This Time, Her Turn [Completed]

Chapter 6

Ramit tried to sleep for a while during the journey. It was more to quell the thoughts that bothered him than for rest. He failed anyway. When the flight landed, he went home and slept until morning.

The next few days went by quickly with his work. They looked at the data over and over again. They planned a date for the release soon, which was after 2 days. In the meanwhile, the intelligence agency found out and probed them. How did they find out, he thought. He really underestimated the power and control an entire state held, perhaps.

He was sceptical at first but decided to meet their representative. Since the other founders were far across the globe, they held the meeting with the officer 2 days later.

"We are not here to restrict you from your work. But your reports might include instances of terror funding, so we have to be prepared. We can't have you release it without any preparation. This is a threat to all of you as well."

The ten of them, the founders of Hidden, were a little stumped. This was new information. They did not know any of these companies under their investigative probe had links to terrorism. 

However, there was good news too. They thought they wouldn't be able to publish their data at all when they were contacted by the government. They planned to have the anonymous journalists release it if the situation turns worse for them.

They looked at each other for a moment and Ramit asked, "So, do you want the information we have on them?"

"Exactly. But since we are not sure, we need to look at everything."

"How much earlier would you want it before we publish?" Emma, the senior most of the founders, asked. If the news was sold before they published on Hidden's website, everything would go to waste.

"We have to tighten the security and mobilise the forces. We need to understand whatever information you have and decide which locations to focus on. If need be, we might also alert the Interpol. So we'd ask for as much time as possible." The officer spoke straightforwardly.

"We plan to release them the day after tomorrow," she said.

"Then, lend us the information now and postpone the release to 10 days from now."

"Our risks increase the more we delay it."

"If you are based here, respect the rules of this land. 10 days from now," the officer insisted.

"How did you know we have that information? We know it's pointless to deny, but at least tell us. I'm so curious," a younger founder, Vyan, asked, almost jumping in his seat.

The officer smiled. "Rest assured, you're all safe. 10 days then."

Emma looked at Ramit, who shrugged and nodded, before she agreed.

When the time came, the intelligence officer gave them a green signal and said that any terror funding route in their data was recorded and that it will be dealt with. He did not even tell them if they did uncover something so profound.

Luckily, no major incidents happened, although the internet became a little chaotic and their company made quite a name for itself. When it was time to leave, he treated his small bunch of employees to dinner. It was a major milestone for their company, after all. Moreover, they took great care of his wife's potted plant, which he had left in the office. Last time he had not taken it since his luggage was quite enough. This time he flew back with the plant and the notarized agreement.

Everything was delayed and his trip extended up to 2 weeks when he finally returned. For that whole time, he did not call or message her. They had no communication at all.