The Genesis Illusion

Chapter 51

Paul knocked hard on the door of room fourteen wearing a caterer's uniform he took from the workstation he found in the kitchen downstairs. This is the largest uniform I could find. The jacket fits fine but the pants are too short. I don't think anyone will notice.

An older Asian woman wearing a service uniform opened the door. "Yes, what do you want?" the attendant said holding the door open with one hand. She's probably the maid.

"I'm here to remove the catering cart and cleanup the dirty dishes," Paul said keeping his response short. If I don't talk much she might assume I'm Australian or even Turkish. Dipping his head down and tilting it to the side away from her, he did what he could to keep his face out of her view.

"You are not the same one that brought the cart." What does she think?

"No, shift change." I hope she doesn't ask any more questions.

"All right."

The attendant led him to the area just inside the door where the dinner service remnants lay. He surveyed the room while he went about cleaning up. A long counter stacked with dirty dishes and leftover food lined one wall. A large tub at the end held the dirty dishes, chopsticks and half-empty glasses. Paul put everything on the empty cart that he moved close from its parking spot along one wall. While cleaning up he walked around surveying as much of the adjoining rooms as he could see. The entry room was being used exclusively as a buffet area. Even though a couple lounge chairs occupied corners, they didn't appear used. A corridor that probably led into the main living area, opened off to one side of the otherwise closed windowless room.

The female attendant didn't stay with Paul but disappeared through the corridor. He took that opportunity to explore the corridor. It was a long hallway with several closed doors on each side. At the end it opened into a room that appeared to be a living area with a couch positioned facing inward. The rest of the living room hid behind the wall.

"Don't be so impatient," a voice came from the living area down the hall. "We'll be leaving here soon."

"We've been here for too long," another voice replied. "It's driving me crazy."

"The food is good. We'll be leaving soon. After the rally we'll travel to our new base."

"Finally, it'll be great. I can't wait to get started."

Paul hastened back to the dining area to finish cleaning up the dirty dishes. A new beginning?

The female attendant returned talking as she entered, "Are you done?"

"Yes." Paul acted like he didn't speak much English. She helped Paul remove the large soiled tablecloth covering the counter and another one over the beverage area. He heaped everything on the cart but it didn't all fit. Good, I'll need to return.

"Need to come back," Paul murmured.

"Yes, the table cloths are bulky. The cart won't hold everything." The attendant looked thoughtful like she wanted to discuss something. I hope she doesn't want to talk. "I've got to go. I need to get a few things. Do you understand?" Paul nodded. "I'll leave the door unlocked. Lock the door when you finish."

Paul pushed the cart out of the door. Great. That'll give me time to look around. He avoided eye contact with the attendant as they descended in the elevator together. She got out on the ground floor and Paul continued to the basement kitchen. That was uncomfortable.

Paul returned with the empty cart and let himself in the unlocked room. He gathered the large tablecloth, the napkins, and other remaining items heaping them on the empty cart so he could begin his second search.

A loud knock disturbed his concentration.

"Catering," a voice shouted through the closed door.