The Genesis Illusion

Chapter 46

"Yes, yes, have you got the audiovisual equipment all set up and ready to go?" Maria barked into her mobile phone. "Have you tested everything? Last time the sound quality wasn't acceptable. We need to make sure everyone can hear. What about the banner? It's big and awkward. Okay, that sounds fine. You sure you have enough help? Yeah, okay, everything needs to be perfect."

Maria disconnected the call, and said, "Sounds like everything is ready to go for tonight."

"You don't need to worry so much," Lee said. "You've got a good team. I'm sure everything will work out fine."

"You know me, I can't help it. I don't want anything to go wrong. Several officials are coming from other countries. They need to leave with a good impression."

Lee reassured her but it was no use. Maria fretted to herself about every detail. "We need to remind Jay to wait to load the mini-truck until just before it goes out so everything is fresh. The lights must track the speakers while the banner is behind them. Can you tell Shabri again about how important this is?"

Lee tried to calm her down. "You need to take care of yourself. Leave these things to the production team.  I like what you've done to your hair.  What's that style?"

"It's a half-do. Thanks, I'm happy it turned out very nice. I have a new dress too."

"We both need to focus on tonight."

"I know." Taking a breath, she lowered her head and hung her arms limp at her side. "Paul?"

Lee shook his head casting his eyes toward the floor. "I don't know."

Maria nodded her head and whispered a sigh.

"We'll see," Lee said as he turned to walk away.

Lee and Maria both returned to their bedrooms and began putting out attire for a special occasion. Maria stepped out of her room and stood at the entrance.

"I forgot, we need to get rid of that officer outside our door we don't need him anymore."

"Do you want me to talk with him?"

"No, I'll do it." Maria went out into the hall where the officer was seated just outside the apartment door.

"Hello, I'm Maria Koh."

"Yes, ma'am," the officer said. The officer stood respectfully to answer her. "Do you need something?"

"No, I just wanted to tell you we don't need your protective surveillance services anymore."

The officer's face drew tight becoming somehow more formal. "I am assigned to stay here until relieved or dismissed."

Maria became immediately annoyed. She was accustomed to getting her way when she gave orders. "Well then, you should get permission because we don't need your protection anymore."

"I must call my supervisor."

"All right, I'll wait."

While the officer waited for the phone connection, his face showed his uncertainty. He spoke with his supervisor about Maria's request. Maria stood next to him impatiently listening to the officer's side of the conversation. When he ended the call she already knew he wasn't allowed to leave unless Inspector Nara rescinded his order.

Maria felt the warmth of fury rising from her neck and burning within her face. She was becoming unraveled. "Look, I'm not under arrest, am I?" Maria spoke very deliberately. Her voice became louder and her words became more forceful. "The reason you're here because of an assault. But the intruder wasn't here for me. He was here for Paul Jacobs. I was not the target. And now he's in police custody."

"Yes ma'am, I understand but you need to know I must follow my orders."

"Yes and here are my orders. I don't need or want this protection anymore. It is unnecessary, so get on that telephone- NOW and get permission from Inspector Nara so you can leave- NOW." Maria left no question she wanted the officer to leave at once.

The officer, intimidated by her delivery and her obvious anger, called his supervisor again. This time he explained Maria's demand to end his surveillance immediately. He asked the supervisor to get Inspector Nara's permission to leave.

Maria stood next to the officer moving from one leg to the next impatiently. The officer explained that his supervisor was contacting the inspector. Maria told the officer she was going back into her apartment and that he should tell her when he had gotten permission to go. She emphasized her displeasure by slamming the door.

"Did he leave?" Lee said, hearing the loud crash of the door closing.

"No, not yet," Maria said. "They've got a God damn process. He can't leave unless Inspector Nara personally approves. They're contacting him now. This is way too complicated. They put this guy here for our protection but we don't need it now."

"I don't like him watching us," Lee said.

"This kind of thing needs to stop. Too much bureaucracy. Someone just needs a take charge and make things happen for the good of everyone."

"You're right but that's not the way it is now. So, I guess we'll just have to wait?"

Lee went back into his room and Maria got a cup of tea she made earlier. She heard a loud knock at the door.

The officer smiled at Maria, "Inspector Nara told me to inform you I was here for your own protection. We strongly suggest you allow me to stay but if you insist I can leave according to your wishes."

Maria, relieved the ordeal was over, said. "Please thank the Inspector and your supervisor for their concern but I want you to leave. We no longer need your protection."

The officer nodded and tipped his hat as he turned to pick up the side chair he was using. "I believe this is yours, ma'am. Here's my card. If your situation changes, please call this number."

Inside the apartment Maria told Lee, "He's gone. It took more effort than it should but it's done."

"I'll relax on the couch before we go. I'm starting to feel a little uneasy. It'll pass it always does."