Chapter 217 - Cover up (2/2)

”It won't be of much use in only searching the building. It is better if you can put out a broadcast about her and a reward for half a million credits,” commanded Bharat. ”Just put out her appearance, not her identity. It is best if that is not leaked out.”

”Fine, boss. Anything else?” asked Jackson in a mocking tone. He didn't know much about Bharat and he didn't like it that a businessman was talking to him in a commanding tone.

”I would like a few of the enforcers to be guarding me and him put into most secure facility. I will personally come to meet him. Till then, please make sure that his location isn't known to anyone and let no one meet him before that,” he said to Amos. ”Please, make sure of that.”

”Under what charges?” asked Jackson interrupting him.

”Infiltration of a secure facility, impersonating me to attempt to steal security secrets of the alliance. That should warrant him the most secure area you have access to. Add any other things you fancy,” said Bharat.

”I doubt he would see the light of day again. Just keep it all confidential. If necessary, put out a statement to the press that the impersonator was killed during the day as the enforcers, heroically saved me when he tried to kill me. That should put things to rest from the public's point of view. I will personally put in a good word for your quick and efficient action, Mr. Jackson” he added looking towards Jackson.

Though Jackson had never known anything about Bharat, Bharat knew quite a bit about the leader of the enforcers of the city. He knew that Jackson needed to facilitate it for all of his requests to happen. Previously, he had never contacted Jackson, even though they were in the same city as he never had a reason to. But now, he needed his help and he knew enough to let them have a good impression of him so that they would help him efficiently and his requests would be handled promptly and swiftly.

”Glad to be of service, Mr. Bharat. I will leave two of my trusted officers and a detective who reports directly to me to handle any request you have for the law enforcement division,” replied Jackson as he indicated a few men to remain. He took Bhagvat and departed with the rest of his men.

”Mr. Amos, how long would it take for my agents to come? Can you set up encrypted channel for us to communicate?” Bharat asked Amos.

”I can only inform the director general of any requests that you have. I was already informed that a team will arrive in half an hour to receive you,” said Amos as he came close to Bharat and began to take a bunch of photos and scans which he intended to send to the medical team that was in route to them.

”Ok. Use any resources you can use, even outside the law to get a location of my daughter,” said Bharat at a low voice so that the enforcers around him couldn't listen.

”I will pass on your advice to the director general, but those methods are not much reliable,” said Amos.

”It is fine. Frankly speaking, as long as she isn't dead or tortured, I don't mind if she sustains a few injuries. With the medical care of this age, it wouldn't be a problem. Also, inform everyone that she could be armed and try to shoot or harm due to some false communication. If found, gag, tie and secure her in the enforcer stronghold along with the impostor. But keep them in different rooms and don't let one know about the other's situation. No one gets to meet her before me,” instructed Bharat.

Once, he was a very loving and doting father. Now, he didn't mind if she was hurt or severely injured as long it isn't something permanent. Still, he knew that he would fail to hurt or injure her personally. He planned to let the other commanders deal with her. He knew that he is not capable of that.

”We will handle that. The only thing left is the situation within your company. The press are already speculating various things including a quite bold line that the enforcers were paid to forcibly take over your assets and replace you,” said Amos as he configured his wrist device to show a news feed reporting the same.

”That is quite bold,” said Bharat sighing. ”I guess, it is going to be much harder to convince the public, especially when my daughter is on their side. We can't have the law enforcement division being dragged through mud or my company. Any suggestions?”

”We can have a live video exchange between you and the reporters below, but we need a fall guy. We need someone to take the blame,” said Amos. ”It is better than letting it be one who was imprisoned.”

”Yes, we need to convince the world that my impersonator was dead and that my daughter was fooled by him into believing his word over mine,” agreed Bharat.

”It is best if we can let them see you operate something that only you can do,” said Amos. ”Something related to the company which will convince everyone.”

”Oh! That is not possible. Most of these systems currently recognize me as a visitor with no permissions. The picobot technology within by blood stream has already been rendered useless by the impostor. I am currently in a very delicate situation. Even the medical team would have to look into it,” said Bharat.

”Then, how did you send the message?” asked Amos. He was still under the assumption that Bharat managed to secretly send an encrypted message to someone. He didn't believe it to be the director general as shown by the media and released by the enforcers, but he did believe that Bharat sent a message to someone who commanded the enforcers to rescue him.

”Message? The video displayed by the media? That was on old recording sent by my peers. I was captive for a long time and they just realized it due to some mistake the impostor made,” explained Bharat. Amos eyebrows almost went into his hair as he raised them.

”That makes things a lot more complicated,” said Amos scratching his head. ”A lot more complicated. How long were you under captivity.”?

Bharat just lifted his hind with one finger signalling for a moment as he saw the date stamp on the news channel broadcasting the event. ”A bit more than 2 years and a month,” he replied.

Amos felt like fainting when heard that. Such a long time in captivity implied that Bharat would hardly be any more useful than his own self.

”Anyway, we better start with an interview. The imposter tried to kill and take your place. He brainwashed your daughter to serve him. He tortured you for details of your organization,” said Amos. ”He was almost about to kill you when the enforcers came to your rescue. That should be sufficient for now, right?”

”I haven't got a better idea for a cover up,” accepted Bharat.

”Well, then. That is what it shall be. Answer only a few questions. Make a statement. Plead the enforcers to find your daughter and the public to help with the same. Start crying and end it,” added Amos as he sent a couple messages to someone so that he could have an online interview with the public media reporters who were trying to get the story of the sudden raid.

”Don't spend long. Keep it under a couple of minutes and for love of God look like you are in pain. I can't read your expression at all,” said Amos. Bharat had a poker face and looked quite calm. Angry and serious looks came easy to him, but acting like he was not so easy, especially after he had been starved and had a mask which did allow him to move his face for most of the past two years. His face also looked a bit pallid and gaunt due to malnutrition.

”Get me a mirror or project my image. I would just need a minute to prepare for that,” said Bharat as he blinked his eye a couple of times immediately tearing up and put on a bit of make up to look the proper part.