Corridor One

  ***

  A black limousine was parked in front of the MirexGlobe office building. It had been parked there for the last two hours. At 7:30 Gregory stepped out of the elevator and walked towards the lobby exit. The limousine's driver door opened. The driver, wearing a blue uniform and hat, came out of the car and stood waiting for Gregory to cross the street. Gregory walked slowly, occupied by his thoughts. When he passed near the parked limousine, somebody called his name. For a second, Gregory thought the call was for somebody else, but then his eyes caught the limousine driver heading in his direction and calling his name again.

  Gregory was surprised and stopped. The driver approached him. After a brief conversation, the driver handed Gregory something that looked like a white piece of paper. Gregory straightened his glasses and read it. The driver then opened the limousine's passenger door and Gregory stepped in. The limousine drove off.

  Fifteen minutes later, the same limousine stopped in front of Glass Beach Suites. Gregory, accompanied by the driver, passed through the security desk without being questioned and were escorted to the Mahogany Suite. About thirty minutes later, Gregory left the Glass Beach building. He stopped a passing taxi and headed back to the MirexGlobe office.

  “Hi, Tamara, it is me, Gregory.”

  “Hi, Boss, how are you? I thought you had already left the office.”

  “Yes, I did. Do you have access to the company travel agents? I mean, now, from home.”

  “Yes, I do. You know I have all of the contacts and phone numbers with me. What is going on?”

  “I can’t explain now. Please book me on a flight to Central City and the train to Derchany as soon as possible.”

  “What?” shouted Tamara, “What do you mean as soon as possible? Is something wrong with Dina and Igor?”

  “Nothing is wrong. Don’t panic. I need to go there, that is all. Please do your best. I need to prepare for my travels I’ll be here in the office. Please call me. Please.”

  “You're not lying to me, are you? Everything is okay?”

  “Everything is fine. Please go and get me there.”

  “Yes, Boss.”

  “Stop calling me that stupid name.” And Gregory hung up.