The Genesis Illusion

Chapter 39

Arriving at the luxurious colonial style white facade of the iconic Singapore Raffles Hotel, limousines are welcomed by doormen wearing all-white Gieves and Hawkes military uniforms decorated with a black satin sash, gold braid, and topped by a white turban. Chairman Htay Aung Aye stepped out of the black limo wearing his perfectly tailored Armani suit with a flamboyant florescent green silk handkerchief in his left suit-coat breast pocket. His matching brightly colored green striped tie and polished patent leather shoes completed his ensemble. A personal hair dresser styled his jet black hair. And a large gold ring embossed with diamonds covered one of his manicured fingers. This was the look of power.

He strutted confidently into the meeting room. The half dozen men seated at the table stood to greet him. One empty chair, at the head of the table, waited for his arrival. Everyone exchanged friendly greetings and handshakes. Some politely bowed according to their custom. A hotel waiter silently entered placing a coffee station, adorned with exotic flowers and attractively displayed fresh baked morning cookies, at the rear of the room.

Once the Chairman seated himself, the others took their seats, and he said, "Welcome to you all. Thank you for coming today. We have many things to discuss. Before we start my security experts assure me that this room is clear of any recording or surveillance devices. We can be confident that our discussions will remain private. Even with this assurance, I want everyone to omit identifications of ourselves or others. Keep all references during our discussions to general business operations and strategies. If you have any remaining specific concerns after our meeting today, I will discuss them with you individually at another location."

All the attendees, appropriately attired in handsome business suits, attentively listened to the Chairman. No one responded, but they understood and accepted his directions. The Chairman continued, "The first item I want to discuss is an increasing threat that could expose our most lucrative business venture. Currently two police investigations are underway, one in New York and one here in Singapore. Although these are not now a direct threat, they could expose our distribution and money handling systems. This cannot be allowed."

A man at the table spoke, "Mr. Chairman, as you are aware, I am managing the area that includes New York City. I am concerned about the possibility that one of our operatives, a low level distributor could be apprehended. He could lead police to others higher up in our distribution network and possibly interrupt sales of our most popular product."

"We cannot jeopardize the supply of this valuable merchandise," the Chairman said. "Are there any comments?" No one else said anything but instead starred at the Chairman waiting for his direction. "I agree, we cannot allow this person to reveal any of his contacts. Hearing no opposition, you may proceed accordingly." The man who spoke nodded and then looked straight ahead as if contemplating what he needed to do next.

"The second police investigation of concern is proceeding here in Singapore. My sources tell me authorities have made little progress. Our concealment efforts are working very well. Our partners here and in New York have been very useful in these efforts. However, this too could uncover more about our operation. This could cause a disruption to our financial dealings and product distribution."

Another man seated at the table said, "Mr. Chairman, I am not overly concerned but we are closely monitoring the situation. It may be necessary, depending on the progress of the police investigation, to intervene. I suggest that, if necessary, we conduct a diversionary action that would at least delay the progress of the police activity. I'm concerned that if we eliminate any of the people delving into our activities, the police would intensify their efforts. Singapore, as you know, has an earned reputation for its apprehension of criminals and eliminating criminal elements like they did with the Chinese Mafia several years ago."

"Is there any discussion about this suggestion?" the Chairman said. Again no one spoke up, but again everyone gazed at the Chairman. "Then hearing no other suggestions, I concur with your plan. If necessary, you can go ahead as you propose."

"Related to this last subject, I am concerned about the wisdom of continuing to use Singapore businesses and financial institutions. We need these services, but the government is becoming more aggressive in their efforts to prevent certain financial transactions. We need not change our procedures right now. Instead, after this meeting, I would like your counsel about the need to move these operations elsewhere."

The business meeting went on for the rest of the day and afterword they dined at the world famous, and obscenely expensive, Bacchanalia restaurant, one perk of success.