“Good food,” she completed. “Fine. I’ll behave and wait. But Ajay? That’s not going to last very long.”

“I sure as hell hope not.”

Chapter Twenty
Ajay

Raj was adamant that her former employee, Roshan Patel, was trustworthy and could help uncover the additional security breaches at Bharat. Fifteen minutes into their meeting, Ajay knew that Raj had been right again.

“And this is all the information on Sri’s access history that you were able to get?” Ajay said to the video chat screen that he’d pulled up on his monitor.

“Yes,” Roshan said, his voice crystal clear through Ajay’s speakers. “I also sent you the information that he’d saved on Raj’s family. I’ve known her for years as my boss, and I have to say, it’s a pretty colorful file. Her family most definitely has a connection to an opium operation, but it looks like there is zero connection with your family in Punjab.”

“Roshan—”

“Don’t worry,” he said, holding up his hands. “I won’t tell a soul, including my grandmother. Not only for the sake of my job, but because I owe Raj. She’s good people.”

“That she is.”

“Anyway, if you need anything else let me know. I’m assuming that I’m reporting to you for the time being and Sri isn’t supposed to know that?”

“Yes. And if he gives you a problem, let me know and I’ll talk to him.”

“You got it, boss.”

Roshan waved, and Ajay closed the window.

“Ajay.”

He looked over his monitor to see Rafael standing in the doorway.

“I didn’t even see you come in. What’s up?”

Instead of sporting the cool, collected demeanor that was Rafael’s trademark, he kept clenching and unclenching his fists at his sides. His face was painted with worry. “You have visitors. In the conference room.”

Ajay stood, dread sitting heavy in his stomach. “Who is it?”

“It’s your brother Zail and one of the board members. Your uncle Frankie.”

“Uncle Frankie? What the hell is he doing here?”

“It looks like your brother has gone to Uncle Frankie with some concerns. They’re here to talk about it. Hem and Bhram are on their way, as well. They were meeting for lunch nearby, so they shouldn’t be long. If you want to wait until they arrive . . .”

“No,” Ajay said. “I’ll go talk to Frankie and Zail now. Thanks, Rafael.”

“Ajay,” Rafael said after hesitating in the doorway. “Zail looks like he’s spoiling for a fight. He’s taking his frustration out on Raj and you. Wait for Hem and Zail.”

“No, I’m not going to do that.” Ajay straightened the cuff of his shirt so it covered his kara and crossed his office. “This has gone on too long. It’s about time people gave me the fucking respect I deserve.”