Weapon of Vengeance Read Free Page A

secret and low-key.”
    â€œSir, with the recent attack on Jerusalem, the whole world has its eyes on the Middle East. There is no way we can keep such a momentous event secret.”
    â€œWell, regardless, we have to make it happen.” Thakur’s tone was firm. “We have no choice; the decision has been made. It is now a matter of national pride.”
    â€œThe security requirements will be a huge challenge, sir. What if the summit gets attacked? The stakes are so high for the jihadis; they will definitely try to strike.”
    â€œNo, Gill. Nothing must be allowed to disrupt it,” Thakur retorted. “I want you to personally take charge of the security.”
    â€œBut I also have the Commonwealth Games at the same time, sir,” Ravinder objected.
    â€œNo, you don’t.” Thakur had then sprung the second, ugly surprise. “I have put Ashish Sharma in charge of the games.”
    DIG Ashish Sharma was Mohite’s peer; they both reported to Ravinder. Now to his dismay, Thakur was directly delegating work to officers under his command. Ravinder opened his mouth to protest once more, but stopped. Pointless; the man was the Home Minister, after all. Confrontation would serve no purpose; nor would it be a career-enhancing move.
    â€œI don’t see the problem, Gill.” Thakur continued, “The arrangements for the games are in place. Sharma just has to keep things going.”
    â€œThen why not put Mohite in charge of the peace summit, sir? That way I will be able to run oversight on both events.”
    â€œI thought about that, Gill. I trust Mohite totally, but I think the summit is too important for any one man. Do you have any idea of the consequences if something happens to the delegates? India’s reputation would be shot to hell … not to mention the carnage that may be unleashed in Israel. No. I want you in charge. Of course, Mohite will assist you.”
    â€œOf course I will, sir. You know we will never allow anything to happen to the summit.” Mohite was quick to spot an opportunity, one where he would be able to take credit if things went well, yet not be responsible if there was a screwup. He turned to Ravinder. “Am I right, sir?”
    Ravinder caught his grimace in time, marveling at the man’s cheek.
    â€œTrue, sir,” Ravinder replied with a silent sigh. “How come we got to host the summit?”
    â€œBecause the Israelis did not agree to any venue that was acceptable to the Palestinians,” Thakur was eager to explain. “And the Palestinians refused to agree to any of the Western countries. That did not leave many options. India was a logical choice, since we are on a good wicket with the Israelis, the Palestinians, and the Arab world.”
    â€œThey met at Oslo the last time,” Ravinder mused.
    â€œYes, but both have a problem with it this time,” Mohite jumped in again. “Apparently both sides feel that Oslo is jinxed. That is why when the PM asked Mr. Thakur if we could host it, I advised him to accept.”
    Ravinder resisted the impulse to give Mohite a solid kick. Instead, he gave a politic smile. “Wonderful. I am so glad you are going to help me secure the summit, Govind.”
    â€œBut of course, sir.” Missing the sarcasm, Mohite gave another bright smile.
    â€œSo we all agree that we must keep it a secret?” Thakur asked, failing to mention that he had already spoken about it to at least ten people in the three hours since the PM had informed him. In fact, if he had his way, he would have held a press conference and shouted it to the world. This could be his moment in the sun, and he was loath to keep it under wraps. “I figured Delhi would be ideal. With the Commonwealth Games taking place, we already have a flood of VIPs and athletes, and security is already functioning at peak level.”
    â€œThat is what I explained to Mr. Thakur, sir,” Mohite