The Genesis Illusion

Chapter 35

Officer Ho greeted another officer joining him in the hospital waiting area. Paul fidgeted in his chair as the officers glanced in his direction as they held a private conversation. I wonder if VK came with that Officer? The newly arrived officer walked up to Paul with Officer Ho trailing behind and said, "Hello, Mr. Jacobs?"

Paul rose from his chair and extended his hand and said, "Yes, I'm Paul Jacobs." The officer's hand was rough, callous, and his grip was firm.

"I would like to take your statement now, if you don't mind."

"Sure, I'm waiting to see Maria, Maria Koh. She's receiving treatment in the emergency room."

"Yes Sir, I know. I believe you'll be able to see her shortly."

"Did Inspector Nara come with you?"

"No, I understand he is coming, though. We can sit here or go into the patient conference room just down the hall."

"I think the conference room would be more private."

Paul noticed Lee enter the waiting room his eyes darting around the room looking for someone he recognized. Seeing Paul he rushed up interrupting Paul's conversation with the police officer. "Is Maria OK? I came as soon as I got your message."

"Yes, she's fine," Paul didn't know for sure but he wanted to assure Lee and she didn't appear badly hurt. "I'm waiting to see her. She's being examined by the doctors. I was just about to go with this officer to give my statement."

"Go ahead. I'll be fine." Lee was calming down now that he knew Maria was ok.

The conference room was undecorated with a small rectangular window in the door. The only furniture was a few metal folding chairs and a small table. Both the officer and Paul took chairs near each other on one side of the table.

"Tell me as best you can what happened." The officer retrieved a pad and pen from the case he was carrying.

"I was visiting Maria at her Uncle Lee's apartment this afternoon." Paul described the entire event just as he remembered. The officer struggled to keep up with his notes asking Paul to pause several times.

The officer questioned Paul at several points to clarify certain details. "You said the man was wearing a hooded sweatshirt or jacket?"

"I couldn't tell exactly which it was because I only saw him for a moment just before the elevator doors closed."

"What about the color and his pants and shoes?"

"The hood was dark, either black or dark blue. The pants looked like blue jeans and I didn't notice his shoes."

Paul finished, and the officer had no more questions so he closed his notebook and put it back in his portfolio. Nara's face appeared in the conference room door window before he opened the door. The officer didn't stop Paul as he rose to shake Nara's hand. "I'm glad you came."

"You can give me all the details later," Nara said. "I'm glad to see that neither of you were seriously injured."

"I'm still waiting to see Maria and the doctor."

A nurse came in, unsure who to direct her message too, she broadcast to everyone, "You may see Ms. Koh now if you wish." She returned to the door hoping the correct person would follow.

I hope she's okay.