CHAPTER 9 （Enemy lines） #2
I hurried to my room to retrieve the laptop and get set up at the table. My mind was still buzzing from Krish’s touch, but I forced myself to focus. Sudesh needed my help making sense of all the disjointed intel on our targets’ operations.
Soon, I was immersed in sifting through case files, cross-referencing sources, and connecting dots. The analytical part of my brain kicked into high gear. Krish checked on me briefly, dropping a kiss on my hair before returning to his room to attend to his own work.
It was nearly 3:00 a.m. when Sudesh and I finally signed off, a comprehensive report compiled for action. Exhaustion weighed heavily on me, but it was a productive session. And Krish was right—we had stolen these intimate moments together at last. There would be more.
I crawled into bed, thinking of his strong arms around me, his skillful hands awakening my senses. The memories kept my skin flushed and warm despite the late hour. This was just the beginning for us. And for now, I was content to let this bond between us grow at its own pace, undefined.
**************
The harsh ringing of my phone jarred me awake. I fumbled for it, squinting against the bright morning light filtering through the curtains. Sudesh’s name flashed on the screen again.
“Sudesh?” I mumbled, sitting up and raking a hand through my tangled hair. “What time is it?”
“Sorry, Trisha, I know it’s early, but something urgent has come up,” he said briskly. “You’re being summoned to Phoenix HQ right away.”
That got my attention. Our covert ops base—Phoenix Headquarters, in Singapore, was only contacted for the most serious matters.
“What’s going on? Is it about yesterday?”
“Yes. Director Shergill is here—he flew in to take over the operation.”
I sucked in a breath. Ayaan Shergill? I knew he was one of the Directors of GLEN and headed all of GLEN’s field activity from Austria. If he was here, this had just got escalated to the highest levels.
“I’m on my way,” I told Sudesh, urgency flooding my system now.
I quickly washed up and got dressed, my mind racing.
Stepping out of my room, I found a note from Krish on his neatly made bed.
He’d already left for Phoenix HQ himself.
Of course, he would be a part of this briefing.
He probably hadn’t thought I would be called there, too, considering Krish had benched me for two weeks.
The guards escorted me out to the armoured SUV.
At the nondescript building that served as our base, I was whisked through security and into the situation room.
Sudesh and the others followed behind me.
And just when I was looking for Krish, I saw him entering the room with Director Ayaan Shergill himself.
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, Director of 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 and Krish 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.