Free Where Angels Prey by Ramesh S Arunachalam Page B

on your desk in the next half an hour, Sir. I am personally headed to investigate a case of coercion by SAMMAAN. I will get you enough evidence to nail them, Sir. I only hope there is no interference from the higher-ups this time.”
    “It might be a little tough to step back this time, Veena. This is no Krishna crisis but rather a crisis for the whole state, with consequences for the nation and beyond.”

CHAPTER 9
     
     
     
HYDERABAD, 1 OCTOBER 2010
     
Bob knows he is severely jetlagged but wonders if he is beginning to hallucinate as well. Is his mind conjuring up images of the things he desperately seeks? He had spent all his waking hours on the flight from New York to Mumbai reading up the James Jordin report and mulling over the insightful revelations made by Tom Moody during their brief chat. Then there was the interview with a senior executive director at the Federal Banking Regulator, in charge of microfinance operations, before the flight to Hyderabad. Bob is fairly certain that his brain is suffering from a microfinance overload. Why else would Chandresh Rajan be strolling into the coffee shop of his hotel?
    It is only when Chandresh walks up to his table and shakes his hand rather vigorously that Bob is convinced that he is for real.
    “Bob, I am truly glad to finally meet you in person.”
    “Chan, you’ve risen from the dead at last! I have lost count of the number of times I’ve tried calling you.”
    “You’ll have to forgive me for that, Bob. The thing is, I have had no network for almost two weeks now. I got back into town just last night and saw your detailed email and travel itinerary. I thought I’d come by and not spoil the surprise with a phone call.”
    “Surprise? More like shock! I was wondering if my jetlagged, overwrought mind had conjured you up!”
    Chandresh laughs before taking a seat across the table from Bob.
    The waiter comes to check if he would like breakfast.
    “Why don’t you, Chan? Their spread is pretty good.”
    “Thanks Bob, but I’ll pass. No cooked food for me till
lunch. Wouldn’t mind some coffee, though.”
    Chandresh orders his coffee. The waiter nods in acknowledgment before hurrying away.
    “So, something exciting that you’ve been working on?”, asks Bob.
    “Exciting? I am not sure I would use that word. But yes, it was a challenging opportunity.”
    Chandresh seems hesitant about divulging details.
    “I think I have embarked on a challenging mission too. To verify if all that glitters is indeed gold!”
    Chandresh laughs.
    “So, is Kamineni the only gold you are after?”
    “Not really. Although this journey sort of began with him. I got to meet him at the CIRIG office in Boston last week. And I should be meeting him again in….
    Bob looks at his wristwatch before adding,
    “...about an hour from now.”
    Chandresh raises his eyebrows.
    “Of course, the big man will bend over backwards to please you, given the publication you represent. His biggest fans are from your part of the world, after all.”
    Bob’s eyes gleam with amusement.
    “Do I detect a sour note? I guess you both are not the best of pals?”
    Chandresh grins broadly.
    “Far from it! But be warned, you may become persona non grata by the time you are done. He used to be ultra polite with me too, in a different life.”
    Bob shrugs.
    “We’re not here to make friends anyway. So, does that mean you won’t go with me to the SAMMAAN office?”
    “Poor Kamineni. Let us not put his diplomatic skills to such great test!”
    Chandresh throws back his head and laughs. Just then, his phone rings and he excuses himself to take the call.
    Bob drains the coffee from his cup before checking his watch again.
    “Come on, let’s go!”
    Bob looks up in surprise.
    “You mean you’re going with me? I thought you…”
    “Breaking news, there has been a fire at the SAMMAAN
office!”
    Bob is shocked.
    “What are you saying? How did it happen? Was it an accident or some kind of