C-5

Gaurav was having a busy morning. He came to work as usual. Greeted everyone warmly. Dropped in at his table. Threw Sheila a smile that she called delicious. In return, she passed him the command from above.

"Boss called you over to the office as soon as you arrive," she said in her saccharine voice, as she pointed upward.

"Boss?" He asked in disbelief.

"Yeah," she said, nodding. "Boss. Something happened. There's a lot of tension up there. Be careful."

"Thanks," he said, pressing her hand that was on his shoulder. "It won't be anything too bad, I'm sure. At least, not for me. I can't think of anything bad I've done recently."

He teased to make her smile. She did.

"I'll be back," he mouthed as he left.

She stared at his receding back worriedly, until he walked out the door and disappeared behind the walls. She was a secretary. He was her boss. Their relationship on paper was just that. In truth, it had grown into more. Even they didn't know what it was. They weren't too concerned. No one else cared much. Office romance wasn't frowned upon under the mayor's policy. In fact, he secretly looked upon it favourably. There were many rumours as to the reason, and that was all they were, rumours.

Gaurav was thinking hard, but he could come up with nothing as he waited outside of the office. He cleared his head, took a deep breath, dragged out his best smile, and walked in. There were several people inside. Big heads, all of whom he recognised. It was a terrifying congregation.

"Gaurav, come on in," Micha greeted first.

Micha was the city manager, Gaurav's boss. Almost everyone who knew him had the same words to describe the man, he was a cool guy. That didn't mean he wasn't ruthless or that he couldn't be frightening. Just that, there were few who had seen the other face of the man. Those who had, didn't want to even think about it, let alone discuss it with others. Micha was one of the mayor's core strengths.

"Yes boss," Gaurav submitted, and walked over.

As he arrived at the table, he saw what everyone was looking at. There was a protected screen on the table, that was only visible within close proximity. The screen was showing the surveillance recording of the outside of the building from last night. They were following a tall man in a dark brown hoodie that covered his features. Not one camera caught a thing.

"Who's he?" Gaurav asked carefully.

"That's for us," the commissioner said dully, not even bothering to look at Gaurav.

Gaurav knew he was too insignificant to feel hurt by the brusqueness. He looked at his boss who proceeded to explain his presence in the room.

"Take a look at this."

Micha handed Gaurav an opened envelope.

Gaurav pulled out the letter inside and read.

**

Sir,

Over the last few weeks, several parties have entered into the city limits with nefarious intentions.

Forgive me for not being able to offer more details about their intent and reason. But I do hope you do not ignore me as an unnecessary nuisance.

I do have some evidence to offer.

Thursday. Two weeks ago. 6:45 pm. The central station. Platform 4. I believe the police would be interested in three men who arrived there.

I hope you are able to take action, and protect the city.

**

Gaurav gave himself a minute before submitting to amazement. He saw the countenances of the powerful men gathered here, and knew it was no joke. The police had recognised the three men. And the men were important enough to have everyone worried.

"What do you need, boss?" Gaurav asked with as much calm as he could muster.

Micha smiled fondly, and answered.

"Follow the letter. Forget the man. We'll cover that. You understand?"

Gaurav nodded. Sure, he understood. He always could understand his boss easily. That was why he was at his position at such an early age.

"Go on then," Micha ordered.

Gaurav returned the letter to the envelope and walked away.

Back at his table, he called Sheila over.

"We'll be working elsewhere today," he told her.

She nodded without question.

The two gathered their things and left.