Chapter 12 – Crossing Lines
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Location: Noor War Room – 5:30 AM
“Sameer crossed the border at 3:42 a.m.,” Navya said, eyes locked on the satellite map. “Disguised under a diplomatic convoy from the South Asian Trade Conference.”
Cabir stared at the blinking red dot. “He’s heading into Bhutan.”
Dhruv frowned. “We can’t follow officially. No jurisdiction.”
Nandini stepped in. “That’s never stopped us before.”
Abhimanyu checked his forensics case. “But it means we go off-books.”
Manik nodded. “Pack light. No direct contact with Indian agencies. We’re ghosts.”
Mukti cracked her knuckles. “I like the sound of that.”
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Location: Bhutan Border – 9:10 AM
The Fab 5 and the Trio entered the quiet hill town near the southern entry point, disguised as a music and journalism crew.
Alya adjusted her scarf. “This is... peaceful.”
“Too peaceful,” Nandini muttered.
They had three names—hotel contacts linked to Sameer’s aliases. Two were already cleared out.
Abhimanyu narrowed it down. “He’ll avoid places with cameras. That leaves private homestays and diplomatic guesthouses.”
Cabir and Navya headed to scout the digital cafés in the market, while Nandini and Manik took the main street leads.
Dhruv, Mukti, and Alya circled around the vehicle rental booths.
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Location: Mountain Café – 10:20 AM
Cabir and Navya sat in the corner of a rustic café. Wooden beams, dim lighting, perfect for quiet conversations.
Navya tapped into the router system using her tablet. “He logged into a secure line yesterday. Same VPN trail. We’re close.”
Cabir watched her — eyes focused, jaw clenched, breath steady.
“You know,” he said, “You look terrifying when you’re in hacker mode.”
She glanced up. “Flattered.”
He grinned. “I mean it.”
She raised a brow. “And you talk a lot when you’re nervous.”
“I’m not nervous.”
“You’re sitting like you’re ready to run.”
He leaned forward. “Only if you’re chasing.”
Their eyes met.
Lingering. A breath too long.
But then—
“Got him,” she said sharply. “Room 207. Nima Guest Lodge. Checked in using name ‘Ravi Kishore’.”
Cabir stood. “Let’s move.”
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Location: Nima Guest Lodge – 11:30 AM
The team regrouped.
Nandini gave orders swiftly.
“Cabir, Navya—rear stairs. Dhruv, Alya—watch the exit. Mukti, Abhimanyu—come in from reception.”
YOU ARE READING
Shadows of Truth
Mystery / ThrillerSecrets. Scars. Silence. And a killer who thrives on them all. She was fire once... until the world tried to burn her alive. Nandini Sharma, a fierce investigative journalist with a haunted past, has sworn to be a voice for the voiceless. But when a...
