Triplicate: A Devil in Disguise

Notes:

The Story belongs to the same universe as the following:

1. Dragonfly: The Devil’s Deception

2. Ladybug: A Mother’s Redemption

3. Scorpio: A Quest Against Deception

If you haven’t read them yet, just go and read them. It will be better for your understanding. (Click on the names to read.)

TRIPLICATE: A Devil in Disguise

The story features Max who looks similar to George and Akash [The two main protagonists of “Dragonfly: The Devil’s Deception”], (aka, Max is George and Akash’s triplicate).

This is a long story. So, I've decided to write it in two parts.

Read the Part 1 [Chapters 1 to 5] here: Triplicate: A Devil in Disguise (Part 1)

Part II

Chapter 6:

Max and Catherine resume their duty at the University. However, Max still couldn’t move on completely from the incident at the subway. He was suffering a bit of trauma while reminiscing the moments. He started consuming more alcohol than usual. Catherine noticed this and understood what he was going through. His students also ask him if he’s alright or not, as he is not energized like he used to be. Max reassures them that he is well and that his sickness is only temporary and will pass soon.

One day, after a class, a student approached him and asked him a question.

Student: Thank you sir for the class, would you mind if I ask you a question?

Max: Yeah, of course. Feel free to ask.

Student: Do you know Mr. Akash Das, the famous entrepreneur who owns an international restaurant chain business?

(Max Startled)

Student: No, I mean we were talking about it and that you look exactly the same. Even some were discussing if you guys are twin brothers or not. I know you guys aren’t because you two have different surnames. I hope asking this question didn't bother you.

Max: No. It’s okay.

Student: Goodbye sir. See you next week.

Max: Yeah, goodbye.

Later at night, Max was working with his laptop while having a glass of whiskey on the table. Catherine slowly approaches and hugs him from the back. After kissing him on the cheek, she tells him that everything is going to be fine. Additionally, she asks him to forget about the incident, as she is always by his side. Max looks at Catherine’s face. After that, they both started kissing each other. The couple went to their bedroom and shared some romantic intimate moments. After waking up in the morning, (while hugging together in bed) Max looked at the clock and kissed Catherine’s forehead.

At the FBI headquarters,

Utilizing her skills and sources, Eliza finds the location of four subleaders out of five. They are Zhang, Pablo, Faizal, and Logan. She couldn’t find Andrew’s location, as he was outside of New York. She informs Jacob about it who later informs George and Akash.

Thus, George and Akash go on their first mission with Jacob's men to apprehend Zhang at a bar in Chinatown, New York. Zhang was consuming hookah closing his eyes. Finally, he opened his eyes and found George sitting before him while Akash and other team members were beside him. After a heated conversation, Zhang and George have some disagreements. George tells him that they’ve come here to arrest him. So, Zhang orders his men to fire. A gunfire combat started between Zhang’s and George’s team.

Zhang was finally on his way to escape the place but was stopped by George. Later, they started a duel combat. Zhang (with a knife) and George show their karate and martial arts skills. On the other side, Akash and his team members manage to kill Zhang’s men after a long shootout. Akash asked Jasper if he had seen George. Jasper replies that he is probably on the top floor to catch Zhang.

George continues his fight with Zhang. Suddenly, he slipped and fell to the ground. Zhang re-took his knife to stab him. George was struggling but soon Akash came and shot Zhang on his head. Zhang dies and George looks at Akash.

Akash: If you meet Max again, please tell him I’m sorry.

Akash also apologizes to George that he shot Zhang to save him.

George: It’s okay, bro. I can understand. You did that to save me.

Marco and Jasper found some suspicious things and handed them over to George and Akash. After that, they headed towards the headquarters. Jacob asked them about Zhang. George and Akash reveal the truth.

Akash: I’m sorry sir. I didn’t mean to do that.

George: No sir, it was my fault.

Jacob (with calmness): It’s alright, I can understand. Akash shot Zhang to save you (George). You don’t have to apologize for that. Maybe I would’ve also done the same. Just be careful the next time. Shoot either on the arm or leg.

Jacob receives a phone call from his wife who is asking him about his return. He hasn’t been his home since three months and his three children are desperate to see him. Eliza, Brendan, Akash, George, and other members were laughing, as the phone was in a loudspeaker.

Jacob apologizes and asks George about their next mission. He tells them that he will inform them via phone. Then left the place.

Chapter 7:

After a few days,

George goes with Bella to a shopping mall in Manhattan and finds Akash in a clothing store. They greet each other. Suddenly, Bella receives a phone call from her mother who lives in London, and heads to a corner. George and Akash resume their conversation where he informs him about their next mission to apprehend Pablo, Faizal, and Logan. He reminds them that they are three of the five sub-leaders of the ‘Red Ants’ gang, in case he forgets about them. Zhang has already died and Andrew is outside of New York.

2 days later,

George and Akash with their team visit Buffalo, New York to arrest Pablo. He welcomed them with his team members ready with their weapons. George asked him to surrender but Pablo didn’t listen. After a heavy argument, a shootout occurs. Akash and other team members manage to kill Pablo’s men. However, Pablo and George are on their way to shoot each other. George warns him that he is not going to kill him and asks him to surrender. Pablo still didn’t listen to him and threatened him. Suddenly, the large chandelier fell on Pablo and slit his head. Pablo died. Akash and other team members came and were stunned.

George: Damn it.

Marco: Are you okay, sir?

George: Yeah, I am good.

Akash advised George not to blame himself for Pablo’s death, as it was an accident.

The next day, George, Akash, and their team members travel to Newburgh for their next mission to apprehend Faizal. He was getting ready to export illegal weapons from a hidden facility/factory. However, thanks to the assistance of Eliza, George, and Akash uncovered the place.

After getting into the place, George and Akash asked Faizal to surrender but he didn’t listen. A heated argument arises which later turns into a gunfire combat. The place consisted of grenades, dynamites, and gunpowders. As a result, the place caught fire during the gunfight. Akash and other team members managed to kill Faizal’s men, but Faizal was going to escape the place. He took the stairs and as the place caught fire, George was unable to see him. The fiery smoke distracted him from catching Faizal.

Later, Faizal suddenly collapsed to the ground. It's because the fire was causing the interiors and the staircases to collapse. There was a grenade inside his shirt’s pocket and he was going to take the key out. George’s asked him to stop but it was too late. The grenade explodes and kills Faizal.

Akash reaches out to George and asks him if he’s okay or not. He told him that he was fine. Then both observe the mess with their team members. After reaching the headquarters, George receives medical treatment for his minor wounds. Brendan and Eliza asked him to take a rest but he didn’t listen. He told them that he wouldn’t take a rest till he caught the remaining subleaders (Logan and Andrew).

George reaches his home with the bandaged wound marks. Bella notices and scolds him. She asked him to stop this. Additionally, Bella requests George that they should live a normal life like everyone else, as their children are also growing up. George assures her that soon after he catches Logan and Andrew they will live a normal life with their children. After that, the couple hugged each other. George kissed Bella’s forehead.

Finally, the next week, George and Akash with Jacob’s men went to catch Logan in his apartment in Albany. He was alone, but George and Akash decided to enter from different places. George with Marco and Jasper tries to open the apartment from the front door. Akash and others were trying to enter the place from the back door. George was taking his time. Suddenly, he heard a gun sound. Thus, he rushes to the place with Marco and Jasper and finds Akash and the other three group members. Akash asked him about the gun sound, and George also asked him the same.

They slowly entered Logan’s private pool and found him lying in the swimming pool. Logan shot himself and committed suicide. His body was floating on the pool and the water turned into a blood pool. Marco, Jasper, and other team members seized Logan’s illegal drugs from his apartment.

Later, at the headquarters, Brendan declared Logan’s death as a suicide. Akash was in the washroom washing his face as he was tired. He was accompanied by George who asked him if he was alright or not. Akash tells him that he’s fine but it was a stressful two weeks for him.

George: I can understand bro. It was also a hectic time for me.

Akash: We went to apprehend them but fate has different plans for them. Or, maybe I say it's their Karma.

George: Yeah. I know you’ve never seen these situations before. So I can understand if you have some traumas regarding that.

Akash: No, it’s fine.

George: You know what, if you want to take a rest you can, I’ll go with other team members to catch Andrew wherever he will be.

George assures him that soon after the mission is over they will live a normal and relaxing life. He also suggested Akash to take a rest, as he had done enough. Additionally, he advised him to give Agatha more time. Akash agrees.

Chapter 8: The Reality Unfolds (The Climax)

Finally, Andrew reached New York and his men informed him about the passing of his fellow mates. Thus, he becomes anxious and seeks for revenge.

Meanwhile, at the University (last class before Christmas Eve and Holiday week), Max tells Catherine that he has some additional files remaining to submit and will return by tomorrow morning. So, he asked her to take their car and he will return by tomorrow either via subway or bus. Andrew’s men informed Andrew that they had noticed George at the NYU campus (which is Max).

While working on the computer, Max decides to go outside for a coffee. Andrew’s men secretly come and hit him on the head. They abducted Max assuming him to be George. Max wakes up and a handcuff is fastened around his hand. He looks his front and Andrew with his men greets him as George.

Max: Oh Shit. Not again, I’m not George.

Andrew: Then, I guess you’re Akash.

Max: I’m neither.

Andrew orders his men to beat him. Despite Max telling them, he was neither George nor Akash, they didn’t listen.

Meanwhile, at George and Bella’s home, Akash and Agatha make a surprise visit. The two couples greet each other. Akash and Agatha surprise Bella and George that they are soon going to become parents. George playfully teases Akash and tells him why he didn’t say anything about that during their missions. Akash told George and Bella that he and Agatha were planning to surprise them.

Akash gives some presents to George, Bella, and their children. Akash also gives a special gift bag to George which is sent by Aditi (Akash’s mom). Akash told George that his mother is currently teaching Meditation and Zumba classes to students (of all age groups and genders) in London.

George: Hey, you went to see her in London?

Akash: Yes.

George: Why didn’t you tell me? I also haven’t seen her for a while. When did you guys visit there?

Akash: Two weeks ago and we came yesterday. I tried to reach out to you but your phone was unreachable, so I contacted Bella, but you weren’t at home. So, Agatha contacted Lexie in the office but she told her that you went on a mission.

George: Yeah, I went on a mission, but you were there with me. Wait, the missions took place two weeks ago. So, how you can be in London at that time?

Akash: Pardon.

George: I’m talking about the missions where we went to apprehend Pablo, Faizal, and Logan.

Akash: Who are they?

George (smiles): Nice try. You’re also generating a perfect sense of humor while staying with Agatha. I appreciate your trick.

Akash: I don’t have any idea what you are saying. The last mission I went on with you was at Zhang’s place and after that, it’s my first meeting with you. You didn’t call me, so I thought you mustn’t require me and as you were busy I didn’t bother you.

At the factory, Andrew’s men kept beating Max. Andrew asks him to tell the truth if he’s George or Akash, but he tells them that it’s the truth that he is Max.

At George’s apartment,

George: I didn’t call you as I told you about the missions in person at the clothing store in Manhattan.

Akash: Clothing store? I don’t remember when is the last time I went to a clothing store. Yeah, I went last week but it was in London, not in Manhattan.

George: Really?

Akash: Yeah, you can ask Agatha. She was with me all the time. We went to Boston at first to consult a doctor and then to London to see my mother.

Agatha: He's right. He's all the time with me.

George astonished.

On the other hand, Andrew’s men are tired of beating Max. Andrew asks him to tell the truth so that they can get stopped. Max starts laughing. It was an evil laugh, as Andrew’s men got afraid.

George calls Brendan and asks him about Max’s interrogation file. He told him to find out the drug dealer’s name who used to supply drugs to Max’s late brother. Breandan informed him that it was the ‘Red Ants’ gang. George was shocked and reminisced about the conversation he had with John in Abu Dhabi. John told him that Daniel’s group was known as ‘Red Ants’ with five subleaders. However, Daniel and four subleaders have died and only Andrew is still alive.

At the factory, Andrew asks Max why he is laughing. Max tells him (while laughing) that he is neither George nor Akash, but he is the one who killed his mates except Zhang (who was killed by Akash).

George becomes desperate. He tried to call Max but it was unreachable. So, he contacts Catherine who tells him that Max has some urgent work at the University and will return by tomorrow.

(George sighs)

Catherine: Is there anything wrong, sir?

George hung up the call.

George: Agatha, look after Bella and Bella please take care of our children. Akash you please come with me.

Agatha: Alright.

Bella: Okay.

Akash: Yeah, sure.

George rushes to his car with Akash calls Brendan again and asks him to send a force as it’s urgent and also inform Jacob. Akash (while driving) asked George what had happened.

George told him that it was Max who went on those missions disguised as Akash to apprehend the subleaders. Only Andrew is the subleader and superior member of the gang who is still alive and might have abducted Max.

Akash: Oh shit. So Max is in danger?

George: No.

Akash (amazed): Then?

George: The people who abducted him are (in danger).

Max reveals Andrew when he finds out that Daniel is the leader of the ‘Red Ant’ group he bursts into a rage. The group members supplied and provoked his brother into taking drugs, which later caused his brother’s demise. Max’s anger was boosted when Daniel aimed his gun at him and his wife Catherine. That’s why Max aggressively killed Daniel. Only Zhang was killed by Akash, but other subleaders (Pablo, Faizal, and Logan) were killed by him. Just Andrew is remaining to be demolished.

Andrew asked him how he killed Pablo, Faizal, and Logan. Max reveals that Pablo’s death wasn’t an accident. It was Max who took advantage of the gunfire sounds, shot the chandelier that later fell on Pablo, and killed him. He also executed his plant brilliantly, when Faizal was on his way to escape. As Faizal entered the stairs, he was caught by Max. Later, Max stabbed Faizal’s right hand and shot on the left. Then he put a grenade inside his pocket and kicked him from the stairs. As Faizal fell to the ground, the grenade exploded with him.

Andrew: What about Logan?

Max: It wasn’t a suicide either. I suggested to George that we should go from different doorways. He agreed. However, I asked the team members to let me go inside at first.

Max revealed that soon after he (disguised as Akash) entered Logan’s apartment, he had a combat with him. He beat Logan mercilessly and forced him into consuming his own drugs. As a result, Logan fainted and Max pushed him into his private pool. Due to the suffocation, Logan died in the water. After that, he pulled Logan’s body and used Logan’s gun and arm to shoot him, so that it felt like a suicide.

One of Andrew’s men tells Andrew that he is more dangerous than he thought. Andrew ordered one of his men to shoot Max. Suddenly, George and Akash appeared. They told Andrew to surrender.

George: Game over, Andrew. Now Surrender.

Akash: Yeah, surrender. It’s the safest option you have.

Andrew: Oh, now I got your plan. You guys sent one of your men who abducted himself so that you can reach me. Now, what you’re going to say, he’s your triplicate?

George: Yes.

Andrew: No more tricks. I have had enough of it. The guy is wearing a mask pretending to be like you two.

Andrew ordered his men to pull the mask off from Max. George and Akash shout, “No!”.

As soon as the gang member tried to touch Max’s face, Max broke his handcuff and stabbed him with a knife 5 times. He shows Andrew that he isn’t wearing any mask and it’s his actual face. Two more men approached Max but received similar consequences. Andrew tried to escape the place but Max followed him. George and Akash tried to stop him but he didn’t listen. Andrew’s men start a combat against George and Akash as well.

Max shows no mercy to whoever (Andrew’s men) comes in his way, he kills them like a Devil is devouring demons. After killing a few of Andrew’s men, he gets Andrew and starts beating him with a spade. George and Akash also shot several of Andrew’s men to stop Max from killing Andrew. Finally, George and Akash reached the spot where Max was beating Andrew. They asked him to stop.

George: Hey, Max that’s enough. Now please stop.

Max: Why? Didn’t you kill all those men here who distracted you and tried to attack you two? Just because I haven't any rights, I can’t yield any weapon to kill these bastards.

Brendan is also on his way with the forces along with Jacob and Eliza. Jacob told him that he found him at the right time, as he was almost going to depart for home to see his family.

Akash consoles Max that they can understand what he went through and assures him that they will provide mental health assistance to him. During their conversation, Andrew escaped the place but not too far. The remaining Andrew’s men came but were killed by George and Akash. A muscular Andrew’s team member came to stop Max from reaching him. However, Max overpowers him. He beats that muscular man and shoots multiple times with the rifle. Max with his face half-covered with blood, starts heading towards Andrew.

Max threw the spade, and Andrew collapsed on the floor. A one-sided combat occurs and Max beats Andrew ferociously till he bleeds. After that, Max takes a gun from his pocket. Andrew asked him why he didn’t use it if the gun was always inside his pocket. Max smiled and replied that he wanted him to suffer the way his brother did.

Then, Max shoots Andrew 8 times with his gun. Akash and George also reach the spot. Max surrender.

Akash: Alright bro, we got it. When the FBI or police will come, just tell them it’s done by either me or George.

Max: It’s alright Akash. It’s alright. You don’t have to take the blame on yourself. Even I agreed that I wasn’t right. I stole your identity when you were in London with your ladylove. I went to those missions with George disguising as you. I feel like somewhere I also made mistakes.

(George sighs)

Jacob and his team also reached the spot and observed the mess.

Akash: Sir, I can explain.

Jacob (After looking at George, Akash, and Max): Well, I got it. I think I know who has done all of this. George, will you say it to Max or me?

George (smiles): Sure sir.

George offers Max two choices. The first one is whether he is going to surrender himself and go to prison. The second one is if he will join their team part-time to assist them whenever they require. Max smiles and accepts the second offer.

Bella, Agatha, and Catherine also arrive at the site. After getting out of the place, the triplicates hug their respective loved ones.

Epilogue: A New Dawn

In his formal statement, Brendan declares Andrew’s death as an official encounter. Eliza received a promotion in the cybersecurity department. Finally, Jacob reconciles with his wife and three children.

Max and Catherine resume their University life as professors peacefully. They continued teaching their respective subjects.

Akash and Agatha make a surprise visit to Aditi (Akash’s mom) in London with Bella and George. Together, they celebrate Christmas.

.

.

(The End)