Chapter 4

Derrick was about to go in depth with his explanation of the hen night parties but Soh’s phone rang and he put a finger to his lips, signalling for us to lower our volume.

It was the client on the line. Tony.

Soh: So what do you want us to do now? hmmm ok.

There was a short pause before Soh added that we would pack up and deliver some stuff to the yacht.

Well, it’s an early night for us, all the better.

Soh hung up and asked us to pack up the room.

Soh: Food, bring all back to the office, we have our own party later. Mohan, Tony is in his study. Go and collect payment. Give him the invoice.

Mohan: Ok.

As I helped to pack up the food, I couldn’t help but be amazed at how easy this was. I mean like what the fuck man? Just like this and it’s a wrap? Soh made like what, 30k from this. Seems like this is a good business to be in.

Soh: Jim, Rizwan follow me.

We went to the SUV and I watched as Soh opened the boot of the vehicle. Inside the boot was a large cardboard box about the length of a guitar case. Soh signalled for me to carry it while Rizwan picked up a similar one from the other vehicle.

We followed Soh down the private jetty to Tony’s yacht.

Seeing the boat bob up and down on the tranquil sea that night, I couldn’t help but marvel at how rich these people were. The captain of the yacht waved to Soh and they exchanged greetings, a sign that they are acquainted.

We loaded the cases onto the yacht and the captain came over. He opened up one of the cases, and that was when I felt my balls shrink a little.

Jim: What the fuck!

Rizwan: Relax bro, not our business. We’re just the middleman.

It was not drugs or a case loaded with money mind you. It was fireworks which were banned in Singapore although I’d played with some of those before when I was in Malaysia.

Rizwan dragged me off the boat while Soh had a word with the captain.

Jim: What the fuck bro? Those?

Rizwan: Jim, these people, they drive their boats out into the open water. They do whatever shit they want. We don’t care. Soh is just the middleman supplying them the fireworks

Jim: But fireworks are illegal in Singapore. How did you get your hands on them?

Rizwan: Soh has a friend, Ah Peng. He owns a fish farm just off the coast. It’s a transit hub for all sorts of things that are hard to find in the country.

Jim: You’re shitting me man. We ... we could go to jail for this.

Rizwan: Ah relax Jim. We only do the delivery. The rest we don’t care about. Besides it’s only once or twice a year and so far it’s been good. Most of the time we don’t bother with stuff like this but it’s because Tony is a good client. He pays and he keeps his mouth shut.

Rizwan nudged me along as we went back to the house to help with the packing. I didn’t feel comfortable with this but after Rizwan reassured me that they were not dealing with drugs and shit, I decided to let it pass.

It’s the New Year after all. Everyone just wants to have a bit of fun.

We left Tony’s place just before 12 midnight.

While the rest of the country was celebrating the arrival of the new year, our group gathered in the office. The tables were packed full of food and Soh brought out a case of beer from the fridge.

Like good old times in the mess hall, we ate, laughed and chatted over a cold beer. Everyone parted ways at 3 in the morning with Soh reminding us to be back on Tueday for work.

Soh: We need to kick off other projects. I’ll see everyone here on Tuesday.

3rd Jan 2017.

Tuesday.

9.15 am

Everyone was already present and Soh got right into the briefing.

Soh: Ok. We’re splitting into 2 teams for this. We got a baby sitting job today.

Soh put up the picture of a pretty lady and told everyone the situation.

Soh: Ok. Our client, Denise, she’s the sugarbabe of prominent local businessman, Herman. She’s been getting harassed by Herman’s wife Mecole.