by RV Raman
‘I told you,’ he said grimly. ‘I am a pretty good shot.’
EPILOGUE
The next morning, Jilsy and Ganesh came to Athreya and said that they had decided to move out of the valley and, most likely, back to Pune. They didn’t want to stay opposite a drug-tainted resort, and next to Phillip’s house. Further, they were concerned about the ramifications after the mongrel was released from jail. After all, they were the ones who had tipped off Athreya about his involvement. All things considered, they had decided to move to Pune.
Immediately afterward, Athreya took Richie aside and warned him. If Richie were to do anything to tarnish Jilsy’s reputation, he said, Bhaskar would come to know of how he had defiled the altar at the chapel. Considering that Bhaskar had already warned Richie about spoiling the family name, that would be enough for him to cut Richie out of his inheritance.
Michelle began drawing up the relevant papers with Varadan’s help, and before the week was out, she would file for divorce.
With Manu’s support, Dora convinced Bhaskar to give her money instead of becoming a co-founder in her fledgling fashion business. But first, Bhaskar extracted a promise from Dora and Richie in front of Manu that the money would not, under any circumstances, go to Richie.
Abbas and Murthy, who had been taken away by Inspector Muthu after Athreya’s little show, were remanded in custody along with Ismail and some others.
A search of the church revealed a set of old British Army uniforms. These were what Jacob Lopez had used to masquerade as Parker’s ghost. Much of the drug movement from the Misty Valley Resort happened under the cover of darkness, and it was desirable to empty the vale of casual walkers. The story of Parker’s ghost wandering about was enough to discourage people from strolling around the vale after dark.
Jacob Lopez never regained consciousness and died two days later. Bhaskar had indeed been an excellent shot, and Jacob pulling a gun on him and Athreya had given him the freedom to take revenge for the death of the man he had considered a son.
About the Author
RV Raman is the author of the Inspector Ranade and Inspector Dhruvi thrillers, published in India, which are loosely based on his corporate career spanning four continents.
Visit him online at www.rvraman.com
