Page 2 of Twisted Alliance

He knew his assistants and executives were looking forward to the brief break they would have the following week since Shivay would be flying back home to San Francisco. It was the anniversary of his father’s death, and Shivay always ensured he was home with his mother during that time.

“Mr. Thakvar… about the event tonight…”

Shivay’s assistant looked uncertain.

“Yes?” Shivay sounded curt with impatience. He didn’t have time for people around him to fidget for any reason.

“The minister’s office suggested a Miss Rachel Becker as your companion for the event tonight. She is a celebrity actress and the current government’s star campaigner.”

Shivay understood the reason for his assistant’s uncertainty.

“Tell them I will be bringing my own companion if I choose to have one.”

Although business networking is often required to make strategic connections, he drew a line when it came to his dating or personal life. He preferred to choose his companion, even for just one evening. He didn’t want or allow anyone else to choose for him.

It was a huge point of contention with his mother who wanted him to get married. Had he been receptive to the idea of a bride being chosen for him, his mother would have had him married by now. Over the years, he even turned down several women his mother suggested he meet casually. He had told her he would be choosing the woman he would marry.

But marriage was the last thing on his mind. He had a lot more to accomplish.

***

“Mr. Thakvar, it is a pleasure having you here, sir,” the minister said with a smile.

Shivay was at the dinner event hosted in his honor by the Minister of Local Government.

“Your trip is too short,” the older man continued. “You should visit us again soon… this time with your family.”

“Thank you, Mr. Mwale. I will consider that.”

Shivay knew the minister who held the portfolio of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection was grateful for landing one of the biggest investments of the decade, especially one he could display proudly on the world forum.

The minister smiled. “And also, we apologize for the inconvenience caused by Mr. Hendrick’s threats to you this morning. My government will ensure the transition is smooth.”

Shivay nodded, knowing the former owner of the mining company would be powerless to do anything without the support of the local government.

The event continued smoothly. It was held outside in the lawns. The food spread was elaborate, and the entertainment was geared to entice. But two hours later, Shivay excused himself to take a brief break. He instructed his assistant and executives to stay and continue watching the dance performances by the local ethnic groups.

Stepping into the large building, he found his way to the VIP restroom area. It was empty since most guests were enjoying the local dances.

A brief look at his watch indicated he had been awake and without sleep for nearly thirty hours. Fortunately, he had trained his body to function well, despite the lack of sleep.

Standing before the wall-to-wall mirror, he turned on the tap and splashed cool water on his face to remain functioning for another three hours. He had instructed his assistant to have another follow-up call with the two head scientists after the party.

He was just about to turn off the tap and straighten when he felt movement behind him. His eyes met with a man’s reflection in the mirror. In a split second, Shivay took in the details. The man wore a black turban, and except for the eyes, the man’s entire face was covered with whitish-gray paint, and his lower face was covered by a cloth. The man’s hand was raised, and something shiny and sharp was aimed at Shivay’s back.

Instinct made Shivay twist his body away. A sharp object sliced his upper arm before meeting with the restroom’s granite counter with a sharp, scraping sound. Shivay barely felt the pain from the cut. He was focused on the man whose eyes looked shocked but determined.

He attacked again using something that appeared like three sharp metal claws.

Shivay stopped the oncoming weapon by holding the attacker’s hand and kicking the man hard in the stomach.

The man grunted in pain and stumbled back, crashing against a tall standing mirror. The mirror shattered into pieces, but the man immediately took position again.

Shivay then knew the man was a trained assassin rather than a petty thief. There was no demand for money or anything else. The man was sent to him on a mission.

“Who sent you?” Shivay demanded.

The man didn’t reply or say anything while he attacked.

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