Weapon of Vengeance Read Free Page B

rejoindered. “It will make our task so much easier.”
    Ravinder looked at both men, doubting even they believed that. On the other hand, for Thakur this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase himself on an international platform. And for Mohite, a heaven-sent chance to latch on to the minister’s coattails and try to grab the limelight.
    Got to watch my back, Ravinder reminded himself again. Given half a chance, Mohite would deliver him to the wolves.
    â€œI know I can rely on you, Govind.” Thakur gave Mohite a cordial smile, then realizing that Ravinder was also present, added, “and you of course, Gill.” He wagged a finger in the air. “Now, remember, we simply cannot fail. If anything bad happens, it would be a shame for India and it would also put an end to all hopes of peace in the Middle East.”
    Ravinder was in a somber mood as he listened to the two prattle on. Obviously, neither had given any thought to the practicalities of securing such an event. The whole thing was fraught with danger.
    Ravinder’s memory spool ran out as their car halted in the South Block parking lot. He led the way toward the minister’s office, wondering about today, what new shocks awaited him.
    *   *   *
    Watching Mark move into action, Ruby smiled again. The efficiency with which he organized a car and driver made her feel good.
    She beheld a sturdy silver, almost-new Nissan van, with a solid air conditioner. The driver, whose name she couldn’t get, spoke more Sinhalese than English, but seemed pleasant and presentable. They threw their bags into the rear. Both were traveling light. Moments later, they were headed north.
    Ruby glanced at her watch. It was ticking fast. Reminding her that time was short. A pulse of urgency raced through her.
    For the n th time, she wished she had been given the heads-up about this summit sooner. And again she cursed Pasha, the Lashkar-e-Taiba commander who had told her about this summit. And also e-mailed her the gory video of Yusuf, her dead uncle.
    Its images had become a nightmare, returning every night. By now she’d become scared of switching off the lights and laying her head on the pillow.
    The murderous bastards had even chopped his hands off.
    Pinpricks of wetness pushed at her eyes. She kept them at bay, knowing she could not allow them to be seen by Mark. In their world, tears were weakness … and weakness was death.
    Shaking off the gory images of Yusuf’s dismembered body, Ruby mentally urged the driver to go faster. She needed to be in motion. Motion was important. It kept the nightmares away.
    They hit the first security checkpoint on the outskirts of Colombo. Fortunately, only a few cars were ahead. It took only seven minutes to get past it. A second one, a few miles out of town, took a tad longer.
    Then the road stretched out before them. Long. Narrow. Lonely.
    *   *   *
    Ravinder noted that Thakur seemed excited when they entered his office.
    Large and well appointed, it was tastefully decorated, in contrast with Thakur’s abrasive personality. Lemon-colored walls set off the Persian carpet in the center. To one side was a burnished teak table with a high back, deep-brown executive chair on one side and four matching leather guest chairs on the other. In the far corner, a trio of single-seater sofas was placed around a smoked-glass center table that held several coffee table books. Large paintings rode high on the walls on either side of the table. He could hear the soft hiss of air-conditioning. The aroma of room freshener reached out to Ravinder.
    Lavender. One of his favorites.
    â€œAh, there you are, Gill.” In his mid-fifties, Thakur wore the trademark white kurta pajamas that found favor with most Indian politicians. A Nehruvian cream cotton jacket completed his attire. Thakur did not bother to get up. “Come, come. How are you two?” Without waiting for an