The iconic United Nations office building soaring over the East River on 42nd Street in New York City houses the Statistics Division. This is the unit responsible for assembling statistics on worldwide and regional trends. There wasn't anything particularly unique about the rows of office cubicles filling the open office space. However, the Statistics Division office contained more offices with doors than found elsewhere in the building. Statisticians need privacy so they can concentrate on their often tedious work. Paul had one of these offices with glass walls and a door he could close.
The UN employs many Americans, but also a significant number of foreign nationals as interpreters and other professionals. Cynthia McMurphy, Paul's boss, proudly hailed from the Republic of Ireland where she worked as a statistician for a government agency. McMurphy spoke in an Irish dialect that Paul had great difficulty understanding at first, but after a while she adapted to American English and his understanding greatly improved. Paul appreciated her professional management of the group (the Technical Services Branch of the Statistics Division).
She wasn't a micro-manager, allowing professional-freedom after she provided guidance about the expected outcome and assignment deadlines. Paul respected her management style and liked her personally. He occasionally disagreed with her decisions but felt comfortable expressing his point of view. She listened to his input, considered his advice, and sometimes changed her decision. But more often she stood her ground and then proceeded contrary to his input.
Paul's routine work wasn't very challenging. His way of coping was to see how fast he could get it done. Usually he finished in only a fraction of the time allotted. Then he could work on statistical analyses of his own choosing. That's how he developed the method to predict high intelligence for certain inventors.
Paul also liked to solve complex number games. This pastime became boring when he couldn't find versions that were challenging. He completed the Evil level of Sudoku, for example, in only a few minutes. These attempts to amuse himself led to a more stimulating undertaking: code breaking. Not the simple codes designed for school-age kids but complex cryptography. He joined the MIT cryptography initiative where he became somewhat famous among these nerds. Encryption breaking technology, the ultimate code, became the next logical test for his remarkable talent.
"Paul," said McMurphy entering his office. "Are you okay? We worried when we 'eard what 'appened at the conference."
"Yes, I'm fine but Frank..," Paul said. He stopped, seeing the look on her face.
"Aye, what a tragedy, everyone 'ere is really devastated by the news. I wasn't sure what to do yesterday, but we did close de office. We couldn't work after that, anyway."
"I went home too after the incident and before I knew Frank had been killed. I heard the news on the TV. I didn't believe it at first. A thousand things went through my head. I don't think the full impact has hit me yet."
"Our Human Resources Department arranged for anyone to talk with a grief counselor. If you want that service just let me nu and I'll make de arrangements."
"I appreciate that, Cynthia, but I'm ok right now."
"I guess you had an interview with de police this mornin'?
"Yes, a detective Lewis at the 26th precinct near the University. He asked mostly basic questions. Why I was at the conference, and how I knew Frank. I didn't have much to offer, but I told them what I could."
"Okay, well, I know it's not easy for any of us to focus on our work but for some people it 'elps to put your mind to somethin' other than that horrible tragedy."
"I think that's right for me, anyway. If you have a moment later on, I would like to talk to you about completing Frank's scheduled work."
"I'm available now if you're ready."
Careful. She's probably still pissed at me. I went too far protesting about Frank taking full credit for our other work. Don't push too hard. I need her to decide I'm the best choice to send to Singapore. She'll be worried about what the police might think about my travel. I need her to see me as the less risky choice. The limited time for completing the work is my best argument.
"I know we need to conduct Frank's scheduled interviews. We have only two months until publication."
Paul restrained himself and calmly said, "Frank and I worked closely on what he would do. I have already reviewed the patent applications and prepared interview questions for him."
"I didn't realize that you were that involved in all de preparations."
"Yes, the timing was tight."
"You're right about de timing. We're locked in because of our contractual obligation with WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) who publishes these types of reports annually. But I'm concerned about how de police might view it if we sent you to Singapore while Frank's murder investigation is going on."
"I knew that might be a concern, so I ask detective Lewis about possible travel while I was at the police interview this morning. He told me there is no reason to restrict my travel but he would want me to check in with the Singapore police when I arrive. I told him that wouldn't be any problem." That should put any concern about the police to rest.
"That's a relief." She's searching for a reason to send me. I've removed the risks. She's got to approve me for this assignment. "Paul, you're undoubtedly the best choice, and based on our past discussions I'm sure you think you should've been de first choice. It's clear you should go to complete de investigation."
She's already decided so don't push any harder. Should I tell her about my time in Singapore? It won't harm at this point and it might add even more evidence she made the right decision. "Thank you Cynthia, I'm ready to go. One more bit of information for you. I spent a year working in Singapore about ten years ago. I was a statistics research fellow at the National University. So, I have contacts there and I'm familiar with the city. That'll help me gather the information we need to verify and confirm my statistical predictions."
"That's settled. I want you to go. Contact our travel agency. My guess is they'll git you there on a Saturday for the best rate. That means you'll be leavin' this Thursday. That's only three days away."
"No problem. I'm already prepared for the interviews. So I only need to pack and that won't take me long." I'll call Maria so she knows I'm cleared to go.
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The Genesis Illusion
Mystery / ThrillerAfter the murder of a colleague in NYC Paul Jacobs, a nerd UN statistician, and his biochemist girlfriend continue their friend's work by investigating an unusual number of patents occurring in Singapore. Paul becomes a target when circumstances co...