Chapter Eight

8.1 Jaimee reports to the Senior Partner

The senior partner decided he and Jaimee would have a sandwich lunch at their Friday meeting. Kirsty Meadows ordered an impressive array of sandwiches which Jaimee now hungrily munched as Frank read his report. He covered his nervousness by gorging himself. He’d worked and re-worked the report knowing this would be a test of his ability to make a lucid and professional analysis of his work at the Ministry. Frank hardly touched a sandwich as he scanned Jaimee’s thesis. Eventually, he put the report down picked up a roast beef sandwich, and gave Jaimee a searching look.

‘That’s one of the damnest reports I’ve ever read. I must (chewing) compliment you young man on your presentation. It’s bloody awful, isn’t it? (Jaimee just nodded) Now that you’ve eaten more than your fair share of my sandwiches, how about you just talk about these findings. Of course, I’ll be distributing your written analysis amongst the partners for review and comment. There are issues – legal issues – that need to be explored before we take any further action. Would you like another sandwich . . .?’

‘(Jaimee blushed) No thanks sir . . . ummm, Frank. The number of deposits under $10,000 became my first concern, I mean they weren’t concealed and seemed clumsy for anyone wanting to hide wrongdoing, but then they weren’t expecting an audit. I made a list that totaled about $150,000 in the current year. All the deposits were inelegantly under the statutory $10,000 . . . just under. I started to wonder why and for some reason looked into mortgage payments this year compared to last year. That’s when I had my breakthrough . . .’

‘Sorry to interrupt but you don’t need to go through the mechanics; they’re all in your report. Just tell me what your conclusion is.’

‘OH sorry! I just . . . anyway, my conclusion is that illegal monies are coming into the church funds to cover mortgages and running costs on property purchased. The property is retained on the Balance sheet until the mortgage is paid off, then the asset is transferred to a new owner. I then assume it’s sold and the monies distributed to a person or persons unknown. I did a trace on the source of these deposits but the names associated were bogus. I’m reasonably certain that the senior Hudson Parsons are the beneficiaries of some proportion of eventual property sales. It’s money laundering . . . simple money laundering, but highly effective. Just recently I read an article about debt creation in laundering money. Crooks will have a debt created for private expenses and use drug profits to settle these debts. I’m sure this is going on with the Shephard organization but didn’t have enough time to investigate. That’s an oversimplification of my investigation Frank, but the workings attached to my report bear me out . . . I hope.’

‘Yes, of course. I hadn’t heard about the debt laundering issue, you must give me the reference so I can bring myself up-to-date. From what you say this has been set up and operating for some time. I’ll discuss all the ramifications with the Partners and decide what action is needed. As to . . .’

‘Sorry for interrupting Frank but where do the Elders who requested an audit come into the scenario? I mean do you think they’re aware of the wrongdoings?’

‘(Thinking) Probably not. I mean something as big as this often can’t be contained. I guess someone smelled a problem and simply asked us to investigate. One matter which has to be considered is how much is the General Manager – their son- involved. I suspect he’s in it up to his neck. Do you agree?’

‘(Awkward) Frank, I’ve been thinking about that, yes, as General Manager he had to know what’s going on and has to take responsibility. In our talks, I found out he’s adopted and his parents not only groomed him for the job but also applied pressure to take on the position. He hates Accounting and would’ve instead preferred to be an Architect. Something he said . . . or was it his tone . . . led me to believe he’s very unhappy to be in this position and wouldn’t balk at turning state’s evidence. Now before you jump on me to say he’s just buttering me up, I only ask you to respect my judgment that here’s a frightened and very unhappy young man who’s been caught in circumstances beyond his control. Now you’ll of course disagree, but I needed you to know my take on the situation.’

Pause. Silence. Frank looked at Jaimee thoughtfully.

‘I do respect your judgment Jaimee and I’m really glad for the comments, you’ve impressed me and given the Partners and me much to think about. Now let’s talk about you . . . your future . . .

Oh shit! Am I in trouble?

. . . What do you know about Forensic Accounting?’

‘Forensic? Well, not much; I gather it’s something new in the finance world, but I don’t know too much about it. Why?’

‘Well, we’ve realized this is an aspect of our firm's services that’s missing and we want to redress that. I’ll come straight to the point. We would like you to head up this new section in our firm. I say this, and it’s a consensus amongst the partners, you’ve demonstrated a keen forensic approach to this audit. You have a nose, so to speak, for looking beyond the boring numbers. This is a skill that we want to capitalize on. Now . . .

Jaimee’s heart started to go into high gear. This really is something he could enjoy and would be a new direction in his career.

. . . we would send you to Uni . . . to Monash (Melbourne) University for a short post-grad course that’s recently been developed. What do you think so far?’

‘Think? Think? I’m excited, yes, yes I’d love that. When I started reading articles about this new field I became excited. It just really captured my interest. I can only thank you, Frank!’

‘That’s great. Now we need to protect ourselves. If we spend the time and money on you, we’d need a commitment in return. We don’t want to train you and then walk away to another firm . . .’

‘OH NO! No, I wouldn’t I promise! I’m just so stoked I don’t know how to thank you . . . I really don’t Frank.’

‘That’s good to know. But we’ll also make a commitment to you Jaimee. As of now, you’re being promoted to Associate Partner! Congratulations!’

Jaimee sat stunned; he could hardly believe what Frank said. A new line of work, the newest branch of the Finance Industry, specialized training paid by the firm and . . . and promotion to Associate Partner. OH WOW!

‘Jaimee, Jaimee, you looked stunned are you OK?’

‘OK? I’ve never felt this good in a long, long time. I don’t know what to say, Frank, except . . . except . . . with all my heart . . . Thank you. Thank you. I promise you’ll never regret this. Sorry but I’m a bit overwhelmed. I think I need a pee!’

(Laughing) Well, that’s new. I just hope you can contain yourself for a minute. Look this is a decision taken at a full Partners meeting so it’s not just me; we recognize talent when we see it, you’ve earned it Jaimee. Now you’d better go and have that piss. Oh, by the way, take the rest of the day off. I’ll see you Monday morning and we can go into more details. Off you go then.’

8.2 Jaimee drives home

Rather than driving, Jaimee floated home. Walking through the office he knew the word had leaked because both guys and girls heartily congratulated him. Before that he had the longest pee; it seemed his bladder would never empty. Now in his car, he reminisced.

Do I deserve this? I’ve only been there a short time and already I’m Associate Partner . . . well, one of the Associate Partners. And the new job! Not in my wildest dreams could I have imagined this happening. I’m so looking forward to learning my new trade and demonstrating to the partners that their trust in me is justifiable. I don’t even care if there’s no extra money in it; just the chance to prove myself is rewarding enough. WOW! I’m SO HAPPY! I can’t wait to tell Simon (giggling). Thinking about his present for my last promotion . . . I’m getting hard.

After parking his car, Jaimee entered the apartment and immediately sensed something wrong. Where was Mickey? Usually, on coming home, the dog would enthusiastically greet him with yapping, jumping, and serious tail wagging. Not now. And the place had a feeling of being occupied. He immediately assumed burglars, and with a rapidly beating heart, he softened his tread and began to search the house. His fears were confirmed when suddenly a frantic scratching sounded from upstairs. Mickey had been locked up!

Now completely alarmed, he ventured up the stairs and as he got near their sleeping quarters he could hear mysterious sounds coming from their bedroom.

Oh my god, they’re in our room rifling through looking for valuables. I don’t have a weapon, but . . .

Soundlessly, he keyed 000 into his mobile and dialed. Whispering in response to the emergency operator . . .

‘My name is Jaimee Burrows at (his address) and I believe someone’s in my bedroom robbing me!’

‘Alright sir, just stay put. Don’t try to apprehend them. Just stay where you are. The police are on the way.’

By now, hearing Jaimee’s voice and sensing his presence, the dog started to scrape feverishly and began to whimper. Ignoring the operator’s advice, Jaimee peeked around the bedroom door, and . . .

. . . stunned . . . immobile . . . never could he have conceived the tableau before him . . . he simply stared in disbelief . . . not uttering a sound . . . shock . . . because,

Simon lay naked on their bed whilst two naked pre-teen boys serviced him . . . one orally assaulting his penis whilst the other had his bum planted on Simon’s face. The latter boy softly moaned as Simon’s tongue inflicted pleasure. They were so immersed in their sex play, no one noticed Jaimee standing in the doorway.

In what seemed an eternity – probably just a few seconds – Jaimee struggled to adjust to reality. Shock turned into confusion and then disbelief . . . and then anger . . . pure white anger.

‘SIMON!’

At the sound of Jaimee’s voice, the tableau immediately disintegrated. Two shocked young boys jumped off the bed and tried to cover their genitals, leaving . . . a naked and obviously confused Simon still stretched out. Raising his head slightly he looked towards Jaimee and enquired,

‘Jaimee! What are you doing home so early?’

Ignoring Simon, Jaimee turned to the two very frightened boys, and then it dawned; they were his neighbor's boys . . . Ken Wilson’s boys . . . Ken Wilson’s twin boys, Kurt and Billy. For several seconds he just eyeballed the kids and very harshly,

‘Get dressed and get out! The police are on the way. I don’t want you here when they arrive. NOW!’

‘Why are the police . . . ?’

‘Shut up Simon!’

‘Go on boys, hurry. I’ll decide what to do about this later. Right now . . .’

‘Please Jaimee, please don’t tell our dad. Please he’ll kill us. I’m . . . We’re sorry . . . aren’t we Kurt.’

‘Billy . . . just shut up. Get you and your brother out now. Why are you still here?’

In a panic, they dressed and fled the apartment. Jaimee ignored Simon and went to release Mickey . . . a very distressed Mickey. The frightened dog flew into Jaimee’s arms and began to lick him. Going back into the bedroom Jaimee, with disgust writ large over his face, glared at Simon.

‘My natural instinct is to ask what’s going on Simon, but that would be stupid. I can see what’s going on, you’re having sex with two under-aged boys; boys who belong to our neighbor Ken Wilson and I suspect it’s not the first time is it?’

‘(Sheepishly) No, not the first time. But I haven’t done anything wrong Jaimee; it’s all been mutually consensual . . . no one’s been hurt . . .’

‘Stop it! Don’t try and rationalize your filthy . . .’

Just then someone thumped on the front door, yelling,

‘POLICE! POLICE! OPEN UP!’

‘Shit . . . don’t you move. Let me deal with this . . . arsehole!’

Hurriedly opening the front door, Jaimee let the cops in and started to explain that he’d made a mistake.

‘Look I came home and heard strange noises. It turned out to be my flatmate talking on the phone to his girlfriend in the bedroom. He’s never home at this time of day, so I just assumed that burglars were inside. I’m so, so sorry for the mistake and inconveniencing you.’

The female cop looked a bit wary about Jaimee’s explanation and simply replied,

‘Well, you did the right thing, you never can be too careful. Mind if we look around anyway?’

They walked through the apartment and conducted a thorough inspection, even asking Simon why he’s home early. Not commenting on his explanation, they departed after fifteen minutes. As soon as they left, Jaimee braced himself for a showdown with Simon. By this time Simon had dressed and waited in the kitchen. When Jaimee walked in he started,

‘Look, you probably think I messed up, but I can assure . . .’

‘GET OUT! Get out now Simon, I want nothing more to do with you, you not only messed up boyo, but you fucked up big time. What you did . . . or doing . . . is illegal! I’ll probably have to tell the boys dad what’s happened, so best you’re a long way away from here. So . . . get out!’

‘(spluttering) you can’t throw me out! This is my home . . . for Christ’s sake Jaimee chill out. It’s not a biggie . . . and you can’t tell Ken, he’ll kill me. Please Jaimee, please.’

‘NO SIMON, NO! I’ve got to do some thinking because you’ve placed me in an awkward situation. Besides, I feel disgusted and cheated. Has our sex-life been so bad that you had to have sex with under-ages boys? And a further thought, have you been having sex on the side with other adults? (Simon looked down) Ahhh . . . I see . . . you have. (long pause) We’re through mate. Get your stuff together and go! Take just what you’re gonna need for the next few days and we’ll sort the rest out later. OUT, SIMON!’

On the brink of tears for the past half hour, Jaimee struggled to control himself. He needed to be strong until Simon left and dissolving into tears wasn’t an option. For about ten minutes he sat unhappily listening to Simon gathering his stuff until finally, Simon walked into the kitchen.

‘(Crying) Jaimee please, please (sob) mate. Don’t do this. I’m (choke) sorry . . . I’m so sorry . . . please, (weeping) please, I love you Jaimee . . . please (shedding tears) give me another chance? This is my . . . our home. I don’t know what I’m going to do. Please . . .I know you still love me . . . even after what I’ve supposedly done . . . please, give me (bawling) another chance.’

Jaimee sat immobile listening to Simon’s plea. With his emotions in such a mess he almost yielded to his partner’s entreaty . . . until Simon uttered the word ‘supposedly’

‘(Calmly) It’s true Simon, I am and probably will always be in love with the man with whom I’ve spent these past years. But you’re not that man anymore, you destroyed us, and I can’t trust this new Simon Pearce. I don’t know what I’m gonna do and that’s why I want you outta here so I can think things through. Please go Simon . . . NOW PLEASE!’

‘OK, OK LITTLE BITCH, IT’S ALWAYS ABOUT YOU ISN’T IT! If you want to be a cunt so can I. Do you want to know why I’ve had sex with others, eh? It’s because you’re so BLOODY BORING IN BED! you never want to experiment, and when I suggested threesomes you whined and whined about fidelity and endangering the relationship. SO BE IT! I’m not gonna take this lying down . . . I’ll get back at you arsehole some way. YOU CAN BET ON IT! Watch out I don’t do something really bad to your FUCK’N DOG!’

With that, Simon picked up his overnight bag, stamped aggressively to the front door, and slammed it shut behind him. At that sound, Jaimee collapsed.

Still, in a state of shock, he let the pain surface and find an outlet. With his head cradled by his arms, he lay across the kitchen table and bawled his eyes out. How long he cried he didn’t know. Eventually drained of tears he sat up and let his mind take over.

Why? Why? Why? Am I really so bad in bed? Is my poor sexual performance to blame for Simon looking elsewhere? No! No! No! I won’t let him get to me. He’s the one molesting young boys . . . not me. Ummm . . . I remember several times he mentioned wanting to have a threesome but I resisted because it didn’t seem right. I’m a one-person bloke; all I want is a partner to love and then have that love reciprocated. Obviously, I misjudged Simon; he needs casual sex and I don’t. I guess it had to come to a head someday . . . but, of all days . . . not today!. Best pull myself together I need to make some decisions. God, I wish I had someone to talk to but . . . Paul? Oh shit yes . . . I need to talk to Paul; he’ll be able to help . . . if not just someone to listen.

Grabbing his mobile he speed-dialed Paul’s number, and after a short interval, Paul came on the line.

‘Hello! Paul Hudson here. Who . . . ‘

‘(hoarsely) Oh my god Paul thanks goodness you’re home. Look . . .’

‘Man, what’s happened? you sound terrible. What’s . . .’

‘Paul . . . . I’m in big trouble man. I . . . I . . . don’t wanna get into it over the phone, but I need someone . . . somethings . . . something bad has happened. . . real bad . . . real bad! Umm . . . can you come over to my place . . . please, I need a friendly . . . I . . . I need someone to be my friend. Will you . . .’

‘Shut up! Hang up and I’ll be right over . . . as quick as I can, you got me buddy . . .bye!’

So Jaimee sat morosely amid the shambles of his life. Just for something to do he made some fresh coffee and simply chilled out. An urgent knock on the front door snapped him out of his misery and then hastily let a very concerned Paul into the apartment.

‘Bloody hell Jaimee, you look terrible. (Placing a protective arm around Jaimee) I can see you’re not OK, so tell me what happened. Take your time.’

So Jaimee haltingly related the events from when he opened his front door to the present. At times, as bad memories surfaced, he began to sob but Paul’s reassuring presence encouraged him to completely unload. When he finished, he remembered his manners.

‘OH man, I’m so sorry Paul, I’ve made some fresh coffee. Would you like a cup?’

‘Yes, yes, please I would.’

As Jaimee fussed about getting the coffee, Paul walked up behind him and folded his arms around Jaimee. For several moments, they swayed together just relishing the feeling of closeness. Paul rested his chin on top of Jaimee’s head.

‘(Softly) You know I love you babe (Jaimee nodded), I’ll do anything to ease the pain you’re experiencing now, but we have to put our personal and professional lives aside whilst we deal with your current problem. (Jaimee nodded again) Just as well that rotten boyfriend of yours isn’t here; I’d like to knock his bloody head off. What a mongrel!’

Jaimee finished making the coffee and they both adjourned back to the kitchen table. Paul continued,

‘This is a mess Jaimee, a right royal mess. What kind of person would want to molest under-age young lads. All this consensual shit is just a smokescreen, and as to no one getting hurt, that’s yet to be seen. And capping it off, the kids belong to a neighbor. Geeze . . . what a fuck up. I need to do some straight talking Jaimee; are you up to it emotionally? Sorry, it has to be done now, because something like this can’t be put off. Are you ready?’

‘Yes . . . yes, I’m OK now. I’ve done crying. I know what you’re saying; some unpleasant decisions have to be made. That’s why I called you because I honestly can’t think straight. My head’s still going round and round . . .’

‘Understandable! Totally understandable. Now you have to contact the boy’s father as soon as possible. He has to know Jaimee. If you stay silent, one day it’ll surface again and you’ll be cited for withholding evidence. I know it’s tough but you have to talk. Also, the father must be given a chance to confront his kids. However, I strongly recommend that he doesn’t go to the cops because that will only make it harder for the children. If the cops decide to charge Simon, then the boys will have to go to court as witnesses. That’s going to be too traumatic and I hope the father understands that. It’ll be up to you baby, to convince him. I can only advise at this point. Unfortunately, your bloody arsehole of a partner has left you to do the dirty work. If only . . .’

‘Yes, I know what you’re saying. I know that. What I don’t know is how I’m going to do it. I’m still a bit of a mess . . .’

‘Of course, you are and that’s why it’s important to do it now. Let him see the state you’re in. That’ll affirm your innocence in the matter. If he wants to take drastic action against Simon, don’t stop him. Once you’ve told the dad, it’s now out of your hands. Understand?’

‘What about Simon? I want him punished in some way.’

‘Don’t think about it. I reckon he’ll get his punishment soon enough. The best thing to do is to get the meeting with the father over and then walk away, you know I’ll be here in support wherever and whenever I can. I don’t want to be here when you talk to the father; it might seem weird. Unfortunately, it’s something that can only be done by yourself. Is that OK?’

‘Yes . . . yes, I understand. No, I’ve always been friendly with Ken, so it’ll start OK. How it ends up . . . well (sigh) . . . let’s see. Ummm, could I ask a favor? (Paul nodded vigorously) Simon made a threat against Mickey (Paul gasped) and I’d like to ask if you could look after him for a while until I get locks changed. He’s low maintenance, just feeding and a short walk to let him do his business. I’ll come by to pick him up as soon as possible. Is that gonna be any trouble? Please don’t be shy; tell me if it’s a problem.’

‘(Anger) He actually threatened the dog! What kind of an insipid, low-life, weak, disgusting child is he! Of course, I’ll take Mickey, be glad to. He won’t pine for you will he?’

‘Maybe a little at first but he’ll settle down. I’ll give you his feeding bowls and sleeping bed. These should help because they’re familiar to him. Oh, he’ll need his water bowl too. I don’t know if Simon’s serious but I don’t want that worry for now. Thanks, heaps.’

True to his word Paul didn’t make any physical overtures except to hug Jaimee and console him. Anything beyond that would be inappropriate. So he left and Jaimee steeled himself to call Ken Wilson.