The Singapore Times Exclusive: THE ABDUCTION OF RORY DYLAN STEPHEN: COZY UP TIME BUT FOR WHAT PURPOSE?
We remained on the observation car for about an hour watching the jungle flow by. Dense. Green. Palm and rubber trees. Small towns now and then with poverty the name of the game. Shanties and an occasional speckling of what might be “middle class” or kulak homes with bars on all windows and satellite dishes. On occasion a larger town with apartment blocks evidence of an apparent growing middle class. Kentucky Fried Chicken kiosks in every small town.
Oppressive heat and humidity here traversing Malaysia but with the breeze caressing the open aired observation car it is almost pleasant.
Keith, our butler, visits us in the observation car and asks where we would like our high tea served. Bobby Jr. answers in our State Cabin whereupon Keith responds it will ready for us in 15 minutes. Bobby Jr. tells Keith not to forget his 12 Monkeys Cambodian tea and some watermelon and mango slices for me Cuddlecakes.
Returning to our State Cabin for tea the air conditioning is a total pleasure. Not frigid. Just right. In Southeast Asia at times the air conditioning is too strong giving one the chills. In from the oven into the freezer is most unpleasant.
We pass by the smaller Pullman Cabins. My goodness how tiny. Like sardines in a can Bobby Jr. remarks.
Not only has tea been set up by Keith for us but Amira, Bobby Jr.’s girlfriend is waiting for us. She has always treated me with the utmost respect and with affection I’d say.
As you recall Bobby Jr.’s mother detests Malaysian women, so Amira is a person best kept hidden from that Dragon Lady for the time being. Bobby Fong Sr. was seduced by a Malaysian woman and flew the coop leaving behind a very angry Madame Fong!
Friendly chit chat over tea. Lots of dainties like cucumber sandwiches, tiny cakes and sweets, fruit and yogurt. I enjoy my fruit slices and my small bowl of jasmine tea I have become so fond of during my “imprisonment”.
Bobby explains to me I am to be an absolute best friend to Sir Reginald Nicomshire who has a mad passion, like so many West Highland Terrier owners, for Westies. Bobby Jr. explains the Eastern & Oriental Express trip we are on is ostensibly to celebrate Nicomshire’s eightieth birthday but if he doesn’t come to his senses he may very well end up like that “unfortunate” in the film “Murder on the Orient Express”.
As Bobby Jr. and Amira “have some business to discuss” requiring privacy so Keith comes to take me on a walk through the train and escorts me to Nicomshire’s Presidential Cabin for tea.
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