Page 66 of Twisted Alliance

It had been three days since the Africa attack. Although the local Zambia police were conducting an investigation, Shivay had initiated a private investigation from a top international agency.

“The man traveled to Zambia using several fake passports and names, sir. And the routes he took are through countries in Europe and the Middle East.”

“What about South Asia?” Shivay asked. “Has he traveled through any of the South Asian countries? Particularly India?”

“So far, we haven’t traced his movements to any of the South Asian countries, sir. But we are still investigating.”

Shivay knew three days wasn’t too long, but the dark anger inside him continued to simmer.

“Any leads on the person who had sent the assassin?”

“We are working on the possibilities, Mr. Thakvar. We are having Mr. Hendricks’ calls traced, and so far, nothing has led us to believe he might have hired the assassin. We are also tracing the calls of other former owners of businesses your company acquired and your competitors worldwide.”

Shivay knew plenty of former owners had lost their companies to him and held a grudge. He also had business competitors who would want to eliminate any competition.

“I want the name of the person who ordered the hit.”

“Yes, Mr. Thakvar. We have that as our top priority.”

Shivay ended the call.

“Did they get an ID of the assassin?” Nakul asked.

Shivay turned away from the ocean view to look at Nakul and Rishab seated in the lawn chairs in the backyard.

“They did, but he had several IDs,” Shivay replied, joining them.

“The assassin was definitely of South Asian origin,” Rishab said while looking at the bead placed on the glass table in the center of the lawn chairs. “This one does look like the beads on Ma’s prayer chain.”

Shivay had the same thought when he had first seen the bead.

“Ma has never been to India,” said Nakul. “The assassin could also be of South Asian origin but not necessarily from there.”

Shivay knew that was a possibility as well.

“It is rather odd…” Rishab said with a frown, “… that someone was able to hack into your schedule and know your exact location would hire an assassin to attack you with a primitive-looking weapon rather than a sniper gun.”

Shivay and his brothers’ schedules were accessible to only their personal assistants and senior executive staff. So far, they didn’t have a reason not to trust any of them, but the investigation was also being done on them.

“The checklist of people who hold grudges and want to eliminate us is too damn long,” said Rishab. “But I doubt if anyone would dare, knowing the consequences of messing with us.”

The Thakvar brothers had the reputation of being ruthless towards anyone who went against them or their family.

“Security is doubled for Nandini and Ma,” said Nakul. “But we can’t keep it that way for long without them finding out the reason.”

Shivay knew his mother and sister enjoyed their freedom and didn’t like having security trailing after them. And if Shivay’s mother found out the real reason for the increased security, she would worry.

Shivay and his brothers always ensured that their mother remained smiling all the time. The only time their mother looked sad and forlorn was when she was reminded of their father who had died in an accident twenty years ago, which was six months before Nandini was born.

The sound of a bell was heard from outside the house. Shivay knew his mother must have just finished her morning prayers.

“I’m going to mention to Ma about the increased security,” he said. “I’ll tell her there is a possible low threat for a few days.”

His brothers nodded.

A few moments later, their mother stepped out of the house holding a silver tray. After her morning prayers, she usually stepped out to circle where the Tulasi plant was set up near the deck area.

Shivay watched as his mother finished the rituals. She must have seen her sons. Because later, instead of returning inside, she carried the tray to where he and his brothers were seated.

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