Businesswoman Chapter 167

Wires stretched around Atkinson’s torso. Pieces with electronic elements hooked up to his finger tips. He sat on a pad which monitored his muscle movements. The polygrapher, Meryl, asked the first question. She had long black hair and a round nose with brown skin.

“Mr. Atkinson, are you a billionaire?”

“Yes.”

“Have you ever not paid your fair share?”

“No.”

“Did you ever take part in a Ponzi scheme?”

“No.”

“Is this your real phone number?” Cheryl held up a string of digits.

“Yes.”

“Have you traveled outside of the country within the last three months?”

“Yes.”

“Do you know aspects of Wilmington, Delaware?”

“Yes.”

“Is Mercier Hotel also a playhouse and a restaurant?”

“Yes.”

“Have you spent a week there in the last year?”

“No.”

“Do you have any objections to being asked questions during this test?”

“No.”

No sweat beads, little muscle action occurred so far. Entrepreneur Paul Atkinson turned into a block of ice. The computer registered his every move with precision and accuracy. He, nonetheless, remained poised. Cheryl continued.

“Will you continue to expand your businesses?”

“Yes.”

“Is this line of questioning becoming too difficult for you to answer?”

“No.”

“Will you be able to give your fortune away to charity after you die?”

“No.”

“Do you think that private charity is a good thing?”

“Yes.”

“Have you decided on your final arrangements?”

“Yes.”

“Is the only reason you sat for this test to prove that you are a man of good standing?”

“No.”

“If you ever lied on this test, would you be able to show where you failed to tell the truth?”

Atkinson paused. He thought about the question.

“No,” he replied.

“Are you now or have you been a member of the Capitalist Party?”

Atkinson smiled a bit. He cleared his throat. “Yes.”