Chapter 65

Saji wasn’t looking at Dusty, as his face paled in shock while he stared at James.

He had been waiting for his father to turn up and dreading every minute of it. Due to his other interests, he had not yet heard about the ship blowing up.

“Our fathers were both on the ship with you?” he had to ask.

Saji was still pissed his true father had never claimed him as his son since he was a bastard in his eyes. He was his firstborn, after all and now it seemed it would never happen. Saji wondered if Hasid knew that he was his older half-brother by a couple of months.

Saji had learnt that his mother had been a Russian slave girl who had been given to Fiaz as a wedding present. He had spent the first ten years of his life in the Merat Orphan’s home, where the Merat men sent their by-blows. It had not been a nice place to live.

Ishmael had seen him playing futsal one day. His life then changed as Ishmael had become his patron and had adopted him once he became famous. That was when Saji learnt who his true parents were. Ishmael never sired any sons, and he had promised to make Saji his heir, but Saji wasn’t sure if he had.

It was something he would have to look into since his adopted father was now dead, as it would change all his plans. Hope blossomed in his heart. He didn’t really miss either of the senior Merats.

They had only paid him positive attention, while he was performing and bringing them fame through his efforts. He had been little better than the slaves they owned here. If Fiaz and Ishmael were dead, then he was free of their influence at last.

James frowned after reading Saji’s surface thoughts, “Oh Saji, I’m sorry, that was insensitive of me. I had forgotten that Ishmael was your adopted father. May Allah forgive Ishmael his sins and shortcomings and accept him into paradise.”

James decided it was time to get out of there.

“It has been pleasant catching up with you. Saji, I have a special meeting arranged in two days. Please find Mica and tell him that I would like you to attend,” James said as he stood.

James walked over to Dusty and helped her from her chair. They nodded at Saji, and James escorted her out of the restaurant.

Saji watched them go and wondered how this new twist was going to affect his plans.

Hasid seemed very different to the man his father had painted him to be.

In the elevator, Dusty giggled at James’s look of chagrin.

“It is often the simplest thing that can trick us up,” she said. “I don’t think about using the AIs’ names either, darling.”

James had to switch his thoughts from Saji. “You know, the scariest thing is that considering the short time that we have had them, I’d feel totally lost if I didn’t have Ada,” he told her.

Dusty hugged him, “I feel the same way about Zed. He has become part of me.”

“Mistress, Ada and I are sorry that we didn’t think about the fact that our names and communicating with us could trip you up,” her vambrace said.

“That’s okay, Zed. It wasn’t your job to know that it could be a problem. One of the biggest problems about going undercover like we are, is that it is very hard to take on a persona that is not like your own. Distractions and thoughtless everyday actions are often what trick you up.”

“Like now,” James said as he looked at the door to their room but didn’t open it.

“Scan the suite, Ada,” he said.

“Ooh, you have upset someone, Master,” she replied.

James grinned, “That is the nature of the game. I’d be upset if I hadn’t. My love, would you like to do the honours and take care of our problem?”

“Crap! Yes, this one is definitely my fault,” Dusty replied and waved her hand at the door. She then said, “Zed call management for me, please.”

“Good evening, how may I assist you?” the voice came back.