The Malaysian Operative

Chapter 6 - The Contact

Three days later, Azeem was already in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The agency's resources were limited and whomever they had in Phnom Penh could not be assigned to assist Azeem. As an alternative, he contacted his contact and informer, a man by the name of John Kosal for a meeting. They agreed to meet at an open bar on Preah Sisowath Quay street, located in a spot facing the Tonle Sap river at 10 pm.

That night, Azeem arrived early at the bar. As soon as he made himself ensconced at a table, he made an observation of his surroundings; a couple of Caucasian men enjoying their beers while talking, a pair of lovebirds having conversation with each other and a few locals playing pool at the corner. The flat screen television hung from a rack attached to the ceiling was on, airing some MTV program. There was no jukebox, but music was playing out from speakers installed in the bar. Apart from that, Azeem noticed the noise coming from the other bars nearby, the night life of Phnom Penh.

A waitress in a pair of tight jean and sleeveless shirt approached him and before she could say anything, Azeem ordered a glass of orange juice. She nodded and smiled.

As the waitress returned to the bar, Azeem caught a glimpse of John Kosal walking towards the bar along the sidewalk. Donning a casual shirt, a pair of corduroy with chain necklace around his neck, he appeared to be in jovial mood. As he approached the bar, he playfully flirted with some Khmer girls in sexy outfits with fancy handbags as he passed them on the pavement.

Azeem attention was distracted by the laughter of the men inside the bar. He then continued to watch what was happening inside. The guys were probably cracking jokes. A moment later the waitress returned with his drink.

"Thank you," Azeem thanked the waitress as she placed the glass on a coaster on the table.

"Welcome...,"

The waitress smiled, looking at Azeem as he sipped the juice. Azeem noticed. "Yes?"

"You want beautiful girls? Here or go back with you to your hotel? Good price, beautiful girls,"

Azeem was slightly surprised but quickly told himself to relax. "Maybe later, but thanks anyway," declined Azeem. He was trying to be polite.

"Ok. If you change your mind, just call me,"

"Will do,"

The waitress sauntered lazily to the bar counter. As Kosal stepped into the bar, his facial expressions showed that he was happy to see Azeem. Azeem raised his right hand, as if saying 'Hi'.

"Hi, quite some time since I last saw you eh?"

Azeem didn't reply, but he gave a friendly smile while offering his right hand for a handshake while remained seated. Kosal shook his hand. He then pulled out a chair to sit.

"When did we last meet?" Kosal asked.

"2 years back, if I remember correctly,"

"2 years already? Time flies quickly man,"

Kosal then shouted to the bartender, ordering beer.

John Kosal was an informer Azeem was introduced to a few years back when he was undergoing a training mission in Cambodia. Back then he was still attached to the special forces unit . Kosal didn't know that Azeem was working for a Malaysian intelligence agency, but he assumed Azeem must have been working with someone or even an organisation. And he knew the reason Azeem was in Cambodia perhaps to find someone, or something or looking for information beneficial to him. Kosal didn't care as long as he got paid for his professional service.

Azeem on the other hand knew that his acquaintance was not an agent with the Cambodian authority. He was a 'contractor', a 'fixer' or whatever name being given to a man whose service is to provide assistance to anybody who pays the right price to get something, or locate someone or to buy information in his possession. Once Kosal admitted to him that he would do a lot of things for money, but not killing. He was not up to it, and he didn't want guilty on his conscience. He plays both side of the game and ultimately works for the highest bidder. A dangerous game, but somehow Kosal managed to survive all this while. He prided himself because of his dealings with the government, cartel members, criminals and even terrorists.

Azeem intended to use it to his advantage. He tried not to be too judgemental of Kosal albeit knowing how Kosal made his living. As long as Kosal could get into areas unreachable by him, Azeem was fine with it. The Malaysian officials' working at the consulate in Phnom Penh could not provide or verify the information regarding Major Dahalan, therefore it's time to ask for help from somebody who could traverse freely and familiar with the Cambodian underworld.

"So, how can I help you this time?" Kosal asked.

"You ever heard of the Black Wolf Unit?"

"...Black Wolf? From Malaysia?"

"That's the one."

"I've heard the name....and the stories.....,"

"What kind of stories?"

"Well, the one where everybody died at the end," Kosal replied, followed by laughter.

Azeem's face flinched. Obviously he was not impressed. Nevertheless he took out a piece of picture from his shirt pocket. He put the picture on the table and slowly pushed it towards Kosal with his forefinger. It was a picture of Major Dahalan, the same one which was shown to him during the meeting with Colonel Othman. Meanwhile, Kosal watched.

"This is Black Wolf?" Kosal inquired.

"It's leader."

Both of them didn't say anything. Azeem looked at Kosal while he took the picture and studied it.

"I got a tip off that the man may be in Cambodia...here in Phnom Penh to be exact," Azeem explained further.

"I cannot confirm right now. But I can check. Give me a couple of days."

"Ok," Azeem took out an envelope from his jacket and again put it on the table. This time he pushed it across the table with his right hand. "And a Glock."

There was no way Azeem could bring in a gun through the airport. And he didn't want to use the diplomatic channel.

"Make sure it's a clean one," he added.

Kosal grinned. He took the envelope and could feel the thickness of the dollar bills inside. "Nothing I love more than getting paid in advance,"

"There's five k inside. Another five when you can confirm whether Dahalan is here or otherwise. Agree?"

"Agree," replied Kosal. He then took out a cigar, put it in his mouth and lit it with a lighter. Smoke puffed out from his mouth moments later. "Why do you want to find this man?"

"A friend has an unfinished business with him, and asked my help,"

Azeem lied and he knew Kosal was aware that he was not telling the whole truth. But he also believed that Kosal knew better other than to poke his nose where it doesn't belong.

The waitress finally returned with a glass of beer. After she had placed the beer on the table, she turned and walked back to the bar. Both of the men stared at her back, admiring the view.

"Nice eh?" Kosal said.

There was a smile on Azeem face, but he didn't say anything. He emptied his glass and stood up.

"Going back already?"

"Need to get some sleep. I am staying at the same hotel as before,"

"Ok Azeem. Give me a couple of days."