The Eye of Shiva

CHAPTER 49

Krivi and Rao sat in the back of a cafe in New Delhi. Krivi held a brown pill bottle in his right hand.

"This is a new medication our laboratory has developed," Krivi said. "It is experimental, but we are seeing excellent results. It will stop further growth of the tumor."

"Stop the growth?"

"Animal results are very positive."

"It hasn't been tested on humans?"

"Does it matter?" Krivi said. "What have you got to lose?"

"Give me the pills."

Krivi set the bottle down on the table.

"It may make you feel light-headed but the feeling will pass. Take four of them once a day for the next three days, then every other day. More will be delivered to you."

"Thank you."

"My sources say you were responsible for the riot in Srinagar," Krivi said. "Is it true?"

"It wasn't difficult. Everyone was already on edge. I told the commander of the garrison I had definite intelligence the Muslims were going to riot after the evening prayer. I suggested he take strong measures to disperse the gathering."

"It was well done." Krivi paused. "Have you decided on a plan?"

"For the missiles? Not yet."

"Remember, the codes are only good until the end of the month."

Rao made a dismissive gesture. "There's still time."

Krivi knew Rao was on edge. He needed a diversion to keep him busy until it was time to send the missile on its way.

"Afridi has left his compound," Krivi said.

Rao tensed at the mention of his enemy.

"Where is he going?"

"West, toward Afghanistan. He has a dozen men with him. What's interesting is that he has taken tools with him."

"Tools?"

"Shovels and picks, the kind of thing you need to dig. Do you remember when we first met at the temple?" Krivi said.

"Of course."

"I said that few dreamed of returning the Eye of Shiva to its rightful place."

"Yes. I wondered how you knew I wanted that."

"I think our enemy knows where part of the Mughal treasure is hidden and he's going after it. What if the Eye is part of that?"

The Eye! Rao's heart skipped a beat.

"It's possible," Rao said. His voice betrayed his excitement. "Afridi had gold coins, old ones. I wanted to find out where they came from before I killed him. I thought they might lead to the Eye. If it's there, we must recover it."

Krivi nodded, looking serious. "It would be a great service to Lord Shiva."

"I'll need his exact location."

"When he gets to where he's going I'll be able to give it to you," Krivi said.

"If he finds the Eye, I will take it from him. With his life."

Rao's face was ugly with hatred. Krivi stood, clasped his hands together and bowed slightly.

"Namaste," he said. "Wait for my call." He turned and left the cafe.

Rao considered the problem. Only two things mattered. Retrieving the jewel, if it could be found, and killing Afridi. Once he knew where Afridi was he'd send Ijay after him. Ijay was still in Srinagar, waiting for instructions.

Rao poured bottled water into a glass and took his first dose of the new medicine Krivi had brought.