The Genesis Illusion

Chapter 27

Riding in the taxi Paul's mind rushed with thoughts about Suke. I hope she's okay. Her message was confusing. Paul and Suke had become close while he worked at the University as a research fellow. They both had the same adviser and collaborated on several projects. It took Paul many months before he gained enough courage to ask Suke on a date.

~~~

"You know Professor Ong has us working together a lot even though our research interests are in somewhat different areas," Paul said.

"It's enjoyable working with you," Suke said. "We've both learned a lot."

"I sure have. I know I'm no genius but I try to make up for it by working hard."

"You've contributed a lot."

Paul summoned his courage to ask her out. "I thought it might be nice to go out together sometime."

She pondered her response, not looking surprised. Perhaps she had been thinking about the same thing? They had spent many hours together working on statistical research projects at the University and developed a mutual respect.

"Paul, in my country, Laos, women aren't permitted to see men socially without the approval, and sometimes the arrangement, of their family. Particularly their father. I don't always strictly follow our culture's traditions. But in this case, it would be hard for me if we were to become involved without my family's knowledge."

"I understand, I just thought..." Another rejection. I can't get a date even with a good friend. What a loser.

"I know Paul, I'm fond of you to but our backgrounds are just two different. It would be best if we would just stay good friends."

"Well then, friend, perhaps we could still get together? Maybe with Kan Lyn or some of your other friends."

"Yes, that would be better. I would really like that. Let's see what we can arrange."

~~~

As the taxi approached the hotel entrance, Paul saw Suke standing alone on the curb. Paul ran up to her speaking as he drew near, "Suke, are you okay?"

She looked at Paul with her eyes open but he noticed they were hollow, unresponsive. "Yes I'm fine, I guess." She said the words, but they were tentative.

Paul wasn't a hugging kind of guy, but he felt this situation required one. He embraced her firmly holding her close. She feels limp. She's not hugging me back. "I was so worried when I got your message."

"Message? Oh yeah."

"What happened? Are you really all right?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. I was in this room with many people I didn't know and they were talking about something. A new country, I think, called Arcadia. They wanted us to join them in creating this new, better place. Two people from the audience went on stage. One leader did something to the side of their head, but I couldn't see what. I had... I was there, and I felt like I needed to be."

"Did someone hold you? Where you kidnapped?"

"No, I went there, but I felt like I needed to. I tried to leave with a few others but I changed my mind and went back to hear more. That's when I called you. After the meeting ended I came out here to wait for you. I saw the two who had gone on stage leave with the meeting leaders."

"Wow, that's... that's really strange. How did you get here?"

"I don't remember everything but I remember coming and sitting in the audience."

Drugged? This is just too strange. It isn't like her. She's very precise and only supports things she truly believes in. Not something like this.

Paul and Suke still stood in front of the hotel entrance when Officer Ho drove up with his strobe lights flashing. He screeched to a stop parking his police car at an angle in the hotel driveway. Paul shouted to the officer who had just opened his car door, "Over here."

"What's going on?" Officer Ho said rushing over to where Paul and Suke were standing. "You left so quickly."

"My friend, Suke, had a strange experience at a meeting here. She may have been drugged." The officer looked concerned. "I need to see if there's anything left from the meeting. Perhaps someone with the hotel has more information. I don't want to leave her alone. Could you stay with her?"

"No, it could be dangerous," Officer Ho turned to Suke and asked, "Ma'am were you kidnapped or held without your permission."

"No, I came here on my own but I don't know why. And when I tried to leave, I didn't, and went back inside to hear more."

"Did they give you anything? Did they have refreshments or food?" Officer Ho called the police dispatcher to report the incident and to get help.

"Yes they had punch. I think we all had a drink. It was quite good. Orange I think."

Paul and Officer Ho gave each other knowing looks. Another police car arrived parking next to Ho's cruiser. The two officers talked a few feet away from where Paul was standing with Suke. Then Officer Ho approached saying, "Stay here with your friend. I'll go in and this officer will stay here with you."

It took longer than Paul expected for Officer Ho to return, so all three of them had taken a seat on the curb in a row like the three wise monkeys- see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil. When Officer Ho arrived, he was carrying a plastic bag.

"I found the plastic glasses used in the meeting," Officer Ho said. "I'll take them to CID for testing. The hotel event manager may have more information but they aren't on duty until tomorrow morning."

"Thank you officer," Paul said, still comforting Suke. "I'm going with her. I want to make sure she gets home safely. Then I'll return to my hotel for the evening."

"She should go to the hospital to get checked out," Officer Ho said, but it was more of a question.

"I'm feeling better now," Suke said. "I just want to go home."

"Ok, this is Officer Goh," Officer Ho explained while making eye contact with Paul. "He is your surveillance officer tonight. He'll take Ms. Suke to her apartment and then to your hotel."