‘So we have nothing else to go by. We are at a dead end. One and a half day in India, and we are in a blind alley,’ Tony lamented.
When they reached the hotel, Adrian turned to ACP Shome, ‘Give me half an hour. I’ll freshen up and be down soon.’ He headed towards the elevator. Tony followed him. ACP Shome stayed in the lobby.
‘Once we get to the bottom of this, we should go somewhere and chill. And bed some dumb French woman, like the one Aditya mentioned,’ said Tony, as soon as they entered the elevator.
‘Ha ha!’ Adrian laughed. ‘You and your libido, Tony. How are you managing?’
‘Making do with the confessions of the hooker.’
The elevator had just came to a halt on Adrian’s floor when Dan called.
79
Mumbai
‘We’ve hit a dead-end, Dan. What should we do now?’
‘We should try a different approach. Wait for a couple of days and send a response to the latest post where Altoids asks for help on the missing alphanumerics of the bitcoin private key. Tell Altoids that you can decipher it. Only an idiot will give you the remaining characters and ask you to decipher the missing ones. So he will have to engage to find out how to get it done. Let’s see if it draws him out. That will give us an opportunity to get to him.’
‘I doubt if he will take the bait so easily, Dan. He is too smart.’
‘He will try everything to get the key.’
‘Let’s see. What’s happening on the laptop blow-up and malware issue, Dan.’
‘Some interesting stuff there. We have acquired the mirror image of the Ukrainian server that was pumping malware into desktops, laptops and cellphones across the world.’
‘Jeez, how did you manage that?’
‘The FBI invoked the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty that Ukraine has signed with the US. Under that, Ukraine is bound to share this information.’
‘But, Dan, if someone intended to infuse malware, wouldn’t that someone use a server in a location that does not have any such treaty with the US?’
‘Coincidence, Adrian. We signed the MLAT with Ukraine only a week ago. This is the first instance where the treaty has been invoked. When the criminals were planning this, Ukraine would have been a safe haven for them.’
‘That’s a good omen, Dan.’ Adrian was excited. ‘What does the server mirror image tell us?’
‘Too early to say but we’re trying to find out more. Hopefully we will have something by tomorrow evening. The team is on it.’
He hung up and was about to get into the shower when he got a call on the hotel landline.
‘Adrian!’ It was Tony. ‘I’m sending a link to your phone. Take a look.’
Adrian walked to the table, picked up his phone and came back to the landline. He touched the screen and Tony’s message opened up. There was a link to the Times of India website.
‘Damn!’ he exclaimed the moment he saw the link. ‘What is he doing here?’
‘Exactly! What’s Stan doing in Pondicherry under a false name and identity, while the FBI is looking for him the world over?’
80
Sangamner/Mumbai
Ram Sarvate had just returned from his farm in Sangamner, 150 km from Mumbai. He was sitting on the ledge outside the house, taking in the happenings of the evening, when his wife came out. Seeing him, she went back inside and returned a minute later with a glass of water. Ram took it and almost immediately dropped it to the floor. His wife, who was going back into the house, stopped and turned. His face had tanned. ‘Probably the heat,’ she thought. But his eyes told her another story. They had shrunk like those of a dead, dried-up fish.
Then she saw his hand.
‘Oh my God!’ she exclaimed, dashing back to his side. ‘What happened?’ His hand was swollen. The forearm was bleeding badly. The elbow joint was out of place. His right ear was bleeding, from a cut. He had draped a sheet around him. When she removed the sheet, she saw his vest was drenched in blood.
‘What happened? Oh my God! What will I do now?’ She was hysterical.
‘Quiet! Quiet!’ Ram tried to calm her down but she was having none of it. She forced him to see the village doctor, who packed them off almost immediately to the government hospital in neighbouring Nasik.
When Ram returned home the next evening, he had seventeen stitches for the cut next to his ear, and his right arm, which had a broken elbow and two forearm fractures, was in a cast.
All this was a result of his running feud with the local politician who wanted to usurp his land.
A week later, when his physical condition improved, he gathered the necessary courage to head to the police station and lodge a complaint against Govind bhai, the local henchman who had attacked him. Three of his neighbours, who has seen the ghastly attack, went along with him and signed off as witnesses.
Govind was a well-known goon of the area and the cops knew where he lived. When they went to his house to arrest him, they discovered that he was in Mumbai where he had been arrested a week ago. On what grounds, nobody knew. Later that day, the inspector at the local police station called the Mumbai police to verify Govind’s whereabouts.
When he kept the phone down, he was in a state of shock. He sent word for Ram to come and meet him. The moment Ram entered the police station, he walked up to him, lifted his hand and brought it down hard in one swift move on Ram’s cheek.
‘Liar!’ he screamed.
Ram looked at him, tears in his eyes, wondering what he’d done to upset the inspector.
‘How could Govind have attacked you when he was involved in an accident in Mumbai on the same day? He is in jail for killing someone in a road accident, and that too in Mumbai. The time of the accident is exactly the same as the time he is supposed to have attacked you. The time that you have stated in your FIR. You son of a bitch!’ He slapped Ram again.
‘Aaaah!’ screamed Ram.
The incident was first reported in the Sangamner local press but was soon picked up by the national media. If media speculation was anything to go by, Swami was supposedly murdered by Govind after he had deposed against the finance minister.
Televised debates that night focused on the minister’s involvement in the murders of Malvika and Swami. The minister himself maintained a stoic silence and refused to talk to the media.
‘Swami uncle had found out something where your mom helped the minister move some money out of the country. She was probably being arm-twisted by him,’ said Varun
‘Yes, you told me that the day he told your father.’
‘Do you think he mentioned that to the CBI? And the minister found out about it somehow?’
‘Former finance minister. He has resigned,’ said Tanya, angrily.
‘All right, all right, former minister.’
‘I hope he rots in hell.’
‘I tell you what . . . ’ and Varun walked up to her desk and picked up her laptop. ‘Let’s write to the CBI telling them exactly what Swami uncle told me and dad. In case the CBI knows about this, great. In case they don’t, it might help them. We will also release a copy of this mail to the media, so that everyone knows about it.’
He opened Tanya’s laptop, and settled on a lounge chair to type up a note for the CBI. He wrote out everything he knew. Tanya walked up to him. ‘Don’t you think this will sully mom’s reputation too?’
‘Not any more than it already has been. Everyone and his uncle are saying whatever comes to their minds. By sending this to the CBI, we can set the record straight.’
Tanya didn’t respond. She was thinking. ‘Are you sure, Varun?’
‘Yes. Unless you think otherwise?’
‘No, I’m fine with whatever you say.’ She headed to the shower but didn’t seem too confident or convinced.
Varun finished the note and tried to log into his email. The laptop was not connected to the Internet.
‘Tanya!’ He called out. She was in the shower. ‘What’s the wi-fi password?’
‘Th
ere is a pen drive in the top drawer of my dressing table. Use that and transfer the file to the other laptop. That one will connect automatically to the wi-fi.’
Varun transferred the file and sent it to Kabir Khan, promising to send a signed declaration the next day. He mentioned that the declaration was also being released to the press at the same time. After he sent the mail, he waited for Tanya to come out. She was taking a long time. ‘Probably washing her hair,’ he said to himself.
Might as well play some games on the laptop, he thought, and settled back on the lounge chair.
*
Dan called Adrian that evening.
‘Adrian, the server analysis for the Ukrainian server has come in.’
‘What does it tell us?’
As Dan started explaining, Adrian’s eyes widened in disbelief.
‘Tell me you’re kidding, Dan!’ That’s all he could say after sixteen minutes of listening.
Dan paused. ‘Now that this has come up, I see no point in you guys staying back there. I recommend that you come back immediately. There are more serious issues to be addressed.’
‘You’re right. Tony and I will be out on the first flight home.’ He hung up.
Shome dropped them off to the airport that night. He said, ‘I can’t figure out why you are leaving in such a hurry!’
‘Something important has come up. We will try to come back soon, Mr Shome,’ said Adrian.
‘Okay. Hope you get to the bottom of this case. If you need anything from India, do let me know.’
‘Thanks, Shome. You have been a wonderful companion all along.’ Adrian shook hands with ACP Shome and walked towards the check-in counter. Tony started to follow but whirled about to wave to Shome and bumped into a young man. He apologized immediately. It was his fault that he didn’t watch his step.
‘Not a problem, sir,’ Varun said and moved on. He was on his way to Ukraine.
‘Close the deal one way or the other. Don’t let it hang. Do what it takes,’ Aditya had told him as he dropped him off at the airport a few minutes ago.
81
Mumbai
Tanya was not the only one feeling lonesome with Varun away, trying to crack the deal in Ukraine.
Aditya too was feeling the pinch. Even though he had lived alone for the better part of his life, he had quickly gotten used to Varun’s presence in the house. Coming back to an empty house was not easy for him any more. As a matter of routine, he spoke to Varun every night for updates on the negotiations with the Ukrainian gaming company.
After speaking to Varun that night, he tried to get some sleep but couldn’t. He kept tossing and turning in bed. Finally after an hour without an iota of sleep, he got up and logged on to his computer.
There were a few routine mails. He responded to them. A thank you mail from Adrian Scott. He ignored it. The line of questioning by the FBI had angered him, though he hadn’t shown it. The next was a mail from the World Gaming Council. He was about to mark it as spam but decided to read it.
Dear Mr Rao,
The World Gaming Council is happy to invite you to the inaugural conference to be held in Washington DC, from 28–30 October. We are happy to inform you that Indiscape Corporation has been nominated for awards in two categories:
1. Fastest growing gaming company in the world
2. Best gaming company in emerging markets
It would be wonderful if you could accept the award in person (should Indiscape win in either category) on behalf of the company. The ceremony will be held at the end of the conference. The attached brochure has more details.
Accommodation has been arranged at the Ritz Carlton, the venue of the event, and you will be covered for business class travel from India to Washington DC.
We request you to confirm your attendance.
Warmest regards,
Smith Barney
Curator — World Gaming Council
Aditya suddenly perked up. This was the first time someone had recognized the contribution of Indiscape to the gaming world. And that too an international forum. Excited, he called Varun instantly and read out the entire message to him.
‘First the number one spot on the Apple Store and now this recognition! You deserve it, Son. I will write to them that you will be there to receive the award.’
‘Dad, they have invited you. You need to go.’
‘No, Varun, it’s yours. You have worked relentlessly on this for the last few months.’
‘When did you say it was, Dad?’
‘From 28th to the 30th of this month.’
‘Dad! It’s Tanya’s birthday on the 28th. She will kill me if I am away.’
‘Take her with you.’
‘I don’t think she’ll go. I’ve suggested to her a few times to take a break. But she is too traumatized to do anything. I suggest you start packing your bags.’
Aditya replied to Smith Barney, confirming that either he or his son Varun would make it to the conference. This was another PR opportunity for Indiscape.
82
Washington DC
Confessions of the Hooker had America hooked. The revelations were coming three time a week now. It had become a national pastime. Tabloids, TV news, magazines—all were talking about it.
Aditya landed in Washington DC, early on a sunny Friday morning. He was a bit tired. The two stopovers had taken their toll. Someone from the Ritz was waiting for him with a placard that had his name on it. He signalled to the person and followed him to the parking lot. On the way to the parking lot, he called Varun to tell him he had reached and asked him to wish Tanya a happy birthday.
The driver led him to a waiting SUV. In no time, they were speeding down the highway. Forty minutes later, they were at the Ritz. As he was checking in, Aditya picked up a tabloid placed on a stand in the reception. On the front page was a story of how the hooker had bedded an NBA star player in the minutes leading to the NBA finals. This is America, he thought as he checked in and was escorted to his room by the hotel staff.
He showered, changed, and settled down with a mug of coffee from the self-service kettle. He was about to log in to his laptop when there was a knock at the door.
Two white men, wearing smart black suits stood outside.
‘Mr Rao?’ asked one.
‘Yes. What can I do for you?’
‘Can you come with us? We need to do a dry run at the venue.’
Aditya was surprised. ‘Dry run?’ He had never heard of events like these doing a dry run. But they were the hosts. He didn’t want to offend them. ‘Give me five minutes. Let me change into something more appropriate.’
Within five minutes, Aditya was in the lobby. The two men directed him to a waiting car and they got in. Inside the car were two other similarly dressed men, one driving and the other in the passenger seat. The ones in front didn’t even bother to acknowledge his presence as the car sped through the streets of DC. It was still early morning. Peak-hour traffic had not yet clogged the streets. In twenty minutes, twenty long and silent minutes, the car entered the basement of a huge building via a side entrance. Aditya couldn’t make out where they were.
‘Is this the venue?’
No one answered.
‘I asked a question!’ Aditya said forcefully. No one bothered to answer him or return his glance. ‘Is this the way you treat your guests?’ He raised his voice just a bit, betraying anger as well as panic. The car came to a halt in a parking lot in the basement, and three of the men got out.
The fourth, to Aditya’s right, looked at him and instructed sternly. ‘Please get out of the car, Mr Rao.’
That’s when it struck Aditya that they may not be representatives of the World Gaming Council. ‘Who are you?’ he asked, racked with anxiety.
‘You will find out soon. Please follow us.’ And the last person got out of the car.
Aditya looked around. The basement was empty. He had no option but to get out and follow them. He pulled out his phone to call Sundeep or Varun. No si
gnal. Obviously the building had jammers installed.
Aditya started to sweat.
83
Mumbai
When Aditya had called him from the airport immediately on landing, Varun was still in office. It was late and he was about to leave to pick up Tanya for her birthday dinner. He had promised to take her to Celini, a popular Italian restaurant in the Grand Hyatt in suburban Mumbai. He had already reserved a table for two.
‘Are you ready, Tanya?’ He called her to check.
‘Long ago. Waiting for you. I’m hungry.’
‘I will be late by about half an hour, baby. Something has come up. Will finish it and leave. If I don’t do it now, it will not get done till Monday.’
‘Tell you what. You work. I’ll come and pick you.’
Twenty minutes later, she was in Varun’s office. He hugged her as she entered his room. ‘Come, come, sit . . . I’m just about finishing.’ And then he realized his faux pas. ‘You are looking soooo . . . ’ He couldn’t think of the right word. After a moment’s pause, he added, ‘. . . yummy!’
‘You had to think that hard?’
‘Had to think of the right word, Tanya! Wrong words won’t do, especially on this special day.’ He smiled, exposing his dimples.
‘So you want to go for dinner or you want this yummy babe for dinner?’ she asked sensuously. She sat on the sofa and spread her legs seductively, running her fingers up her thighs.
‘Come on, Tanya! This is an office,’ Varun chided her in jest.
He went close to her, bent down and kissed her on her lips. ‘You are looking wow today.’ Tanya smiled. He kissed her on the lips again. Tanya was in a crazy mood. Though there were a few people in office at that late hour there was no one in sight. She held his head and pulled him towards her as she sucked on his lips. She didn’t let him go in a hurry. She ran her free hand up his thighs. She could feel it. He was turned on too. She tried to undo the clasp of his belt.
God is a Gamer Page 20
