The Genesis Illusion

Chapter 15

Monday Paul boarded the MRT train anticipating his 1:30 pm appointment with the three inventors at the Singapore Convention Center. The Center, facing Marina Bay, was hosting the International Intellectual Property Symposium sponsored by the Singapore Intellectual Property Office (IPO). The three inventors reluctantly agreed to meet with him there only after officials at the UN put pressure on the IPO. I must get the information I need. This may be my only chance.

He arrived alone traveling from his hotel where he changed his clothes after his amazing night with Maria. His business attire of a suit and tie added a professional flair to what he expected would be a contentious meeting. Do I have everything? My interview questions and my smartphone voice recorder. I hope they let me record their answers. It will help a lot.

Exiting the subway train there was a startling rush of people waiting and shoving their way into the car. As he pushed his way through the crowd, he felt their anxiousness and sensed he was going the wrong direction. The long escalator going up held only a few travelers while the down side was overflowing.

A wild mob scene of panicky people and emergency vehicles greeted Paul as he walked outside from the escalator. Police were everywhere, several with automatic weapons at the ready and many wearing body armor. A large crowd congregated in front of the convention center and out onto the street, stopping traffic in both directions. What the hell is going on? He could hear sirens approaching as he walked apprehensively toward the crowd when most people were moving away.

I wonder what's happening. Perhaps there was a robbery? Police vehicles clogged the taxi station drive that curved in front of the convention center, their emergency warning lights flashing and radios blaring. Police officers and convention ushers were blocking the many entrances to the convention center. Others stood on the sidewalk near their cars listening for instructions. This is really scary.

Paul approached an usher standing guard in front of one of the doors. "Can you tell me what is happening ma'am?" Paul said. "I came for a meeting but I see all the entrances to the convention center are closed."

"Sir you need to leave this area," the usher said in her most official voice. "The police have closed the convention center. It is now a crime scene."

"Can you tell me what happened?"

"Sir, I don't know much but I understand there was a kidnapping of three prominent inventors and a security guard was shot."

"Oh, my God! Do you know the names of the kidnap victims?"

"No sir, I don't have that information. I think you should leave the area. The police have cordoned off the convention center and we've been told to ask visitors to move away so they can conduct their investigation."

"Thank you for your help." I wonder. I wonder how... about... It couldn't... the three inventors? Kidnapped?

"Paul, Paul, wait there I'm coming," Maria shouted. He turned and saw Maria hurrying in his direction. She had to shove her way through the mob of people blocking her path.

"Maria, I talked to one of the convention ushers standing over there and she told me that three inventors were kidnapped and a guard was shot." Maria was out of breath from her tussle with the crowd.

"No, It's not possible. Someone was shot? That's not... We need to find out..."

"God, Is it possible the three inventors were.... I don't believe it. I can't believe... This couldn't be..."

Maria pointed toward a TV news crew interviewing a woman dressed in an official looking dark blue business pantsuit. "There, let's try to talk with her."

"Hello, can you help me? I'm here to interview three inventors who are attending the conference..."

"Sir, I'm the Media Officer for the Convention Center. You can see my report on the television news. They have my authorized statement."

"I had an appointment to interview a Mr. Lim, Mr. Carlson, and Mrs. Wong, three of the most prominent inventors in Singapore."

Her expression changed after hearing Paul's explanation. "I'm sorry, those three were kidnapped," She blurted out, uncharacteristically revealing confidential information.

"Shit, that's not possible," Paul gasped.

"Unbelievable," said Maria overhearing the conversation.

Paul asked, gulping air between words, "A security guard was shot?"

"Yes, I but we don't know his status," the Media Officer said. "He was transported to the hospital for emergency treatment. You should leave, Sir. The police ordered us to clear the area."

The frenzied scene at the Convention Center completely blocked the wide avenue that ran along one side. We're not going to find a taxi here. Paul and Maria made their way on foot along the waterfront, crossed the bay on the extraordinary Helix Bridge so they could catch a taxi on Raffles Avenue.

~~~

They entered Lee's still vacant apartment astonished at the day's events. "Turn on the television. There might be news about the kidnapping," Paul said. He'd caught his breath during the taxi ride but his heart was still pumping fast from the excitement.

NewsAsia special report:

"The Singapore Convention Center was the scene of a daring daylight kidnapping. Masked men abducted three of Singapore's most prominent inventors as they were leaving the Convention Center. A convention spokesperson reported that a security guard approached the kidnappers as they struggled to force the victims into a waiting van. The kidnappers shot a guard during the skirmish. There is no word yet on the status of the security guard. Police are now conducting a citywide manhunt for the suspects. The kidnappers were wearing hooded clothing and masks. The police have asked for the public's help to find these culprits. If you have any information about this crime call the police tip-line number on the screen immediately."

Paul and Maria looked at each other. "I don't believe this," Maria said. "It's incredible. After this and the explosion that killed Frank, there's no doubt in my mind that someone is desperate to stop your investigation into the inventors."

"I don't want to believe it, but you must be right," Paul said. "This just can't be a coincidence. Just before I was going to interview these three, they were kidnapped?"

"For your own safety, Paul, I think it would be best for you to return to the US."

"I think you're right. This is really too much. But tomorrow I'll meet with Inspector Nara of the Singapore police. He'll help me decide what I should do."

"Hell, it won't surprise me if they think you're involved somehow. Perhaps you shouldn't wait? Get out now while you can."

"I'm confused." This is too much. Am I in danger? "When I make quick decisions, they usually turn out to be wrong. I need to wait until I talk with the Inspector before I make my decision." Am I next? Maybe Maria was the real target? She's been around for both crimes too.