Bangkok Circles by Stephen Shaiken

Author:Stephen Shaiken [Shaiken, Stephen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-02-19T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

As soon as Rodney reached the stairs from the Phrong Phrom BTS platform to Sukhumvit, he followed protocol for an agent who suspects they are being followed. When he reached the exit at platform level, instead of taking the steps to the street, he walked over to a map of stations and studied it for a moment. He then walked up the stairs leading in the opposite direction from which he’d arrived, and took a seat at the nearest bench. When two trains passed and no one came up that staircase, Rodney walked to the last stairway on the platform and walked out to the street. He knew the technique was not foolproof, but studies proved it effective over ninety eight percent of the time.

Lek greeted Rodney warmly. The fact that Khun Glenn had a Black friend was further proof to Lek of Glenn’s tolerance and goodness. Lek knew many farangs disliked Black people, and sadly, so did many of his fellow Thais. Lek considered himself a good Buddhist, who could not harbor such feelings. He called to let Glenn know his friend was on the way up.

“Lek still thinks Rodney is a friend, here on a social call,” Glenn said to Oliver, the General and Colonel Somchai. They sat at Glenn’s dining room table.

“Aren’t we all friends, in one way or another?” Colonel Somchai asked. “Has there ever been a time when any of us were on the opposite side?”

“Good point,” Oliver said. “There have indeed been times when the interests of the CIA, Thailand, and we as individuals, merged together. There also times when they’re are at odds with each other. It’s usually the CIA at odds with everyone else.”

Their banter was interrupted by the appearance of Rodney Snapp in the dining room. He pulled up a chair.

“You’re always doing this!” Glenn exclaimed. “It’s like you can walk through walls. What is your secret?”

“If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret anymore,” Rodney replied. Then he turned to Colonel Somchai, seated between Glenn and Oliver.

“It’s nice to see you again, Colonel. Whenever we worked together, it was a pleasure.”

“I’m glad one of us felt that way,” the Colonel said, and then flashed a wide smile.

“If only we were allowed to talk about those days,” Rodney said. “But we can’t, so tell me, how is retirement?”

“It’s wonderful,” Somchai replied. “It means I hardly ever I have to deal with farangs anymore.” Both he and Rodney smiled.

“I’ll keep that in mind when you give me your grandson’s application to West Point next year,” Rodney said.

Colonel Somchai stiffened. “I am only making a joke, Rodney. Would the General ever be good friends with someone who hates Glenn and Oliver?”

“Now I’m the one making a joke, Colonel,” Rodney explained. “In our Embassy, you are considered a dear friend.”

Rodney held up a hand and called the group to order. Oliver studied Rodney’s biceps with envy as they pressed against his polo shirt. Oliver knew that no matter how hard he worked

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