part 8

"My objective was to capture alive the person responsible for the death of a capable officer from our department. But when Hilali found himself cornered, he started firing, leaving me with no choice but to return fire."

"I admit that."

"Then—as I said before—if I hadn't done that, today you'd be mourning the deaths of two officers instead of just one."

"Young man"—the commissioner looked into his eyes—"don't forget that we are on the same side."

The young man remained silent.

"Delhi Police is a responsible institution, and that same responsibility extends to its officers."

"I understand."

"If you do, then also understand how the media sensationalized that entire sequence of events after the shootout! Also understand that no matter how right you were in your version of events, Delhi Police has an established rule book for such covert operations, and it must be followed at all costs."

"I understand."

"You don't understand"—the commissioner said—"because if you did, you would also understand why, at that time, in the glare of media scrutiny, it was necessary for us—as a department—to take action."

The man sitting across from him did not respond.

"The atmosphere created at that time made it impossible for Delhi Police to hide the fact that one of its officers—its most promising officer—had gone on a shooting spree in broad daylight in the underground parking of a crowded mall, believing himself to be James Bond."

"I have already explained my actions."

"And I am satisfied with your explanation."

"Then the matter is settled!"

"Consider it settled"—the commissioner pulled a file cover from his desk drawer, opened it, and signed the topmost page.

"So, when does my suspension end?"

"It's over"—the commissioner said, sliding the file toward the young man—"but you haven't been summoned here because of that incident."

The young man looked at the commissioner in surprise.

"We—Delhi Police—need your help."

"What kind of help?"

The commissioner explained.

"But how is that possible?" the young man said. "I'm under suspension..."

"That's exactly why you're valuable to us."

"But…"

"But what?"

"Just now, you were giving me a lecture about following Delhi Police's established system and rule book, and now you're…"

"The rule book has its place"—the commissioner said matter-of-factly—"and duty has its place."

"You mean…?"

"I mean that a suspended inspector of Delhi Police has the chance to prove that, even in his current suspension, a soldier remains a soldier, never turning his back on his duty and responsibilities."

"Yes."

"You have the opportunity to prove that despite, as you claim, Delhi Police wronging you, you never abandoned your duty and always did your job"—the commissioner locked eyes with the young man—"in uniform or out of it."

"Yes"—the young man hesitated—"but there are many other capable officers in Delhi Police for this job."

"There are... but they all have to work within a system, within a framework, whereas, in your current situation, you can be more effective for the department."

"So, the very reason I was suspended is now the reason I'm being asked to do this job."

"You're losing focus again"—the commissioner clarified—"I already told you that your suspension was a necessary step at the time due to the unnecessary media glare surrounding that shootout."

"You mean…"

"I mean your suspension was a necessity then, and this offer is a necessity now"—the commissioner stood up from his chair, walked around the desk, and stood beside him—"your acceptance of this job can solve many of our problems."

"But wouldn't this be illegal?"

"Only if Delhi Police takes official responsibility for it"—the commissioner said—"which, of course, we never will."

"So, this mission is my personal mission."

"Absolutely—personal and unknown to Delhi Police"—the commissioner said—"a mission where you will report to no one, be accountable to no one, and every decision you make will be accepted."

"Complete freedom."

"Thorough and complete freedom"—he said—"no questions asked."

"And if I refuse this offer?"

"Then nothing"—the commissioner took a deep breath—"whatever your answer is, we will accept it."

"And my suspension?"

"That was already lifted, and it has nothing to do with your answer"—the commissioner said—"only the date column is left blank, which you can fill in at your convenience."

"So, this offer is not a trade for my suspension being lifted."

"Our department has already wronged a brave officer like you, and I won't add another injustice with some ridiculous offer."

The young man fell silent.

"So, what's your answer?"

"Sir"—the young man stood up and said—"I'm in."

The commissioner took a deep breath of relief.

"Officer, in this mission, you will operate without any interference from Delhi Police, and you will not be responsible for reporting to anyone."

"I understand, sir."

"And yes, once this matter is over, you can return to duty."

The young man looked at the file on the desk in front of him.

"Your suspension will officially end on a date of your choosing"—the commissioner patted the young man's shoulder and said—"and your return to Delhi Police will be spotless."

"Thank you, sir"—the young man said.

"Just remember one thing."

"What, sir?"

"Stay alive"—the commissioner took another file from his desk drawer, placed it on the table, and said in a deep, serious tone—"Delhi Police cannot afford to lose its bravest and most fearless officer."

The young man—whose name was Dheeraj Dhama—picked up the file from the desk, saluted, and stood up.