Cockatoo Pt. 40

Dao looked at her watch. "We must go now."

Nin had tears in her eyes and I hugged her. "Khap kun kha, Nin. I couldn't have done this without you. I'll see you later."

She turned away and wiped her eyes. I took a deep breath and winced as the corset bit into me. "Dao, I'm ready, or as ready as I'll ever be."

She hustled me through the door and helped me into the back of a big Mercedes. Nin waved as we left and I thought how much I would miss her tonight. It was only then the implications of what I was doing hit me. How did I get here? Dressed as a woman, about to be the escort of one the most powerful men in Bangkok at an exclusive party. What the fuck was I thinking? How did I ever think I would get away with this?

I started to hyperventilate and for a second I thought I would faint as the corset seemed to get tighter and tighter.

"Jamie, are you OK?" Dao looked worried.

"Er, yes, I think so." I sucked in a deep breath. "I'm scared, that's all."

She took my hand. "Jamie, you look wonderful. Kritsada will be delighted."

I gripped her hand, hoping she was right. Thoughts of embarrassment and utter humiliation flashed through my mind.

"Do you think I look OK?" I was on the brink of a full-blown panic attack.

"No, I don't think you look OK, Jamie."

My heart sank.

She smiled, "I think you look beautiful." She leant over and kissed my cheek.

"But, do you honestly think I can do this?" I was searching for a reason to escape.

"Jamie, I heard what happened to you when the pirates attacked, and what you went through to warn Kritsada. If you can cope with all that, you can deal with this. If you believe you can do it, you will."

Did I believe I could? I still didn't know

"Dao, why did Kritsada want me to do this?"

"Jamie, don't worry about that, please enjoy yourself this evening. It will be a night to remember."

All I hoped was that I would remember it for the right reasons. The car came to a stop and Dao ran around to open the door for me. I sat there for a moment, thinking I could still pretend to faint or something. Although the way I felt, I might faint for real.

"Jamie, we need to go."

Dao stood outside the car holding her hand out. I took as deep a breath and swung my legs out of the car, remembering to keep my knees together. I held onto to Dao's hand for dear life as she led me across to a dock where a long-tailed boat was waiting. Someone else took my hand as I stepped down and into the boat. Dao followed, and the engine roared into life, and we sped across the river towards a large boat blazing with lights. My heart was pounding as I thought it was too late to back out now. I had to go through with it.

Dao had to shout to make herself heard. "Guests will arrive soon. Kritsada is waiting for you onboard."

"Will you be there, Dao?" I had to yell as well over the sound of the engine.

"Yes, but not in the party. I will take you back after party finished."

We came alongside the boat and someone offered me a hand to step up onto a gangway. Everything was a blur as I stepped onto the main deck blazing with lights. My head spun, and I steadied myself by leaning against a wall. Spotting a restroom, I staggered inside and leant on the counter to steady myself. I looked into the mirror and a woman I had never seen before stared back at me.

On second thoughts I thought I recognised her from somewhere. Under her perfect makeup her eyes seemed familiar. Maybe I had met her before somewhere. She looked like the kind of woman I would like to meet but would never stand a chance with. I shook my head to clear it and her head moved too, her hair swinging from side to side. It was odd because as she did, I felt my hair flick against my face. That snapped me back to my senses.

I stood up straight, smoothed my dress, fluffed my hair and smiled at the face in the mirror. I told myself I can do this. Taking a deep breath, I held it for a few seconds and winked at my reflection. You look fabulous I told myself. Game face on, I thought, before opening the door and walking straight into Yut.

I almost fainted for the umpteenth time that day.

Putting my hand up to my heart I said, "Oh, Kor thot kha. I am sorry."

To give me time to think, I made a deep wai. "Sawasdee khun."

He looked me up and down and sneered. "Are you the one called Jamie?"

I nodded, keeping my eyes demurely downwards.

"Kritsada want you now, guests arriving."

My pulse was racing, but he made no sign he had recognised me. I couldn't keep up with him as he walked along the deck. These heels weren't the easiest to walk in, and he kept looking over his shoulder with a frown on his face. He waited for me to catch up, then leant close and said, "I don't know what Kritsada see in you, farang whore, but if you don't hurry, I will make you pay."

I smiled, "And your name is? I want to tell Khun Kritsada how polite you have been." You shouldn't upset policemen or gangsters, but I couldn't resist.

"I am called Yut. Remember me, because I will remember you." He turned and walked in front of me, but slower this time. We reached the door to the main saloon, and I saw Kritsada with his back to me, talking with one of his men. The man saw me, touched Kritsada's arm, and nodded towards me. Kritsada turned, and for a moment his normally implacable features registered confusion as he looked at me. He hadn't recognised me, and I grinned to myself, my courage boosted by his reaction.

"Sawasdee kha, khun Kritsada, it is an honour to be here with you tonight." I made what I hoped was a gracious wai.

He had recovered his composure, smiled and returned the greeting. "Sawasdee khap khun Jamie. But you are mistaken, it is my honour to have you beside me tonight."

He leant forward, grasped my shoulders and gave me a kiss on both cheeks. The scent of his cologne and the touch of his hands sent a thrill running through me. I wondered yet again why he had invited me here.

He smiled at me, "Jamie, you look stunning. Your dress looks wonderful and the jewels match your beauty perfectly."

I blushed at the compliment, and it thrilled me to hear him say it.

"Dao told me the jewellery was your wife's. It is an honour to wear them."

"Jamie, you are mistaken again, you honour the jewellery. Come, have a drink before the guests arrive." He was a smooth tongued rogue, but the flattery made me feel good. "Please order what you wish, Jamie. We have whisky if you like or something else, champagne, perhaps?"

I could have killed for a double scotch but something told me I shouldn't over indulge tonight.

"Champagne would be nice, thank you."

Kritsada snapped his fingers, and a waiter materialised by my elbow with a glass of champagne. As I took the glass I was fascinated to see my painted and shaped fingernails holding the elegant glass, almost as if they were someone else's fingers. The waiter handed him a large tumbler of what I assumed was his favourite GlenDronach and he raised it in a toast.

"Jamie, I am so glad you agreed to be beside me this evening. Have you enjoyed the last few days?"

Little did he know of what had happened over those days, but I smiled and said, "Yes, thank you. It has been an unforgettable experience. You have been so generous."

Kritsada waved his arm as if to dismiss the matter. One of his men appeared at his side to ask him a question, and I sneaked a look at him. His tuxedo fitted him like a glove and I imagined must have cost a fortune. He looked elegant and powerful, and for a moment I wondered what he would be like in bed. It was a thought I wanted to banish from my mind but try as I might I could not. I thought of Shane and Aki, and how both turned me on. It couldn't be a coincidence they were all strong powerful men. I giggled to myself, calling myself a slut for even thinking of Kritsada like that.

He turned back. "Come Jamie, our guests are arriving."

He held his arm out and with a shock I realised he wanted me on his arm to greet the guests. He smiled and patted my hand, "Don't worry, you will be fine. Offer each guest a wai as I introduce them. A simple sawasdee will be sufficient."

I put my arm through his and we walked towards the gangway where I had arrived. I felt the dress swirling around my legs as we walked, the swing of my earrings and the tug of my stockings all conspired to make me feel dizzy. But, somehow I felt empowered to be on Kritsada's arm and for the first time I began to enjoy myself.

The first few guests appeared to be business acquaintances of Kritsada. I greeted each with a wai and "Sawasdee kha." They were all men and their eyes swept over me and immediately onto Kritsada. None seemed interested in me for which I felt grateful. There was a pause in the arrivals and I guessed the boat and gone back for another group. Kritsada was speaking to one of his guests and it gave me a chance to look around. I spotted Yut staring at Kritsada and me with a malevolent look on his face. I shivered, I hadn't known he would be here and although I was sure he had not recognised me I didn't want him taking too close a look.

Kritsada nudged my elbow as another group of guests arrived and I turned to see two women and with a start I recognised both. To the first I made a wai and said "Sawasdee Doctor Praew, it is lovely to see you."

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Kritsada smirking as he watched us.

"Jamie, my dear, it is my pleasure to see you looking so beautiful. By the look on your face I guess Kritsada did not tell you I would be here." She embraced me, gave me a peck on each cheek and whispered "You look wonderful, is everything all right?"

"It's fine, Doctor, I'm having a wonderful time."

She raised her eyebrows and moved onto to Kritsada as the second woman came towards me. I made a wai to her and tried to keep my eyes down, praying she wouldn't recognise me. Kritsada turned back from Praew and said, "Jamie, this is Nancy, she is an American business contact. She is very important to me, so please take special care of her tonight."

Nancy took a long hard look at me and I saw the flash of recognition in her eyes. I closed my eyes, waiting for her to say something.

"Thank you Kritsada, I'm sure Jamie, is that right? I'm sure she will take good care of me tonight." She smiled and brushed my arm with her fingers, "Let's have a good talk later, Jamie. I have a lot of questions for you." She moved away and I breathed again.

"Is anything wrong, Jamie? You look pale."

"No, no, everything's fine, thank you."

"Ah, here is our Chief Guest."

I watched as a small shrew like man minced his way towards us. Pompous little bastard was the first thing which went through my mind. He shook hands with Kritsada, who turned and said, "Jamie, may I introduce His Excellency, Malcolm Pritchard, the Australian Ambassador."

Oh my God, I thought, it's the guy Shane works for and loathes. I did my best to keep a straight face and gave him a deep wai. "I am honoured to meet you, Your Excellency."

What was Kritsada doing toadying up to this guy? I thought it would make Shane laugh when I told him about this. It occurred to me that Shane might be here to protect his boss, and that would be an even bigger laugh. With the ambassador's arrival the party was complete. Cocktails were served, and I caught Nancy trying to manoeuvre her way towards me, but she was always waylaid by someone, much to my relief.

We moved into dinner and I found I was seated between Nancy and the Ambassador. Kritsada sat the other side of the ambassador. No avoiding her now, I thought. The ambassador held my chair out, and I remembered all my lessons about sitting down in a dress. It was a truly wonderful meal, surpassing anything I had tasted before, better even than the food at Koh Samui Blue, although I would never tell Alex so.

Praew engaged Nancy, so I was stuck with the ambassador. He was totally self-obsessed, telling me in endless detail about what he had done and how wonderful he was. My thoughts kept going back to what Shane had told me, and I had to fight to keep a smile off my face. I felt something brush my leg on the ambassador's side. I put it down to an accident and moved my leg. A few seconds later, I felt it again, and realised that the little shit had his hand on my leg. I moved his hand away but within a few seconds it returned, this time stroking my thigh. He acted as if nothing was happening and turned to talk to Kritsada, whilst still caressing my thigh, getting further and further up. I tried to catch Kritsada's eye, but he ignored me.

"Your Excellency," I began. "No, you must call me Malcolm, all my close friends do."

"Er, Malcolm, you must forgive me but I have to excuse myself for a while. Too much champagne."

"Oh, of course, my dear. I understand. Hurry back, I was so enjoying your company. He gave my thigh a final squeeze as I pushed my chair back. As I rose, Nancy did the same. "I'll come with you, Jamie."

Damn, that meant she planned to confront me in the toilets. I was saved by Praew who taking the hint, joined us. The men stood as we left and Praew took my arm as we headed for the toilets. I hadn't really got used to how women all go the toilet at the same time, but on this occasion I was relieved. Praew was chatting with Nancy which left me to my own devices. I dived into one of the cubicles and sat down gratefully as I peed, still a strange sensation for me.

Re-joining the other two I repaired my makeup, before grabbing Praew's arm for the walk back to the table. I whispered to her that the ambassador had octopus hands and she laughed out loud. "The old goat would get a shock if he went any further up your leg. Don't worry, I'll swap places with you. Just hang back a little so I get there first."

I walked a little slower which meant Nancy had time to grab me. "What is going on, Jamie? Are you playing games with me?"

I shook my head. "No, no games."

Kritsada interrupted us by announcing the entertainment would be starting. Praew had sat down next to the ambassador who looked less than pleased. Kritsada clapped his hands and a group of Thai dancers ran onto the floor. A small group of musicians played music and the dancers began their elaborate dance routines. There are many forms of Thai dance and Areeya had told me something about their origins. Her mother had been a dancer when she met and married Kritsada and Areeya had trained in the classical style of dance. As the dancers performed, I wondered if Kritsada thought of his wife.

I had seen a many dance troupes since I had been in Thailand and although I was no expert, this was one of the best I had seen. My thoughts went to Areeya as I watched the dance and then onto Alex. It was with a pang I realised I hadn't spoken to either of them for a few days, and I really missed them. The dance ended with a generous round of applause and the dancers moved off the floor. The music continued to play in the background and waiters refilled drinks until Kritsada stood up to make a speech. Everyone fell silent except for Yut who kept on talking to the man next to him.

Kritsada knocked his fork against a glass for silence and Yut muttered something under his breath. Kritsada caught the remark and glared at Yut for a few seconds before snapping something which cut like a whip. Yut flinched, and I held my breath as he glared back at Kritsada. Knowing his short fuse, I half expected him to explode. Instead, he stood up and walked slowly out of the room.

There was an embarrassed silence around the table, but Kritsada turned back with his smile back in place. I let out the breath I had been holding, but I knew we had not heard the last of this.

Kritsada invited the ambassador to give a speech and the little man prattled on and on, mainly about himself. It was easy to see why Shane couldn't stand him. He eventually stopped and there was a polite round of applause. I'm sure I saw some of the guests stifling a yawn. A few of them left straight away, but a few stayed on. I guessed they were Kritsada's closest business associates as he broke open a new bottle of GlenDronach. Something he only did to impress. Kritsada brought a tumbler over for me.

"Jamie, I think this is to your taste, no?"

I giggled, as he knew full well how much I liked it.

"Khap kun ka. It is very much to my taste."

He bent down and whispered, "You need not worry about the ambassador, I have arranged a little gift for him in a cabin. He will have his hands full for a while."

It flashed into my mind it could have been Alex doing that in the past. I hoped that she, or he, knew what they were doing. I spent some time with his business contacts and some of them were very funny once they loosened up. It served the purpose of keeping me away from Nancy who had also stayed. Once more my bladder complained, and I thought the corset must have something to do with it. I excused myself to find walked down a corridor where I thought the restrooms were. But I must have got lost because I couldn't find them. Pushing open a couple of doors I found they were small cabins with a bed in each. This is Bangkok, I thought, I could guess what they were being used for. Turning to walk back, I heard a moan from one room. I stopped and smiled, someone is having a good time, I thought.

The boat rocked, making me put my hand out to steady myself, and I pushed open the door a few inches. There was a couple in the room; a woman with her dress hitched up, straddling a man on the bed. I couldn't see the man's face at first but I stopped in my tracks as I recognised the woman's dress. It was Praew, and she was riding Kritsada for all she was worth. She was bouncing up and down on Kritsada and oblivious to my presence, but he must have sensed something because he looked across at me, grinned and said "Don't just stand there. Either shut the door or come and join us."

A thousand thoughts ran through my mind in an instant. Had I been set up? Was this what Kritsada had invited me for? Was Praew in on it? Was Alex in on it? What would happen if I joined in? What would Areeya think if she knew I had fucked her father? I had done so many things in the past few months, but I knew this would be a step too far for me. Yes, I might have thought about what Kritsada might be like in bed, but this was a bridge I would not cross.

I shut the door and leant back against it, my heart pumping and closed my eyes. My pulse subsided, so I opened my eyes and looked straight into the face of Nancy. She grabbed my wrist and hissed. "OK, Jamie, or Scarlett, whoever you are, you are going to tell me what the fuck is going on."

She pulled me into one of the empty rooms and pushed me onto the bed. She stood over me, fists on hips and glowered down at me.

"Did Kritsada send you to spy on me?"

"What?" I shook my head. "No, you've got it all wrong."

She cocked her head to one side. "OK then, tell me how I run into you twice in as many days as two different characters. And sister, I don't believe in coincidences."

I sighed, "All right, but you had better sit down."

She turned and locked the door before sitting in a chair facing me.

"You might not believe in coincidences but that's what this is. The mother and father of all coincidences." She snorted. "Hear me out, at least. I'm doing work for Kritsada, some technology consultancy."

"I'm not a fool, tell me the truth."

"Nancy, this is the truth, I am helping Kritsada with his business. This," I gestured towards my dress. "This is where it gets a little weird."

As quickly as I could I explained about meeting Alex and Areeya, the pirate attack, my encounter with Jandaeng and the trip to Bangkok as Jamie and being caught in the bomb. Her expression didn't change as I told her about growing to like being Jamie and it seemed easier to stay in character. Nin was a friend and co-worker I explained, and she had dragged me along for the date with Nancy and Joe.