Call the Police

“You’re not answering my question!” Ranell thrust an accusing finger toward Hétóng’s face. “I don’t know who you are, but you’ve obviously been spying on me.” Ranell dug in his pocket for his cell phone. “I’m calling the cops.”

“You will find that your telephone has been temporarily disabled.”

Ranell checked. His phone was dead. Then he understood. “You tapped my phone!” Ranell’s heart began to race. I can’t catch my breath.

“Dr. Ranell, as you know, the world economy is collapsing. The supply chains for basic commodities, such as food, have been severely disrupted. Millions are projected to die of hunger within the next twelve months.” There almost seemed to be a gleam in Hétóng’s eye. “Even here in America, food insecurity has quadrupled in just the last quarter. Governments are getting desperate to address these problems. Many are prepared to take, shall we say, drastic measures to feed their starving populations?”

Ranell didn’t know what to do. He wanted to run. Am I in danger right now? His eyes darted around the park, wildly searching for some unseen assailant.

“I see you are fearful,” Hétóng commented clinically, “But I assure you that you are in no danger… at the moment.”