Chapter Twelve

12.1 Simon reports to Lan

‘ . . . so, you’re absolutely sure he understood your message. It’s important Mr. Pearse that our malcontents understand completely what’s going to happen if they don’t comply. We don’t make idle threats. We’ve found . . .’

‘(hastily interrupting) But you wouldn’t do anything to Jaimee, right? I mean it’s just a threat and I’d never forgive myself if Jaimee suffered any injury. He’s just an innocent kid and hasn’t any pre-involvement with this Hudson character. I mean, I get it he’s having a fling with Hudson, but he’s definitely not involved in any shady deals. So . . .’

‘No, of course not! Rest assured we only want to frighten Paul Hudson and use the threat against Mr. Burrows person as an inducement to comply with our demands. It’s a very effective stratagem.’

Lan Van Doung summoned Jaimee the day after Jaimee visited with Paul. They were now meeting in Lan’s office in something of a power play on Lan’s part. The darkroom, the massive desk raised high, and Lan’s elevated chair intimidated Simon and made him a little afraid. But anyway he’d done his part and now sought the rewards promised. He changed the subject.

‘I’m keen to start a new life Mr. Lan, and having completed my part of the arrangement I’d like to know what plans are being made to carry out the promises you made me?’

‘Of course, of course. Let’s see, a visa has been issued for you to enter Thailand as well as a work permit, you fly out with Thai Airways in about three weeks and will be met at Bangkok airport by one of my associates. You’ll then be driven to your new home and place of work. I’ve arranged this with my Government contacts so once you arrive in Thailand I won’t have any further association with you. All this will be covered in detail once you’ve settled in. You’re a young man Mr. Pearse, and you have a marvelous future ahead of you. I hope you appreciate the opportunity given to you?’

‘Yes, thank you. I’m looking forward to my new life. I might also suggest that if you have any future need of my services I’d be willing to help.’

With that Lan stood up indicating the meeting had ended. Taking his cue Simon bowed to Lan and left the room.

12.2 Simon and Arthrit.

‘Oh my god Arthrit, every time we have sex I think it can’t get any better . . .and then it does. That thing you do with your hips and pelvic muscles is incredible. I came a lot; I hope it’s not too uncomfortable?’

‘(Giggling) Uncomfortable? Uncomfortable? I love the feeling of you inside me; to be honest, I can’t get enough of you. Think how wonderful it’s going to be when we're together in Thailand. I know you had a meeting with Lan; how did it go?’

‘Yeah, well I guess. He’s doesn’t give away much but he assured me it would be the start of a new life. Apparently, I’ll be met at Bangkok airport by one of his associates, who’ll drive me to my new home. I’m really excited, Arthrit.’

‘(Sigh) I’m envious. I don’t have any details of my next move, I only know I’ll be recalled to Thailand . . . doing what I just don’t know.’

‘(Alarmed) But we’ll still be together, won’t we? I don’t want to lose you and I’m not talking about the sex . . . I really like you and will definitely need a friend when I arrive. Please don’t let me down.’

‘OH I won’t baby, I’m not letting you out of my sight once you get in the country. Before you go, I’m going to have my name tattooed on your cock so everyone will know your mine: you can have a fling with young boys but I’m going to be your partner . . . understand?’

‘Yeah, I understand and totally agree. Seems I’ve got three weeks before I go, so I need you to teach me how to read, talk and write Thai. I also need to learn about your religion; I don’t want to insult anyone through ignorance.’

No problem! Now, how’s little Simon? Do you think he can . . . ?’

12.3 Paul meets with Attorney

<<<>>>

‘Hello, Paul Hudson here.’

‘Paul, it’s Norman. My secretary received a call from you yesterday saying you need to see me urgently. I don’t want you to say much over the phone, but if it’s about our last talk, has something happened to perhaps worsen your situation . . . ?

‘Yes, Norman it certainly has. I received a visit . . .’

‘NO! Don’t say another word. For all we know our phones may’ve been bugged and any mobile call can be compromised these days. I just needed to know so I can prepare for our meeting. We mustn’t, under any circumstances involve the police until I can fully appraise your situation . . . you understand?’

‘Yeah, I guess. I’ll explain fully when we meet, and Norman, thanks for the call.’

‘Ok, see you soon.’

Paul canceled the call and stood thoughtfully with the cell phone in his hand.

Norman, was Norman Gibson the Attorney Paul visited to review his legal situation. In his early forties, Norman created a successful practice based on criminal law, gaining the respect of both the police and judicial system. A typical attorney, standing about 180 cm, with black hair, dark brown eyes, black glasses, he had the appearance of a ruthless person: you could almost imagine him in court tormenting some poor wretch on the witness stand.

What did he want? Why did he call? He knew about my coming appointment so why the weird call? And counseling me to not say anything controversial over the phone . . . that’s strange. And the comment about not involving the cops? Weird!

He strolled into the bedroom where Jaimee lay coming to terms with the new day.

‘I just had this strange call from Norman the attorney about our meeting later today. He simply asked if the urgency reflected a deterioration in my circumstances since our last talk. Then having asked that question, he went on to caution me not to say anything explicit over the phone. I mean why call me? He could’ve waited till we were face to face. Weird!’

‘(Yawning) Mmmm . . . does sound peculiar. But you know these legal folks, they have strange ways and don’t talk like normal people. All their thoughts and words are expressed in legalese. Don’t worry or over-think. Just go along because it’s become very important for both of us

<<<>>>

‘(Anger) Jesus Paul, what’s the matter with you? Why didn’t you call me as soon as the bloke left your office? This is serious, Paul; it takes the matter to a new level and the cops should be told right away . . .’

‘Shit Norman, let me finish . . . it gets worse.’

‘Worse? . . .how could it . . . alright, go ahead.’

‘When I came home I found Jaimee’s dog butchered and strung up on a meat hook in our bathroom. Blood everywhere.’

‘Oh my god! . . . . that’s . . . that’s horrific. I’m so, so sorry . . . but why have you left it for nearly a full day before talking to me? I mean they’ve now threatened your partner with bodily harm, if not his life, and slaughtered his dog. I’m sorry if I sound angry, but you should know better. It’s clear we’re dealing with a vicious mob and must take appropriate action: you disappoint . . .’

’Hold on, don’t jump down my throat. I know how serious this is, so don’t take me for a fool. After all, it’s my partner who’s been threatened. I take umbrage at your tone Norman and the implication I’ve been slow to react. I called your secretary as soon as the goon left my office and told her to make an urgent appointment. The goon left me in a shattered state, so perhaps I’ve been a little slow off the mark. Coming home and finding the butchered carcass of my partner’s dog also left me in a state of shock. Anyway, I’m here now and need your help.’

Norman Gibson softened his glare, appreciating Paul’s probable state of anxiety after the events he’d just described. Then his intercom rang and he responded with,

‘Thank you . . . please show him in.’

In the meantime, Paul glanced around the office. Floor to ceiling paneling covered with legal tomes dominated everything. A dark green carpet gave a muted ambiance to the room. Of course on a credenza behind his desk, bulging legal files tied with red ribbon, lay messily strewn along the top. A typical legal office. Tidiness wasn’t a priority.

Then his secretary knocked and ushered in a big man, over 180 cm tall, pudgy, and perhaps a little overweight, with grey eyes and thinning hair. Norman got up from his desk to shake hands with the newcomer.

‘Thank you, Detective . . .’

Detective? Why has Norman asked the cops here? He said this morning not to involve . . .

. . . for agreeing to talk to us. (turning to Paul) Paul this is Senior Detective Ron Meadows who I’ve asked to join us, or more appropriately who needs to talk to you.’

Thoroughly confused and apprehensive, Paul returned the handshake and resumed his seat.

‘I don’t understand Norman, just this morning you said you weren’t going to involve the police at . . .’

‘I know what I said Paul and understand your confusion. I needed to pre-assess your reason for seeing me urgently. I also needed to camouflage my intent in case our phones were bugged. If I fooled you hopefully I fooled . . .’

‘Look can someone tell me what you’re talking about? I don’t have a lot of time and need to talk specifically to you Mr. Hudson about your situation. But before we get into the nitty-gritty has (looking at Norman) something happened since we last talked?’

‘Yes Ron, it has. Paul has just updated me on something that happened yesterday, which . . .’

Norman went on to describe Paul’s meeting with Simon and the butchery of Jaimee’s dog. All through the discourse, the detective sat immobile. When Norman finished the detective turned to Paul.

‘And that effectively sums up the events of yesterday? (Paul nodded) . . . I see, thank you.’

‘Norman said he’d talk to you about my legal position. Can you please let me know . . .’

‘Yes I’ll get to that, but before I do let me make some observations just to satisfy myself I’ve got the complete story. (both Norman and Paul nodded acquiescence) Tell me Mr. Hudson when were you first aware of the money-laundering scheme?’

‘Well err, right from the start. It’s my mother’s baby. She informed both my father and me about her clever financial partnership when it started several years ago. I protested pointing out at some stage the whole scheme would become a mess and come back to haunt us. Alas, she ignored me because the potential profits were huge. As to my father, he just sat there and said nothing . . . typical!’

‘Spare me the sob story. Why didn’t you just quit?’

‘Quit? Quit and do what? Norman must’ve told you about me being adopted and the threat they made to send me back to the orphanage if I didn’t follow their rules. I’ve had to live with that fear ever since the adoption. Going back to living on the street as a vagrant wasn’t appealing. I’m not asking for pity, Detective.’

‘And you certainly won’t get it from me or the District Attorney. The simple fact is you acquiesced in an illegal money-laundering scheme and continued to do so, without going to the authorities. We can’t sugar-coat crime, Mr. Hudson.’

This shocked Paul. With that statement any leniency he expected simply vanished. The Detective continued,

‘So then you started to compile a dossier about your adopted parents and their illegal activities' (Paul nodded) That’s a help and I’ve studied what you sent to Norman and this may – and I stress may – help with your case. However, nowhere in that file did you detail how the money-laundering scheme worked. Why is that?’

Suddenly Paul felt a cold tentacle of fear. He hadn’t given any details of the scheme to anyone, so now it looked to the cops as if he did this on purpose.

‘Look, I’m not trying to hide anything and I’m not gonna defend my omission. I just wasn’t thinking rationally; that’s all I can say. I’ll tell you now if that’s what you wish?’

‘I do! And I want a notarized statement (looking meaningfully at Norman) from yourself backing up your explanation. Please continue.’

‘(Subdued) I’ll deal with the general aspects before getting into detail, alright? (the detective nodded) The church would buy a property and then take out a large mortgage with a major bank with the church as mortgagee. The mob . . . err can I use that term as a reference? (once again the detective nodded) . . . the mob would provide the initial deposit on the purchase and then send monies every month to cover mortgage payments and property running costs. This would continue until the mortgage was paid in full. Once the mortgage was discharged the title would transfer to a private offshore account in the name of my parents. They would then arrange for the asset to be sold, splitting the proceeds 80% to the mob and 20% to them. All this is organized through the mob’s organization. That’s the general structure of the scheme. Do you need details?’

‘No, you can cover details in your notarized statement that Norman will prepare for you. But you say you don’t have any direct evidence of the mob’s involvement in setting up the scheme, only that your mother had contact with someone in the mob. Correct?’

‘Yes! I’m sure she’s got correspondence and other incriminating stuff locked away.’

‘Can you substantiate that?’

‘No, she wouldn’t talk to me about that. I don’t even know if she talked specifics to my father.’

‘Ah yes, your father. He’s been on our radar scheme about the activities of your grandfather. Did your grandfather molest you?’

The question stunned Paul. Suddenly dark memories surfaced with an all-pervading fear. He sat still . . . struggling to hold back tears . . . but then lost control . . . and started to sob. The detective looked on impassively whilst the attorney rushed to comfort him. On request, the secretary appeared with a glass of water which Paul devoured. It took some time for him to regain control.

‘I take it that’s a yes?’

Paul silently nodded.

‘All right (turning to Norman) you mentioned something about an Audit report being requested by one of the Elders of the church. Have you seen a copy?’

‘No, I only know about it from Paul. I’m not privy to the details because I’m not the client. (turning to Paul) Do you know the name of the Accounting firm who conducted the audit?’

‘Yes, Thompson and Associates or Thompson and Partners . . . something like that. My partner led the Audit team in the church premises, but . . .’

‘Would he be willing to give us details . . .?’

‘NO! No, please don’t involve Jaimee anymore in my mess. His life's in jeopardy because of his association with me. NO! And I’m not gonna ask him!’

‘That’s ok . . . as police we can approach the Accountants direct. One thing confuses me. Do you know the Elder’s name and why they would go so far as requesting an audit report in the first place?’

‘No, I don’t. That’s a complete mystery.’

Silence descended as the Detective seemed to mull over his talk with Paul. Both Norman and Paul became apprehensive.

‘Well, that’s all I need for now. I’m sure we’ll be in touch within the next few days. Good day . . .’

‘THAT’S IT! What about my own legal position? I need to know where I stand. Surely . . .’

“I’ve already told you Mr. Hudson you’ve knowingly involved yourself in a crime which will be subject to whatever penalties a judge may deem necessary. I can’t . . .’

‘Hold on Ron, in our last conversation you gave me to understand Paul would be treated leniently because of his willingness to assist ‘in your inquiries’. Please let’s talk about this now!’

‘It’s not in my power to pat Mr. Hudson on the back and tell him not to worry . . .’

‘NOT TO WORRY! . . .’

‘Paul, be careful . . .’

‘NO, I WON’T NORMAN! This man sits here and treats me like a child. Let me tell you Mr. Detective about my worries. I’m the subject of an audit report which will undoubtedly end my career as an Accountant. My partner’s been threatened with his life. His dog’s been killed. My parents are about to cast me out. I’ve lived in a constant state of fear since I was little. I have no future job prospects. And you forced me to tell you about being molested by my grandfather . . . and you have the gall to tell me not to worry. I’ve done . . .’

‘And if I can add to that Ron, Paul came to me of his own volition and spilled the beans on the money-laundering scheme. Without him, you wouldn’t have known the crime existed. Of course, when the news breaks, you’ll get the credit won’t you? . . . and probably a promotion as well, you owe him, Ron! And you owe me. I’ve helped you people in many different ways over the years and now, if you’re gonna turn your back on my client, don’t expect any further goodwill. So what’s it to be?’

‘Look, please understand my position. I can’t make promises, only the DA can recommend leniency. I do understand the pressure you’re under Mr. Hudson . . . at this point all I can say is you’ve been extremely co-operative, and I’ll make sure the DA understands this. I can’t do anymore. I’m sorry . . . I just can’t do anymore.’

Both Norman and Paul glared at his departing back.

‘I’m sorry Paul for putting you through that. Sooner or later you would have to talk to the authorities so I thought it would be better at my office. I didn’t expect such a negative reaction. Don’t worry, I’ll do my best . . .’

‘(laughing) Everyone keeps telling me not to worry, yet I’m worried sick. I guess I’m going to jail and I’ll lose Jaimee, the only good that’s happened to me in a long, long time. So what have I done wrong that’s gonna land me with a criminal record? It’s fine for the cop to say I should’ve quit . . .it sounds so simple, yet if he were in my position as a young kid . . . would he do anything differently? I think not!’

(Sighing) Go home Paul and let me deal with this, you have my word I’m in your corner and I won’t rest until justice has been done. I’ve still got good contacts and a few lawyer tricks I can use. Don’t despair . . . please.’

‘Yeah, yeah. So what do I do now? The cops are involved and if the mongrels find out, Jaimee’s blood is on my hands. Terrific!’

‘Well maybe not! I’ve got an idea. Do you know how to contact this Simon person?’

‘Well, Jaimee would. I believe he still has his mobile number. Why do you ask?’

‘Good. Here’s what I have in mind.’