Page 25 of The Pursuit
I recalled Krish mentioning his childhood friend Ayaan Shergill before. They had joined GLEN together, rising up the ranks due to their formidable skills and unshakable bond. While Krish excelled in operations, Ayaan’s strength lay in his intuitions, and hence, he was involved in the criminal intelligence gathering and strategy.
Now, seeing Ayaan Shergill in person, I understood why he commanded such power and respect. He had a magnetic presence—confident, dashing, with sharp eyes that missed nothing. I could see why Krish trusted him deeply. They made a great team.
As we took our seats, Krish’s gaze found mine, his expression curious. He likely hadn’t expected me to be summoned here too. His eyes softened for a split second before the man I assumed was Ayaan stood up to address us.
“For those I haven’t met yet, I’m Ayaan Shergill, Directorof Criminal Intelligence Operations at GLEN HQ in Austria.” His voice rang with crisp authority. “You all have done outstanding work in dismantling this cartel bit by bit so far. I’m honoured to be joining the effort to deliver the final blow.”
Murmurs of greeting went around the table at his introduction. He commanded the room effortlessly, his presence both formidable and reassuring.
“Now that we’ve taken out, Marco, Max’s right hand, it’s time to strike at the heart—Ron.” Ayaan’s voice was crisp with authority. “New intel confirms Max is holing up in Kuala Lumpur. My sources say Ron will be joining him tomorrow. That’s our window to end this, once and for all...”
He went on to outline the plan, his sharp eyes missing nothing. With Ayaan Shergill on board, I knew we had a real chance at completing our mission. His confidence was infectious.
“You’re forgetting one thing,” Krish interrupted. “We still don’t know where Ron and Max will be meeting. Only Max has that intel.”
Ayaan smiled lightly. “You are right. That’s why we need someone on the inside.” His intense gaze turned to me. “You must be Agent Trisha, right?”
I stood up. “Yes, Sir.”
“You’ve done outstanding work so far, Trisha. But we need you one more time.”
I straightened, ready for anything he would ask of me.
“Just tell me what the plan is, Sir.”
Ayaan turned to the rest of the team.
“Tailing Max covertly is likely impossible at this point. But we can track Trisha’s movements if she intentionally crosses enemy lines and gets taken,” Ayaan mentioned.
Before I could respond, Krish spoke up sharply. “What exactly do you need her to do? Get captured on purpose?”
“We’re going to use her as bait to get to Max. Once he has her as a hostage, he’ll certainly take her to Ron. That’s how we track their location and take them both down.”
It was risky but tactically brilliant. Before I could agree, Krish cut in sharply. “Absolutely not. It’s too dangerous.”
I bristled, about to protest that it wasn’t his call, but Ayaan countered.
“It’s the only sure way to get both targets in one strike. Trisha has proven herself more than capable. With our tracking chip implanted in her, she’d lead us right to them.”
I saw the logic in the plan. “I’m ready to do what’s needed, Sir.”
But Krish cut me off again. “I won’t allow Trisha to risk herself like that again.” His protective stance surprised me. We were agents. This was our mission.
Ayaan held up a hand diplomatically. “Trisha, it’s up to you whether to accept the mission or not.” His tone made it clear what he hoped I’d choose.
“Ayaan, a word?” Krish interrupted.
I shot Krish a defiant look. The choice was mine, not his. But his eyes pleaded with me to refuse. Ayaan andKrish stepped aside, speaking in hushed tones. I watched Krish’s profile, seeing the tension in his shoulders. He didn’t like this one bit. But I would do it. We’re so close to ending this. One final mission, and it would all be over.
CHAPTER 10 (Turning Point)
KRISH
As soon as Ayaan outlined his plan to use Trisha as bait, my heart clenched in dread. Sending her directly into Max’s clutches again? After everything she’d already endured at their hands? It was unimaginable.
I gripped Ayaan’s arm and pulled him aside, unable to contain my anger.
“Are you out of your mind? I won’t allow Trisha to put herself in that kind of danger.”
