashed a really charming smile and replied.
Kate : Looking forward to it.. ..
……………………………………………………..
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jwat
Thanks for the update, is this series ending this month
?
Yes. 3 more updates to wrap it up
Kate turned to take a selfie with Aliya and Omar finally directed his attention to me.
Omar : Oh James… here, meet my dad, Abbas.
James : Nice to meet you sir.
I shook hands with the unsmiling man. He is about the same height as Omar with a bushy grey beard that was neatly trimmed. His eyes are like a narrow slit, it’s as if he was squinting to look at you.
He has a head of thick black hair that was streak with grey. It was not hard to tell he had coloured them black as much as he could. He too looked at Kate, but his gaze was a bit different.
When Omar and Rasid looked at Kate, you could tell from their gaze that hint of lust, the mischievous lust to fuck her was evident. It was easy to tell but for Abbas, it’s a little different.
He looked at Kate alright, I saw him check out Kate from the bottom up.
His eyes squinted at her heels, loitering at her smooth white ankles before tracing her calves upwards. He stopped at Kate’s full buttocks, looking at how tightly stretched the fabric was trying to hold her full figure in.
Every move Kate made, her tight fitting clothes snuggled up to her, bringing out her tone and tight body. She radiates this aura of youthful energy, something Abbas surely once had many moons ago.
He continued to appraise her body, as if he wanted to put a price on her, like a piece of good to be traded.
I saw Abbas sniffed, he rubbed his nose and his eyes watered as he turned away and asked for water from one of his aide.
I turned my attention back to Kate who was happily talking to Aliya.
Aisha sundered up to me from out of nowhere and put her arms around my waist.
Aisha : Nice to see you again James…
I did not react as she slithered past me like a snake to join Rasid.
I had to grit my teeth as I watch Kate direct Omar and company towards another set of waiting vehicles at the arrival hall.
Rasid was beaming brightly at Kate and I could see Omar trying to talk to her as well.
Omar tried to slid his arm around Kate’s waist but she nimbly extracted herself from his attempted embrace and pretended to answer a phone call.
Omar sniggered and smile before making a look at Rasid.
Anyone could tell they were interested in Kate.
Rasid kept beckoning for Kate to join them in the same vehicle but Kate smiled and explained that she needed to get ready for the dinner later that evening.
Kate : There’s still a lot to do and prepare..! …
Rasid : hahaha… I’m sure there is…
Another 10 minutes past before Kate sent them off to their hotel after having a short chat with the driver.
As we watch the vehicle depart, my phone was buzzing non stop. I had quite a few miss calls from the transport company boss who was still waiting for the go ahead.
I called him and informed him of the change in plans and asked him to submit his invoice accordingly and closed the case.
Belinda and Andy walked out and joined Kate and me at the pick up spot of the arrival hall.
It was then I start to feel the full force of my swelling anger hit me. I have never been so angry before.
Kate : I’m sorry James… we wanted to tell you but…
Kate tried to walk towards me but I backed away, shrugging away her attempt to tap me on my arm.
Belinda read that body language and immediately tried to take on the blame.
Belinda : Sorry James… it was my fault… i..
She too tried to hold my arm but I shrugged her off.
We stared at each other without a word as I tried to calm myself down. I was so fucking pissed that I knew if I said anything, it would cut like a knife.
Andy : What the fuck is going on ??
Kate : I have to help them Andy….. that Omar is a bastard….
Andy : No!… don’t get yourself involved in this.
Kate : I have to !… I can’t stomach what he had done to sis ! … I don’t care…
Andy : Stop behaving like a spolit brat … and get in the car…
Kate : What about you ?? ! You think I don’t know you’re ganging up with James to stop me ??
She pointed to Ah Keong who was standing a distance away, I turned and I saw his eyes widened as he quickly turned away and scurried back to the car.
Andy : Ah Keong you chee bye !! …
Andy took 2 steps towards Keong but stopped.
Andy : I don’t care, get in the car… you’re not getting involved in this.
Kate : It’s my life… I don’t need your help… go back if you want to…
Andy was about to retort but I grabbed his arm as I glared at Kate.
James : You don’t know what’s good for you…. I guess you’re only going to learn the hard way…
Kate looked a little hurt at what I said and before Belinda could say anything, I turned and walked away back into the terminal.
Andy and his men left too while I saw Kate and Belinda went to queue up for a cab.
Before Andy left, he mentioned something about going straight to Kate’s brother and that she’ll be done with this job before long.
I need a thick cup of coffee to think.
I could not think.
What the fuck is Kate thinking ?
She can’t be that fucking naïve to think she can what ? Pretend to use herself as bait ?
Then ? Then what ?
Cry rape ? Call the police ?
Belinda too should have known better than to go tell Kate about Omar.
I must have had at least 3 thick cups of black coffee when I grab a cab back from the airport at 2.30pm
Fuck this.
Since she wants to be a hero, she can do it all she wants.
I’ll just wash my hands off this matter.
Maybe only at the very point in time when she’s forced to suck Omar’s cock or get penetrated by Rasid would she understand what I was trying to get her out off.
3.15pm
I buried myself with work the moment I got back into office. Kate was at her desk by then and I rejected the cup of coffee she made for me, choosing to push it aside. I was still pissed and partly because I just had 3 cups. I don’t want to get high on caffine.
Kate : James…. can we talk ?
James : I’m rushing for some work. … maybe later.
Kate : I know you’re angry but I don’t understand how you could just sit by and not do anything….
James : What would you have me do ? go around beating people up ?
I must have touched a raw nerve with my outburst and Kate was a little taken aback.
It might sound like I’m being petty but I was not. I was just upset and mad.
Kate : You know James…. I never thought you were some superman…. Or some hero who could fix anything and everything…..but…. but I just want you to know I like you for who you are…..and…
She paused before she took her purse and got out of her seat.
Kate : The James I know….. will not just sit by and do nothing…….
I was not in the mood for her lecture and I just dismissed her words before getting back to my work. I did try to help initially didn’t I ? It was her who rejected my help.
Belinda tried to call me several times and when I finally picked up, she apologised and explained that she did not expect Kate to so readily agree to help her.
Belinda : I know I shouldn’t have brought it up, but I did it without expectations, I was looking more for a listening ear.
James : It’s too late for me to say anything now anyway. Do what you all want. I don’t care…
I felt like a jerk after u hung up but well sometimes you just do things without reason when you are mad.
5.15pm
Mr Liew had granted the team a early knock off to head back home. Everyone was to freshen up and get ready for the dinner with Omar and his dad at 7.45pm
5.45pm
I was about to leave work when Mr Liew came over to my seat.
Mr Liew : You ok ?
James : Yah… why ?
Mr Liew : You don’t look ok to me..
James : I have a lot of things on my mind……. It’s been a tiring few months………….You siao ah ? … you’ve never said this kind of things to me before…
Mr Liew : That’s because I’m never seen you like this before….
I just kept quiet and looked at Mr Liew.