Jackson : Jesus….. you’re drunk….
She finished half of what is in her glass and rest her tired head on her palm as she looked at me.
Yiling : Jackson….
Jackson : what… ?
She gestured absentmindedly in the air.
Yiling : Anyone….. special…..in your life… ? girlfriend…. ?
Jackson : No….
Yiling : Why not ? ….
Jackson : No particular reason….. haven met the right one….
Yiling : sheeehzz…. Too choosy…. Men are too choosy these days …
Jackson : What about you…. ? anyone special ??
Yiling chuckled as if I said something funny.
Yiling : I can’t….
Jackson : Why not…. ?
Yiling smiled and I could feel a hint of bitterness from it and she just repeated what she said earlier.
Yiling : I can’t….. I can’t afford to….
Jackson : Money don’t seem to be a problem….
Yiling : I can’t afford to….
She began mumbling to herself as she ran her finger around the rim of the whisky glass.
Yiling : Jackson …..Jack….. son……Jackson….Jack… Jack…. Son… Son….
Jackson : what is wrong with you…. ?
I replaced the bottle on the shelf and I checked on the rain. It’s still going on, looks like it’s going to be a long one.
I cleaned the table of the peanut shells and snacks and Yiling slowly rest her head on her arm like a student stealing a snooze in class.
I took the seat opposite her and just looked at her.
Who exactly is she ?
I still don’t know.
Is she a bad person ?
I can’t answer that as well.
Who was she talking to over the phone in the car ?
The phone call on the Nokia.
The phone call that can take care of everything. All the mess.
Yiling jerked herself awake and she toppled the rest of her drink. She straightened herself and tried to stand up.
Yiling : I’m ok…. I’m ok….
She staggered forward and supported her stumble with both hands. I grunted and got up, biting my teeth to hold back the pain my body is experiencing, I held onto Yiling and she fell into my arms.
Jackson : arnghhhh !!!… fuck….ooohhhhffff…
Yiling : I’m hooookayyy……. I’m hoookay….
I dragged her over to my bed and I put her down as gently as I could.
Yiling : rrrrrrooo… rrrourrrr…mmmmhhh..
Yiling mumbled and turned to her side. I grabbed the blanket and put it over her.
I went to my gardening supplies shelf and pulled out a green canvas. I folded it to make an improvised pillow and I put it on the floor beside the bed. People take on a job for a better life, somehow I feel my quality of living is on the decline.
I looked at Yiling slumped onto my bed like a log. She’s sleeping with her mouth slightly open and I’m sure she is going to drool onto my pillow.
Yiling : errrrrrrr…..arrhhhh….
She turned, kicked my blanket halfway off the bed with her legs and spread arms wide before mumbling something I can’t make out. I could already see a wet patch at the part where she was laying face down earlier.
How can a women behave at such extreme end of the spectrum ?
If she’s not the classy confident women I am working for, she is this.
This abomination of weird creature habits, this junk food chugging, beer drinking, finger licking and sometimes just plain funny girl.
A girl that I confess that I would love to date despite all her flaws.
She can be a bitch at times and I’m sure the rest of the guys would agree with me on this, but somehow, she just draws all of us close to her.
She’s all powerful, yet vulnerable.
She’s confident, yet she has her own insecurities.
She’s gorgeous when she’s all dolled up, and even without makeup, she’s pretty and cute.
She’s the kind of girl men would want to protect.
She burped and turned away, mumbling again in her sleep.
Shaking my head, I started to lower myself onto the ground.
Jackson : arhhhh… ahhhh… arghhhhh …
Groaning and moaning every step of the way, I laid down and I fell asleep.
………………………………………………
2nd June 2015
Tuesday
8am
When I opened my eyes, I saw that the bed beside me is empty. The blanket I had offered to Yiling is now covering me.
The bruises hurt more than ever and I could hardly scrub myself when I shower.
I got dressed and went to the cookhouse to grab a bite.
9.30am
My phone rang and I knew exactly who it is.
Jackson : yes…
Yiling : you ready to go…. ?
Jackson : yeap… where do I meet you… ?
Yiling : I’ll meet you at your car…. I got someone to fill up the tank a little, enough for us to make it to the petrol kiosk…
Jackson : what… how ? … you don’t have the keys….
Yiling : opening car door & fuel tank without keys is a skillset that is not hard to find among the people working for me…. I’ll see you there….
I got to my car and Yiling was dressed like a cool cowgirl that morning.
White blouse with sleeves folded up to her elbows. The 1st 2 buttons are undone, revealing her plain white tube underneath. Navy blue hip hugging jeans and fashionably high heels in brown suede.
Her sling bag is in a similar shade of brown and it was sitting on the roof of my car.
She was playing with her aviator shades and when she saw me approaching, she put it on and waited for me to unlock the car.
We got in and the first thing she commented was when am I going to change a new one.
Yiling : This is old…. Old…. Time for a new one…
Jackson : When you give me a raise…. I’ll get one…I realised I was still getting the same pay with the added responsibilities….
Yiling snorted as she asked me to start driving.
I topped up the tank and made our way to little india.
11am
I followed Yiling’s direction, cutting through small streets and alleyways.
It’s been a while since I came to little india. It has never been a nice place to drive in. People jaywalk across the street throughout the day, tradesmen line the small roads with their wares ranging from onions to brinjals.
Groups of visitors just hanging around blocking roads and walkways going about their own business.
Deliveries are carted across streets to restaurant and busloads of tourist kept arriving to check out the quaint district.
Jackson : where do I go from here…. ?
Yiling pointed to a commercial building and I paused at the junction where 5 different roads converged. Making sure the street is clear, I turned into the basement carpark.
Everything looks new and the carpark has a fresh coat of paint.
The barrier arm came up promptly and I found a spot right by the entrance to the office lobby.
Yiling : wait for me at the lobby…. I’ll handle this alone….
Jackson : you sure ? …. Will you be ok… ?
Yiling : don’t worry…. It’s safe here….
Jackson : I need to relook at the word safe after I start working for you…..i mean…. Old folks home…. Temple… ? I would think those places are generally safe….
Yiling : I’ll be fine….
Jackson : I’ll accompany you and wait outside the room or office or whatever…at least stay in my sight…. I’m going to be left worrying and wondering what is happening … and…
Yiling stopped walking and turned to look at me while removing her shades.
She gave me a sly smile before jabbing me with the end of her shades.
Yiling : you know…… I realised…. You can be quite sweet sometimes…Jackson…. Hahah ….
Jackson : What… ? I’m just concerned….
Yiling : hahah… well… I think it’s really sweet of you to be worrying about your boss like that…. But what can I say….
Yiling spread her hands and gestured around her like a model presenting her wares.
Yiling : This is one of the safest building in the country….
I rolled my eyes as she laughed and started to turn away from me.
Yiling : If there’s a zombie apocalypse…. This would be where I would run to….remember that… it would save your life….
Jackson : Yiling…. Wait…
Yiling went towards the lift lobby and bypassed the people using the automated gantry with their staff pass. Instead, she went to the guard who buzzed her in without a word.
She must be a regular here.
Yiling : I’ll call you….
She gave me a wink before stepping into the lift.
I walked deeper into the lobby and checked out the surrounding. It’s bright and new, probably went through a makeover within the last year or so. I never realised this building was here before.
There’s a small water feature in the centre of the lobby. It looked like some abstract artwork made of different pieces of bent metal. The 4m high water feature artwork has a controlled valve at the top.
You know those fountain that can time each drop of water to form shapes, pictures, and even images ? You usually see it at shopping malls and tourist attractions.
This particular feature is doing just that but instead of displaying the usual greeting, time or building name, it was just displaying random letters and numbers. Maybe a system error.
They should at least display the time.
The falling water is quite mesmerising to watch though.
I could smell the fragrance of freshly ground coffee beans and I turned towards the small canteen tucked by the corner of the building.
Perfect.
It’s a peculiar looking café, interesting concept.
The expensive expresso machine looked out of place under the signboard that says Chicken rice. It appears as if the new owners had kept the old signboards of the previous operators.
Old coffee making pots and stockings hung on the wall behind the barista.
I ordered a piccolo Latte and found a seat to people watch.
From hot office ladies to your usual corporate looking executives, the building is bustling with activity.
My drink didn’t last long and since I did not know how long my wait is going to be, I ordered another latte with a croissant.
It must be quite a popular place to grab a drink and the queue kept coming.
The seats were taken up fast too and I was trying to avoid eye contact with those that think I’m seat hogging.
“ can I…. share your table ? “
The man spoke with an accent and I gestured for him to go ahead.
Now at least I don’t feel so bad hogging a table for 4.
He placed a copy of newspaper on the table and I could see it’s in Korean.
After he came back with his drink I adjusted my stuff to give him more space and slowly ate my croissant while he read his papers. Rodong Sinmun. The name of the paper.
I could not help googling for it and my eyes widened immediately.
Bloody hell, that’s a North Korean newspaper. He reached into his pocket and brought out a pen to write something down on his palm after reading the paper and I could clearly see the pen came with a pin of the supreme leader.
What are the odds ?
Having coffee beside a North Korean in Little india.
I was thinking of dropping Yiling a message when the Korean I was sharing the table with exclaimed and got up to shake the hand of another man who just arrived.
“ Billy……how’s things on your end… thank you for the hampers… “
I casually looked up and saw a young looking fellow shake the hand of the Korean before speaking softly by his ear. The young chap has a youthful looking face but I could see white hair has started to show, it’s as if work has forced him to grow up faster than he wanted.
Well, corporate life isn’t for everyone. Working in an office can wear out anyone.
Billy whispered something to the Korean and he nodded before he whispered something in return.
Both of them laughed softly and the Korean man said something along the line of ;
‘ Tell him his friends in the north….. wishes him well… ‘
Billy : hahah… of course…. Come…. We need to talk….
They went towards the direction of the lift and disappeared into one of it.
I finished up the last of my croissant and drained my cold coffee.
With a constant stream of people coming in, I was too embarrassed to hog the seat further and I decided to explore a little.
Little India has changed a lot ever since the riot in 2013.
I could see cameras at every turn. Cameras bundled up like a bunch of grapes hung at varying heights at strategic junction. It’s impossible to do anything without being monitored in this district.
A couple of police officers cycled by and a tour guide explained to a small group of tourists the different walking trails they can explore to soak up the atmosphere.
Alcohol consumption in public areas have been banned in little India as a result of the riot. You can only sell alcohol from 6am to 8pm and even then, you can only consume the alcohol in licensed establishments.
It sounds absurd, something only a country that bans chewing gum will think off but still, they managed to pull it off.
I’m not sure how long Yiling will take and I don’t want to wander far.
I passed by shops selling herbs and spices, mobile phones, even minimarts.
An old man was peeling onions in front of his shop. A minivan load of tourist disembarked in front of a store selling jewlleries.
I turned at the junction, intending to make a loop back to the office building.
The smell of the food is really tempting but I don’t want to risk ordering only to have Yiling bark at me over the phone to get back there so I continued walking.
Just when I was about to make the last right turn back to the office building, I froze.
I froze because I saw someone I recognised.
The man with the funny fingers standing behind Rachel at the dinner.
One of the Rajahs.
He was standing at the end of the five foot way. He knew I saw him and he walked casually away.
What the fuck ? Why is he here ?
I quickened my pace to the end of the street to see if he’s still there but he’s gone.
This is creepy, he’s following me.
Making my way back to the office tower, I went to the café again, choosing a window seat this time round that gave me a good view of the exterior.
I don’t see him anywhere.
Yiling : Jackson …
I turned to see Yiling walking towards me.
Jackson : hey… I need to tell you something….. one of the Rajahs…. I think he’s following us….
Yiling : where… ?
Jackson : over there on that street … he’s one of the guy standing behind Rachel…. The one with the creepy fingers….
Yiling checked out the surrounding and added.
Yiling : well… I don’t see him…. Relax man… you’re too jumpy…we’re safe
Jackson : after the things that happened…. You can’t blame me for being jumpy…
Yiling : let’s go….
As we walked to the car, I asked Yiling about her meeting.
Jackson : you’re done…. So what’s the situation ?? what is happening ? …. Did you get the answers you are looking for… ?
Yiling : sort of…
We got into the car and I started the engine.
Jackson : so … what is going on…. ? can you tell ?
Yiling : …. you won’t understand….
Jackson : what nonsense is this…. How would you know I won’t understand if you don’t share… ?
Yiling : just drive….
I asked her where are we going and she told me to head to old Chua Chu Kang road.
Jackson : where exactly ?
Yiling : the gun club…
Jackson : what… why ???
Yiling : you have a lot of questions you know Jackson ….
Jackson : of course I have questions….if I don’t ask…. Who will tell me the answer…. ?
Yiling : I’ll tell you when we get there….
Buildings and industrial factories slowly gave way to a sea of green as I drove to that remote part of the island.
Pulling up at the gate of the gun club, I could see a large notice telling everyone that the club is closed.
Jackson : it’s closed…. I saw on the news…. It got flooded recently or something right…. Lawsuits flying around….
The security guard came out of the booth and he was about to wave us to look at the sign when he saw Yiling.
He immediately unlocked the gate and we waited for the mechanical barrier to roll open. He removed the sign as well, giving Yiling a friendly nod, gesturing for us to head inside.
Jackson : woah….
There are only 3 passenger cars in the parking lot but there are 4 covered trucks. On the exterior it’s the advertisement of a moving company. It don’t look like the gun club is moving though.
We got out and the place is empty. Yiling knew exactly where she is going and I followed closely behind.
Jackson : so……
Yiling : so what… ?
She commented without looking behind.
Jackson : There isn’t a flooding is there…. ?
We got to the range and I could see a man who had the bearing of a regimental sergeant major waiting for us.
Yiling : no…. there was no flooding…
Jackson : that means…..
I quickened my step and walked beside Yiling, wondering how the hell can she walk at the speed she does with those heels.
Jackson : that means you…. You closed the gun range on purpose….
Yiling : ….yes I did….
Jackson : why… ?
Yiling stretched out her hand and the waiting man shook it warmly.
Yiling : Hi Calvin….been a while…
Calvin : Hi Yiling….. been a while indeed…..
Yiling : what I’ve asked for….. everything ok… ?
Calvin nodded.
Calvin : the club will be closed for a few months at least…..lawsuits will keep the media and members occupied…. Contractors that are supposed to fix the flooding and armory are all my guys…. We’re good….
Yiling : thank you so much for the help…. Are they here already… ?
Calvin : we owe you Yiling… it’s the least we can do…. Come… follow me…. She’s in the waiting room….
I whispered to Yiling, asking if we’re going to shoot at the range.
Jackson : I don’t mind having some fun… hahaha…. Been a while since I last tried this
Yiling : we’re not here to have fun….
I arrived at the waiting room and i froze at the door. There is a lady who is of similar size as Cindy but she looked older. Probably late thirties. She’s ribbed and if she goes head to head with Cindy, I’m not sure who will emerge the winner.
I barely had time to digest how the big girl look when someone else caught my attention.
Someone that Yiling is walking towards with her arms spread apart.
I blinked several times.
My eyes alternated between Yiling and another lady she is walking towards.
Jackson : what the fuck…..
They look, they look the same.
Almost like a carbon copy.
Yiling hugged the girl for a few seconds before asking her how is she.
They exchanged a few words before turning to me.
Yiling : This is my sister…. Yvonne…. Sis… this is Jackson ….
Jackson : You…. You…..
Yvonne : hi Jackson ….
Jackson : You…. You’re twins….
Yiling : yes…
Jackson : do… do the rest of the guys know…. ?
Yiling : Declan is aware….the rest… I don’t think so….
Jackson : this….
Yiling : …. Jackson,…. listen carefully to what I’m about to say…..
I was at a loss for words.
They really look quite identical.
Slight difference, Yvonne has fuller breasts.
If you were to see from a distance, or take a passing glance, or from the back they’re really quite identical. I mean I can tell Yiling and Yvonne apart but their resemblance is really quite amazing.
Yiling : There is something……we need to do…..
I looked at the sisters as my mind tried to wrap around what she is saying.
The 2 of them looked at me as if they expect me to figure out what they are up to.
Jackson : You’re going…………..you’re going ….. to get your sister to pretend to be you ………
I said it even without realising.
It just came out.
Yiling : Actually…. You’re half right…..
Jackson : what ? ….
Yiling : I am going to pretend to be my sister…..
……………………………………….
It took a while for that to sink in and I asked her why.
Jackson : why…. ? is this related to everything that is happening… ? why do you need to pretend to be your sister… ?
Yiling : no it’s not…. This is personal…. And we need your help…
Jackson : will I be breaking the law… ?
Yiling : that’s…. open to interpretation…..
Jackson : not again….? You’re kidding ….
Yiling : I’m not….
Yiling gave me a straight face and waited for my reply.
I would tell whatever this is, she wants me to help. I looked at the 2 girls in the room and they were both looking at me. It’s a strange feeling to have 2 identical looking individuals staring at me.
Jackson : ok…. Ok….…. is this why you are always away with Aaron on Fridays … ?
Yiling : Aaron doesn’t know…. I am at the warehouse with Aaron on Fridays…..wait wait wait…. why do you know about my Fridays… ? why do you care about Aaron… ?
Jackson : I don’t care about Aaron ….…. I just know Friday is the time i usually have the weekly steamboat with the guys…. When you guys are not around…… doing whatever it is you do…
Yiling : What !…. why do you care what I do on my Fridays… ?
Jackson : I already said I don’t…. I’m just saying…
Yiling : I’m your boss !… I do what I want on my Fridays !
Jackson : Yes… yes…. I know that…why are you getting so worked up ?
Yvonne laughed and folded her arms.
Yvonne : ok…. Please…. Stop it… hahah….
Yiling : It’s not funny…. At least my Fridays are better spent at work than you….. gorging yourself on processed food in a pot….
Jackson : Oh… you mean the same processed food you made me cook for you last night…. Before drooling all over my pillow ….. I should have taken a photo of the drool stain….
Yiling : I will buy you a truck load of pillows….. you know what… I’ll buy the fucking pillow factory…….. and fill up your…..
Yvonne stepped in between the 2 of us and started waving her hand.
Yvonne : ok… wait… wait….wait…. let me get this straight…..
It’s weird seeing a duplicate of Yiling with her arms folded as she eyed me suspiciously.
Yvonne : Jackson….
Jackson : Yeah ?
Yvonne : She…. Drooled on your pillow last night….
Jackson : yes….
Yvonne : So she slept in your bed…. ?
Yvonne turned to her sister, making an accusation with her eyes wide open and her arms folded all without saying a single word.
Yiling : It’s not what you think !!!! SIS !!
Yvonne : ahh… ahhh.. ahhh…. Ahhhhh…. Eehhhhh…. I see….
My god, even the way they talk is similar.
Yiling : It’s not !! I had too much to drink….
Yvonne : Oh… so….you had too much to drink… and you…. End up on his bed…. I see….
Jackson : It’s a single bed …. Not that it matters…..Yvonne… I was on the floor…….. the whole night…. !! it was raining cats and dogs……!
Yvonne : guys…. We’re all adults…. It’s ok….
Yiling : Sis !!… I am his boss !!!
Jackson : this is a misunderstanding…..i don’t know how did we even come to have this conversation but….
Yvonne : shhhhhhhhh!!!! SHHH!!! Shushhhh!!
Yvonne waved her hands in an animated manner like a teacher desperate to shut her class up.
Yvonne : Come on….. I’m not a prude…. Rainy day…….. drinks and drool…. What the fuck guys…. Come on….hahaha… what are you… ? 16 ? chill man…. I’m ok with this….
Yiling : Oh my god… I can’t believe you are actually saying that…. !
Yvonne : I will ask one question…. And I will rest my case… very simple question…. We are all adults….
Yiling : Sis… there is nothing between us !!!! HE WORKS FOR ME !!!
Jackson : Yvonne… come on…. She speaks the truth… there is…
Yvonne put her finger to her lips and gesture for us to shut up so she could speak.
Yvonne : As the elder sister…. I need to know this…. I’m going to ask you Jackson…..just one question…. And…. Please be honest…..
Jackson : shoot… I won’t lie about things like this… go ahead….
Yvonne : it’s a bit crude to ask if you guys fucked already….. yeah….. you know……you’ll probably say no…. so…. I’ll rephrase it……
Jackson : We didn’t !!
Yvonne : shhhhh… sh…….shhhhhhhhh…… wait for my question……ok…
Yvonne looked at her younger sister who looked like she was ready to strangle her.
Yvonne : Is she……..…. Satisfied…. With the size…. ??
The question came out and the room immediately went quiet.
Now, this question would have been simple to deny by anyone.
Especially if you have not shown the girl your cock and wave it in front of her face but in our situation, it’s different.
Yiling has seen my dick, up close no less. This is a fact.
What happened next is a natural reaction, nothing more.
Yvonne asked me, if Yiling was satisfied with my dick size, well, I don’t know do I ? So naturally I looked at Yiling who would be in a better position to answer that question.
I looked at her because she is the only one who can answer it. It just happened naturally.
However, that looked we exchanged, within that split second, It’s evident to everyone in the room.
Yvonne knew the one undeniable fact, Yiling has seen my dick.
Period.
Yiling and I shared a look for that brief second before both of us started talking at the same time, trying to get our point across to Yvonne who just laughed and kept pointing a finger at her sister.
Yvonne : oh ….. you fucking slut ……hahahaha… you… haha… that look on your face…… hahah !!! so…? Are you satisfied with the size.. ?? hahahah
Yiling : It’s not what you think !!!! I FUCKING TRIED TO KILL HIM FOR FLASHING ME…!!
Yvonne : oh… oh… ? you’re telling me…. hahaha… he flashed you his cock…..but he’s still alive…right…..
Yiling just screamed at her sister while Yvonne made a silly face in the same manner when siblings squabble.
I was left speechless as I watch Yiling try to grab and kick her sister. Both of them ended up laughing and trying to tickle each other while trading insults and curses.
Yiling : Camilia !!!… grab my sister…. !!
The large looking lady just smiled but did nothing, choosing to enjoy the squabble.
Yiling looked relaxed, almost carefree.
She kept trying to cover her sister’s mouth while Yvonne tried to tell me about how she made a guy younger than her show her his dick when she was in junior college.
Yiling : shut the fuck up you bitch !!! arghhhh!!
Yvonne : hahahh!!!!
Yiling : aRGHHH!!!! Go to hell…!! I’m not doing this with you..!!!… !
Yiling shot me an irritated look before storming out of the room. This is embarrassing, not just for her, but for me as well.
Yvonne laughed and apologised on her sister’s behalf.
Yvonne : I’m sorry….. hahaha… she has quite a bit of a temper….
Jackson : tell me about it… but Yvonne… I’m serious… nothing happened….
Yvonne : Ok… yeah…. On a stormy night…. After some drinks… you flashed her your cock… and nothing happened… noted…
Jackson : It’s different nights… !! the cock flash and the drinks are different nights…
Yvonne : ah.. eghh.. eghhh..e gh….ehhh….. so you spent different nights together… hahaha….. no wonder she chose you for this…. Hahah…
Jackson : arghhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! Forget it….
Yvonne kept on chuckling as she gestured for me to follow her with her hands stuck in her denim pocket.
Yvonne : hahah… come Jackson… let’s talk…
We left the room and entered a small cafeteria.
There is no one inside and Yiling grabbed a few cans of drinks from the fridge before coming over to the table.
Yvonne : sit please….
Jackson : What is going on here…. ?
Yvonne sat in front of me and her sister took the seat on her left.
Camilia checked the doors and the surrounding before parking herself a short distance away.
Yvonne gave me a brief background of her life post separation from her husband.
Yvonne : quick summary….my husband is gone…. Someone else likes me…. I used to like him and we dated for a while too but that was in the past….. I want to move on….he doesn’t…….but I can’t shake him away….
Jackson : ok…. Very short albeit complicated summary….
Yvonne : it’s complicated…. And we’ve been playing the waiting game…. Bidding for time….
I turned to Yiling and asked her to just say the word. I’m sure Hong or Seven could take care of it.
Jackson : I’m sure you can solve this with a snap of your fingers… ask Hong and Seven or Kamal to have a chat with the guy… if you know what I mean… hahah
Yiling : He’s a politician….
Jackson : Oh…ok… no special talk then…
Yvonne : my sister has helped me so much over the years…. But there are limits to what she can do…some things you can’t solve by brawn alone….
I came to understand that through a combination of clever deceit and deception, the girls have managed to send their parents and most recently, Yvonne’s son overseas, all without anyone knowing until it’s too late.
Yvonne : my son was successfully sent last month to join my parents…. They’re safe…. Properly set up in another country… ….
Yiling cut in to fill in the next bit.
Going overseas is not hard. To do so without being detected, followed and marked is another thing altogether. Especially with a zealous ex-lover stalking you.
Jackson : Ok….and…
Yiling : Now….this is where the complication comes in…
Yvonne cannot just buy a ticket, hop onto a plane, you know, maybe transit a few times, get lost in some alleyways in another country before joining the rest of the family.
Yiling : My sister…. Used to be a pageant winner….
I snapped my fingers and jabbed into the air.
James : OHHHHH!!! No wonder…. Haiyah…. No wonder I kept thinking there was something about Yiling I could not place when I first saw her…..Twin of a Pageant winner !!!
Yiling : Tsk …! Don’t interrupt me….
Jackson : sorry….
The issue here is the heavyweight politician that is still in love with Yvonne. Madly in love in fact, despite the fact that he is now married.
Yiling : He’s infatuated with my sister for the longest time….. even before she was married…… and upon knowing that my brother in law is no longer around…….he made his move….. all was well initially…. But his colours started to show….. he’s violent…and….very bad tempered…
I turned to Yvonne and asked;
Jackson : Can’t you just break up and…. Ask him to fuck off or something….surely this would affect his career if you blow it wide open…
Yvonne : It’s complicated…. I tried many times before… but he’s persistent…. And…and… he won’t take no for an answer… besides…
Jackson : besides what… ?
Yvonne : I was involved in a way….. with my husband’s drug business some years ago….and he’s the one keeping me out of jail…. So….he makes it seem as if I owe him….he wants me to remain as his mistress…. A fuck toy he can use…
Yiling exhaled and continued for her sister.
Yiling : If Yvonne refused, that fucker will hand over the evidence that Yvonne was involved in the business few years ago….. and he would make sure she won’t see her son for a long time….
Jackson : what an asshole…
Yvonne : He has been using this to blackmail me for sex since we broke up….and with him married now…. all the more things has to be hush hush….and he wants me to remain as his cum dump…
Jackson : jesus…..but Yiling… with your contacts and all…. Is it possible to….
Yiling cut in right about then, saying that there’s going to a change in administration soon.
Yiling : There’s no way of knowing how effective her contacts are anymore…. Besides…. We steer clear of politics and politicians….i cannot take the chance that my sister will end up in jail…..
Yvonne had sent her son away on the pretext that she found a better school that is less stressful for him overseas.
There is only so much she can do to stall for time.
Yvonne : He’s a busy man for obvious reasons…. Probably on track to become a full minister in a few years….. but despite his busy schedule… he would make time to have dinner with me every Friday…. And for weekends…. As long as he is available… he would want to meet me… even if I don’t meet him, he has people following me, reporting my every move….
Jackson : What’s his name.. ?
Yvonne : Teng…
Jackson : can’t you resist his advances…. I don’t know….I see…. Has he….. ermmm…you know…. tried to forcibly…
Out of pure necessity, Yvonne used to gave in to his sexual demands previously but she knew it’s a matter of time before she needed to stop this. With her parents and son out of the way, she got a little bolder in resisting his advances.
Yvonne : initially I gave in to his blackmail….and I slept with him…. But…I started to make a stand when I manage to get my son out of the country…and…. And….
Jackson : and …. ?
Yvonne : The last rejection turned bit nasty and he had his men hold me down….
Jackson : what the fuck…
Yvonne : yes…. He…. He raped me…. took me against my will ……. I made the mistake of allowing him into my place…..
I stood up and hit the table with my palm, startling the 2 girls.
Jackson : what a fucker !!! you should have just reported him !!!! end his political career !!!! go to the media … make a video…. Send it all over the internet….… !!!!
Yvonne : I wish I could…
Yvonne looked at her sister for a few seconds before admitting that Teng, kept video of their sexual trysts.
Yvonne : He takes….. videos…. Of me….and……yes… including the time when he raped me…. while his men held me down….
She paused and took a deep breath, commenting that there is something about her that seem to attract all the assholes.
Yvonne : Maybe it’s the way I look…. Sighzzz…
Yiling : I look the same as you….you bitch…
Yvonne gave a bitter smile.
Yvonne : then you jolly well help me get those videos you twat…. ! you don’t want a video of someone getting raped online that happens to look like you do you.. !!
Yiling : You’re an asshole you know that….
Yvonne : sometimes I think we both are…. Hahah
Yiling sighed and turned to me.
Yiling : I pulled Camilia from another place to get my sister out today … only for a few hours…. She needs to head back soon…. If not, once Teng’s men realise she is gone, they will go into panic mode….
Jackson : my god… this Teng is quite a stalker….
Yvonne : he is a stalker….. this is where I need your help…. He has men on me 24/7….. I need to head back soon…. Right now I’m supposedly in the middle of a luxurious 4 hour spa session….
Yvonne checked her watch before returning to the conversation.
Turning to Yiling, I could see she was ready to tell me her plan.
During the sexual assault on Yvonne recently, some furniture were damaged, including a row of carpentry works for the kitchen.
Jackson : He must be one damm horny fucker this Teng….
Yiling : we’re going to put on a show…. Together… a simple one…
Jackson : as in…. with me… ?
Yiling wanted me to be the interior designer that Yvonne engaged to fix up the house. The contractors that will be working on this will be Calvin’s men.
Jackson : Ok…. Sounds simple… what next… ?
Given Yvonne’s looks, it’s natural for any man to want to hit on her and I am going to be that man. I have to bear in mind one thing.
Teng has men in the unit opposite Yvonne’s place.
He is an insecure asshole, there will be times when he would go as far as to ask him men to take photos of what Yvonne is doing and send it to his phone.
Yvonne : If I remain out of sight for more than an hour, my phone will ring…. If I don’t answer my phone… they will come and knock on my door…. All these done under the pretext of keeping me safe….. but I’m sure you can tell… this is creepy as fuck…..
Everything Yvonne does is being meticulously tracked, recorded and reported to Teng.
If she was washing more clothes than usual, it’s an anomaly. Every piece of clothing that is hung out needs to be accounted for.
In between every laundry cycle, if the clothing articles don’t match, Teng will get suspicious.
Why do you need 2 sets of pyjamas ?
Why 2 panty ?
Why 2 bra ?
Why the clothes being washed, is different from the set of clothes you wore to work ?
It is that extreme.
If the laundry, lingerie included, is not hung up in a designated spot in the spare bedroom in full view of Teng’s men, they will knock on her door and ask to enter.
Yvonne : It’s driving me nuts….
Jackson : That’s disgusting…..he’s obviously sick…. Ok so… I pretend to fix up your place… and be interested in you…. Then what….
Yiling : we’re going to establish a new routine….for Teng’s men to catch on…. And we will work around it…..
Jackson : does Teng know you are twins… ?
Yvonne : He does…. But he is under the impression that we are not on talking terms…. Something about me being shortlisted for the pageant and not Yiling…. Anyway…. He wanted to meet Yiling for the longest time… and I told him she is overseas….
I chuckled and looked at Yiling who gave me a death stare.
Jackson : ok….ok… sorry… please go on…
Now, Yiling and Yvonne may be twins, but we would be stupid to assume you can pass yourself off as your sister in front of someone like Teng. Up close and personal, the moment you open your mouth, the game is over.
They may look identical, but they are essentially 2 separate individuals.
So the plan is not to pull the switch in front of Teng, but rather, do it in the house where his men is watching from a distance away. Across the block, looking through cameras and binoculars while Yiling goes about doing what her sister does, that would be easy to pull off.
The end game, would be for Yiling to replace her sister long enough in front of the men watching for Yvonne to leave the country. How long exactly ? At least 12 hours base on what Yiling estimated.
That would give Yvonne enough time to leave the house, get to the airport, board a flight, make the transit in between and lose any possible tails to start her new life.
This is the perfect time to do this because after the recent assault on Yvonne, Teng is apologetic and he wants to make amends.
Yvonne bought more time by saying she needed time to cool down and Teng needs to give her some space.
Teng is willing to give her some space as long as she considers forgiving him.
Jackson : Teng is not going to take to me well as a new competitor….
Yiling : No he’s not… but we know he won’t risk doing anything drastic… he’s got an image to maintain, besides…. He’s desperate for Yvonne to forgive him…. And the key for this is for you and me to stay within sight of Teng’s men….in short, as long as they can see us,…. We will be fine…..
As for the contractors that I will be bringing in as my capacity as the interior designer, they are not just going to be fixing up the damaged furnishings.
They’re going to be doing something else.
Yiling : now the contractors, will not only be fixing the carpentry….they are going to be coring a hole through the slab to the unit below…. And hacking an opening wide enough to the adjacent unit.
Jackson : what… !…
Yiling : Calvin is a very experienced engineer…..don’t worry….
Bringing out a brochure of the condominium Yvonne is staying in, Yiling added that the unit below Yvonne belongs to Teng and the one adjacent belongs to her.
The hole that we will be coring through will allow us access into Teng’s unit.
Yvonne : I have been inside before and I know where he hides all the videos he took of me…. I need to get them….
Jackson : are they in a safe or something ??
Yvonne : No… just inside a wooden cabinet with a simple lock….it’s his secret apartment…..
It’s the place where he would usually have sex with Yvonne after he got married. That way, he is sure it is free from cameras.
Yvonne : There is no security system…. He doesn’t trust any of those…. All windows are padlocked from the inside and he don’t want anything digital or electronic inside there….. he’s paranoid about spy cameras….
Jackson : I see….
Yvonne : I’ll clean out his cabinet…I’m not letting him have those…. And those videos…. Are my best chance of getting away….especially the one of him raping me…
I nodded and I could not help getting an erection.
A fucking video of Teng forcing himself on someone that looked exactly like Yiling ? I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to see it.
Yiling : we would be hacking a connection into my own unit next door…. When Teng’s men realised what we have done…. We don’t want to remain in the unit….
Jackson : How do we make sure Teng won’t discover the hole in his ceiling ? … I mean… surely he would come over as and when he likes… ?
Yvonne replied that she would find out about his schedule. Everything has got to come together perfectly. The hole will be the done at the last bit of course.
Yiling : life goes on as normal for Yvonne on weekdays…. She still runs her flower boutique…. Good thing here about the situation is that as a politician, you don’t just happily pop into a flower boutique everyday… his men though… will report to him what happens throughout the day….
The contractors will start with the connection into Yiling’s place and I was to expect that I would be under constant surveillance when I start work at Yvonne’s place. My every move will be scrutinised.
Yvonne : once that connection to Yiling’s place is ready, I need time to move my things out…….I’m going to clear the house… ship everything out…. And leave nothing behind …. So while I pack and start shipping stuff away…my sis and you got to hold the fort for Teng’s men….
Jackson : My god… this sounds like some mission impossible shit…
Yvonne : It’s not…. I just need you and my sis to spend time together….for a few weekends…… While I pack…..and wait for the right opportunity…. Surely it’s not a lot to ask for…. Seeing how well you two get along… ? haha
Yiling : Sis !… stop it…!!
Yvonne : so… Jackson …. Will you help us … ? I’ll be honest… there’s a chance Teng’s men might come for you….. especially when you leave my place but Yiling says you are good with words and can handle yourself pretty well…… besides… I don’t think they will harm you….
Yiling : don’t worry… he will do it…. It’s an order from his Boss… Sis…
Yvonne turned to her sister as if she wanted to reprimand her for being rude.
Yvonne : ask nicely sis…. Come on… Jackson seemed like a nice guy…it’s been a while since you brought someone to meet me… the last guy you introduced to me was many years ago…… and you said his dick was too small…..hahah…
Yiling : arnghhhh!!!… I don’t want to talk to you anymore…. Bitch…
Yiling got up and excused herself to the bathroom.
Yvonne : I’m sorry about that Jackson …. She can be a bit… you know.. haha…
Jackson : It’s ok….
Yvonne : she likes you….i can tell….call it a sister’s hunch… hahaha…if not… she won’t be asking you to do this….
I smiled and replied that I will do whatever it takes, to make sure she get to leave Teng safely.
Yvonne : thank you Jackson …. Yiling is lucky to have you as her staff….
Jackson : you’re welcome….. I find myself doing a lot more things outside my usual scope of work after knowing Yiling….
Yvonne : really… ?? what were you originally hired for…. ?
Jackson : ermm… landscaping works….
Yvonne : errr… hahha.. that is peculiar…..hahah
My phone rang and I answered it.
I don’t recognise the number but I recognised the voice.
That slutty and almost teasing voice at the banquet.
It’s Rachel.
She did not say hi.
She did not wait for me to say hi.
Rachel : Hey Rachel here….. you want the 2 men….. come to Rajah holdings next week….
Jackson : ok sure…. When ? let me know the day and time ..
Rachel : My men will let you know…. there’s another thing…. Rajah Holdings will be having their family day event in October…. You’re invited….
Jackson : oh…. Err… really ? that’s nice of you…… thank you…
Rachel : so… you coming ?? It’s a huge party….
Jackson : err… yeah… of course… why not….
Rachel : Cool !… I’ll see you then….
I kept the phone in my pocket as Yvonne asked me if everything is ok.
Yvonne : Who is that… all ok ??
Jackson : yes.. yes…. Work…..i thought she was someone nasty… but she sounded pretty cool over the phone….
Yvonne : oh… alright… I need to go too…. I won’t hold you guys up too long…. I’ll see you this Friday….. Yiling will fill you in on the rest….
Jackson : ok…. Take care Yvonne….
Yiling came out of the bathroom, had a word with Camelia before hugging her sister.
Camelia and Yvonne left first and Yiling told me to follow her.
Jackson : where are we going….
We arrived at the range and I saw Calvin behind a table with several revolvers and pistols ready for selection. Target boards were already set up 25 metres away together.
Yes I knew it.
We’re going to have some fun shooting shit up.
I rubbed my hands gleefully and asked Yiling if we are going to do some shooting at the boards.
Yiling : what’s so nice about shooting a target that doesn’t move…. ? … we’re going to be doing something different…. Competitive sporting pistol ….
Jackson : Oh.. oh… oh… I know…. I’ve watched it on TV before….
Competitive sporting pistol event is an action shooting sport that challenges the athlete’s shooting accuracy while under stress. You move, you run, you duck, you shoot, do a combat reload and you shoot again.
Jackson : are you… good at this… ? I’m sure you’ve had lots of practise….
Yiling : I don’t think I’m good…. Passable at best….
Jackson : this is so damm cool….can I try too… ??
Yiling : yeah sure….
Yiling told me that usually she would book the club for a week every year for the company’s gathering.
However, some new members to the club were being difficult and it was obvious they were out to make things difficult for her.
Jackson : So you engineered the flooding…. ?
Yiling : It’s call being creative…. So now no one gets to use it…. Except me….
YIling nodded at Calvin who was ready to take us through the toys on display.
Calvin gave us a quick introduction of what he has prepared for Yiling base on her instructions.
Calvin : Yiling… this…. And this….. customised and calibrated according to your specifications…. Changed to a stiffer recoil spring for shooting high power load….
Yiling took the pistol and she looked at ease playing with it.
Jackson : I have no idea what Calvin just said…. but Yiling… you look damm cool doing whatever it is you are doing…. Haha
She shot me a sideway glance before narrowing her eyebrow as if I said something weird.
I was feeling pretty excited and eager to try my hands out at the shooting too when I thought it would be good to let Yiling know about the Rajah’s invite.
Jackson : oh… by the way….. Rachel called me…
Yiling looked up from her pistol at me and so did Calvin.
Jackson : she asked me to head down for the 2 men you wanted from her……her guys will be in touch for to let us know the date and time…..
Yiling : Ok….what did she want for the 2 men….. ? With Rajahs…. There is always a price….
Jackson : Nothing…. Just asks me to head down and pick them up next week….
Yiling : Nothing ??
Jackson : yeah… oh…. She invited me to their family day…… it’s in October…. 4 months from now… a big party or something…
I said it as casually as I could but the expression on Yiling and Calvin’s face is anything but casual.
Yiling : what… ?
Jackson : family day…. A party… probably need to spend some money buying coupons for food and drinks stalls I think….hahha…
Yiling was looking at me and I could tell she was at a lost for words and she’s not laughing at my joke.
It’s as if I said something to upset her. Her expression changed.
She’s upset. You can just tell.
Yiling slid the magazine into her pistol, chambered a round and pointed it downrange with one hand initially before griping and steadying her aim with the other.
She assumed the firing position and I could see Calvin scrambling to put on the ear protection on the table when the first shot rang out.
I jumped.
It’s been so long since I fired a weapon that I forgot how loud it was.
Yiling squeezed off one shot, before squeezing off another 3 in a row. She repeated her shots, one, then 3, emptying her clip in less than 30 seconds as she screamed and cursed at the Rajahs.
Yiling : aRGHHHH!!!! Fucking bitch !!!! fucking Rajahs !!!!!arGHHH!!! BITCH!!!
My ears were ringing by then even though i covered them with my hands.
What the fuck is her problem ?
Yiling removed the magazine and I looked at the target board. If that was a real person, he would have died several times over. She’s good.
She put the weapon down , rest her hands on her waist and took a deep breath before exhaling slowly.
Jackson : are you ok ??? what’s wrong ? …
Calvin removed his shooting earmuff and I looked at him to shed some light on why is Yiling throwing a fit.
Calvin : Rajahs invite outsiders to their family day for only one reason….
Jackson : and what is that ?
Calvin : they want you as part of their family…..
I chuckled and laughed at that notion.
Jackson : hahahah……. I’m not joining them….. no way…
I turned to Yiling and reassured her I am not considering a change in work employment.
Jackson : oh…. Chill man… I’m not going to work for the Rajahs…. No way…
Calvin : you don’t get it do you…. They are not offering you a job….
Jackson : huh ??
Calvin : with Rachel calling you personally for the invite.…. educated guess….. I think Rachel is interested in you….. and …. If history could offer a lesson on the Rajah’s style….. they always…. Get what they want…. one way or the other…..
Jackson : oh….
Calvin asked Yiling to stop shooting first as he go grab more protective gear for us while she loaded fresh rounds into the magazine.
If Yiling heard Calvin, it was obvious she was ignoring him. She loaded the final rounds into the clip before sliding it back into the pistol.
There it is. That fucking pissed look. The look on her face when she knows others are fucking with her and she needs to go out of her way to fix it on top of the list of stuff she is taking care off.
Jackson : hey… Yiling….. relax…. I work for La Bella Vita……. I work for you….
Yiling : Well …. Rachel is…. quite pretty…. And Rajah Holdings is a big company…. You’re set for life….if things work out…. Between you and her….she’s young too…. Men like sweet young things no… ?
Jackson : well I don’t…
She ignored me and shove me aside as she raised her weapon down range again.
I was facing her and she was looking right pass me.
I don’t know what came into me.
I just did what I did without thinking.
As she looked down the gun sight, I walked behind her and I stretched out my hands, reaching for her ears a-la Korean drama style but it was not in slow motion.
There was no romantic music playing in the background.
There were no snowflakes dropping down the skies.
I clamped my palms down on her ears and she squeezed off a round. I pressed down harder with my palms, determined to protect her eardrums.
There was a 3 second pause before Yiling slowly lowered her weapon.
Her left hand reached for mine and pulled it down from her ear.
Yiling : It’s the same… working for the Rajahs and for me….they probably pay better….
She raised up her weapon up and my hands moved in a corresponding manner towards her ears.
Jackson : Maybe…. But….
I pressed down hard on her ears as she squeezed off another 2 rounds, sending hot lead into the head of the paper target.
Yiling : but what… ?
Jackson : I’m only risking my life for you….
I could see the obvious smile on Yiling’s face as she looked down the sight of the weapon.
It would have been perfect, if she had not turn towards me, speaking in her typical queen like manner.
Yiling : touch me like this again….. I will shoot you……
I backed away with my palms raised as Yiling rolled her eyes at me and gave me a silly smile before turning to face the front again.
Calvin arrived with the protective gears and I took one of the ear muffs from him.
As I put the earmuffs on, I thought to myself;
Be it the Rajahs, Teng, or whatever the hell is those fuckers up to at the old folks home, one thing I know for sure.
Things are only going to get more interesting.
……………………………………………
Yiling and I spent the rest of the afternoon at the range well into the night.
We must have gone through a few hundred rounds of ammunition between the 2 of us. It’s fun, I don’t remember the last time I enjoyed myself that much.
While I could hit something standing still, I missed everything while I was moving. It’s harder than it looks to shoot, reload and continue shooting at the same time, especially when my body was still aching.
Calvin was patient in his instructing, he taught me how to use the different pistols. Although there was no need for me to go through any technical handling test, Calvin’s only rule for me was to clean the weapon after I was done with it.
It’s the fastest and easiest way to understand the weapon and how it works.
Calvin : You respect…. And take care of the weapon… when the time comes… it will take care of you…. I’m sure your trainers taught you that in the army….
I laughed as I polished up the chamber of the colt I was just done shooting with.
Jackson : From the bottom of my heart….. I pray the day will never come…. That I would need to remember what was taught in the army…….
Calvin : as do we all….. as do we all….
Yiling : The world has gone to shit long time ago…. It’s a miracle we’re still living in a bubble….
I turned to look at Yiling assembling her pistol with as much proficiency and poise as if she was painting her nails.
Jackson : that is just dark….
It was coming to 9.30pm and we were about done helping Calvin clean up the place and keep all the toys we were playing with.
Jackson : what are we going to do about the Rajahs…. ?
Yiling : we’ll worry about it when the time comes…. One step at a time….
Calvin went on to say something that bothered me a lot.
Calvin : let’s put it this way… A strategic union between the Rajahs and La Bella Vita….. we would own the island…..
Yiling shot Calvin her pissed off slanted eye look and he took over the cases of pistols we were holding, quickly adding that he will lock up on his own.
Calvin : see you next week…cheerio….
When I got to the carpark, I was surprised to see Camilia waiting there for Yiling.
Yiling : go back home Jackson …. A lot has happened this week…. We all need some time to cool off…. Camilia will be with me until the team comes back….
Jackson : I’m fine I think… I can go back to the castle with you…
Yiling : It’ an order… go back…. Take some time off… chill out…. I’ll be in touch….
I nodded as I watch Yiling got into the car Camilia came in.
The car pulled out of the carpark shortly after.
I went back home and since I could not sleep, I started cleaning up the house.
By the time I got into bed, it was 4am.
I did nothing for the rest of the week.
I dropped by the landscape place in Kovan to look for Keng.
He’s doing ok without me and has been getting by with some part time help.
Keng : I miss the times when you are around Jackson … ahha… how is life at the new place…. ??
Jackson : it’s…. ermmm…. Unbelievable…hahah ….
Keng : Just be careful….
Jackson : I will…. I will…
I called my grandfather and pressured him on a date. He needs to let me know when will he be coming back for his checkup.
He told me he’ll let me know in a couple of days. I highly doubt it but I made a mental note to pressure him every now and then.
I was so free that I drove all the way back to Bukit Timah.
The road up Binjai hill has been blocked off by the SUVs.
The men hanging around the vehicles said Boss’s orders. We were not allowed in that week.
I turned the car around and took the other road to the cookhouse. Deuce was on duty and he waved me off. Yiling meant it when she wanted all of us to head back to cool off.
I wandered around a little aimlessly in Ang Mo Kio like an unemployed man.
No one sent me any text and I don’t know if I should get in touch with anyone.
It feels weird to be paid for doing nothing.
In the end I went for massages and walks in the park. Time to let my body heal.
The first few days off work I must have been distracted, too much stuff going on in my head for me to noticed I was being followed.
I saw them in the park when I made an about turn.
2 guys, they made eye contact with before looking away.
I saw the tattoo near their necks and their faces were somewhat familiar.
Damm it, the Rajahs again. They were definitely at the auction that night. They seemed harmless from what I can tell. I don’t know how long they have been on my tail.
Now that I noticed them following me around, my sense of awareness heightened. Then I started seeing them everywhere.
Even the fucking coffee shop right by my place. I walked by and I could see a table of them having their meals.
I begin to wonder if Rachel have difficulty finding things for them to do and decides to send them after me instead. Surely they have a day job.
5th June 2015
Friday
6.30am
I was stretching myself for an early walk when I saw Nate and another 2 Rajahs at the coffee shop I always have my breakfast. They are dressed in workout gear, as if they knew I would head to the park.
I can’t believe even Nate is here.
I decided enough is enough. I ordered my coffee, bought my bread and walked over to their table.
Jackson : Morning….. what do you want… ?
Nate looked up at me in surprise.
Nate : what ? … We’re having breakfast….
Jackson : stop following me around… this is fucking creepy….you all are behaving like stalkers…. You all shouldn’t be here…
Nate : dude….we’re just having breakfast…. I could say you are the one following us around… we’re here first…. Maybe you shouldn’t be here… this is our space… and you are encroaching by sitting at our table….
Jackson : bullshit….. this is public property…
Nate put down his chopsticks and leaned back on his chair before speaking slowly at me as if I’m overreacting.
Nate : Jackson ….. No… this is not public property….. it’s a public space
Jackson : whatever….. it would be nice if you stop following me around…I mean… Rachel has my number…. She can just call… or text…. Or video call…. It’s the 21st century….!
Nate : I’m sorry you think we are following you…… all I can say is we Rajahs….ermmm….. Are very hospitable people….. and we like to make sure our guest….. is…. Ermmm… well taken care off…. Right from the point the invite is given…… to when you arrive at our party…
I looked at Nate as I continue munching on my breakfast.
Head of corporate communications indeed. He can even make stalking sounds so good.
As if reading my mind, Nate added ;
Nate : I mean it…… we are just……making sure…. You are… ermmm.. what’s that word….. safe… yes… safe….
Jackson : ok… whatever… if you say so…. Just…..please go somewhere else……..and don’t hang around my neighbourhood…….i grew up here…..
Gesturing to the surrounding I reinforced the fact that I grew up in that area and they are basically encroaching in my turf so to speak.
Jackson : this… this… err.. what’s that word… turf… yes.. turf….!!… my childhood…here… this area…. This… this…. This coffeeshop….. everyone knows me…. I know every stall owner so well I practically own this place…..
Nate looked at me and so did the other 2 heavily tattooed Rajahs.
All 3 of them directed their gaze away from me and towards the signage of the coffee shop that is yellow with age without a word.
I followed their gaze and looked at the sign. I almost cursed out loud under my breath. Having grown up here all these while, I never noticed the name of the coffee shop.
RH coffee shop. Rajah Holdings. Bloody hell.
Who the hell takes note of the name of the coffee shop anyway. People just remember the block number where it is located.
Like Blk 85 in Bedok.
Blk 644 in Hougang.
Blk 401 opposite Punggol park.
Jackson : oh….
Nate gave me his unbearable smirk while the other 2 Rajahs chuckled at my sheer stupidity.
Nate : We’re just having breaking Jackson…. Just having breakfast….
Well, I have nothing left to say.
I finished my bread, drank my coffee before ordering another one from the uncle.
Jackson : 1 more to go….. Kopi O…
I gestured to Nate and say he will be paying.
He did not object and I left it as it is.
There, I just got the Rajahs to pay for a 80 cents cup of coffee. Feels darn good I must add.
I got a message from my work group chat.
Yiling wanted us to be back at work on the 15th of June. This meant I would have another week of doing nothing.
I cringed at the thought of another week of mindless wandering and stalking by the Rajahs.
3.30pm
My phone rang and it was an unfamiliar number. I answered it and it was Yvonne.
Yvonne : Hey Jackson…. Are you free to drop by my place and take a look later at 5pm ?
Jackson : sure… of course…. Text me the address…
Yvonne : ok… see you later…. Teng’s men will be on you the moment you arrive at the carpark…. They should be near my mini… either opposite or beside….
Jackson : ok…. I’ll see you later….
I rubbed my hands gleefully and I quickly took a shower. Finally something for me to do before I die of boredom.
5pm
I arrived at Yvonne’s place and it was a small gated compound located on the north of the island. I looked at my rear mirror and saw the grey sedan that has been following me since Ang Mo Kio made a U-turn before parking across the street.
Bloody stalkers.
Yvonne’s place consists of 8 blocks of private housing, each 4 storey high surround a small pool with a single storey clubhouse overlooking the BBQ pit.
Yvonne stays in block 1, on the highest floor.
Upon arriving at the basement carpark, I made a loop, taking in the different lobbies for the respective blocks.
Yvonne’s unit is served by 2 lifts, one from a private lobby, one that is shared among the 4 units on each floor via the common lobby.
I made 2 turns around the carpark and I noticed a car with a bored looking guy playing game inside. It’s window is wound down, there’s a couple of bottle of water on the dashboard. There are more lots than cars in the carpark near lobby 1, however, he is parked beside a mini cooper with a direct view of the private lobby.
That must be Yvonne’s car.
I made a show of looking around for the address I was visiting before parking a few lots away.
I even brought along my laptop, a sketchbook and a paint catalogue from 1996 I found at home. My grandpa had used it to level up an uneven cabinet.
From the corner of my eye, I could see the man sitting up and talking into his walkie talkie the moment I approached the lobby.
I’m sure they know all the people that stays in that block and I am not one of them.
I dialled for Yvonne’s unit and waited for her to buzz me in.
Jackson : Hey Yvonne… I’m here….
Yvonne : ok… i’ll send the lift down….
The private lift took me right up to Yvonne’s unit and she greeted me in a pair of tight shorts and white singlet.
I had to keep my game face on while trying not to look at how good her figure is. Maybe just a tad better than Yiling.
Yvonne : can I get you a drink…. ?
Jackson : water would be nice….
Yvonne opened the fridge and brought a bottle of water out before we settled down at the island kitchen.
I looked around and I could see the extent of the damage for the kitchen cabinets.
It’s bad. The cooking stove has been smashed and several doors of the cabinet were kicked in or yanked out. It’s as if someone had been venting their anger on it.
One of the light tubes that was under the top hung cabinet is hanging loose, holding on for its dear live by the 2 thin wire that connects it.
Jackson : oh my god…. This is bad… what happened here man…
Yvonne : …. Teng practically trashed the kitchen, kicking and throwing shit around…. anger management issue
Jackson : well…. At least he took it out on the furnishings…. Not you…
Yvonne laughed and I casually looked out the window. I could see men on chairs looking directly at us.
Yvonne : don’t look at them for too long…. You’re here as my interior designer….
Jackson : ok…. How do you want to start… ?
I opened my laptop and opened a folder with some pictures I downloaded off the net. Yvonne pretended to be interested and she scrolled through the pictures while I casually looked around the place.
It’s predominantly white with some light wood accent. Simple and clean if not for the amount of kids toys and stuff scattered all over.
I would not say it’s messy but it would have looked better less all the toys and crayons.
Yvonne : Let’s start by…. Talking about you and my sister….
Jackson : Huh ?? what… ? there is nothing going on between Yiling and me….
Yvonne : ahhh… but you like her…. I can tell….
Yvonne gave me a playful smile and I was trying hard not to drool as she leaned on the island kitchen while balancing on 2 legs of her stool like a student eager to see what the teacher is doing in class.
Her boobs are so full and firm, probably effects of childbirth and they are literally spilling out of her singlet and the tight white bra.
Jackson : i… ermmm… Yiling is really pretty…. I’m sure all guys would like her…
Yvonne : so you do like her…. !! hahaha… good.. good… I think she… sort of likes you too…
Jackson : Nonsense… she doesn’t…
Yvonne : trust me…. I’m the sister…. I know what she likes and don’t likes…
Yvonne gestured to me while trying to think of the right words to use.
Yvonne : I know my sister…. Ermmm… dig your…type… errr…. You know… a bit… stupid… stupid type….
Jackson : What… ? I’m not stupid….
Yvonne : No I don’t mean that… hahaha… you know… sort of…. Don’t know what is going on most of the time kind of feel….
Jackson : but … i….
I stopped myself as Yvonne played with her hair while checking out the ends for split bits. It’s true.
Working for Yiling, half the time I don’t know what the fuck is going on.
I tried to change the topic and I ask when will Yiling be coming.
Yvonne : oh… you can’t wait to see her is it… ahahha
Jackson : please don’t do that…. Especially if she is around… you’ll make her feel uncomfortable….i’m a guy… I’m more thick skin… but…. From her perspective… it’s going to be embarrassing man….
Yvonne folded her arms and sat back nodding her head at me.
Yvonne : plus 1 point !!
Jackson : What !??
Yvonne : knowing how to think from my sister’s perspective… hahaha… I like that…
Jackson : Oh my god….
I massaged my head as Yvonne laughed.
Yvonne : chill man… Teng’s men is going to think I’m being a difficult client… hahaha….
Yvonne got off the chair and offered to show me around.
Yvonne : follow me…. you know… I can help you …..i’m serious….
I pretended not to hear what Yvonne said.
Yvonne : I could you know…. perhaps dress like a skanky slut… and my sister would have to wear the same thing I wear and all….
Jackson : please don’t….
Yvonne laughed as she opened up the curtains in the master bedroom.
The short tour allowed me to form a better picture of the place in my head.
Block 2, the one where Teng’s men will be at, has a direct line of sight into 3 rooms. When all the blinds and curtains are up, they can see all of Yvonne’s movement in the kitchen, the living area and the master bedroom.
The only room that they could not see her in would be the guest bedroom.
That’s her son’s room.
Yvonne took her time showing me around before we got to the wall that is connected to Yiling’s unit.
Yvonne : here…. Behind this cabinet…. We will open up the connection into Yiling unit….
Jackson : ok…. Looks good… they can’t see you here….
Yvonne : they can’t but if I remain out of sight for too long, they will call…. And even then, they might come up and knock…..
Jackson : don’t worry…. Once Yiling comes over…. We will make sure you have the time to pack and when all is ready… you will be able to leave…
Yvonne : Thank you Jackson …. I really appreciate this….
I asked Yvonne how she plan to core a hole down to the unit below.
Yvonne : You’ll have to ask Calvin about it…. It’s going to be noisy…a lot of hacking work but they are confident they can do it within a day or so… we just need to make sure it’s the right day…… I will know Teng’s travelling schedule…. It will have to be when he is overseas…..
Jackson : ok….ok….
Yvonne : come… come…. I make you a coffee… I want to talk to you about my sister….
Jackson : Not again….
Over coffee and random flipping of the old magazines and scrolling though mindless pictures on my laptop, Yvonne wanted to know how I feel about Yiling.
She wanted to know everything from the time I started working for her.
She laughed so loud when I told her the situation about the cock flash and how I mistook Yiling as a sex worker.
I don’t want to reveal sensitive stuff so I shared with Yvonne moments which I thought was kind of sweet. Like when Yiling lent me her car to go to Malaysia, I also told her about the auction.
Yvonne : oh… my god…. Hahaha… you drove the car filled with lingerie….across the customs….? Hahahaha…..
Jackson : I’m pretty sure they thought I’m a crossdresser….
Yvonne : go on… go on….
Jackson : that’s pretty much it actually…. I’ve only been working for her for a while…. So…
Yvonne’s phone started ringing and I could see the change in her body language right away.
It must be Teng’s men.
Probably wondering who am I and why I’m there for so long.
Yvonne answered the call and told the men I was the interior designer that she will be engaging to fix the house.
Yvonne : He’s my interior designer for god sake….. All the damaged stuff… how you expect me to live here !!… there are broken bits all over…. Stop disturbing me arghhh!!
She hung up and I asked if she is ok.
Yvonne : I’m fine… just want to show them I’m pissed…. And that I’m comfortable with you around… hahaha…..
Jackson : What if Teng decides to rush down ?
Yvonne : If he had that much time on his hands, he won’t need to hire these clowns…. He won’t …. But I can be sure he is aware that you are around…. Hahah
I spent slightly less than 2 hours at Yvonne’s place. She’s sweet, nice to talk to and very funny. She even joked if I would be ok with having a sister in law like her.
I gave her a sheepish smile, unsure of what she meant as I adjusted the erection in my pants. I mean come on, which guy doesn’t have a twin fantasy ?
Yvonne asked me to drop her off at the nearby mall so she could grab some shopping and dinner and I obliged.
We got to the carpark and I could see the guy starting his engine the moment we got into my car.
Jackson : so they just follow you….?
Yvonne : yeah…. Don’t worry… once I’m off your car, they will leave you alone….
I dropped Yvonne off 5 minutes later and true enough, the car stopped following me.
Teng has a serious case of insecurity.
9th June 2015
Tuesday
10.30am
I was just walking back after my jog when I received a call from Yvonne.
She has the dates worked out and is ready to carry out the rest of the plan.
Yvonne : I know Teng’s travel plans for July and August….. we will discuss this Friday…. My sister will be coming as well disguised as one of Calvin’s staff….
Jackson : Ok… I’ll see you this Friday….
I went to the coffee shop and saw a different group of Rajahs having their breakfast.
They didn’t follow me on my run but I was pretty sure I saw a couple of suspicious looking guy hanging around the park on their bicycles.
Nate wasn’t there and I started to get use to seeing them around.
I thought about asking them when can Yiling have the 2 men Rachel promised but thought the better of it.
If they are ready to hand them over, they will.
12th June 2015
Friday
12pm
I arrived at Yvonne’s place and Calvin is already there with 4 workers. One of which looked really out of place. I could tell that was Yiling from the get-go.
Despite being smaller in size, she has a top wrapped around her face and hair while carrying a pail of painting tools.
She was helping move things into the guest room while trying to keep a low profile.
There’s a flurry of activity going on and Calvin’s men are laying protective cardboard and plastic sheets inside Yvonne’s place.
I walked around and I could see Teng’s men observing us keenly from the next block. They’re aware that there will be some renovation works going on.
Calvin is already busy directing his workers what to do. The entire kitchen cabinet will go.
The flooring will be replaced for the rooms as well, lending legitimacy to the hacking works that will be happening.
Yvonne made tea and sat down with Calvin and me in the dining area. Yiling joined the discussion with a mobile phone while she remained in the room. The other 3 workers were sent down to the truck to bring up more tools.
Yvonne : ok…. Just so everyone is on the same page…. These are the dates we need to be aware of…Teng will be travelling from 31st July to 6th August. He has to be back for national day. These would be the period where the escape can take place.
Yvonne : I would have wanted the connection to be done as soon as possible so I can start moving my things out but there’s a problem…..
Yvonne told us that Teng offer to help supervise the renovation. He wanted to put a guy here to make sure everything is ok, Yvonne refused of course but She can’t exactly drop everything at the florist to be at home as well.
If any work is to be done, Yvonne needs to be around.
Yvonne : so it’s been decided that I will not work on Monday and Tuesday….so the works will have to be done on only these 2 days a week…. ? can it be done… ?
Calvin : ok…. Should not be a problem…
Jackson : can you start hacking from Yiling’s unit instead… ? save a bit of time…
Calvin : Better not…. it might be suspicious having 2 units undergoing renovation at the same time…. anyway, the hacking doesn’t take very long…. We can get it done in a day….
Yvonne : Teng is asking about the ID company and contractor, on the surface, he says he wants to be sure I’m working with a reputable company but it’s obvious he’s just going to dig everything up about everyone here….
Jackson : What should we do ?
Calvin : relax… Yiling has it all under control…..
Calvin owns a proper construction company and I’m a freelance designer that is working with him. The shell company that Declan has set up to pay my wages is registered as graphic design firm but who cares.
We’re all properly registered and we’re not blacklisted by the authorities, its not as if Teng could dig anything up.
Yvonne : Teng would surely want to drop by whenever he can…so we need to be mindful of what is being done at what stage as well….. I’ve declined to meet him again this week and I’ll do my best to make sure he doesn’t come in but there is no guarantee….. so if Teng does drop by…. Jackson …. I hope you can handle him….
I nodded and reassured Yvonne everything will be just fine.
Yvonne turned to Calvin and waited for him to speak now that she’s done.
Calvin : ok…..Teng will only be overseas in end July…. We can start work next Monday…. We will finish the connection into Yiling’s place by Tuesday…. There after…. Every 1st 2 days of the week…. We will come over and do our work…..does that work for you Yiling ?
There was a short lag before I heard Yiling’s voice.
Yiling : works for me…. Jackson and I will be there…. Sis… you start packing the essentials….. anything that you can buy abroad… you leave it… anything on display that Teng’s men can see… you leave it…. Calvin…. What about the cover for the connection…. And the hole down to Teng’s place….
Calvin : The moment the connection to your place is done, we will be installing a new cabinet in front of it…. It’s already pre fabricated in the factory…. You won’t be able to tell once it’s up……
As for the hole in the ground, Calvin has gotten the structural dwgs from his contacts.
Calvin : The slab is 200mm thick…. We need to cut through some reinforcement bars….. but we will not be making a big hole…. Just wie enough for Yvonne to get in and out….
Calvin will start on the hole and go about halfway deep, the other half will be done when Teng is overseas.
Yiling : ok… sounds good.
Yvonne leaned closer to the phone to speak with her sister.
Yvonne :… Teng’s men cannot see the boxes and suitcases I’m moving…. I need to move them out periodically after I’m done…. what do you think ?
Yiling : No issue…I will have someone move them down to the carpark using the private lift that serves my stack… I’ll send them overseas in batches…
Yvonne : ok… that settles it…
Yiling asked her sister how long she will need to pack.
Yvonne : not long….. just give me 1 good Monday and Tuesday…. I can grab everything I need ….
Calvin : sounds good….we need to firm up the date when Yvonne will be leaving….. that will be the day we finish up the opening into Teng’s unit…. She will grab her stuff and leave…..
Yiling : cool….. does anyone have any questions… ?
Jackson : me…
All eyes turned to me as I speak with exception of Yiling of course.
Jackson : So…. Assuming it all goes to plan….. we open up the connection…. Yvonne packs…. Send it off…. We open up the hole into Teng’s place…. Gets what she is after….. comes back up…..and she leaves….
I paused to take a deep breath before going on.
Jackson : Yiling and I will be here buying time for Yvonne to leave the country and disappear…. Then what happens next…. What about the aftermath… ? the hole in Teng’s ceiling… his men realising Yvonne is gone… she made off with his personal porn collection…… and we are just the stand in… then what…. What happens next… ?
Calvin did not speak while Yvonne avoided my eyes.
Yiling replied.
Yiling : Given the infinite possibilities of how this chain of event will happen, there is no way anyone can predict how the aftermath would be like….
Jackson : in simple English please….
Yiling never hesitated at all in her reply.
Yiling : Then the fun begins… hahaha.
……………………………………………………………….