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The response from India came even faster than expected.
The very next day, Karan Patel returned to Stark Pictures to reply to Henry's earlier proposal.
The plump butler wore a broad smile.
"Mr. Brown, Mr. Ginger asked me to convey that he is currently in the middle of film production and cannot leave at the moment.
"However, he would be delighted to invite you to India. He will cover all expenses for your visit and arrange accommodation at a five-star hotel.
"In fact, Mr. Ginger has already dispatched his private jet yesterday to pick you up.
"The aircraft will arrive in Los Angeles tonight. Considering crew rest requirements, you could depart as early as the day after tomorrow. If you prefer to leave sooner, we can arrange for a local crew to handle the flight.
"After arriving in India, aside from business discussions, if you wish to tour the country, we can arrange a professional guide to ensure you receive the highest standard of hospitality—truly a home-away-from-home experience.
"And of course, Mr. Ginger will personally host you and demonstrate the Ginger family's strength in Bollywood—proving that we are Stark Pictures' best possible partner in India."
The speech came in one breath, barely a pause between phrases.
Then Patel suddenly added, "Ah, almost forgot. If Mr. Brown wishes to bring a companion, we will extend the same level of hospitality."
So… he was suggesting Henry bring Charlize along?
Was that an attempt to add a little leverage—another variable in play?
Henry smiled.
"I can ask my girlfriend. But she has work commitments of her own. I'm not sure whether she'd be free to travel."
Patel grinned knowingly.
"No problem, no problem. Mr. Ginger only instructed that you need not travel alone. Bring as many companions as you wish.
"Though, of course, the style of reception may differ depending on whether there is a lady accompanying you. I believe you understand."
"Oh. I see."
Henry gave a wry smile.
"I understand your meaning. But that kind of reception won't be necessary."
"Of course, of course. Not necessary at all. Even during your stay, arrangements can be adjusted at any time."
Whether that had come from Ginger himself or from Patel's improvisation—who knew? Or perhaps Western businessmen traveling to India were simply accustomed to… certain assumptions about hospitality.
As for Charlize going—
Truthfully, Henry didn't want her traveling there.
He had never personally witnessed India's public safety and sanitation issues, so he refrained from judgment. But this trip involved more than business.
There were matters he couldn't explain to her.
Which meant he'd have to send her off sightseeing alone—or leave her idle at the hotel.
How secure would one have to feel to let their girlfriend walk Indian streets alone?
Even with guides and security escorts, Henry wouldn't feel at ease.
Better not to ask.
Besides, there was another problem at home.
No pet hotels accepted tigers.
It wasn't yet the era of pet boarding boutiques and "fur babies." And ordinary pet stores certainly didn't provide tiger daycare.
Aside from sending Katie to a zoo again or hiring a specialized handler, the simplest solution was to take her along.
So Henry asked directly:
"If I wish to bring a pet, can you assist with arrangements in India? Quarantine, customs clearance, that sort of thing."
"Of course," Patel replied smoothly. "Whether it's a cat or a dog, with proper veterinary documentation, I can handle all matters upon arrival in India."
"Mm."
Returning to the United States afterward would require careful attention. India was classified as a high-risk rabies region. Without proper paperwork, U.S. customs might detain Katie—and that would be a nightmare.
Fortunately, after the Skrull incident last October—when Henry had been dragged into the FBI mess and Katie temporarily sent to the zoo—he had taken her to a professional animal hospital.
He'd obtained a complete set of medical records and vaccinations, including rabies and other transmissible diseases.
At the time, he'd done so to preempt legal trouble. The zoo employee involved had made repeated attempts to find regulatory loopholes to confiscate Katie permanently.
Henry had hired a lawyer familiar with California wildlife regulations and worked with the appropriate officials to shut that down.
Technically, Katie hadn't even entered the United States through proper channels in the first place. If someone wanted to nitpick, they absolutely could.
So he'd closed that vulnerability.
Now, those documents would prove useful.
"I'll need a day to consult relevant regulations," Henry said. "Including requirements for bringing the pet back into the U.S.
"And I'll need to ask my companion whether she wishes to join me on this business trip. Assuming no complications, we'll follow your schedule and depart the day after tomorrow. Is that acceptable?"
"Certainly."
Patel handed over a hotel business card.
"This is my contact information. If you have additional requests, please reach out anytime. I will send a car to collect you for the airport."
"Very well. I'll leave the arrangements in your hands."
They shook hands and parted.
---
That night, Charlize returned home after a full day of auditions and training.
She sat on the couch reviewing acting tapes, arms wrapped around Katie's neck, practically burying herself into the tiger's thick fur—using the massive predator like an oversized plush recliner.
She was truly treating a tiger like a house cat.
Recently, unless Katie climbed to the top of her cat tower, she could hardly escape Charlize's enthusiastic affection.
Thankfully, Katie was a tiger, not a lion.
Otherwise, her mane would've been braided into ribbons by now.
Just imagine Simba from The Lion King with decorative braids.
Henry would've had to intervene on humanitarian grounds.
Meanwhile, Henry was in the kitchen.
After weighing Patel's words, he finally said casually,
"Hey, I'll be traveling to India for a few days starting tomorrow."
He left out the invitation detail.
Charlize lifted her face from Katie's neck, leaning backward over the couch to look toward the kitchen upside-down.
"India, huh? Do you need me to go with you?"
Interesting phrasing.
Not Do I want to go?
But Do you need me to?
Logical. Practical. Almost clinical.
If she'd wanted to go, she would have asked whether she could.
The question suggested she didn't actually intend to.
Henry replied,
"You're at a crucial stage right now. You've done two films, yes—but both are supporting roles. The results aren't out yet.
"Harris's strategy—maximize auditions, maximize exposure—is correct. This period may be the most important phase of your career.
"I'm going to India primarily for work. And I wouldn't feel comfortable letting you wander the streets alone. So it's better if you stay.
"When you've achieved something solid, when you're in the mood to travel for pleasure, we'll go together."
"Mm. Sounds good."
She accepted easily—because that was what she'd been thinking too.
"Oh, right. I'm taking Katie with me."
"What? Why! I can take care of her!"
She scratched behind Katie's ears and under her chin. The tiger squinted blissfully, tongue peeking slightly out.
Henry chuckled.
"Nope. No protests. I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving Katie alone here. Even if you promise to take care of her."
A tiger that doesn't roar is still not Hello Kitty.
Henry wasn't about to gamble on whether Katie's wild instincts had truly disappeared.
He preferred not to test that theory the hard way.
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