Worry No More: No Worries, #2

By Colin Devonshire

A sequel to "Not Far Enough From Worries". Set in Hua Hin and Bangkok, Thailand. Horror with dark humour. The tourist town of Hua Hin is considered a quiet place where nothing happens. Don't you believe it! How can Thai twins become Siamese twins? You will have to think about that. No need to feel sorry for them. They like eating people! Meet Randy, an American who has a problem with split personalities. A mother-and-son debt collector team has a nasty habit of setting fire to their victims.  Camilla, the ex-reporter lesbian, is central to most of the action. Would she give her daughter away? Are any movie fans out there? Do you know of the 1932 black and white classic, 'Freaks'? A casino owner has a dream to remake the film in Bangkok. It is difficult, and you need some deformed actors and real Siamese twins. Camilla can solve most things. 

Are there any 'nice' characters in this book? Well yes. Skylab is a darling.

As the pages of this twisted tale come to a close, the reader is left with a lingering sense of unease. The book's characters have made choices beyond what most consider ethical or moral. Camilla, a central figure in this dark story, was willing to sacrifice her child to secure her unusual future. Her actions were heinous, but perhaps even more disturbing, she felt justified.
Camilla was forced to aid a "doctor" in sewing twins together - Yes, Siamese Twins!
The other characters are no less complex. Kev and Skylab were kidnapped by a mother and son duo that revelled in their cruelty. Two children, Nick and Philippa, were willing participants in a world of gambling and exploitation. The fact that they could find common ground with their twisted counterparts is a testament to the depths of human depravity.
As the story draws to a close, the question on everyone's mind is, "who says Hua Hin is a quiet little town?" The events that have unfolded in this book prove that beneath the surface of even the most serene places, there is a darkness that lurks. This story is fictional, but it warns us to be wary of our choices and the people we associate with.

Happy reading!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dark-Novels.com
• Release date: Jan 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9781730898662

Colin Devonshire

Colin Devonshire worked in print and allied trades in London before spending twenty years as editor of a lifestyle magazine in Hua Hin, Thailand. He now writes fiction and non-fiction full-time. His wife, children and six dogs keep him busy!

Book preview

Published by Dark-Novels.com

A bit about the author, Colin Devonshire loved sports, football, cricket and golf. He suffered a life-changing stroke. That was the end of his sports. In came writing.

Colin and his family live in Thailand. He has enjoyed the life there for over 30 years.

Not Far Enough From Worries, a dark novel, he drew on his experience in Thailand.

His second book, Petal and Ben’s Adventures in Thailand, was written to get his own young children reading. It’s working now they love Harry Potter books.

This book, Worry No More is the sequel to Not Far Enough From Worries. The third in the series Children With No Worries will be published in 2019.

What is after that? Don’t worry, we’ll see soon enough!

WORRY NO MORE

Published by Dark Novels

Copyright Colin Devonshire

All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any form or by means without the author's prior written permission.

Designed by Dark-Novels

No character in this book is a real person. Any similarity is purely coincidental. 

ISBN 9781730898662

The series so far:

Not Far Enough From Worries

Worry No More

Children Have No Worries

We Have More Worries

Anthology of short stories

Beat The Beach

Also, a children’s novel

Petal and Ben’s Adventures

in Thailand

Written by Colin Devonshire

in Thailand

Published by Dark Novels

Thanks

I AM SO lucky to have fantastic people around me. Top of the list comes Thantawan Devonshire, my wife.

Our children, Poppy and Carlin Devonshire, are at the top of that list. They have a lot to put up with, but so far, they are managing!

Special thanks go to my friend, Tim Mellish, who is always there when needed. Tom Karnasuta, financial advice when asked. Keith and Janet Brookman, big readers in the UK!

Thank you for letting me in. Daa and Lucky run an illegal casino in Thailand. They let me learn by watching and talking to their regulars. And I didn’t lose too much money. I cannot give any real names of people or places they know!

It is so important to have great editing. Thanks to Christopher James, you did a wonderful job.

You all keep me at it. Thank you!

Quote

If a magician makes a mistake, it is sometimes forgiven by the audience. If a gambling cheat makes a mistake, they will almost certainly, lose their lives - and probably, in a horrible manner.

Ex-Professional Gambler

Published by Dark-Novels

A BIT ABOUT the author, Colin Devonshire, loved sports, football, cricket and golf. He suffered a life-changing stroke. That was the end of his sports. In came writing.

Colin and his family live in Thailand. He has enjoyed living there for over 30 years.

Not Far Enough From Worries, a dark novel, drew on his experience in Thailand.

His second book, Petal and Ben’s Adventures in Thailand, was written to get his young children reading. It’s working now; they love Harry Potter books.

This book, Worry No More, is the sequel to Not Far Enough From Worries. The third in the series, Children With No Worries and the fourth, We Have More Worries, are published with your favourite bookseller. The fifth book is planned.

Don’t miss Beat The Beach, an anthology of 38 short stories all featuring Thai characters or settings.

What is after that? Don’t worry, we’ll see soon enough!

Prologue

GAMBLING is prohibited in Thailand, except for betting on horse races or the government-sponsored Thai lottery. The prohibition dates back to the Gambling Act of 1935. The Playing Cards Act prohibits private ownership of over 120 playing cards. Unless the government approves it. Even so, illegal gambling on cards in casinos or other forms of gambling still exists in Bangkok. And some provincial towns. In fact, in almost every village and town in the Kingdom of Thailand, a game is taking place right now!

Gambling has long been a feature of Thai society. Local Siamese partook in over 100 well-known gambling games. Some gambling, such as betting on cockfights, bullfights and boat races, is native to Siamese culture.

The late 19th century marked a significant increase in gambling in Siam. People gambled more frequently. They were introduced to a variety of games by foreign traders and immigrants. Gambling hit the mainstream. During that period, they introduced the Huay lottery from China, which became popular in Siam.

They still draw it today. Twice a month, the lucky numbers are picked, in both, the state and the illegal underground lottery.

For decades, the Government of Thailand allowed legal gambling dens. During the reign of King Rama III, the Government of Thailand promoted legal gambling. It was a source of revenue. These legal dens were then closed down. The idea was to dampen criminal activity and bankruptcy related to gambling. During the reign of King Rama V, gambling was forbidden in the South. All the remaining gambling venues were closed on 1 April 1917.

A gambling act was first passed in 1930 and revised in 1935. During the premiership of Khuang Aphaiwong, the government assigned the ministry of finance to legalise gambling. But only in Pranburi District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

Pranburi is the nearest town south of Hua Hin, just the flick of a card away. He became an official promoter of gambling. But, this period of legalising casinos lasted only briefly under attack from the media and the public. The government abandoned the attempt to earn additional revenue. So, casinos were prohibited, and no gambling once again.

But, casinos, protected by the police, flourished.

Despite laws against gambling, illegal casinos are widespread in Thailand. They established the first large-scale gambling houses in Ayutthaya. The government sanctioned it in the late 17th century or early 18th century. The reason? Because of the steady growth of the Chinese population. During the 19th century, the number of gambling houses grew in tandem with the population of Chinese immigrants. To promote the settlement and taxation of the Chinese population, the government turned a blind eye to gambling among Chinese immigrants. As a result of this inadvertent endorsement, it encouraged local Siamese to gamble as well. After the gambling act was passed in 1930, casinos were banned completely. It prohibited gambling in Thai society.

Social behaviour is significant to Thais, even extending to gambling. There has long been a prescription against gambling within Thai society. In Buddhism, gambling is one of four vices that lead to ruin. In Thai, they know this concept as abaiyamuk, the portals of hell. For the layperson, gambling should be avoided if one wishes to be free from suffering. Thai people often cite a proverb, Ten lost to fire is not equivalent to one lost in gambling, reflecting the social problems associated with gambling in Thai culture. This may include violent crime, financial problems, and gambling addiction. Despite the prohibition, gambling remains a major part of Thai life.

Thai people often gamble at various ceremonies and festivals. According to Alan Klima’s study of funeral casinos in present-day Thailand, gambling attracts people to keep the deceased spirit company.

For a visitor to Thailand, it is quite a shock to see open gambling today. But only at funerals!

Chapter 1

A KIDNAPPED SON

'HOME AGAIN, SKYLAB, must be your turn to put the kettle on?' As it was always Skylab’s turn, it was her turn again.

Kev Skylab’s English boyfriend was a gentleman. They had known him to take his turn with jobs around their home; it was just that no one could remember when.

Skylab liked to look after her man. It was the Thai way. Skylab was not her real name. Her grandmother gave her the unusual nickname. Because she would not sit still as a child, she hadn’t changed.

'Skylab! Have you seen this?' asked Kev. He held his arm aloft, flapping the newspaper’s pages. The Bangkok Post is one of two national daily papers written in English. Skylab carrying mugs of steaming tea, moved near his cluttered desk.

'No, what has happened now, don’t tell me Tottenham Hotspur lost?' she grinned.

'Hilarious! No, a gang stopped the Cha-Am mayor’s car and shot him.'

'Oh, God! He has been trying to stop that new casino from opening. I bet it’s got something to do with that.'

'I thought you didn’t gamble.'

'I don’t!'

'You just offered me a bet.'

Kev grinned in his impish way. He enjoyed spending time with his girlfriend unless marriage cropped up. They would get married eventually. But not now.

Kev carried on reading.

'A passing motorcyclist witnessed the murder. He said a man with a bad limp shot the mayor. And then set him on fire.'

'How terrible. I hope he died straight away from the bullet. Imagine the pain if you burn to death.' Skylab said.

'It says other gang members looked away. They couldn't bear to watch. Especially when the killer set the driver alight.'

'I bet the hitman is mad?' Skylab said.

'Are you gambling again?'

'Shut up!'

They had only just returned home after being called out on a mission of mercy for a lady they hardly knew.

Two days earlier, the office phone had rung.

'Hello, can I speak to Skylab?'

'Speaking, how can I help?'

'I don’t expect you to remember me? We met in Pat and Mike’s Headrock Bar a few months ago. I was with my son, Jimmy. You are more likely to remember him?'

Pat and her boyfriend Mike, great friends of Skylab and Kev, ran a popular pub. Mike was originally from Wales and left the country at his father’s request. He thought Mike would not help the family's accountancy business, especially if his talent as an under-the-radar chemist became known to the company’s clients. Pat is Thai. She was born in England and schooled at one of the United Kingdom’s best ladies’ schools on the South coast. Her father had been the Thai Ambassador to London.

Now, Pat and Mike ran Kev and Skylab’s favourite bar. They were great hosts. Often holding themed parties and various off-beat functions, St. David’s Day in this case. Free beer if you came dressed as a dragon! Several serious drinkers, including a young lad named Jimmy, took Mike up on the deal. He looked spectacular in a red outfit with a long tail and a huge mask. The only problem was that the mouth wouldn’t open wide enough for the wearer to drink bottled beer. Naturally, Jimmy removed the headgear.

'Sorry mate, no free beer for you,' said Mike.

'What, why?'

'The rules say you must be fully clothed to get the free beer.'

'But that is not fair!'

Skylab remembered the Welsh national day and the dragon with no head. Skylab cast her mind back to the evening with Pat.

'Let me think?'

As Skylab signalled to Kev for help.

'I remember you because of your unusual name, sorry. But I also remember you told me about your job and how you like helping people.'

'Yes, I remember. You are from Liverpool?' Skylab asked.

'Bootle, born and bred, that’s me.'

'Sorry, I can’t remember your name. How can I help?'

'Call me Mags. It is Margaret.'

'Anyway, you didn’t call to talk about names.'

'No, much more serious, I’m afraid. They have kidnapped my son!'

Skylab’s eyes widened, and her jaw dropped.

Kev had lived in the seaside resort of Hua Hin for over five years. In the first year, a plane missed him at Bangkok’s airport. He had been shot at and had a grenade thrown at him. The grenade attempt on his life was when his best friend, Nick, was killed. But even after all that, he loved Hua Hin. He also loves Skylab. But, they are not married, a topic that rises to the surface often. Kev is not a religious person. To him, getting legally married is just a piece of paper, but to Skylab, it is far more important.

Life was comfortable, and they were running a successful business. But it could have been smoother.

Kev and Skylab’s business was to help find suitable accommodation for overseas visitors. Either long-term or for people looking to retire. Or to spend a few weeks enjoying the beach. Currently, more expatriates are hunting for a change in their lives. People were looking for something to occupy themselves long-term. Bars appeared to be a popular choice. They wanted businesses with or without living space. People also ask Skylab to provide services for town folk. Sometimes ex-pats need help with visas. Some documents need to be translated. And general advice for people moving into the region.

The town they call home, Hua Hin, is a seaside resort south of Bangkok. Because of never-ending road works and wider vehicle ownership, the trip took four hours. Many people wanted to live in the friendly atmosphere of a welcoming place.

If you look at a map, picture a triangle. Bangkok is at its peak. Hua Hin takes the left point while Pattaya is the right.

Pattaya, more famous for its raunchy nightlife, was well known. The city was across the bay. It is thought too loud, too busy, and sometimes too dangerous. There are better places to settle in. So, Hua Hin and the next town along the beach, Cha-Am, were the picks for people wanting a more relaxed worry-free existence.

Because of its increasing popularity, bars and offices, homes for people wanting to rent or buy were often in demand. Kev and Skylab were busy. Another line of their services was advising on and offering building works. These jobs were passed on to Skylab’s cousin, Dam, a capable young man, well-trained as a construction engineer, unlike Kev, who is better at talking than doing. Dam runs a successful business offering simple repair work, building extensions, and recently building complete houses. Kev, Skylab, and Dam work together from a centrally placed office near the crossroads. The junction is in the middle of town.

Kev and his girlfriend have acted as agents for finding anything. Now they were about to add another string to their bow. Working as a kidnapper go-between.

Skylab was a Bangkok girl who had grown up and been schooled in the capital city. She had moved down to Hua Hin to be with her uncle, who had befriended the young Englishman and given him a start in the town. Her first task was to teach Kev to speak Thai. She also had to work for the family. The Hua Hin side of the family owns and runs a guesthouse directly opposite her office. She qualified as an English language teacher in Bangkok. Her uncle was a Second World War hero. He served with the Brits in Burma. The well-respected man had offered her that first job. Part of this was helping in the guest house. The other part of her work led to her falling in love, getting Kev to speak Thai.

'Kev has picked up the telephone’s extension. He needs to hear what you say.'

'Hi Mags, it’s Kev. Please tell us exactly what happened.'

'I got a call from Jimmy late last night. He sounded terrible. Mum, I’m blindfolded, and several people around me are hitting and prodding me. They want one thousand pounds, or they will kill me. That’s what he said, then shouted, no police. What do you think?'

'Extremely worrying! But you must go to the police. We work in property, not crime,' said Kev.

'I am not sure about talking to the police, and I’ve no confidence in the Bobbies in Liverpool, let alone in Thailand.'

There were a few seconds of silence while Skylab exchanged glances with Kev. Mags carried on.

'Pat and Mad Mike told me you are involved with more than property.'

'Okay, maybe we have been drawn into other things, not on purpose, I assure you. I recommend you tell Mr Black from the British Embassy what happened. He would suggest you talk to his colleague Captain Wattana. Who is a senior officer in the special branch based in Bangkok.'

'I’ll do whatever you say. May I ask another favour? Could you talk to them for me, please? After all, you know them?' Mags pleaded.

The Embassy man had become their friend. Over the previous years, they got drawn together to sort out Kev’s worries.

'Mr Black, how are you? It’s been a while since we spoke. We have a British man down here kidnapped from his guest house.'

'Oh no! As if we don’t have enough to do. I’ll call Skip for you.'

Police captain Wattana was also captain of Black’s cricket team, hence the nickname of Skip—another useful man for sorting out dangerous situations. Thirty minutes later, Kev's phone rang.

'Ah, Kev, how are you? It’s been a while since we last talked. Black told me you wanted to talk to me?'

People are often surprised by Skip’s love of all things English. He had spent a year with London’s Metropolitan Police. He fell in love with village cricket and cream scones.

Before Kev could get a word in, Skip continued.

'You must be happy with the Test scores? Have you seen any of the matches? Oh, and I hear you are interested in joining our cricket team?'

'I’ve only seen the scores in the paper. Cricket is not on our television. And yes, I’d love a game with you guys. But we have a kidnapping to deal with.'

'Black did tell me briefly. It seems he is busy. I wonder if this kidnapping of a foreigner is a first for Hua Hin.

'I’ve never heard of another case. They have taken a young English lad as a hostage. Under duress, he called his mum in Liverpool. Demanding one thousand pounds for his release.'

'Not very much?'

'No, not really. Do they normally ask for more?'

'Indeed, they usually ask for millions of Baht. Whatever you can find out, please inform me. It will be beneficial.'

Kev brooded. Grabbing his phone once more.

'Hello, Mags. I’ve contacted the Embassy and a senior policeman. One you can trust. They need to know more. Some details about Jimmy. About his home here, where he goes, people, he mixes with, things like that.'

Kev was unsure whether to ask the next question but decided he would.

'Also, has he ever been in trouble with the police in England?'

'As a kid growing up? In Liverpool? They nicked him for thieving, nothing serious. Naturally, I will do anything I can to help.'

'First, we need his address. We will look around. To see if the kidnappers left any clues. May tip us off, who they are or where they may be.'

Skylab asked, 'Were the kidnappers Thai or English?'

Mags told Kev all she knew. She only heard Jimmy speaking; he didn’t say their nationality. She also offered to pay for Skylab and Kev’s time and expenses. Even with a young lad in danger, Kev couldn’t help rubbing his hands.

Skylab shouted across the office.

'Kev, Skip is calling.'

'Look, Kev. I wouldn’t normally ask this. We’ve worked together before, and I know you are a capable person. Can you pop around to his address? See if there are any obvious clues. If there are, I’ll send one of my men down.'

Skip wanted to say, ‘the local force doesn’t like it if I tread on their toes. But honestly, I don’t trust them to do