The Genesis Illusion

Chapter 48

Paul sat at the desk in his hotel room looking out the window at a beautiful view of the concrete side of another building across the parking lot. Even though his view wasn't scenic, because his room backed onto the parking lot, it was quiet compared to the rooms that fronted the busy street on the other side. Directly below the window bushes and a little grass lined a sidewalk that ran the full length of the parking lot. Although there were a few cars, most of the spaces were empty because visitors used taxis and public transportation to get around.

Encouraged by the results from his statistical program Paul impatiently waited again for Wu to get information from a bank. I'm pretty sure it will work as long as the bank data is correct.

This idle time, before he would know if his method worked, allowed him to daydream about his escapade at the Jewel room. Hmm, what the hell was going on in that room? Did I just stumble into a private meeting? Or was that a secret planning meeting that would have involved the inventors if they weren't kidnapped? Did they recognize me? Stupid me.

The vibration of his cell phone interrupted a troubling train of thought fretting about his silly encounter at the Chinatown Center. A muffled voice said, "A warrant has been issued for your arrest in connection with the kidnapping at the Singapore Convention Center. Your credit card was used to rent the get-away car."

"What? Who is this?" The call disconnected. What? How was my credit card used for the kidnapping get-away car rental? Maybe I should call VK? He would know if that call was a hoax?

A noise in the hall outside his door interrupted his panic. Officer Ho? He heard a chair scrapping the floor and then silence. Holy shit, Officer Ho is coming in here to arrest me. Where to hide? The small room provided little cover. The bed? No, he'll look under the bed for sure. The desk? No, nothing there. Paul went to the window. It was an older hotel so the windows could slide open. He looked out the open window. Someone at the door. Hide In the bathroom? That's got to be it.

A loud rap on the door followed by, "This is Office Ho, Singapore police. Open the door."

Paul rushed into the bathroom opening the cabinet below the sink. He squeezed himself into the tiny space by bringing his knees to his chest and forcing his head down. Closing the cabinet door, he settled into his hideout before he heard the room door open. He must've gotten a master key? Maybe from the maid?

Paul held his breath as he heard Officer Ho walk around the small room. Did I leave the window open? He came into the bathroom and then walked out. He heard footsteps moving around the room. Contorted into a ball his knees pressed against his face crushing his nose. Then silence again. I wonder if he's... Sweat dripped down from his armpits as he opened the cabinet door and tumbled out onto the bathroom floor uncoiling his sweaty body on the floor.

The door was open, but the room was empty, and the window was still open. Paul looked out. Where is he? I've got to get out here. He might come back. Where? Paul looked around the room again hoping for an answer to his question. I've got a get out of here. I'm sure he'll be back. His only possible escape was to leap from the window. It's only twenty feet but I'm not sure what's below. It looks like bushes but...

I've got to chance it. He climbed out on the window sill and jumped, landing in the bushes. Oh, damn, my ankle. He struggled to hold back a scream of pain.

Grimacing, Paul stifled a scream, and slowly got up to see the damage. A scraped leg bleeding in a few places was the only injury he could see. Paul looked up to the vacant window. I've got to get out of view. Limping through the parking lot toward the street he passed the exercise room where he had eluded Officer Ho to explore the Chinatown complex. I know, I'll go to the Complex and use that empty room I accidentally found when I was looking for the Jewel room.

Paul slowed his pace to calm himself and to avoid attracting attention. Runners, although common, especially along the water weren't typical along the avenues leading to the food and shopping areas. Paul arrived at the now familiar Chinatown Center and entered the room with the unlocked door. Closing the door the darkness made him feel secure.

I'll stay here tonight. Officer Ho has surely reported my room was empty. Maybe I should call VK so he knows I'm safe? Yes, he'll help me.

Paul took out his cell phone and started to dial.