“I know you have a full plate. I need you to do some additional digging for me. A side project.”

“Yes, sir?”

“Rajneet Kaur Hothi. I need to know about her background.”

“Owner of RKH Collective?”

“Yes. Tell me about her family. What do they do? I want to know everything. Okay?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Great. Thanks, Sri. Any updates on your other projects?”

Ajay’s head of security shook his head. “Not yet, sir.”

The amount of time and space that Ajay had given the man, including the additional resources, should’ve been more than enough for him to at least figure out WTA’s next move.

“I need you to provide daily progress updates to Rafael, Sri.”

Sri balked, but managed to control his expression. “Sir?”

“I want progress, Sri.”

“But sir, daily progress updates will take time that I don’t have.”

“You’ll have to make it,” Ajay said. “This has gone on for a while now.”

Sri cleared his throat and pulled at the collar of his sweatshirt. “Yes, sir.”

Ajay hung up without another word. He’d barely gotten control of his irritation before another incoming call notification popped up. He answered and a video chat box filled his screen. “Bhram. Kidha, bhai? How are you doing?”

“Vadhiya, vadhiya.” Bhram looked freshly shaved and showered. He sat against the predawn light in the UK. “I thought I’d catch you before I went to gurdwara.”

“Gurdwara? Shit, is it a holy day or a cultural holiday? Am I going to have to get back to New Jersey tomorrow morning?”

“No, fool, but if you’re only going to the temple on holy days, your mother is going to find out and kill you. I’ve been going with Gopal Uncle. Now that he’s out of rehab, he’s staying here in London with me. We go to gurdwara, eat in the kitchens, and then volunteer in the food pantry.”

Ajay winced. Not only had he neglected going to gurdwara for a long time, he’d also forgotten that his cousin had been taking care of his father’s brother.

“If Gopal is doing better with you, then don’t send him back to India just yet. Our fight with WTA isn’t over, and they may exploit him again. He’s a weak link.”

“I know, brother. I didn’t call to talk about our uncle, though.”

“Fine. The answer is no, I cannot pass a message to Rafael in math class. You’re going to have to be a big boy and ask him to the school dance all on your own.”

“Up yours,” Bhram said, lifting a middle finger. “I can woo Rafael on my own. He’s just going to take some more time to convince that I deserve a second chance.”

“Good. Now if you’re done, I have actual work to do, brother.”