I could still feel my erection stirring after I got into the car.
It was near impossible to shake off the feeling when Sandy slowly impaled herself with my dick. It was not a smooth and seamless entry but the very notion of it being so unplanned and half baked turned me on in some weird way.
Every sneeze, that concentration of energy as she fought against gravity and the inevitable descend on my waiting dick gave me a mental jolt every time I thought about it. It’s like that sudden shiver you get when you release a good shot of orgasm.
It was a 15 minutes’ drive back to my place at Serangoon and had no choice but to seek a release in the shower as I thought about Sandy.
My mind felt a lot clearer after the shower and I sat down to think things through a little.
First thoughts went to Belinda.
What the fuck is she doing with someone like that ?
Is Terry a totally different man in front of her ?
And does she know about his infatuation with ex girlfriend ?
I meant, it’s not like it’s any of my business, Belinda and I are history, it’s all pending some paper work to sort things out.
I don’t hate her for anything but end of the day, she is still considered my friend and ex wife. It just did not seem right for her to get hurt by this jerk.
She was someone I loved once.
Even though we are no longer together, the thought of her with a jerk like Terry stirred up some emotions.
Sorting out my desk I looked through the locations I’m heading for the weekend with Sandy.
Yes, you can say it’s a date of sort since we will be spending the weekend together.
It will not be just fun and games
Everything would be designed to fuck with Terry’s mind.
11th June 2011
Saturday
8am
I made plans with Sandy to meet at the interchange and I’ll pick her up from there. We have a long day ahead of us and I want to avoid bumping into Terry in case something unexpected happens.
I helped Sandy with her large suitcase and loaded it into the boot.
Sandy : Morning…
James : Morning….
I was surprised when Sandy took out a thermos flask and passed it to me.
Sandy : Nah… coffee… and got bread…
She chugged a sandwich my way too and I gave her raised eyebrow look.
James : You know… we never really….. finished… so no need to make breakfast la… hahah
I felt a hard push on my left cheek as my head was forcibly pushed towards the driver side window.
Sandy : Shut up James…
I drove on as Sandy tied up her hair, exposing her smooth armpits from under her white singlet. She wore a white bikini with black trimmings and the long strings of her bikini went around the back of her neck halter style in alternating colours.
She put on her shades and crossed her legs as she helped me open up the thermos flask at a traffic stop while I took a sip of coffee. Anyone looking in from the outside would probably think we’re husband and wife, or maybe in a relationship.
I wouldn’t mind. Sandy has a nice body, she’s spontaneous, pretty independent but still has that streak of weakness than men would fall for thinking she needed them to protect her. End of her day, it was still her looks and her figure that appealed to me the most.
Come to think of it, she’s pretty similar in built to Belinda too.
I wonder if that was the reason I found her attractive.
We got to Sentosa within 30 minutes and I parked at the carpark of one of the luxurious resort. No we’re not having a staycation or anything.
It was all a show.
Fake.
It’s so easy to tell a lie these days .
All you need is to upload a photo.
Using Sandy’s phone, I took a few shots of her at the resort entrance. We walked into the café and ordered 2 drinks and I took a shot of her from across the table, making sure I caught the car key fob and the 2 drinks in the frame. Sandy sat upright, her head slightly angled away as she cast the camera an alluring smile.
Her legs were crossed, showing plenty of her long smooth hairless leg as she smoothed out the short denim shorts she was wearing. She even adjusted her bikini strings to look like a stray strand had accidentally came into the picture.
Another shot of her biting the temples of her ray ban shades with a slight smile completed that scene.
She knows what she’s doing. No wonder Terry fell for her.
We went to the beach for the bikini shots. There was even a video of me removing her straps as she laid down on the mat and applying the sunblock for her.
It was a shot 8 second video but it several attempt to do it because we keep laughing.
My erection never left me during that period.
Imagine time and again, asking you to remove and tie her bikini strap and making you take a video of it.
How would you control and hold back your emotions and feelings ?
There was the usual shots of both our feet by the sand, the horizon. Even a few of Sandy walking in the water in her bikini as her shades dangled off her fingers.
As I scrolled through the photos at sentosa, I cannot begin to imagine what a jealous ex would think when he looks at them.
We did 3 change of bikinis, and clothes for Sandy at different location in Sentosa. The idea was to build up enough photos to post it on a regularly basis to drive home the message that Sandy has moved on.
We left Sentosa at noon and went to the cinema at Vivocity.
We did not bother with the tickets but we just took photos of the popcorn and drinks we bought as a snack.
I snapped photos of Sandy browsing books and magazines.
I took some of her in the supermarket after she changed a new set of clothes.
We reached 6th avenue by 3pm and we were both a little drained. We ordered a beer and took stock of the photos we had taken that day. Sandy went through at least a trunk worth of clothes.
After we drained the beer we took a short walk to one of my previous project I did with Mr Liew. A sweet and homely house located within the private estate.
It was still vacant after a year as the owner mainly stays in Indonesia and the only person there is the caretaker. I had called earlier to inform the caretaker that I would like to drop by to take some quick photos for other project references and he agreed right away.
After all it was I who made it possible for him to have his own bathroom within his small living quarters tucked in the corner of the large house. The owner was a little apprehensive about spending the money for the caretaker’s private room but I convinced him that it would not make a dent on his budget.
Not when he spent 20k on a ugly chandelier.
Not only did I paint the caretaker’s room in her favourite colour, I gave her bathroom fittings that cost more than the ones I used at home including a Hans grohe rain shower.
Caretaker Suthi : Aiyoh… this 1 is it expensive ??
James : Free one… free one… supplier sample… he don’t need it back… I stay HDB also not enough water pressure to use…. Give you la…
I rang the bell and Suthi waved us in as she unlocked the gate from the living room.
James : Auntie Suthi… how are you ??
We spoke a little before I told her we just need some photos and we’ll be off in 30 minutes.
After she walked away, I got sandy to post around the house.
One of her drinking a glass of water by the small pool as she looked at the camera.
After changing into her jogging gear she held the hose and pretended to water the plants in the yard.
One more change of clothes with her wearing only my work shirt as she leaned against the kitchen cabinet eating an apple with a shy smile.
That should do it.
Sandy and I grabbed a strong cup of coffee after that and we pressed on.
Botanic gardens. Holland Village. Dinner at Dempsey.
All staged.
I sent her back to a neighbouring carpark from her estate and did the same walk with her back to her place.
Terry was nowhere to be seen despite close to 10 miss calls on Sandy’s phone and twice as many insult messages about her boyfriend.
10pm
I waited for Sandy to unlock as I kept a constant look about the estate. You can never be too careful.
Sandy : James…
I turned and look at her.
James : Yah ?
She hesitated for a moment before adding.
Sandy : Thank you for everything… I enjoyed my day…
She hesitated for another moment before I spoiled the moment.
James : So…. Are you going to sleep with me ??
Sandy rolled her eyes with a loud “TSK! “
Sandy : Bye James… see you tomorrow…
She closed the door on me, not a slam, but a gentle thud.
Walking back to the car, I looked at the backseat, it was littered with Sandy’s clothes, her bikini, her gym and yoga gear, her shoes, socks. You name it.
Everything.
A smile broke out on my face as I head back to my place.
I share spare you the details of what I did with them.
I received a message from Belinda just when I was about to fall asleep that night. She told me that her cousin requested that we continue renting him the flat till end of the year. He would be turning 35 then and he would like to buy it over from us.
I told Belinda I’m fine with that and she says she’ll keep me up to date about the paperwork.
12th June 2011
Sunday
7 am
I picked Sandy up at the same spot by the interchange and she had prepared breakfast for me as well. Some cut fruits and bread and coffee.
We went to the market opposite bukit timah plaza. Took more photos of her buying groceries and having her meal.
There was even a series of her picking out fish and vegetables as if she was going to cook a meal for her boyfriend.
After that we went to a horse riding club and got her all geared up.
Sandy paid for the session and I got a few good photos of her on the horse with a sweet smile looking all radiant happy.
The tai tai life.
That was it. We parted ways by mid noon and I went ahead to return the car.
The rest of the photos she can manage on her own. The pedicure, the spas, there’s no need for me to be there.
My instructions to her were clear.
James : Now you need to work out a schedule and timing when you put these up on your social media. …. Spread them out…. Less on weekdays… a couple more on weekends.
Sandy nodded and said she knows what to do.
Sandy : Will it work ?
James : End of the day, it’s still up to him to believe what he wants to believe. He will draw his own conclusion but given his infatuation with you… it will surely fuck with his head…
Telling blatant lies online and on social media.
Isn’t this what everyone is doing these days ?
Just the other day Mr Liew send me some motivational quote about no matter how rich we are, how much we have achieve and so on, in the end our grave is the same size, so stay humble.
I sent him a picture of a pyramid with the message “ explain this “
He sent me a picture of his middle finger.
It’s funny what people would readily believe base on a couple of pictures these days.
We see a picture of a nice resort, a location checked in. Instantly we would think our friend is having such a good time at a exotic location. From food, to holidays, to a good night out, everyone is more concerned about uploading the photos onto their account, sharing the night with friends who they hardly see and meet.
The irony of social media.
It’s a good stalking tool though, hell I don’t think you can even call it stalking.
It’s insulting to use that term.
Once Stalkers had to climb walls, peep through window, practise quiet footsteps and maybe invest in a good pair of shoes. All this just to steal a few glances at the woman you love but not today.
People would volunteer all the information readily on their profile.
There is no need to even stalk these days.
We shared a cab back to Hougang and enroute, Sandy asked why am I helping her ?
James : Because I like you mah…
She smacked me on my thigh and jabbed me in my stomach.
Sandy : Don’t joke la..
I laughed.
That’s a good question.
Why did I offer to help her ?
Would I have done the same thing is Sandy is not pretty with a good figure ?
Probably not.
I’m being honest here. There’s nothing worst then trying to be a gentlemen when you are not.
And I’m not one.
I do harbour thoughts of sleeping with her but end of the day, it’s for the team.
Sandy has been there a while. She knows things. Information that would take Mr Liew and I a long time to discover and find out on our own. Even if we are proactive in seeking the information, they may not present themselves willingly too.
James : We’re… a team… aren’t we ? … we should all be able to work and focus properly without worrying about other stuff… in your case it’s Terry…
Sandy nodded quietly but she still raised an eyebrow at me.
Sandy : That’s all ?
James : And of course I wanted to sleep with….
I did not even get to finish the sentence and was smacked on my head by her.
I alighted first after making sure Sandy could handle the luggage of clothes.
James : I’ll see you at work tomorrow ya.
Sandy nodded and gave me a thumbs up.
That very evening, I checked my facebook account.
Yes I had one despite my objections of sharing private information online. I don’t share much. It’s just a photo of me and mostly cat videos.
I could see that the sentosa hotel photos created quite a buzz on Sandy’s account. Even Sharon and Lisa were talking about it at the comments tab.
13th June 2011
Monday
10 am
Mr Liew called me for a quick meeting and he ran through with me the stuff he had lined up for the team.
Mr Liew : Ok.. nothing big but just enough to keep things afloat.
He got a job for a refurbishment of a old Semi D and a small café.
Mr Liew : You know the drill…. This 2 sure get one…. I know the owner…
Moving on her lowered his voice a notch and told me he’s gunning for a bigger one.
Mr Liew : This will keep the team afloat for a couple of years at least…
He showed me the drawings of the site.
The owner owns all 3 units here, he has permission to tear down and do a 5 storey apartment with 28 units.
I nodded as I took in the information.
Mr Liew : This one… I think 80% ours…design and build job…. The contractor and I very gum one…
He rattled off a list of things for me to do and I got right to it.
I passed by Sandy at the reception and I could see Sharon grilling her with questions where did she go over the weekend.
She shot me a wink without anyone seeing and I smiled on my way back to my desk.
It was then I noticed Hakim’s seat was empty.
I know he would be late usually but that day was a little too much.
It was coming to 11am.
Right when I was about to give him a call, Belinda came over. The moment she saw that is desk was empty, she went ape shit.
She didn’t really cursed but she put him down. Really down. As if that was not enough , she directed her anger at me.
Belinda : What is your team thinking James ?? I don’t understand why you are keeping him !… He’s so irresponsible !… cannot even turn up for work on time..
I kept quiet as she threw her tantrum before walking away.
I went back to my seat and was about to reach for my phone again when Sandy came over. She slid her chair over to me.
Sandy : James… I need to tell you something .
James : Yah ??
Right then, I saw Hakim running into the office. It was coming to 11.30am.
Sandy suddenly stopped and said another time. She better get back to work.
That week was pretty bad.
Hakim reached work well past 11 and left on time at 6pm.
Mr Liew spoke with HR and even called a meeting with the big boss but there was no conclusion.
Mr Liew and i even sat down with Hakim, asking if everything is ok and what was going on ?
Hakim : Sorry…. Sorry… nothing la…. Sorry ah…. Very tired… cannot wake up… sorry… won’t happen again.
He did look quite tired everyday.
Hakim is only 3 years older than me yet he looked drained and haggard, in fact he would pass for a 40 year old.
This went on for about 3 weeks until 1 day Hakim totally did not turn up for work and he did not call in sick.
Mr Liew reached his limit and demanded that Hakim be asked to leave and he get a replacement.
Mr Liew : How to work like this…. Everything all bottle necked …
All is not doom and gloom though.
Terry still tried to irritate Sandy but as the act of her being attached to a wealthy developer son spread, it was evident he toned down by quite a bit.
Drastic enough for everyone to notice.
I overheard Sharon gossiping about it too. Apparently the story has developed to the point that the developer is considering working with us on Sandy’s sake.
30th June 2011
Thursday
5.30pm
I massaged my forehead and sighed as I look at Hakim quietly packing up his stuff, getting ready to leave work and it’s not even 6pm.
This was it. I need to give him a piece of my mind.
As Hakim got up to head to the bathroom, I thought it was a good opportunity to talk to him alone but I was stopped by Sandy.
Sandy : James… I need to talk to you…
James : 1 minute…. I need to talk to Hakim…
I was about to walk away but Sandy pulled my hand and held me back.
Sandy : Yes… it is about Hakim….
I dragged my chair over to her and Sandy spent the next 20 minutes telling me what was wrong with Hakim.
My eyes widened in shock.
I covered my mouth in despair and I even shook my head in disbelief as Sandy slowly revealed the problems troubling Hakim.
Sandy : He was not like this…. Hakim use to be like you… driven…. Confident…. Full or energy… but now…
I sat back into my chair as I watch Hakim quietly took his bag and slipped out of the office.
Sandy : Can you help James ? …. Is there anything you can do ??
I exhaled and looked up into the office ceiling.
Sandy grabbed me by my shirt and pulled me to face her once more.
Sandy : I appreciate the help you gave me James… it made a difference… I hope you can do it for Hakim too… He is a valuable staff… he can do things one…. You want this team to succeed…. You need him…
I thought about it for a second before nodding my head.
Sandy snapped her fingers and said whatever I had planned, count her in.
Sandy : Count me in…. I’ll do it… for the team ….
I went over to Mr Liew and spent the next 30 minutes telling him about what Sandy told me.
He listened without a word and at the end of the meeting he nodded his head.
Mr Liew : Go fix it… we need Hakim… give me the receipt…
I nodded and left the meeting room at 7.30pm, the same time Sandy walked into the office in her yoga gear. She saw me come out of the room with Mr Liew and she gave me a questioning look.
I gave her a thumbs up and she did a little victory punch in the air.
This is going to be tricky…..
I sat back in my chair and my eyes closed….
I need time to think.
James : Sandy…
Sandy : Yes ? ….
James : Do i look like a loanshark to you ??
She laughed as she checked me up from top to toe.
Sandy : Well…. clothes make the man ?
……………………
Sandy : How will looking like a loan shark help ?
I shrugged my shoulders
James : I don’t know…. Maybe we can have the scare factor on our side ? it would create an impact ?
Hakim was being plagued by 2 issue. One is money, the thing is he was not really in debt. If he was, he could slowly pay them off. He’s drawing a mid 3k salary, he’s also single and staying with his mother. Technically they should be pretty comfortable since their 3 room flat was left to them by his dad who passed away.
The financial problem came partly from Hakim’s younger brother who borrowed heavily. He was in and out of prison for a while for drug related crimes. The period when he’s out had been especially taxing on Hakim. Not only did he need to take care of his old and sick mother, he also need to make sure his younger brother Farid did not do anything stupid to their mother.
Thankfully there was no debt collectors knocking on their door with exception of Farid.
Yes, he was the one hounding the family for money.
According to Sandy, Hakim once shared with her that Farid had stolen from his mother before, leaving her without a single cent for food the entire day till he gets back from work around 10pm.
She could not remember Hakim’s phone number to call him and aside from malay, she could not speak a word of English to ask for help. His neighbours too are working adults, only returning home late at night, in the end, he found his mum crouching on the kitchen floor after getting home.
She was too hungry after starving the whole day but she still went ahead to take her medication.
My heart literally broke upon hearing that.
How can anyone do that to their mother ?
Sandy : Seriously James… I don’t think you look scary enough to be a loan shark…. Besides… nothing scares a drug addict when he’s high…. Not even the police…. Have you seen an addict before ??
James : Have you ?
Sandy : Yes… my uncle…
She turned away after that, a clear sign that she did not wish to continue that conversation.
In terms of finances, Hakim told Sandy that he was paying a lot for his mother’s medication but when queried about exactly what his mum was suffering from, he could not put a finger to it, just kept saying old people illness.
He spent up to a thousand a month on medications and supplements alone for his mother.
That’s a cool 35% of his pay.
James : Sandy… you doing anything tonight ?
She narrowed her eyes at me before giving me a sideway glance.
Sandy : I’m….. meeting my boyfriend….and staying over at his place ?…according to my….. facebook posting schedule……haha…
We laughed at the same time.
She shook her head and said she had no plans.
Sandy : You…. Asking me out ? …
James : Yeah…
I shut down my computer and got up..
James : Let’s go to Hakim’s house…
Sandy did a search through her admin files for some old forms Hakim filled and copied the address down.
We took a train to Tanah Merah before changing to a bus to Bedok South.
It was close to 9pm by the time we sat down for dinner but we were not in a hurry.
Hakim did not know we were going over. I wanted to see things as it is. Not when he knows guest are arriving.
9.40pm
Sandy and I headed up to Hakim’s place and his front door was open.
I could see a old lady sitting on the small sofa watching TV while Hakim was hanging up some laundry at the back of the kitchen.
It’s a typical 3 room flat, there were not much furniture but the place is kept neat and tidy.
A large intricate carpet laid in the middle of the living room and I could see the old ceiling fan turning lazily on the ceiling.
Sandy waved to the old lady who saw us and in turn called out in Malay to Hakim.
Hakim came out of the kitchen and he was surprised to see Sandy and I at his place.
Hakim : Eh !… what happened ?? What are you all doing here ?
He seemed really shock and surprised but thankfully there wasn’t a hostile tone in his voice. He unlocked the gate and invited us into his house.
Hakim and his mother served us drinks.
Hakim : Help yourself to the drinks…. Want snacks or not ??
James : No need… no need…
Hakim : Sandy …? Need anything ??
Sandy : It’s ok… no need… ermm.. can I borrow your power point for a while… charge my phone…
Hakim : Go ahead..
His mother very kindly said to him that she would excuse herself and let us talk.
He translated that to us with a laugh and as much as I wanted to thank her, my command of the malay language is limited to military use only.
Yah. As in marching.
I told Hakim honestly why we were there and that Mr Liew wanted us to help him solve his problems so he can concentrate on his work.
For a good 30 minutes, Hakim briefly ran through with us his mum’s condition and he showed us the medications she was taking.
A lot are health supplements and another half as traditional medication without any labels.
James : Are you sure she’s sick ?
Hakim : Have to be right… it’s been like this for almost 2 years…
James : Did you go to the doctor ?
Hakim revealed that his mother refused to head to a private GP clinic as she complained that it will be expensive. She has never stepped into one before in her 73 years.
James : What about polyclinic ? At least find out what is wrong with her…
Hakim : There’s no one to bring her… I want to but all my leave is used up… I even advanced my leave for the following year…. There is the super long wait at the clinics… then they will refer here, refer there…. It’s never ending…
James : But you cannot be spending so much on medication you don’t know about either…
We descended into a moment of silence when it was suddenly shattered.
It was shattered by some loud commotion at the gate.
Another man I assumed to be Hakim’s brother appeared at the gate.
He spoke quickly in Malay to Hakim before he started shouting at us.
Farid : Who the FUCK are you !!! HAR ?……… what you doing in my house ?!! Come and find money is it ??!! I don’t have la !!
He walked in aggressively towards me and Sandy and we immediately stood up.
Farid : I HAVE my LIFE…. You want or not. .!! you want or not ?? TAKE LA… Fucking CHeebye… puki.. @#$@#$@%@
I could not make out the series of curses that followed but Hakim was pushing his brother back as he told him we were his colleagues.
Hakim : Keep your voice down !… Ma is resting !…
Farid : Resting … everytime I come back for money she’s resting !… everything she give you… .. you think I don’t know she gives you money ??
As he went on, I could tell he was starting to get incoherent in his speech. He reeks of alcohol and stale cigarette smoke.
He spoke in bits of Malay to Hakim before turning to glare at me and Sandy.
Sandy had retreated behind me subconsciously and I could feel her holding onto my shirt from behind.
Then without warning Farid cast a look at Sandy who was still in her hip hugging tights and her yoga top. It was still pretty translucent but as a mark of respect since we’re coming as guest, Sandy had pulled another singlet over her neon sports bra in her attempt to cover up a little.
It’s not much but it’s all she had.
Farid’s eyes cast a errie stare before he shouted something in Malay and he suddenly made a grab for Sandy .
Sandy : !!! AHAHHHHH… It happened so fast I didn’t have time to react.
He caught old of Sandy’s left wrist and tried to pull her towards himself, cursing in a mish mash of dialect and malay.
Hakim shouted at his brother and with five fingers spread out, he delivered a hard shove that drove him back a few steps towards the entrance of the house.
That really brought up the flames Farid as he attempted to lunge towards Sandy and me but was blocked by his brother.
By this time the Hakim’s mum came out of the room and she was trying to calm the brothers down.
I quickly held onto Sandy’s arm and pulled her back by my side.
James : We better leave.. things don’t look too good..
I told Hakim we better make a move first but we were stopped by Farid.
Farid : Where you going?? NB CB…. Fucking CB … you chee bye…ah…har… Knn…. Scare ah ?? har ? you scare ah.???? Bo Jee si bo ???
I really don’t know what his problem was, he just kept cursing at Sandy and me.
It took about 3 minutes for Farid to calm down as his mother poured him a glass of ice water and pulled him outside with the help of Hakim.
All 3 of them were talking by the common corridor.
Sandy and I took the opportunity to quickly grab our stuff and go.
Hakim gave us a nod of his head towards the lift lobby as we stepped out of the door, eager to get away from his mad brother.
Sandy : EH wait… my phone…
Just then Sandy dashed back into the house to grab her charging cable and phone, suddenly Farid lost it again.
There was some pushing and commotion but before anyone could react, Farid pushed everyone aside and dashed into the house after Sandy.
He turned and slammed the grille gate shut, throwing the old bolt into the lock and shutting everyone out.
The shouting immediately began and Hakim raised his voice significantly at his brother in a threatening manner asking him to open the door.
Their mother tried to speak too but after a while she just started to cry.
James : Open the door !!!… open the fucking gate now !!
Hakim : FARID!!! .. open up !!
Sandy’s eyes were wide open as Farid reached for her. She screamed and pushed Farid but he was much stronger than her.
James : FUCK !!! OPEN UP!!…
I kicked on the gate several times and by then the neighbour had came out of his flat with his phone in hand, ready to call the cops, what shocked me most was the brother’s mum quickly ran over to the neighbour, pulling and getting onto her knees, begging him not to do it. She even grabbed onto his phone.
James : Open this fucking gate now or I’m calling the police !
I frantically reached for my phone as I watch helplessly as Farid wrestled Sandy to the carpet.
Sandy : NO!!.. please.. no!.. stop!!.. stop!!
Hakim desperately tried to reach out to Farid but there was no way to communicate with him.
He seemed like he was possessed.
Farid : Fucking BITCH…. You… chee bye… fuck.. fuck… KNN… come my place for fuck !
He looked like his mind had been blended in a juicer as he tried to press Sandy to the carpet after wrestling her down.
Sandy tried to push Farid off but it was futile effort. I could see Farid’s right knee speading Sandy’s left leg across the carpet as she sobbed and looked helplessly at us.
I started dialing for the cops but Hakim held my hand and pleaded for me not to do it.
Hakim : Please James… !… I can talk to him… trust me,… I can talk to him ….
I shrugged him away as Sandy screamed and cried as Farid had by some serious tugging and pulling , tore and removed her loose yoga top, leaving her with only her singlet and her orange neon sports bra.
Hakim : FARID !! STOP!!! …
The amount of commotion is deafening.
The old auntie begging the neighbour.
Hakim holding onto my hand and shouting at his brother at the same time.
Sandy crying and pleading for me to help her.
Not to forget Farid’s random cursing as he tried to rape Sandy.
He pressed down onto Sandy’s hands and even though he was in his old dirty jeans, he started to dry hump Sandy on the floor through her yoga tights.
Sandy : NO!!!.. NO!!>> PLEASE!!…
She struggled and pushed while she fought for air around Farid’s stinky breath as her legs desperately tried to close up but was kept apart by Farid. I cannot image the feelings that was going through her mind as Farid continued to press down on her, rubbing his crotch against her privates.
I tried to dial the cops again the same time I let loose a slew of vulgarities at Farid.
James : You come out !!… NB chee bye… lai la…KNN… don’t hide behind the door like a pussy… !!
Hakim held my hand back again, cancelling my dial as he shouted again at Farid to stop.
Sandy’s white singlet has been pulled up, revealing her tone tummy. I could her trying to push herself off the floor and get away from Farid. Her muscles in the mid section flexed aggressively, I could literally see the contractions and squeeze of her toned packs.
Perspiration beads caught the dim white light from the fluorescent tubes in the ceiling.
Her arms too glisten with sweat as she tried to fight off Farid.
Thud thud.. thud…
3 loud thuds followed and the shouting got louder.
Farid : Why is it always so hard to get money from you people !!.. har ? money only what ?? Big deal is it ?? KNN… @#$@%@
Farid in his blind rage had grabbed and hit Sandy’s head 3 times against the carpet. It was pretty hard and thankfully there was the thick carpet there to provide a bit of cushioning.
The hit took out most of the fight in Sandy as I could see the struggling dying down. She seemed a little disorientated as Farid press his face down onto her breast and started sniffing and biting on the fabric of her sports bra.
Hakim shouted in Malay to Farid and his big hands tugged at the gate but his brother would not listen.
As if to show a direct act of defiance, Farid started taking off his clothes, revealing a half completed tattoo on his shoulder blade.
He started to take off his pants too , throwing them to the sofa his mum was resting on moments earlier.
Farid’s right hand slid right under Sandy’s sports bra and he squeezed roughly onto her breast. He even pulled her bra and flipped it upwards, exposing half of Sandy’s tits.
Without wasting anytime, Farid spread Sandy’s legs and pressed his face directly onto Sandy’s privates which had no doubt by then been soak with her sweat in her attempt to fight Farid off.
Hakim : FARID!!! STOP!!!
I shook myself free from Hakim and was about to dial the cops again but was stopped by Hakim’s mother this time round
She had the neighbour’s phone in her hand too as endless streaks of tears flowed down her cheeks.
Barely a few minutes past and it felt so long.
I had the impulse to push and pull myself free but was thankfully stopped by my fear of hurting a elderly woman in her seventies. As if that was not enough, she dropped down onto her knees and begged me not to call the police.
I could feel my face flush red with blood as panic coursed through my veins.
“Tolong… Tolong @#$@#$@…. mix with a smattering of malay pleas I don’t understand kept coming from the brother’s mum while I star helplessly at Sandy’s exposed nipples which was being licked and sucked by Farid.
Sandy groaned and sobbed as she hit Farid weakly in her attempt to push him off. She even grabbed Farid’s hair, pulling them back but it only made him more angry.
Her blows had no effect as Farid pulled and removed the singlet which dangled off her left arm and tried to tie her hands together.
Sandy fought with her life and everything she had as tears and mucus streaked her face. Her legs trashed and kicked while her elbow swung wildly.
Farid grabbed onto Sandy from behind and his right arm clamped down like a hard vise onto Sandy’s breast, depressing them towards himself as he squeezed and pulled Sandy’s nipples, causing her to scream out and thrash around in pain.
His legs closed in like a crab’s pincer onto Sandy’s legs before locking them and spreading them apart the same time his left hand went down to stroke Sandy through her tights.
Sandy’s arms initially tried desperately to free herself from Farid’s grip as he lick disgustingly at her ears and her sweaty neck but she stopped fighting after a while.
Her hands went loose and she allowed Farid to do what he wants admist all the shouts and threats we were throwing at him.
Farid’s left hand went down for the elastic waistband of Sandy’s tights.
She did not fight him, allowing him to pull down and expose a good portion of her butt and thighs. With a combination of pulling and tugging, Farid, lowered Sandy’s tights and using his legs, start to kick them off, bunching up the piece of stretched clothing around Sandy’s knees.
I could see Sandy’s panty, a pastel blue soaked with her sweat being pulled out of place and getting into a wedgie.
Farid got up and put Sandy onto her fours as he held onto her neck in a vise like grip.
She did not fight him.
He started to take off his boxers as he pressed his face onto Sandy’s lower back, smelling and licking up her sweat.
Sandy let him did as he wished too even though streaks of tears soaked the carpet beneath her.
Sensing the fight gone in Sandy, Farid let go of his grip on Sandy’s neck and tried to pull down her panty but that was the moment Sandy was waiting for.
Sandy suddenly lunged forward towards the gate.
I did not know what was going through her mind but everything happened so fast.
I saw her hands reached out and I heard the jingle of keys the same time Farid shouted and grabbed her body pulling her back towards him.
Sandy’s eyes and mind met and for that moment, time stood still.
The noises were shut out.
I saw Sandy’s right hand swung up in her attempt to throw the keys to us but her wrist was hit at the last minute by Farid.
The keys left her hand, flying lazily through the air as if the earth’s gravity had been cut by half.
It flew.
It flew alright.
And within that split second, for someone who hardly goes to the temple to pray, I begged.
I begged and prayed to whoever is listening…..
I prayed that the keys land within my reach as I watch Farid pull out Sandy’s panty.
…………………..
Hakim and I reached out for the keys at the same time as it crashed and slid a little along the smooth tiled floor near the door before coming to a stop within reach.
I managed to grab it the same time I saw Sandy scream and trashed after being turned around to face Farid. Passing the keys to Hakim, my heart almost stopped beating as I watch him unlocked the grille gate.
Farid did not care that we were coming in. He was too focused on spreading Sandy’s legs and holding her flailing hands down by her side. He was trying to kiss Sandy as her head shook left and right, her hair matted messily all over in her attempt to avoid him.
Hakim pulled the gate back so hard it slammed against the side wall with a loud clang.
He covered the short distance within 2 steps as I followed closely behind him.
I thought he was going to pull Farid away, perhaps stop him madness by grabbing onto him but no.
I was wrong.
With a mighty roar, I stared in amazement as Hakim drew up his clenched fist with without hesitation, swung it down across the left side of Farid’s face. There was a sickening sound of bone hitting against bone as Farid let out a small muffled grunt as he fell onto his side.
I could almost feel the pain from hearing the sick thud of that blow.
Sandy took the opportunity to pull herself out, rolling to the side, grabbing her clothes and running over to the guy’s mum who had now came through the gate as well.
I was about to start throwing my punches at Farid but he was not moving. The blunt force Hakim gave must have been quite a hit. Farid laid down on the floor, groaning and speaking in broken sentences.
My fist remained clenched, itching to land a few good blows should he dare to stand back up and continue with his curses.
I quickly took off my shirt and covered Sandy who as shaking and shivering in shock. She still had a mind to try and over herself up as her sweaty body glistened with all the perspiration from that ordeal.
Tears streaked down her face as she pressed herself against my embrace.
Hakim dragged Farid by his arms and threw him into the room before closing the door.
I took Sandy’s damp panty and quickly got down onto my knees and tried to pull them on. I was hit with this unexplainable erection so huge that I thought I was going to burst through my pants.
Sandy held onto my shoulders for balance as amidst her sobs, lifted one leg after another to slid through her panty. Pulling them up on her own, I caught a glimpse of her neatly trimmed pussy and felt another jolt in my pants. Her private was right in front of my face, I could even detect this whiff of womanly scent that turned on some senses that I thought was long gone ever since I broke up with Belinda.
I felt a bit guilty as I should not be getting an erection after witnessing such an ordeal but I could not help it. Would you be able to control your erection if you had seen something like this ?
Her legs were shivering too as I helped her pull on her tights. It took some tugging as they were really figure hugging and I was pretty sure she deliberately bought 1 size smaller to show off her curves.
Hakim came out with a large T-shirt of his together with a towel and immediately passed it to Sandy as he apologised profusely.
The neighbour got lucky as he stood by the gate, no doubt having caught a glimpse of Sandy’s unkempt state.
Hakim’s mother returned him the phone and begged him not to call the police once more and he just shook his head in resignation before turning and walking away with his mind filled with images of Sandy’s legs and exposed pussy.
Before I could even take stock to the situation or talk to Sandy, I was caught by another surprise as Hakim’s mother suddenly came over to Sandy and me before kneeling down the carpeted floor.
James : Auntie !! No… no… please… get up… no.. Auntie !!…
Even Sandy was a little taken aback as she wiped away the tears with the back of her hand as she tried to pull Auntie to her feet but she would not budge.
She kept crying and sobbing as she begged in Malay for Sandy not to call the police.
Hakim tried to persuade his mother to get up but she scolded him it seems and moments later Hakim relented and got on his knees too.
James : What are you doing Hakim !! ? Please get up !…
He translated to us that his mother was adamant that we don’t call the police. She cannot afford another heart break to see her son go back in again.
I don’t know what to do but to alternate between Hakim and his mother trying to pull them up on their feet. Sandy too felt loss and a little disorientated as she too, kept saying please and no to Auntie.
I looked at Sandy who was still clutching onto the towel Hakim gave her and she met my eyes too.
Before I could say anything I watch her clenched her fist tightly around the towel before mouthing ‘ Forget it’ to me.
I wanted to persuade her otherwise but the thought of a 70 year old women kneeling and tugging on my pants is getting to me. In the end I relented too and said it was up to Sandy.
After Sandy agreed to not calling the cops, all 3 of us managed to pull Auntie up to her feet and helping her to the chair.
Sandy : Auntie… you cannot protect your son like this…
Everyone descended into an awkward silence as we looked at each other, not knowing what to say.
I broke the awkwardness by saying to Hakim that he cannot let this go on.
James : Bro… how much of these do you think your mother’s heart can take ? It’s very traumatising for everyone…
Hakim : I don’t want this either…. I could not wait for Farid to go back to jail…. Maybe then I can go back to my peaceful life…
His mother probably caught on to what he said and quickly held his arm, talking smoothly in Malay to him .
James : Look at what happened… imagine if Sandy did not manage to throw us the key…. It’s unthinkable…
I looked at Sandy who was hugging her knees as she looked at us talk.
James : Have you thought of moving out ? Somewhere your brother cannot find you ?
Hakim : Where can we go ? … i…. I don’t know… never thought of that before… I mean… we already have a place to stay here….
James : I know you have a place to stay but is it the best option for your mother ? … she’s already old, can you imagine if your brother comes back and bother her when you are not around ?
Hakim scratched his head in a frustrated manner and said he had no other options.
Hakim : I struggled daily to call the police myself, to send him back but my mum kept stopping me….
Sandy : Why is your mum defending your brother…!… look at him.. I mean…
Hakim turned and looked at his mother before saying that actually she too wanted Farid back in prison for the things he’s done and for taking drugs but she cannot bear to be the one to send him back, and if it’s within her means, she will make sure he doesn’t go back.
I shook my head and said that she would only cause him even greater harm this way.
I turned to Sandy
James : Just a call from you and he can be out of your life by tonight… it’s simple as that…There’s so many witness..
Hakim looked at his mother who kept shaking her head before looking at us.
James : I have an idea.. .. translate this to your mother…
Hakim nodded.
James : We’ll let this matter rest on one condition. ….
I waited for Hakim to finish his translation before going on.
James : you guys need to move…. Preferably to somewhere nearer to Hakim’s workplace and away from Farid… that way, even if your mum needs you, it’s not too far away for you to rush back…
I paused again before going on.
From the nods I saw, Auntie seemed to be taking it pretty well.
James : Farid will have to fend for himself… even if he lands back in jail…. It’s of his own doing… not either of you…
Another few nods came after the translation before Hakim asked us a question.
Hakim : Farid comes back at irregular days and hours… sometimes he can disappear for an entire week..and…. and..… what if he know’s we’re moving… ?
James : Bring only the essentials and we will do it over a period of time…he must not know where you are moving to…
Hakim : What about this place… ?
James : Change the locks.. Close it… he can spend nights away at a time, surely he can find a place to stay…. You don’t want to let him burn down this place your dad left you do you ? … He would trash it… fill it with junkies and his drugs…
Hakim said he needed some time to discuss this with his mother and we made a move after we excused ourselves.
Hakim : We’ll discuss this….we need time to think..
Sandy and I hailed a cab and I sent her back home without a word. I don’t know what to say to her, I meant, what can you say in that situation ? She leaned against my arm with her body and I let her rest her head against my shoulder too.
It was close to Midnight when I walked Sandy up to her place.
She thanked me for sending her back before shutting the door without a word.
I too made my way back home before collapsing in bed after a hot shower.
1st July 2011
Friday
9am
I was surprised to see Hakim in the office at 9am that day talking to Alex, both of them talking softly.
Hakim saw me and gave me a brief nod before diverting his gaze behind me.
I turned and I saw Sandy a short distance away.
She looked fresh and pretty that day, her hair tied up in a bun and she showed off her slender arms in a sleeveless beige blouse. Her black skirt sat a little high on her waist, and her calves looked even better than her entire sweat drenched legs the night before.
It must be that pair of heels. A simple 2 inch lift that propped up her posture.
Sandy had on light makeup but the way she did it really reminded me of Belinda. It finally dawned on me the resemblance the 2 girls had from certain angles. It was probably the reason why I found her attractive.
Sandy : Morning James…
James : Morning..
Sandy did not have her bag with her and when I looked at her desk, her PC was already turned on. She must have got to work early, probably went to the bathroom or something.
Hakim gave me a look which pretty much asked if I could talk and I nodded towards the direction of the meeting room.
What surprised me though was that Alex followed us into the room.
James :ERmm… Alex ? …
Hakim : I asked him along James… I think maybe we can work something out….. together..
It piqued my curiosity but I patiently sat through Hakim’s explanation.
Hakim : I’m sure you noticed… Alex is always the 1st to arrive and the last to go….
James : Of course I noticed…. I’m the one that tabulates the project finances too so I know his taxi claims is the highest as well…
I’m a little blunt but I don’t care. Since this opportunity presented itself, I might as well make full use of it.
Hakim nodded and Alex looked away, obviously embarrassed.
James : Actually I meant to have a chat with you about this Alex….. just that I couldn’t find the chance to do it… so since we’re here, might as well make things clear.
I told Alex directly that his taxi claims has to stop. It’s really eating into the team’s budget for each job and the reason I continued approving it since we started was because Mr Liew asked me to.
He did not want to make any rash move that would cause people to leave the team. It’s easy for people to just throw in their letter especially when a new set of team leaders come in. Mr Liew’s rationale was that there must be a reason why they were hired in the first place, and they deserve the benefit of doubt that they had something to contribute.
Hakim was about to carry on but instead he nudged Alex to speak up on his own.
Alex : Sorry James… actually my… situation is a bit….complicated. …
Alex had 4 siblings and he was the youngest in the family. His eldest sister is already married with kids and the huge family is actually squeezing together in a 4 room flat.
That’s like 7 adults and 2 kids.
He admitted that there was hardly any personal space for him to do anything and the noise, he could not stand the noise. Everyone gets along ok but he could not get the rest he needed with 2 screaming kids. At the moment Alex sleeps with his parents in the masterbed room on the floor.
He even had to queue to use the bathroom sometimes.
This was the reason why he made sure he’s the 1st to get up at 6am everyday before leaving by 7am before the chaos starts.
He chose to stay late too because when he leaves at 10.30pm, his nephews would be asleep by the time he gets back and there was no need to fight for the bathroom. The taxi claims is sort of an additional perk he was abusing.
James : Why don’t you rent a place… you’re a working adult… getting a room should not be that hard…
Hakim : He did… in fact it was one of the 1st thing Alex did after saving up…. But he got scammed….
Turns out he paid for 2 months deposit in some rental scam and got played out big time. Despite a police report, they never caught the PRC guy since he returned to China.
That bad experience left a bad taste on Alex’s tongue and he had been holding back on getting a place of his own since then.
I nodded and sighed.
James : My cousin is doing rentals… I believe he can help… don’t worry…. He won’t scam you… his wife is a police officer…..appear on crime watch before…
Before I could finish Hakim apologised and cut me off.
Hakim : James… I have another idea…
Hakim : I will rent my current place to Alex… on the cheap…..
My eyes widened and I turned to look at Alex.
James : What ? Does he know about Farid. ?
Hakim nodded.
Hakim : He does… but once we change the lock, a new tenant comes in… with proper paperwork and all…. If Farid harass him, I told him not to hesitate getting the cops…
It took a while for me to digest this and Hakim continued.
Hakim : My mum and I would move. My friend is outstation in Dubai…. He has a spare room in Pasir ris which is not being rented out..… we will go there… Farid won’t find us there…
My ears picked up as the pieces fall into place.
If fact I felt my spirits being lifted already.
James : OK!… good… there you go…
I snapped my fingers with a smile.
James : We solved everybody’s problem… !
Neither Alex nor Hakim seem to agree with me and I gave them a questioning look.
Hakim : There’s just a small problem…
James : What ?
Hakim : My mum….. she would only agree to move out for 3 months…
He turned to Alex and continued.
Hakim : Alex can continue renting the spare room since I sleep with my mum… that one is not a problem….my mother cannot bear to be away from her home for too long…. 3 months is the longest I can get her to move….
James : But… but that doesn’t make sense…. I mean…. 3 months later Farid would come back, he would continue to find trouble and everything would go back to square one….
I looked at Hakim who seemed to have something weighing heavily on his mind.
James : Hakim…. Are you ok ??
He nodded before he stood up and his eyes met mind.
Hakim : What Farid did to Sandy is wrong….he must not be allowed to get away thinking it’s ok… last night I spoke with him when he sobered up a little. He kept saying he likes Sandy, the way she looks, it’s his type… he always liked Chinese girls…
Hakim : He kept insisting Sandy was the one that kept making eyes at him, hinting that she wants him… that was why he did what he did…. But we all know it’s bullshit… Still Farid went on and on…. Talking about nothing except Sandy….
Hakim continued, saying that Farid even gave Sandy a name of his own, Aisha.. That was what he would call her after he marry her.
Hakim : He must be stopped…he needs help…
I was a little taken aback because I don’t know the reason why he brought this up.
James : What…. Do you mean ??
Hakim took a deep breathe before spitting out the words that must be so hard for him to since Farid is his brother.
Hakim : We have 3 months…. To make sure Farid goes back into jail… and my mother must not know about this…
I blinked twice and looked at Hakim, trying to digest what I just heard.
James : Ermm… how… do you plan on doing that ?? I mean…. I thought you said he’s still hanging out with junkies… it should be a matter of time before he gets caught and dragged back in right….
Hakim : I… I’m not sure about that… he’s been out for 2 years… still not caught yet…
He paused and continued. He added with a sigh that going back to jail would probably be the best option for his brother, he revealed that Farid tried to take money from his mother again last night before managing to grab close to a hundred dollars from her purse after shoving her down the kitchen.
Thankfully she did not have a really hard landing.
Hakim : Actually…. We…. Have something in mind… but we could not put it all together…. So we were wondering if you could help in that aspect.
Hakim started to describe an idea which is actually quite simple.
I liked it.
The simpler the idea, the more likely it will work.
Give Farid the money he ask for .
When he goes to his regular contact to get his drugs, he call the cops.
Simple. He roughly knows who is supplying his brother with the drugs, an old neighbour who used to stay in the opposite block.
Alex on the other hand had plans for the move, as in he would help Hakim and his mum make the necessary transfer of daily essentials to their temporary place in Pasir ris. It was the least he could do since Hakim is renting his place to Alex.
He also proposed doing it in phases so as not to arouse Farid’s suspicions.
I thought about their idea and although it sounded pretty straight forward, there were too many variables.
What if Farid did not use the money for drugs ?
How many times does Hakim need to keep giving him ?
What if he’s getting them through other dealers ?
What if they run ?
There are hundreds of drug deals going on in the street everyday, what if the authorities don’t get Farid ? Given a choice if they needed to, they would probably go after the dealer, getting the junkie is a bonus.
There is not enough control even though it was a sound idea.
Alex : What do you think ??
I kept quiet for a while as I thought about their plan.
James : It’s ok… but there are too many variables… coming from a 3rd person’s perspective, I would prefer if everything is more or less controlled.
They looked at me, waiting for me to go on.
I found my eyes shifting a little as I looked away, almost embarrassed to bring up what I have in mind.
Hakim : Go ahead James… let’s hear it…
I spent 5 minutes giving them the rough idea of what I wanted to do and the meeting room became so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.
Hakim : Are you serious James ??
I swallowed a mouthful of saliva and continued.
It takes care of all the variables.
Farid would be caught red handed with the drugs.
Theirs is no place for him to go.
It’s it a safe controlled environment, and we don’t risk getting into trouble with the dealers.
I stood up and added.
James : Leave the most dangerous part to me… I know where to get it…
Hakim : James… are you sure… ??
James : We’ll all be there… that’s 3 of us… it’s more than enough to overpower Farid if things don’t go to plan…he might get hurt a little if it comes to that but let’s hope the plan works out…nobody should get hurt…
Hakim : Ok…
Alex nodded too.
I nodded and pushed in my chair under the table, a subtle sign that the meeting is over.
Mr Liew had cast his glance over a few times and we are late on some deliverable as it is.
James : There is there one thing…..
I paused and took a deep breathe, casting my conscious aside.
James : For this to work…. Sandy must not know…
I could see the grim look on their faces but the nodded their heads, no doubt realising this was a better way to get things done.
I walked out into the office and pulled my chair beside Sandy.
James : You ok ?
Sandy nodded her head, chewing on some apple slices as she offered me one.
James : I have something to tell you…
Sandy : Yah ?
James : Farid was arrested last night…
Sandy turned towards me with a surprised look.
James : Hakim called the police, they came, he was caught with some pills on him…they brought him in…
Sandy : Really !..
I almost felt guilty looking at the sight of relief that seemed to be washing over Sandy’s expression.
I nodded.
Sandy : That’s…. that’s great…right…
I smiled and gave Sandy’s hair a gentle stroke.
James : Forget about what happened last night ok ?? , don’t brood over it… it’s over…..
Sandy smiled and gave me a thumbs up.
I could feel my erection stir once more as I looked at her bra strap that was apricot in colour, looking pretty sweet against her smooth skin and peeking out from her sleeveless blouse.
James : One more thing….Hakim…. is planning to move… We’re all helping out next weekend…. Alex and me…. And ermm… His mother insisted on cooking something for us… as an apology of sort….
Sandy turned and crossed her legs, causing her the hem of her skirt to ride up a little.
James : You doing anything next Saturday evening ? It’s a little late… about 9pm or so…. The relative Hakim is borrowing the lorry from can only make it at that time…
Sandy smiled and agreed to it immediately.
Sandy : Sure… I’ll be there…
She swiveled her chair back towards the screen and continued with her work.
When I looked back up, I could see Hakim and Alex looking at me.
I gave them a slight nod and as if some trigger has been pressed, both their heads turned back towards their screen almost in unison and they went back to their work.
I got back to my seat and started feeling a little unsure about this.
Hopefully everything goes as planned and Sandy would walk away from all this none the wiser, everything would go back to normal.
Hopefully.
………………………
After giving my head a good shake I drained my coffee and opened up the files I needed to get stuff done.
I had just started getting down to my work when I noticed some commotion at the office entrance. Terry and Belinda walked in briskly towards Mr Liew’s office.
After a short talk at in his room they went to the meeting room.
From their body language, i could tell it was a heated discussion. Eventually all 3 of them were standing up and I could see their hands raised up, gesturing angrily at each other.
10 minutes later when Mr Liew stormed out, Terry and Belinda left the office too.
Belinda had her arms folded as she stormed out while Terry followed close behind talking into his phone.
This doesn’t look too good.
I went over to his room and Mr Liew spoke without looking up.
Mr Liew : Whatever you are doing James…. it better be over soon…. things don’t look good for our team…
He finished signing a couple of folders before looking at me in the eye.
Mr Liew : Is the team ready ?
I shook my head.
James : Soon…
I asked if everything is ok he said he will talk to me about it another day.
Mr Liew : I’m not in the best of mood for this now…
I nodded and left his office.
6.30 pm
The rest of the day is uneventful. Just the way I like it.
Work, clear your mails and get ready for the weekend.
I went home at 7.30pm, had a nice quiet dinner by the coffee shop before settling down on my bed with a good book by 10pm.
Without even realising it, I drifted off to sleep.
Alex and Hakim set up this chat group on wasapp and we kept each other up to date.
2nd July 2011
Saturday.
11am
Alex was already at Hakim’s place early that morning and they shifted 3 suitcase of belongings over to Pasir Ris by lunch and called it a day.
I got dressed in simple plain clothes and left my house.
I was a little apprehensive about heading to the warehouse but I knew it was my best shot of getting what I wanted to get.
I haven’t been there in years since my childhood.
I alighted 1 street down as I walked towards the small warehouse of the charcoal supplier.
Yes, Charcoal, the black piece of petrified wood you use for your BBQ.
It’s not something valuable, not many people buy it these days since we use gas but it’s a old family business. I remembered heading down to the warehouse every week with my grandfather when I was young.
Old matured trees lined the street and a dirty old truck was parked out front.
The main shutter is closed, it always is, even for loading and unloading, the shop does it with a large door by the side.
Now I visit this place not for the charcoal.
I came for the Opium.
You see, Charcoal arrives on large barges from the sea back then. It’s easy to smuggle stuff within the bags of black gold and Opium is easiest to hide.
They would do it in bigger quantities back then and my grandfather would buy it weekly. Just a small pinch here and there.
As society progresses, Opium have fallen out of favour in the early 90s and it was not even viable to smuggle them into the country in large quantities. The risk you take is not worth it for the small amount of profit.
I overheard once the shop owner telling my grandfather that hardly anyone buys it anymore. That was during one of my last trip with him before my PSLE exams. My parents barred me from heading there once I got into secondary school.
Well my grandfather doesn’t smoke them, it’s just that certain gods he worships favors Opium if you get my drift.
The same musty smell greeted me as I knocked on the door.
It’s weekend in the middle of the industrial estate, there’s hardly anyone around but I know someone will answer the door. The owner stays in his shop.
Ah Hock… that’s what my grandfather calls him.
I expected a wrinkly old man to open the door, it’s been almost 2 decade since I last saw this man, he was in his late 40s then, he should be almost 70 by now.
The old door creaked and opened a crack.
Instead of Ah Hock, I saw a bangala worker.
Bangala : Boss… today closed…
James : Errr… I’m… I’m looking for Ah Hock….
He looked at me for a moment before looking back behind him and speaking to another person.
Moments later another man came to the door, he had a streak of purple in his dark black hair and he bit on a cigarette as he asked me what I wanted. He looked gruff and irritated and seemed to be in his forties.
James : I… use to come here with my grandfather last time….. to look for Ah Hock… I need to get something…. For the …. For the gods…. You know…
He looked me up and down before asking me to fuck off.
Man : Go fuck yourself… we sell Charcoal..
The door slammed shut in my face as I sighed and walked a few steps backwards to look at the shop.
There was a security camera pointed at the entrance and I have no doubt they were looking at me.
Even the red blinking light looked menacing as I looked at it.
Suddenly an idea struck me as I opened up my phone folder and searched for some family photos my cousins had sent via the chat group. I found one with my grandfather and immediately full screen it and pointed it at the camera.
I held it there for a few seconds before the door opened again.
That’s it.
Ho seh liao…. Don’t give me face see my grandfather also must give face.
The same man opened the door and I immediately spoke.
James : Just a bit… just a bit would do… I don’t need a lot …
He opened his shop door fully and gestured for me to go into the warehouse.
I tried to hold back a smile but before I could step in fully, he stopped me by the entrance and pointed to a altar beside his office.
Man : You should me photo… I also show you photo..
He pointed to the black and white photo on the altar and I immediately recognised Ah Hock.
It took a few seconds for me to register that in my head before I regained my composure.
James : W…Wh.. When did he pass ?
Man : Few months ago… Cancer… I’m his son..
James : Oh…. oh… you .. you are Tommy…
I suddenly remembered the name my grandfather always called out towards the back of the shop.
He looked surprised and asked to see the photo again.
He returned the phone to me and I tried not to dust off the charcoal stains that had been left on my screen in front of Tommy.
Tommy : What do you want…
James : Just a bit.
He considered my request for about 5 seconds before asking me to wait outside the warehouse.
I did as I was told and 5 minutes later, Tommy came out and gave me a cellophane wrapped package. It was no bigger than the old fifty cent coin.
James : How much ?
I’m not sure how much these things cost so I took out 3 pieces of 50 dollar bills.
Tommy took 1 piece and asked me not to go back there again.
Tommy : We no longer bring them in… just leftovers for regulars…. They’re all in their late sixties…seventies… I won’t entertain you again…
I nodded as I kept the package in my pocket and in my attempt to make conversation, I asked something stupid that made Tommy cast me an even more hostile glance.
James : All these still from Indonesia ?
His glare told me I had outstayed my welcome, I smiled awkwardly and thanked him before walking away.
He lit another cigarette and spoke in a normal voice as I walked away.
Tommy : India… mostly from India these days…. Send my regards to your grandpa.
I gave him a thumbs up and added ;
James : He’s probably playing chess with Ah Hock now…
Tommy laughed, threw me a middle finger before disappearing into his warehouse.
I never saw him again.
I got back, changed the packaging carefully and kept my stash aside.
4th July 2011
Monday
10.00am
I went over to Hakim and pulled him aside for a word.
James : Hakim… tomorrow… bring your mother to the polyclinic…
Hakim : Huh ? I got no more leave… she’s feeling ok actually…
James : Exactly… bring her… get a doctor’s opinion…. And stop eating unnecessary medicine…
Hakim : but it’s going to take probably an entire day…
I told him Alex and I would cover his work.
His priority is to get his mum to have a through checkup.
James : You’re not on leave tomorrow… you’re out on site taking measurements..and photos… you get what I mean ? …
Hakim nodded and thanked me for helping.
James : Oh.. by the way, it would not take an entire day…. Probably half a day or so should do… the rest of the more detailed referrals would take months though… haha
Hakim laughed and gave me the thumbs up.
Everything went smoothly for the rest of the week.
When Hakim turned up for work on Wednesday, there was no way to describe the look of relief and gratitude on his face. He showed up at 9am sharp for the 1st time since I started work at the office.
Hakim : James… there’s nothing wrong with my mother… just a little underweight and blood pressure a little low… other than that she’s healthy….Doctor just asks her to exercise and go out for walks more…
I have never seen someone look so relieved and happy as Hakim shared that piece of news with me. As happy as he was, he soon sank into a short bout of embarrassment as he realised that he had been letting his mother eat useless supplements for the longest time.
James : I’m glad she’s ok… that’s one more thing off your mind at least…
Hakim has schedule her mum to see a specialist for her knee since she complained that they hurt a little occasionally, but that referral would take a couple of months.
Hakim : Anyway James… Thanks man… for…. Helping to cover…
James : No worries la… we’re a team… instead of wasting leave for all these stuff…. Might as well we cover each other a bit, there’s no telling when I might need you to cover me too…
He gave me a thumbs up and got back to work.
Alex still comes to work early and leaves late but he no longer claims for the cab fare.
Terry and Belinda came a couple more times to bother Hakim and Sandy but it was nothing compared to the heated discussion they had with Mr Liew.
All in all, it was a good week.
A smooth week.
Too smooth it seems.
To the point it made me worry a little. It’s the feeling that bugs you when everything seems to be going your way.
I can’t explain it.
8th July 2011
Friday
9am.
Hakim said in the group chat that Farid has not returned home in 3 days.
He brought up the discussion and meeting over home cooked meal the last time he saw him and Farid agreed to show up. Hakim has been sending him messages the past couple of days pretending to check with him what he would like since their mother would need to prepare the food.
You see, the purpose of setting up the Saturday gathering had a few purposes.
Hakim would contact Farid with the excuse of wanting to pay him a lump sum and for him to get out of the house and stop making trouble for their mother since she is in ill health once and for all. He was not to return until Hakim nurses his mum back in a few months.
Next, to inform Farid that they will be renting a room out to Alex to make ends meet and that after that round of money, they would not be able to afford anymore due to their mum’s medical fees.
It would also serve as a subtle warning to Farid that should he cause anymore trouble, the tenant would call the police so he should watch his own stupidity.
Hakim and his mother have started shifting progressively with Alex’s help. Since they won’t be gone for more than 3 months, they don’t need to bring too much. It can be done over several days, shouldn’t be a problem. This they had accomplished easily. Only one final move left and they’re ready to go.
The dinner cum gathering the next day is fake of course and Hakim’s mother would not be there. She would be safely tucked away in Pasir Ris after she has prepared the food for a supposedly work meeting. Needless to say, she would be kept in the dark as well.
Sandy would never agree to be the bait so we had to keep it from her too, not after what happened.
Now getting Farid over to his place is but one part of the plan.
We needed him to stay.
Long enough to put the plan into motion.
There is no telling how long the discussion would take. It might be 5 minutes, it might be 10. Maybe 30.
No one knows.
Now if Hakim deliberately drags the discussion, Farid would surely catch on to it so we needed a reason for Farid to stay.
And that would be Sandy.
Unknown to Sandy, after the brother’s discussion, regardless of what mental state Farid is in, Hakim would demand that his brother make an apology to Sandy. He would say it was the only way she would not pursue the matter.
We planned for plenty of allowance.
I had given the timing of 9pm to Sandy for the move, take into consideration our plans for a home cooked meal, ideally we should be meeting around 7.30 pm.
We would be meeting up with Farid at 5pm.
Why 5pm ?
According to Hakim, between 5pm to 8pm would be the period Farid gets desperate. It was the timing he usually asks for money, without which, he would not last the night without his fix.
It also pretty much sets his mood for the evening.
Hakim : I tell him we talking about money at 5pm, he will show up at 5pm.
That was what Hakim said.
But simply showing up is not enough.
We know of course immediately after getting the money, Farid would rush off to get his fix. It’s a no brainer.
There is no way we’re going to give him the money at one go.
The sequence of event would go as follows , Hakim have his discussion with Farid while Aex and I wait at the next block. His mum would be at home, cooking, none the wiser to what we have planned and Farid would see his mum busy preparing for a home cooked meal.
Hakim would give Farid some money, enough to get his fix, but not enough to get him satisfied.
There would be 3 reasons for Farid to come back base on what we planned.
Being filial and come back for dinner with his mother. I almost rolled my eyes on this.
Two, the balance of the money he would be getting.
Lastly, Sandy.
He did say he likes Sandy even though it might be in the heat of his madness. Still Hakim did mention that even when Farid is sober, he says he likes Sandy and he felt sorry for his action although I very much doubted it.