MIDNIGHT RIDER PART 23

Acting reflexively,Roha pulled Amish in the adjoining ante room.They waited with bated breath as a man entered the hallway and glanced around cautiously.

''There's no one here...must be a stray cat or rat.''He called back.

Roha thanked Heavens profusely.They had avoided being caught just by a few seconds.

The man returned back.The duo peered around and tip-toed after him to reach a dimly lit room.

They hid behind the tattered blinds and listened intently.A rota of men thronged the place and were seated around a huge,chipped table.

''Make arrangements to send some of these baubles to Mumbai next week....We've got a very influential party showing interest.''The man who sat at the head ordered.

''Ok boss!''

''Hmm...and step up the vigil.Nobody should catch the whiff....We've to be especially careful since that prying girl has got the inkling.We can't afford a lackadaisical attitude....not until I take her out.''he leered in a deadly soft voice.

Roha shuddered and took an impromptu step back.

Some dry leaves under her feet crackled loudly.The men looked up.

''Probably the wind.''The chief murmured,staring intently at the place where they stood.

''That's all for today.Let's go!''he added after a pause.The men stared at each other bewildered,the chief had called them merely for this information.It didn't tally at all with their previous dealings,but all the same they filed out without a word.

The kingpin followed their suit,pootling off insolently,feeling smug.

As soon as they went out of sight,Roha and Amish entered the room quitely and reached out for numerous crates stacked there.

''Oh my....''Roha gasped stunned.

The crates had some of the most magnificent antiques they had ever laid there eyes on.

''These must cost a fortune!''Amish whispered hoarsely,lifting an old,guilded  statue.

''They've been using this place to hide these stolen treasures and those grottoes to transport them at ease,for trade......Such a brilliant,well-thought out....''

But Roha was cut short by a contemptuous,menacing voice.

''And you're just as big abysmal gits!''

Roha and Amish froze as the men came striding into the room with their boss in the head.

They were cornered.........