MY LIFE (After the Navy) IN A CONCH SHELL - Diplomatist.com

Hello India 219
Being a little embarrassed by her question I added, “I was going to ask
you over anyway.”
She said, “Ok. I’ll drop by in the early evening.” We continued up the
stairs to her doorway and she was gone after I kissed her on the forehead.”
The next day I told Michelle that I’d be entertaining in the evening and
asked if she and Arun could give me some privacy. I knew that she was
financially strapped so to clinch the deal I gave her Rs 500 ($20) and
encouraged her to take Arun out to dinner and then to a movie. 35 She
thanked me and said, “Of course we’ll give you privacy.” She hesitated
and said, “You cunning old dog. Ha Ha Ha!” Then she yelled, “ARUN!
We’re going out tonight. Bill’s entertaining!” Then she laughed heartily.
I have to admit, I laughed to, but mostly at her antics. I really liked Michelle.
There was a knock on the door at about 9 PM. When I opened it, there
stood Linda, dressed in blue jean pants and jacket. She said, “Hello Bill,”
in a soft voice.
I said, “Linda. I’m so glad you could make it,” as I took her hand and
walked her to the living room couch.
She said, “There are so many things to take care of with work and this
other matter. I just got through an hour ago.” She went on to fill me in on
a few details while Willie Nelson crooned love songs from my Spirit tape.
The police had been around to question her again. They were in the
process of framing charges against Agarwal. He was still absconding
and Linda had a theory on how he was tipped off about his pending
arrest. Within two hours of discovering Sharon’s body, associates of
Linda had gathered in her apartment to lend support. One was Harum
Shah her editor. The police were also there. When Shah read the suicide
note he noted that it implemented Agarwal and cried out for his arrest.
Linda’s theory was that the police from her neighbourhood precinct called
their counterparts in Agarwal’s precinct, who in turn went to his residence
and told him to get lost. Of course this would be in exchange for a hefty
sum of money. They’d even insist on knowing the whereabouts of his
hiding place so that the extortion could continue. In other words, he’d
keep on paying or they’d arrest him. Other things in Linda’s day included
arrangements for a memorial service on the forthcoming Saturday evening,
and of course her business affairs.
35 To my Canadian readers – back in 1996, Rs 500 would pay for an
autorickshaw, a modest meal in a good restaurant and a movie for two. It
would probably cost twice that these days, but still a bargain by Canadian
standards.