The Hallucigenia Project

by Darren Kasenkow

  John wasn’t sure if it was the strange sun drenched surroundings or the unshakeable energy that seemed to radiate from Vanessa’s curls and constant smile, but for the first time in weeks he actually felt the smallest twinge of excitement. The source of all his problems were thousands of miles out of reach and the job ahead was looking to be a poorly disguised holiday. He couldn’t help but quietly shake his head at the strange path he’d found himself on.

  As they danced through the traffic Vanessa pointed out various landmarks and significant buildings with her misshapen hand, obviously enjoying playing tour guide. John studied the ever changing architecture with fascination, a strangely flawless blend between bygone eras and modern measurements that seemed to have almost jumped from a movie screen. Adding to the strange cinematic effect was the myriad of big and brash vehicles that filled the concrete arteries, makes and models of the type he’d never seen before clamouring for attention. Driving on the other side of the road also meant that he found himself instinctively pushing for a brake pedal that wasn’t there on occasions when Vanessa cut across traffic a little too quickly. Having smashed his fair share of cars in his previous employment, it was probably going to take a little getting used to.

  Completely disorientated he thought they were deep in the city, but his assumption was quickly corrected when they turned into a busy street that once again revealed the ocean. Vanessa swung into a park and flicked her curls back behind her shoulders.

  “Just a block over there’s a mall that has plenty to look at. Find yourself in any trouble and just give me a tingle, I’ll be right here.”

  John adjusted his sunglasses and came to a quick decision. “I gotta be honest, I’m hopeless when it comes to clothes. Something tells me you’ve probably got a better eye for things like that than me, so what say we lock the car up and you come along to stop me making any drastic fashion mistakes?”

  “Ooh,” Vanessa laughed, “you’re right. Can’t have you looking like some wide eyed Aussie tourist. Don’t worry, lil’ old Vanessa will have you breaking hearts before they know what’s happening.”

  The mall was lined with the familiar sight of palm trees that offered occasional relief for the hoards of shoppers that stumbled along, an abundance of bare skin, sunglasses and carry bags swaying in the sunlight. They delved into store after store, quickly developing a consistent modus operandi. John would present an article of clothing and Vanessa would scowl and shake her head with disapproval. Next she would explore the store selection and present two or three items, never more, and proceed to stand by the change rooms where she would look him over to determine suitability.

  By the time mid afternoon arrived John was sweating profusely and juggling several bags of clothes in each hand. Whilst he was sure any urge to shop again had been satisfied for at least the next couple of years, it was obvious that Vanessa was more than capable of continuing well into the night if the opportunity was there. Still, he had to admit she had a fantastic eye when it came to putting together an outfit, and her consistent laughter and attention to the job at hand had made what would have been a painful exercise into a surprisingly enjoyable mission.

  When they finally arrived back at the hotel entrance his arms were still glowing from the exposure to the sun. His last summer seemed like a lifetime ago, and the sensation threatened to bring back unwanted memories. Rather than let them break on through into the moment he grabbed his bags and turned to Vanessa.

  “You sure about tonight? You’ve already helped me out a whole lot today. No doubt you’ve got people to see far more important than a sun burned tourist.”

  Vanessa smiled, but it wasn’t the same sort of smile he’d been graced with all day. Instead it was slight and appeared almost forced somehow.

  “Honey, all I got waiting for me is an empty apartment and whole stack of chores, and neither one of them make me all tingly. I like working cause I like what I do.” For a moment she looked at John with a strange sadness in her eyes, but then it was gone as fast as it had appeared. The smile began to grow, no longer forced. “Besides, I can’t have you charging into the night out here without a clue. Here in this city, there’s a whole lot more to worry about than snakes and kangaroos.”

  John wanted to tell her that he knew the dark side of streets more than she might think, but quickly decided against it.

  “It’s a deal then. I’ll send you the address and see you around six.”

  “You got it mate,” she replied with a horrible attempt at an Australian accent.

  With a quick beep of the horn she rolled away. A porter came rushing over to assist John with his bags but he quickly declined the offer, awkwardly handing over a couple of crumpled notes for his troubles. He wasn’t used to people being so damn eager to help, and was pretty sure it was a feeling that wasn’t going to change in a hurry. With a focussed effort not to make eye contact with anybody, he staggered to the elevator and up to his room.

  Inside the entire area was awash with the glow of the late afternoon sun. Bobbie’s head lifted from his slumber by the glass doors that opened onto the balcony. A slight cry of welcome squeaked from his throat as John dropped the bags onto the floor and rummaged through the contents until he found what he was looking for. He ripped open a small plastic wrapper and presented the furry toy mouse that was quickly clawed and embraced.

  “I thought you might like that,” he remarked while checking his watch. Sweat still clung to his skin and he was about to strip down for a shower when his phone indicated a new message had been received.

  Congratulations on your seminar attendance confirmation. Please find attached relevant information regarding time and location. Abandon all hope, for matter only moves with action. The Hallucigenia Project.

  John stared at the cryptic message, strange words that quickly reminded him of what he was being paid to do. He figured more than likely it would be harmless enough, but he’d still have to be careful. Not all cults were cut from the same cloth, and he sure as hell wasn’t any sort of expert on nutcase groups. Violent criminals and psychopaths, those he understood. Drug addicts and demented rapists, he knew pretty well. Charismatic domineers who exercised ever evolving ways to brainwash those desperate for something more in their lives? Well, if what Sebastian had told him was the truth, it looked like he’d be finding out soon enough.

  Chapter 10

  “Damn boy, you’re looking good tonight!” Vanessa announced as John slid into the passenger seat. He looked down at the blue designer jeans and white short sleeved shirt and had to admit they did look okay, the expensive silk cool and forgiving regardless of the fact that the setting sun had done little to diminish the heat.

  Once in the traffic the neon lights of the city seemed to pulse to an unseen mechanical heart. John soaked in the sites as he ran through a mental checklist that was comprised of the key points of his back story. Experience had taught him to keep things as simple as possible, use snippets of truth without compromising the lie, and if in doubt keep your fucking mouth closed tight until you had your footing back. Back in the day he’d seen how quickly a simple situation could turn deadly by letting nerves run the mouth. In times of trouble, silence was precious and couldn’t be dissected. He took a deep breath to remind himself that tonight he was headed for a safe, innocent dinner, and not the kind of operation that required a loaded gun.

  “So who’s the lucky lady?” Vanessa asked.

  “It’s not that sort of dinner.” John brought his focus back to the moment. “Besides, me and the word luck don’t seem to go together too often.”

  “Come on, a good looking guy like you probably got a whole bunch of girls just waiting for their phone to ring with your number.”

  “Unfortunately I’m going to have to disappoint you with that prediction.”

  “Well you’re in Miami now,” Vanessa reminded him, “never know who’s gonna sweep in and change your life.”

  After navigating through the early evening traffic they turned
into a narrow street that came to an end at the water’s edge and was lined with brilliantly lit hotels on either side, the buildings reaching high up into the night and illuminating the humid air. Straight ahead John could see a number of parked limousines and exotic sports cars. Beyond them lay a walkway reaching out across the calm ocean waters where double story boats and sleek looking yachts quietly bobbed to their own rhythm. Vanessa released a slow whistle while bringing the car to a stop.

  “This’d be the address so looks like you’ll be dining on the sea mister police man. Something tells me you’re in for a good night.” She smiled at him as though he were about to step out for his first ever date. “I’ve got some things I need to take care of, but when you’re ready you just give me a call. If I don’t hear from you I’ll know our little shopping spree got you some action.”

  “Then I suggest you keep your phone nice and close,” John replied, returning her smile and stepping out into the salt soaked air.

  As he made his way to the pier he quickly retrieved his phone and studied Rebecca’s image one more time to help ensure he’d know if he managed to bump into her. He hadn’t quite yet worked out what he’d say if he did, but if luck proved to be on his side he was sure he’d be able to pull something from his proverbial hat. The way he figured it the worst that could happen would be a slap to the face, and that would mean there probably wouldn’t be much more he could do.

  As he got closer he could see small groups of people chatting beneath the street lamps while shuffling their way onto the pier. The second boat on the left appeared lit up like an overdressed Christmas tree with ropes of purple globes wrapped around the access platform. Where it joined the pier a small table had been set up, and John could just make out a guy in a dinner suit who appeared to be greeting the guests. The vessel itself seemed to have split decks and was big enough to be worth far more money than he’d ever see in his life.

  Scanning the vicinity he didn’t seem to spot any security, but of course that hardly meant they weren’t there. A sense of nervousness crept in as he followed a group of three onto the weather beaten wood and waited patiently for his turn at the table. Glancing at the guests on the boat he was instantly aware that he’d perhaps dressed just a little too casually. Oh well, there was nothing he could do about it now, especially considering the small group he’d followed were making their way onto the boat.

  “Good evening sir, if you could just give me your name and present your invitation we can let you board.”

  “John Richter,” he announced while bringing up the invitation on the screen of his phone.

  “Are you accompanying somebody tonight?” he asked.

  “Just me,” John replied quickly and definitively.

  “Of course. Someone will show you to your table.”

  A tall woman with a white blonde shaved head appeared as if from nowhere. She wore the same kind of dinner suit as the guy at the table, but it was the dazzling diamonds hanging from her ears that vied for John’s attention. They seemed to capture every source of light on the boat and gave the appearance of giant fireflies in a dark forest.

  “Please follow me,” she enticed with a gravelly voice and an I know something you don’t kind of smile.

  The ocean was calm but there was still a noticeable sway as John was guide to the back of the boat where the exposed deck basked beneath the stars. He sat down onto cool leather and took a moment to observe the surroundings. A rough count revealed about ten other guests huddled around small tables, mostly couples, and looking up to the second deck he could see a similar sized gathering. Peering into the cabin he could see staff preparing various trays whilst in the corner stood a violinist with eyes that seemed to peer a thousand miles into the distance, his hands effortlessly drawing forth stunningly beautiful scales and subtle melodies that lifted the exotic atmosphere and induced a sense of calm.

  The woman with the shaved head produced a bottle of champagne and filled one of the flutes on his table, revealing even more diamonds adorning her fingers. As John tried to do the mental math and guess at how much her hands might be worth a short but well built man appeared and promptly sat beside him. Dressed in blue jeans and a red dinner jacket that did little to hide powerful arms, his Asian features were chiselled and precise. Once a second flute was filled he reached out and offered his hand.

  “Xavier’s my name,” he declared with a thick American accent.

  John shook his hand and introduced himself, surprised at the strength of the grip. Xavier proceeded to pour the entire glass of champagne down his throat and nodded with satisfaction as it was quickly refilled.

  “Let me guess,” he continued, “you didn’t bring a date either huh? I figure that’s why they sat us together. When it comes to business and money I don’t see the point in bringing someone to hang off my arm. It’s a distraction I don’t need.” With a quick and fluid movement he once again emptied the flute. “Your accent, you English?”

  John shook his head. “Australian.”

  “Australia? Haven’t been there myself, but I’ll be heading over later in the year. I’ve invested quite a bit of money in your solar industry. So tell me John, how’d you find out about this little event?”

  On the surface it was just a conversational question, but judging by the intense curiosity in Xavier’s eyes it was obviously also an important one.

  “I’m guessing the same way most of us did,” John suggested. “One of my financial advisors figured it’d be worth a look, so here I am. What about you?”

  Xavier smiled and adjusted the gold watch on his wrist. “Actually I handle all my own matters, especially when it comes to money. I’ve been wanting to get into this area for a while but couldn’t find a way in. It’s not exactly the kind of investment that comes around every day.”

  John had already picked him as somebody who was proud of his achievements, and that was good. It meant he would probably rather talk about himself than want to know things that John wasn’t in a position to answer.

  “So what do you do for a dollar Xavier?” he asked.

  “Anything that works,” Xavier laughed, taking a moment to admire the diamonds on the host’s fingers as she poured his third champagne. “My family left China for America when I was four. Growing up I thought the holy grail was to become a stock broker. I got my holy grail and sure, I made some decent money and was able to give my parents the life they deserved, but there was something about making money off other people’s success that didn’t sit right with me. So I started taking my own risks, mainly speculative future commerce and some medical investments.” He tapped the edge of the glass as if testing for quality. “I learned quickly that it’s not so easy to sleep when you’re rolling the dice with your own money, let me tell you. A couple of gambles brought on the sweats, but then things started turning my way. Hell, I made more money from crypto currencies and new tech in one year than I made throughout my broking career. It’s a beautiful time to be alive, that’s for sure.”

  John had a vague awareness of crypto currencies, but that was only the result of trying to track down how the ripe fruits of drug transactions were being moved in and out of the country. He’d tried to understand how the digital money network operated but it made no sense to him and besides, at the time he was more concerned with the flesh and blood monsters he was hunting.

  “Sure seems that way,” he agreed.

  “It’s a tricky game though,” Xavier said, “trying to read the near future. That’s why I don’t have advisors. When it comes to speculative futures, it really comes down to a gut feeling. Nobody can say anything for sure. And if it comes down to a gut feeling, you’ve got to go with your own. Any fool can hazard a guess.”

  “I hear ya.”

  “Take tonight. On paper it’s the kind of investment that most people would run from. It’s high risk, pretty much untested, and has so many moving parts even a sneeze in the wrong place could send it unravelling. But I’ve got this feeling.” He tappe
d at his stomach with a nod of his head. “There’s something about it that tells me this could be the big one, the kind of return that will roll out the red carpet for the rest of my days. I mean, let’s face it. I’m nearly thirty five already and by the time I’m forty I don’t want to be doing anything that involves even the slightest hint of work. There’s no point in making money if you can’t live a free life.”

  John raised his glass in agreement but secretly wanted to throttle his damn neck. Swimming in money and retired by forty by shifting numbers around on a computer screen? Shit, he’d worked his arse off dealing with the kind of people that couldn’t stand sunlight, had put his life on the line way too many times to remember and had exposed his soul to fires that would never stop burning. And what was it all for? Constant nightmares and broken sleep, a wife pregnant with someone else’s kid and a house he’d probably have to sell.

  He sipped at his champagne and reminded himself that at least he had Bobbie, who was worth more than any amount of money. Just the thought of him curled up and waiting for him back in the hotel was enough to ease the sudden rise in blood pressure. Besides, this dinner was for people with excess wealth. What the hell did he expect?

  “So I have to ask,” John began through a forced smile, “what do you know about this investment opportunity tonight? I gotta be honest, I’m kinda here on the spur of the moment so to speak. My advisors back home, they didn’t exactly give me any details.”

  “Really?” Xavier said with a lift of his eyebrow. “I guess that doesn’t surprise me. To be honest the prospectus didn’t delve too deep into the intricacies but I’ve got a pretty good idea of what it’s all about.”

  “Gentlemen, allow me to illuminate you both on the opportunity of a lifetime and satisfy that curiosity.”