Page 38 of Into the Gray Zone

Manjit said, “The Jama Masjid Mosque? Seriously? Sounds more like a setup. Maybe the RAW’s waiting on us inside, trying to prove we’re LeT?”

Built in the seventeenth century, the Jama Masjid Mosque was the central locus of all things Islamic in Delhi, having a rich history that stretched back centuries. It was also a major tourist draw, which Kamal knew allowed Mr.Chin to enter it without any additional scrutiny.

Kamal said, “Chin picked the location, not me, and if anyone’s getting arrested, he’ll be one of them.”

Kamal saw the reticence and said, “You guys go get a smoothie. I’ll go in myself. I’ll get the information and return.”

Manjit said, “And if you don’t?”

“If I don’t come back out, if you see a rush of police, then you’ll be free and clear.”

Manjit said, “That’s not what I meant. We can’t let you go in alone.”

Kamal said, “You, Agam, and Randeep are the last of us. ScrewMr. Chin. He wants Thakkar dead. I want Thakkar alive for our own ends. For Sidak. For our families. For every Sikh who’s been persecuted. You know what to do. You have the numbers of Thakkar’s security. If I don’t come out, call them. Continue the mission.”

Manjit nodded, but Kamal could see he didn’t like it. Kamal said, “Look, the mission takes priority. If this is a trap, you continue. Bring our demands to the world, and bring Chin down with you.”

Manjit looked at Agam, then said, “Whatareour demands? What are we seeking to do here?”

Not liking the question, Kamal turned to the eastern gate, saying, “I’m not sure yet, but it’ll be spectacular.”

He turned and left them, entering the gates of the mosque without another word. He passed through a security checkpoint and then blended into the crowd. His meeting site was the western end of the prayer hall, an area roped off to allow true believers to avoid the tourists.

He walked across a large courtyard, then entered a long hallway, staying on the tourist side of the ropes. He didn’t understand any of the intricacies of Islam and didn’t want to be called out because of it.

He reached the far end of the hallway, the arches to the courtyard filled with tourists coming and going. He stopped for a moment, not sure what to do, and then felt a hand on his elbow. He turned and saw Mr.Chin wearing a large-brimmed hat and sunglasses, a backpack over his shoulder.

Mr.Chin said, “So you made it out of Goa without any problems?”

Kamal barked a half-hearted laugh and said, “Yeah,wemade it out okay. I can’t say the same for Sidak and your other men. And I also have no idea if we’re being tracked. I didn’t have the time to break into your men’s room. I have no idea what they had in there that could lead to us.”

“Don’t worry about them. I had others clean it before the authorities arrived. If you weren’t stopped in Mumbai, you’re good. Nobody’s tracking you to here.”

Kamal nodded and said, “So what now? You’re ready to pay us?”

Mr.Chin smiled with little warmth, the gesture coming out more as a grimace. “No, the mission isn’t done. We talked about this. Nobody’s tracking you right now, but if you defy me, they will be. I told you I went through the room of my other men, and I’ll release all that evidence to the RAW in a heartbeat. Do you understand?”

Kamal said nothing, simply staring at Mr.Chin. He said again, “Do you understand? The mission isn’t complete, and I’m feeling heat to get it done.”

“Done for whom? You’ve never said.”

Growing aggravated, Mr.Chin said, “Done for the people paying you. You never cared before, and you won’t start caring now.”

Kamal nodded and said, “So, like I said, what now?”

Mr.Chin handed him an envelope, saying, “This is a key to a safe house. The same one that my other men used. It’s vacant now, for obvious reasons. Go there with your men. Inside, you’ll find a laptop and some equipment. The next mission parameters are at that location.”

Kamal took the envelope and said, “What’s the next mission? I don’t need the secret spy stuff. Just tell me.”

“It’s easier for you to read the parameters, but rest assured, it’s a standoff attack. No more capture missions. We want Thakkar killed.”

“How? I only have four men, and he has massive security.”

“Yes, but two of those security are on your team. You’ll coordinate with them, but like I said, it’s a standoff attack.”

Mr. Chin removed his backpack and handed it to Kamal, saying, “In here are five clean cell phones and four watches. Four of the phones are already programmed with the numbers of the others, along withthe two security men and a contact for myself. Only use them to talk to yourselves and me. The fifth phone has nothing. Use that for any calls you need to make outside of our circle. Hotels, taxis, Ubers, or whatever. Understood?”

Kamal opened the bag, seeing boxes labeled Samsung and Garmin. He said, “Watches? What are those for?”

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