Chapter Nineteen
Magee hesitated before he pressed the buzzer on the front door of the Royal Thai Embassy in Queensgate, London. A stomach churning feeling had hit him hard. He was way out of his depth. The hangover he had didn't help matters either.
The door opened. A security guard beckoned Magee inside and directed him towards a plush red leather chair. He sat fidgeting for what seemed like an hour before anyone returned. Finally, a courteous assistant put him out of his misery.
‘His Excellency will see you now, Chief Inspector.’
Magee followed the assistant, feeling as though he was walking to his execution. He felt lightheaded, his mind seemingly detached from his body. Sweat broke out on his forehead as he stepped into the Ambassador's study and looked around at the magnificent opulence; oak panelling, deep pile red carpets, walls adorned with portraits of the Royal Thai Family. He gripped his briefcase nervously as he walked the full length of the room and stood like a guilty schoolboy in front of the Ambassador's enormous desk.
‘Chief Inspector,’ the serious looking but youthful Ambassador said, rising to greet Magee. ‘Thank you for coming. Please sit down.’
‘Thank you, sir,’ Magee replied. The stern look of the Ambassador unnerved him. ‘Forgive me, sir, but I'm not sure whether I should call you Mr Ambassador or Your Excellency.’
‘My staff call me Mr Ambassador, Chief Inspector. I believe that would be an appropriate form of address.’
‘Thank you, sir.’
‘Very well. Now then, Chief Inspector. I believe you have some explaining to do concerning an assault on my dear friend Somchai Polgeowit.’
‘Yes, sir, indeed. It was a most unfortunate incident. It is my understanding that an officer may have been a little over zealous in restraining Mr Polgeowit. I understand he fell awkwardly, hit his head against a wall on the way down. I take full responsibility for the matter, of course. However, I would like to inform you of the events leading up to his arrest that may explain our anxiety in handling him.’
‘I would welcome such enlightenment, Chief Inspector. Please, at your own pace.’
Magee’s nerves settled as he briefed the Ambassador on the murders of Todd Conners, Mike Harwood and Robert Harrison, and the sequence of events that had led to the arrest of Somchai Polgeowit. The Ambassador seemed to listen intently. Pleasing as it was, it wasn’t quite the reaction he’d expected. He’d come prepared to receive a dressing down instead. When he’d finished, he sat patiently waiting for the Ambassador to respond.
‘So it wasn't you, yourself, who caused my friend Somchai’s wound?’
‘Certainly not, sir. My Superintendent will be investigating the alleged offense. If any officer is found to have deliberately assaulted Mr Polgeowit, then that officer will be duly dealt with.’
‘What punishment would he expect?’
‘He would face a disciplinary charge. He may be reprimanded or thrown out of his job; it all depends on the facts and circumstances. It would certainly blight his career, if he continues in the Constabulary that is.’
‘I see. Not unlike your own predicament, I expect?’
Magee sighed quietly. ‘That is quite correct, sir. Last night, I was ordered to take gardening leave, whilst my Superintendent conducts an investigation. Someone else has taken over the case.’
‘Someone as good as you, I hope, Chief Inspector?’
Magee fleetingly thought of Inspector Jackson. A man he detested for being pompous. A man who had sneered at him the day a younger man was promoted above Magee; a man who had last night openly laughed at Magee’s woes. ‘I'd rather not comment on that, sir.’
‘Would you be reinstated on the case if all the charges of negligence, assault and wrongful arrest were dropped?’
Magee blinked. ‘I beg your pardon, sir. I’m not sure if I understand you.’
‘If my friend Somchai dropped all charges, would you get the case back?’
Magee was shocked. The question seemed to have been asked quite seriously. ‘If Mr Polgeowit dropped his charges, then it would certainly help my predicament, sir. But it would not necessarily mean I would be given the case back.’
‘So how could that be achieved, Chief Inspector?’
‘Well, Inspector Jackson, the man who has taken over from me, would have to make a huge mistake, similar to my own. Then the position of senior investigating officer would probably be vacant again. Inspector Jackson would not be taken off the case just because I was cleared of charges, or if they were dropped. But all this talk is hypothetical, sir,’ Magee replied, completely baffled. ‘I’m not sure I understand your interest in the case.’
The Ambassador rubbed his chin before asking, ‘Do you know much about Thai politics, Chief Inspector?’
‘No, sir. I can’t say I do. Thailand doesn’t feature that often in our newspapers, or on television.’
‘Unless there’s been a natural disaster, or a murder of an British tourist?’
Magee gave a curt smile. ‘Exactly, sir. We are a bit like that, aren’t we? I know it’s no consolation, but we’re the same with most other countries as well.’
‘It is normal, Chief Inspector. I imagine the majority of Thai people couldn’t pinpoint this obscure little island on an atlas.’
‘The media makes us ignorant, sir.’
‘Indeed it does. However, if you would bear with me a minute, I hope to make you understand my position.’
‘Certainly, sir.’
‘Back in February, we had a military coup. It wasn't the first in our country; we tend to have coups like you have elections. Do you have any idea who caused it though?’
‘No, sir. No idea at all. I had no idea it had even happened.’
‘It was caused by the actions of one of your major telecommunication companies.’
‘I beg your pardon, sir?’
‘The company won a contract to modernize our telephone system. The job was worth billions of baht, but to win such a contract in my country, Chief Inspector, a certain amount of persuasion has to be undertaken. In this case over fifty million pounds was, erm, invested, shall we say, to secure the contract, if you catch my drift.’
‘It doesn’t surprise me, sir. I’ve found most big businesses operate like that, even in this country.’
‘Indeed that’s true. Regrettably though, in this case, disaster struck. The Prime Minister decided to share the money with just a few close friends. That was a mistake. A gross mistake, since normally such money would be shared by hundreds, as it trickled down from the top of government departments. As you can imagine, there were a large number of dissatisfied politicians and bureaucrats. The Prime Minister had been too greedy, you see, and it caused his downfall. In the end, there was little choice, the army stepped in and installed a temporary government. The first thing the temporary Prime Minister did was to cancel the telephone contract. The whole thing was a mess, Chief Inspector. It was a case of foreign interference damaging our national security. That’s something that happens far too often.’
‘I'm sorry to hear that, sir,’ Magee interjected. ‘However, I'm not sure that I follow your train of thought.’
‘Please bear with me, Chief Inspector, all will become clear in a minute. You see, the people of my country want democracy. They do not want the army stepping in to seize control, even if it is done with good intentions. We’ve been promised free elections next year, on the anniversary of the temporary Prime Minister’s appointment. But, Chief Inspector, there is a faction in the army that has tasted power, and have learned how easy it is to obtain. I fear that the so-called free elections may not produce the result we would hope for. If, for instance, the army manipulated themselves into a position of power, then the people’s desire for a fair democracy may well lead to civil unrest. And if that happened, then my country would need all the international friends it can muster. We’ve been down this road before, Chief Inspector, I can see it coming quite clearly.’
‘I can follow t
hat, sir, but . . .’
‘But, Chief Inspector, at the moment, there is a maniac running around this country murdering innocent people. From what you say, there appears to be a high probability that the killer is a Thai national. Also, there’s the matter of last night's television broadcasts. It was particularly disingenuous of the solicitor Somchai is using to berate the British police force for racial stereotyping and racial hatred. No one likes a smart lawyer, especially one who turns on the establishment in defence of a foreign criminal.’
Magee cringed. The Ambassador had hit the nail on the head, yet he couldn’t bring himself to openly agree. ‘That’s very perceptive of you, sir.’
‘So, Chief Inspector, if these murders continue, unsolved, then I believe the British public may well turn against my country. In that situation, any Thai man is a potential murderer. It is a common reaction, as I'm sure you're aware. A whole nation can easily become xenophobic overnight. Thai residents are likely to be treated coldly by their neighbours. Thai restaurants may be boycotted, maybe bricks thrown through windows, that sort of thing. I'm sure you get the picture.’
‘Yes, sir, I'm afraid I do.’
‘If my worst fears materialize,’ the Ambassador continued, ‘then my country may well have to turn to the rest of the world for support in the near future. Britain is a wealthy and influential country and we currently enjoy a cordial diplomatic relationship. In a crisis, we would hope to count on your government's support. But if the British people have turned against us because of this murderer, then . . . well, I'm sure you understand political spin, Chief Inspector. Your government might be disinclined to help.’
‘I see where you’re coming from, sir, but how do I fit into this?’
‘Cooperation, Chief Inspector. I’m prepared to have a quiet word with my old friend Somchai. I will explain to him that pursuing a complaint against the police could be politically embarrassing for our home country. I believe I can calm him down, although I may well have to offer other inducements. Anyway, in getting him to drop his action it would remove a thorn, a small thorn admittedly, from the Anglo-Thai diplomatic relationship.’
Magee couldn’t believe his ears. ‘That is extremely gracious of you, sir.’
‘It will, of course, cause me a lot of grief to get Somchai to drop his lawsuit. In return, therefore, I would like to ask a favour of you. I am familiar with your expression concerning “back scratching”, you understand?’
‘Yes, sir. Anything I can do, I’ll do happily,’ Magee offered, not knowing what he could possibly do for an Ambassador.
‘I believe you to be a good police officer, Chief Inspector. If this murderer is indeed a Thai, then I am extremely concerned and I am keen for the matter to be resolved quickly and efficiently. I have no wish for the good name of my country to be diminished in the eyes of the British public. But if a Thai man is involved, then he must be apprehended. Thailand has had a dream image for many years now. The Land of Smiles is a well-known description of Thailand and I want that image restored quickly. You can help me achieve that by catching this murderer and bringing him to swift justice. That will enable the British public to get over the incident and sleep soundly again. I offer any assistance you would like from my office. It will have to be kept unofficial of course, but I shall be pleased to speak to you any time you wish. I shall endeavour to obtain any information you request.’
‘That is most kind, sir.’
‘But in return, I would like to be kept informed on every aspect of the case as it progresses.’
‘I see no problem with that, sir, provided this is kept unofficial.’
The Ambassador nodded, and smiled. ‘Perhaps I can even be of help in putting forward suggestions of my own, from a Thai perspective, as it were. Whatever piece of evidence you have, I want to know about it. I wish to hear all your theories and all your suspicions. This man must be stopped. He is causing my country severe embarrassment.’
‘Sir, I'm dumbfounded. I'm honoured by your offer and would gladly accept, but you’ve forgotten one small matter. I'm no longer on the case. You should really speak about this with Inspector Jackson, not me.’
The Ambassador grunted. ‘My dear Chief Inspector, you do not look the type of man to be defeated so easily. Where is your enthusiasm? Your drive? Your devotion to duty? Are you just going to sit back and take all the abuse from those above you? Think of your career, your pension, your wife and family. Do you not want to get your position back and get rid of this incompetent Inspector Jackson?’
‘Yes, of course I do. But how, sir?’
‘Fight, Magee! Fight from the sidelines. Nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it. Believe me, if you want something desperately it is within your own power. Look at me, I'm one of the richest men in my country. But there was a time when I had nothing, absolutely nothing. I fought hard for my success. So should you.’
A pep talk was just what Magee been needed. ‘You know something, sir, I believe you’re right.’
‘I am indeed. Now then,’ the Ambassador said, as a devious look appeared on his face. ‘That briefcase of yours is bulging, I was wondering what was in it.’
Magee returned a conspiratorial look. ‘As it happens, sir, I made photocopies of a few relevant reports before I left the office last night. Perhaps you would care to have a look?’
‘I am not doing anything until lunchtime. I'd be delighted.’
Magee spread his notes over the Ambassador's desk and the two men poured over the evidence and discussed theories for well over an hour. Eventually, the Ambassador concurred with Magee's own theory of revenge attacks; it was the most logical conclusion to reach.
‘So,’ the Ambassador said at length. ‘What do you propose to do in the next few days?’
‘Wait at home, sir. Until summoned that is. I have to attend a hearing next week. I'm supposed to stay at home until then.’
‘And what will you do at home?’
‘Well, I had intended to reread everything. Maybe I've missed something important. It often helps to start at the beginning and go along another track. It's a bit like working through a maze.’
The Ambassador sat in contemplation for a few seconds drumming his fingers on his desk. ‘Let's stick with your assumption that the three victims . . . four victims, if you include this Keith Gibson, were all in Bangkok at the same time, some eighteen years ago, and were part of a team of criminals. You need to identify the rest of the men, correct?’
‘Indeed I do, sir. But I don’t see how I could possibly do that. As I said, I reckon Nick Price is up to his neck in this, but he doesn’t seem willing to help.’
‘Then you’ll just have to focus on the victims.’
‘I’ve been trying to do that, sir.’
‘Assume they knew each other, those are your own words, Chief Inspector. So, how would they know each other? Work? Business? On holiday? In the same military unit, perhaps? There must be a limited number of situations for people to come together in a foreign country. After all, they have no history there, no family, no school, no village community. Where do you see them coming together?’
‘I hadn’t thought, sir.’ Magee pondered the issue. It wasn’t something he’d actually thought about yet. ‘I don’t know your country well at all. How do you think a group of Englishmen would get to know each other?’
‘I would imagine they socialized together. Maybe they stayed at the same hotel or were simply regulars at the same bar. That would be a common occurrence.’
‘That sounds logical, sir. I understand Nick Price ran a bar there. But how does it help?’
‘It may help channel your efforts. We’re talking about a group of young men, in their early twenties, in Bangkok. What would you have been doing in those circumstances?’
Magee shrugged his shoulders, baffled by the question.
‘When you were that age, away from home, did you not write to your mother to let her know you were safe? Did you not send her photographs of excit
ing places you’d visited, of new friends? Did you not try to shock her with descriptions of your daring exploits?’
Magee chuckled at the memory of youthful antics away from home on scout camps. ‘I certainly did that, sir.’
‘Right, Chief Inspector. Now, what did your mother do with those mementos?’
Magee sighed. ‘Of course! She put the photos I gave her into the family album.’
‘Exactly. And you know where to look, potentially, for four such albums. Hopefully, you may find some photos or letters of interest. Something that could link them to other potential victims, or perhaps to suggestions about what heist they were involved in. That should give you something to work on during the next few days.’
‘You know something, sir? You’ve just made such an obvious point, but we missed it. You weren’t in the police before your appointment to London, we’re you?’
The Ambassador shook his head and said, ‘Not at all, Chief Inspector. But I did tell you I might be able to help, didn’t I? It’s always a good idea to get another perspective on an issue, especially one involving other cultures. We have a deal then? Your cooperation for mine?’ The Ambassador extended his hand.
‘Yes, sir. We do.’
‘Strictly between the two of us, though, no one else involved. That way, we can each take the credit for the eventual outcome without anyone being the wiser.’
‘Agreed, sir. My word on it.’ Magee shook hands firmly with the Ambassador.
Magee left the Embassy head held high and a spring in his step. He had been given a stay of execution. He had been made to feel like a human being again. He had his pride back and he was going to put up one hell of a fight.