The Enigma Source

Genesis smiled seductively at the two men as she announced, “Gentlemen, Director Noya will receive you now.” It irked Mathias that he had to pull Dutch’s arm to get him to refocus from the buxom office manager’s impressive cleavage and walk towards the manager’s door without stumbling.

Genesis had trouble suppressing her smile and at the last moment distracted Dutch further, as she reminded, “Oh, wait! You forgot your visitor badges! Here, let me pin them on you.” Mathias watched with disgust as Genesis fumbled expertly with the clip-on badge for maximum distraction for Dutch.

Mathias, thoroughly annoyed, snatched his badge and quickly clipped it on to his shirt while Dutch got the full treatment of his being attached to his first belt loop. The only consolation for the episode for Mathias was that he got to watch Dutch turn and walk straight into the open door because he was staring down the front of her blouse.

Genesis was about to rush over to comfort Dutch when Director Alejandro Noya stepped into the room and intercepted the situation. “Gentlemen, please come in. Thank you, Genesis. That will be all for now.”

Mathias walked into the office ready to do business, while Dutch kept watching in both directions, one, to make sure he missed the door this time, and two, in case he got more encouragement from Genesis.

Alejandro closed the door behind them so they could not only talk in private, but so that he could get their full attention, particularly from Dutch.

Alejandro smiled politely and began, “You would understand that my office manager has many skills, but she excels at her namesake. Genesis not only translates into the beginning, but you will regret it forever if you bring her into your life. You would understand that her skills are useful, but not for you and not for today.”

Mathias fidgeted with Alejandro’s recounting of their clumsy entrance, but Dutch just blushed at being so distracted by feminine charms.

Alejandro suppressed his smile and sensed that the conversation needed to move forward. He offered, “Gentlemen, let’s progress to the business at hand, shall we? Mr. Petersen, you indicated that you had what you considered to be our economic salvation but failed to provide much more than that statement as a proof point.”

Mathias replied as politely as possible, “Apologies, but I was under the impression that the upfront fund transfer provided most of the proof points to further our discussion. And please, call me Mathias, Director.”

Alejandro, mildly annoyed at the inference, stiffly rebuked, “The funds transfer provided an introduction, not the substance of your claim. You have your introduction and now I want the details, Mr. Petersen.”

Mathias, quickly reeled in his initial irritation from the meetings’ opening farce and replied, “Director Noya, forgive me if I choose words that seem too blunt. To the outside world, Venezuela appears to be collapsing, and frankly, no one seems to be willing to lend a hand. Yes, I know the Russians will sell you their castoff weapons, but there is no corporate or private investment being directed to this country.

“Venezuela is being circled by the investment vultures, waiting for her to expire so they can swoop in and dine on the carcass. Using our economic model on your current circumstances, we are predicting a 20% chance of economic survival as a country. I am afraid our modeling for your personal circumstances is not that high.”

Alejandro’s nostrils flared, and with some difficulty in his agitated state, he managed to maintain a civil tone as he responded, “You’re not the first person to sit in that chair to predict my government’s demise!