The Genesis Illusion

Chapter 26

Paul opened the door to room 104 as the man pushed him aside to enter. Paul still had his hand on the doorknob as he looked inside. Quick, what do I do now? In front of him was a table with two men seated, one facing the door and the other toward the opposite wall. The man that entered when Paul opened the door took one of four empty chairs.

The man facing him stood up and said, "Can I help you?"

Paul was panicking inside but calmly said, "Sorry, I've got the wrong room." He closed the door without entering, leaving the man standing, expressionless.

I've got to get out of here fast. He hurried back down the hall towards the elevator. As he walked, he heard a door open, but he didn't turn to look. He entered the handicap elevator and pushed the down button. Close door! Now! The door closed sealing him temporarily in a protective capsule. Paul felt safe for a few seconds. He gratefully rode down in his steel cocoon, three floors alone. Reaching the ground floor, exposed again, Paul started back towards his hotel almost running. Maybe I can get lucky and an empty taxi will come by. After only a few yards he signaled one to stop. I must be living right.

Paul entered the rear of the hotel exercise room and walked directly to the lobby door. Sweat soaked parts of his shirt in a convincing display, but exercise wasn't the reason. Officer Ho saw him come out and dutifully followed him to his room. That may be the dumbest thing I ever did.

There was a meeting going on, and there were three empty chairs. Maybe those were for the kidnapped inventors? That man facing away from the door, I only saw the side of his face. Could that have been Lee?

The vibrating mobile phone in Paul's pocket startled him. He read the text message after extracting the device while it still buzzed annoyingly in his hand. Suke. She's at another of those strange meetings.

Puzzled, Paul re-read the message. I told Suke to call me if she had another experience like the one she had earlier. The time on the message is an hour ago. I hope she activated the Location app.

Paul burst from his room rushing past Officer Ho who was sitting outside. "Going to Asia Seas Hotel to help a friend." Paul shouted rudely as he bypassed the officer.