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2024-10-29 19:42:56He thought about what Lukehad said as he put the main course and dessert into the oven.Franklin had examined it from all angles, but he could only see this as his only option.
He recalled the six-year-old boys who had been caught smoking cannabis when he was a Constable.Their educator had detailed them expecting to run an intercession.Clinton was one of three children in a family whose mother's new boyfriend thought they would benefit from using his baseball bat for practice.They'd been locked out of the house at times and had to spend the night with the trash in the small shed at the back.He once found them tied up like dogs and hungry.He helped them through the three-year legal battle against their parents.Instead of assistance and direction, they had come to anticipate abuse and neglect.Franklin had won their trust by being in the right place at the wrong time, despite the three drawbacks of being an adult, a man, and a police officer.Despite the fact that he was a police officer, he only knew that he was pleasant to talk to.However, when Clinton vanished, the boys had divided.Despite the fact that Franklin was still an outsider, their gang provided them with a sense of family and belonging.
He returned to Johnson .Her hair, which was no longer cropped close to her head, fell around her face in soft waves.Glad to have a genuine explanation, he ventured forward and kissed her on the cheek, apologized and followed it with a waiting embrace.He glanced over her shoulder at Johnny, who was clearly unimpressed by the embrace.Franklin held Johnson for a fraction more time.He ventured back and held her at a manageable distance, hesitant to let her go. "You look perfect."He let her know he had noticed the change by gently touching her hair.Johnson 's mother's pride and joy when she was young was her hair, which had fallen past her waist.When they moved from Germany following the murder of her mother, she had no recollection of her father's brutal haircut.
"I thought I'd let it grow again," she said as she touched her hair, blushing slightly.She probably smiled and he was unable to help himself, he embraced her once more. "It is wonderful to see you.
Supper was a blend of saucy remarks from Johnson , being a tease from Franklin and insults from Johnny.Over espresso, it was Lukewho kicked it off. 'Why don't you spit it out instead?What is the strategy, please?
Franklin looked at Lukeand Johnson .Okay.I know these boys.They have either been abused or attempted suicide, or possibly both.Under the auspices of a group called Youth with a Future, I keep in touch with them.They give people the chance to volunteer their time to help the boys.
Johnson leant in front of you.Do you think that because my mother was killed, the boys might be able to relate to me?If there are no parents to care for them, I suppose some of them are abused.’She picked up on the look that went between the two men.What?’
Franklin continued, "Actually, Johnson , many of them are abused by their parents."Adults are feared, and the home is not a safe environment.Put aside the Stranger Danger lessons that are taught in schools.The monster lives in their own house in their world.Their parents may even be sadists, drug addicts, alcoholics, or criminals.
‘What!That surely isn't common.'She scanned their faces from one to the other and both turned away.Oh my god, I had no idea that abused children would be common when I thought about what police officers see on the job.However, this group seems good.Doesn't it?'There was more, Johnson knew.
Franklin quickly added, "Yes, don't get me wrong," adding, "I have nothing but praise for the work they do."To participate in their programs, there is a waiting list.They have to turn away kids every week.They have done an excellent job.However, one of my boys has been murdered, and two of my boys have vanished.beaten and rendered helpless.They don't appear to know where they came from.I only know that the other boys are aware of something, but they are silent.'Franklin 's annoyance was plain to see.
'Rent boys?'Are you back on the street?Luke Inquired.
The boys who went missing were not playing the game, that's all.Look, we are familiar with their associates and the kind of abuse they endured.However, they primarily engage in minor theft.I'm wondering if some jerk is building a young gang for himself.'Franklin looked over at Johnson .Therefore, I suggested that you consider volunteering at Youth With A Future to see what you can learn.
You mean to volunteer to be a spy?Luke Continued to look for trouble.Obtain their trust so that she can extort any information from them.It might be risky.Johnson 's life could be in jeopardy if anyone believes she is connected to you.Have you considered that, if so?'This was not going to be easy for Johnny.
'Obviously, I'll do it.'Johnson stepped in.I didn't need you to make dinner for me to do this.Naturally, I'll do it.'Johnson drank more of her wine.She felt that everything was settled.
"Do whatever any volunteer would do."If you go to their weekend camp, you might overhear something, someone might tell you something, or someone might just say something casually.Johnson , I know it would be beneficial for you as well.'Franklin extended his hand and took her hand.You'll be able to see the suffering these children must endure.'Franklin thought it might assist Johnson in regaining perspective on her own life.
"Yes, correct!DS, you have the best heart.I might just go along for the ride to make sure Johnson is okay, I suppose.
"What is your intent?"This didn't sound good to Franklin .
"Just like Johnson , volunteer to help with the boys.I think my martial arts skills will impress them, as they require strong male role models.What is your take?'Lukemade a chopping motion as he slashed his hand down.
Johnson was overjoyed.I love that idea.Johnny.Franklin , what do you think?
Johnny, not Franklin , preferred having someone cover Johnson 's back.In the end, this didn't work out.Johnson would be offended if he discouraged Johnny.He gave a nod.There is a camp coming up in a few weeks if you volunteer now.You stay in the residences with the children, you can get very near some of them over the course of the end of the week.You do practices with them and eat with them.We forget everything about it, and the boys got some extra help at camp, if you don't think there is anything going on or if you haven't heard anything.You did something good.'After giving a shrug, Franklin stood up, crossed the bench, and returned a few brochures that he had hidden under the dishes when he arrived.
"My mother was murdered, and I had a stalker who was going to kill me," Johnson said with a sparkle in her eye.That was probably pretty cool for the kids.After stepping away from the brochure, Johnson sat back and surveyed Johnny.He looked exactly like he did—strong, serious, sinister, and dark.It had been up and down for a while, but Lukewas stubborn no matter what Johnson 's stalker did to him.
Okay, but she's out if I even get the slightest hint that Johnson is in danger or getting close to anyone she shouldn't.Agreed?’The difficulty was obvious.
‘Agreed.Johnson , you shouldn't take any chances.Simply maintain open eyes and ears.They will probably enjoy having a vivacious young volunteer around, and some of them might brag to impress you.It's possible that's all you need to get a sense of what's going on.'He inquired, “Okay?” to Johnny.
Luke Gave a nod.You can definitely relax, I'll mind her back.'
The warning could have had more than one meaning, Franklin was aware.Franklin got up and started putting his dishes in the box he bought for them.He took great pleasure in giving Johnson a second hug at the door, knowing that Lukewas in the next room and knew everything.Since he was her neighbor, he only had to walk next door to get home, and he was leaving Franklin behind.Johnson , promise me that you will carry out exactly what we discussed.You shouldn't take any chances,'
He couldn't stop thinking about the boys when he got home.The two boys who vanished would have chosen to live by their own wits rather than pursue a pedophilia ring, so he had ruled it out.That irritated him.It was simply assumed by everyone that they no longer wanted to join his group.However, the boys had vanished, as revealed by background checks.The fact that no one was looking out for them kept him awake at night.
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Johnson had anticipated that the compound would be pitch-black and eerie as she returned to her dorm from the shower block later that evening, but instead, bright spotlights illuminated each pathway.She paused to observe.During the day, the bush made road noise with the chirping of cicadas, but at night, the bush was alive as well.Rustling in the undergrowth, the occasional whistle screech of Kiwis, the call of Morepork, and the constant humming of opossums in the trees as they landed on the buildings' roofs with a little thuddingOnly a city girl would consider them adorable and furry because they were pests.While so many bad things took place below, she took in the dense roof of stars above and marveled at the breathless beauty.She had learned that the dorms had nightlights on all the time to calm the many people who were afraid of the dark.Many of them had hidden fears for the night.After making her way back into her dorm, Johnson settled into her bottom bunk.Teenage girls changing
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Douglas examined her face with a raised head.She held his eyes then, at that point, proceeded with her story. "I guess I had a pretty good upbringing in comparison to what I've seen here today because my father brought us to Australia.But a year ago, I got a house from someone I didn't know.The only thing I knew was that the house looked like someone lived there.I immediately recognized that.My husband thought....Well, he didn't think I didn't know who had given it to me.It made issues for ourselves and I wound up moving into the house all alone.Sadly, I was unaware at the time that a different person had keys.He also began following me.It went on for a long time, and he would have killed me. I could have died.Still finding it difficult to talk about it, she shivered.I had two friends at this point.Johnnie, a neighbor of mine, was one.Johnnie, who used to be a police officer, persuaded me to report it.My life was saved by his advice.She smiled as she gave Johnnie a look."You're doing
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"Is this okay with you boys?"Yes, that's cool!Stewart, look at what we learned.'A couple bowed and moved onto the ground. 'See?If we roll, we don't get hurt.'The partners of others flipped over their partners' legs.And if we are attacked, we can defend ourselves!Look!”Then came more demonstrations.Stewart laughed out loud.Although it is not exactly what we planned to do this afternoon, I suppose it is quite practical.Okay, continue.I will send you a few volunteers to assist.'Before turning and returning over the hill, he stood and watched for some time.Johnson smiled when he saw Johnnie's eyes.After giving a wink, he returned his focus to one of the bigger boys.That's pathetic, you big girl's blouse!'That night, Johnson learned that rolling on stones and bumps is covered up by concentration until the bruises show up later.She groaned as she scrubbed off the dirt and dust, but she was thankful for the hot shower.She had bruises on her hip, buttock, and left side of her back.She fea
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"Okay, halt!"She felt Douglas 's hands on her shoulders, and he quickly turned her around three times, leaving her feeling a little shaky and lost.Presently take the blindfold off and return us to camp.'When Johnson removed the blindfold, she realized that she was not only unaware of her location but also of the camp's direction.But I'm not sure where....'Not wanting to disappoint Douglas , she was frantically scanning the area around her.And to her surprise, the tree she had felt along the way was there.Similar to what she had done while blindfolded, she walked over to the tree and touched its bark.She was certain that it was the Johnson e tree.She observed the ground's downward slope as she looked around.She made her way to the bottom of the slope because she remembered going up a slope with increasing excitement.She didn't know whether Douglas was going in the right direction as he silently followed her.She looked around again for the leaves she had felt.Vulnerability overwhelme
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They crossed the road, walked into the reception area and showed their IDs to the receptionist who looked way too young to be sitting in reception. Franklin wondered why she wasn’t still at school and, she had on too much make-up. He asked to see Ken Watters and mentally prepared himself for the coming interview. At this rate, he’d go straight for the jugular. God, he hated people who took advantage! And when it came to kids, even if they were tall, 16-year-olds, they were still kids. They had a right…‘Can I help you?’The voice spun him around and he stopped. The man facing him was of solid build, ruddy faced with grey hair and was Franklin guessed, in his sixties. He was wearing a pale blue shirt with Auckland Steel embroidered on the pocket. Franklin guessed that this was not the man he was looking for. The receptionist was not as young or as empty-headed as he had assumed, this was obviously one of the Managers. He stepped forward, his badge out in front of him and introduced
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Ken stared at them in for a moment, then dropped his head, his sides heaved, and to Franklin ’s disgust, put his head in his hands and started sobbing. He was still gasping for air as they lead him out through reception. Michael led Ken to the car and Franklin went back looking for Ross Fowler to tell him how his apprentices had been treated. Sometimes, this was one of the benefits of the job. If Ross were half the man Franklin thought he was, this would be a big wake-up call for him and his Managers. This should have been discovered and stopped. There would be people who would know or guess what had been going on but, didn’t speak up. Now, maybe someone would take notice. Maybe, they would take a bit more care about who they promoted to supervise the youngsters.They now knew what happened to Clinton prior to him disappearing, but Franklin had a sinking feeling that Ken was going to clam up. The man was terrified, and Franklin was not surprised that Ken was babbling all the way
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Franklin didn’t want to give any details to Sam, but he knew she wanted the truth, no matter how bad it was. If she was willing to face the reality, he was willing to share it with her. ‘No, no he didn’t. He coerced Clinton into giving him blowjobs in the toilet out the back of the factory. It was his idea of pulling the young guys into line. He knew the other boys knew about it and, I guess, it made them toe the line and prepared them for what was coming next. We’ve got him for doing the boys and it turns out, he hurt his wife once too often, so we’ve got him for GBH for that as well. I’m hoping that when we tell her about the boys, she might be willing to think of more charges against him to compensate for her years of being his punching bag. Who knows, she may even know something, too.’There was nothing left to say.‘Well, that’s one more step forward for Clinton .’ And Sam stood on tiptoe to give him a kiss on the cheek. ‘Good job, Franklin .’ And she turned back to the stove.
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Outside, Franklin lifted his head and listened. Everything must have been going to plan in the warehouse, it was always a good sign when there had been no shots. But another sound caught his attention. Franklin knew what the sound was, an approaching motorbike. If the whole gang arrived, they would be totally outnumbered. However, they wouldn’t know that there were police there until they got into the warehouse. There was still no sign outside that there was anything out of the ordinary. It crossed Franklin ’s mind, that if he shut the gate, he would not only stop anyone from leaving, but he would also keep any backup out of the warehouse yard as well. But what the hell, they might as well catch all the rats in their trap. He clicked the radio and let Mark know there was at least one more bike coming their way. As he pulled back into the shadows, Franklin saw a bike move slowly through the gate and pull up in front of the warehouse and then just sit there with his bike idling. Fran
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He nodded, humbled by her reaction.She took his hand and led him inside. But she didn’t stop in the kitchen or the lounge. She kept walking straight down the hall into the bedroom. Franklin ’s heart thumped in his chest. She turned to face him, and he started to apologise for not being there for her when she put her finger across his mouth. ‘Shut up.’ She pulled him closer and stood on tiptoe to reach his lips. He lowered his head and allowed the feelings to swamp him. And suddenly, he took control. He turned and backed her against the wardrobe door and kissed her the way he’d dreamed of. And she responded exactly how she had in his dreams, but the feeling that surged through his blood was more intense than in the dream. It was pure bubbling champagne in his veins.Later whenever he thought of that moment, he never could figure out how they made it to the bed, but he sure remembered every touch, the taste of her and every movement they made together. It was simply perfect.Lying ther
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Mark heard the air hiss from Franklin as he called a warning to Tommie to drop the bat. The boy’s sobbing subsided as he realised help was at hand and he scrabbled away from Tommie’s vicinity. Sobbing turned to a soft hiccupping, and they all looked at Tommie, waiting. No one moved. One person prayed for Tommie to try something, there were now four guns aimed at him. Tommie slowly lowered the bat.‘Toss it away from you, towards the back wall.’ Mark’s voice was soft and dangerous, and Franklin wondered if he too would like to take Tommie down.The bat was tossed and before they could say anything else, he dropped to his knees, putting his hands behind his head. He knew the drill.Two of them moved forward, still cautious while two remained with their guns trained on him. He was handcuffed before Franklin made a move towards Bubba. Tears were streaming down his face, leaving tracks in dirt. ‘I think he’s broken me bloody knee.’ His bottom lip wobbled, and Franklin put one arm aroun
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Johnnie leaned over and put it on pause. ‘Yea,’ corrected Johnnie, ‘except for if you’re recording this and you want to get as much detail in as possible.’ He started it again.‘Okay, keep your hair on. Don’t let your shiny new Gold Wing bike go to your head.’ There were chuckles in the background.Franklin had snapped to attention. ‘Play that again.’ They listened to it again and Franklin sat back in his chair. ‘My god, if we can tie him into that bike, we’ve got him.’‘Really? The guy who’s at the back of all this?’Franklin nodded. ‘Where did you say you got this again?’Johnnie lifted one eyebrow. ‘Apparently, I found it on my doorstep tomorrow morning.’Franklin nodded. ‘Cautious aren’t they.’‘Wouldn’t you be? Well, I don’t know about you, but I think I’ll head home to get some beauty sleep.’ Johnnie finished the last of his drink. ‘Don’t say it, I need more than a sleep to fix that.’Franklin walked him to the door. ‘Thanks man, this could be the best link we have so far.
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Chapter 43
‘Yes, I met her in the coffee shop.’‘Her maiden name was Arbruzzio.’Franklin stared at him. ’She’s his aunt? Arbruzzio’s?” He breathed out. ‘She told me Arbruzzio had helped her. I got the impression that she owed him.’‘You got sucked in, man. She must be good.’Franklin shook his head. ‘Unbelievable, I totally believed her. So is she a part of everything too?’ Franklin felt his world shift. He had hoped that she might look out for the boys but there was a strong possibility that she was in it with Tommie and Arbruzzio up to her neck. ‘Damn it, women aren’t supposed to take advantage of young boys. Call me old fashioned, but it’s just not right.’ He took a minute to take it in, then continued. ‘So, what about the finances? Anything shonky?’‘Other than it seems that the place has an unusually high turnover for a coffee shop that size, nothing really.’‘You think they’re laundering money?’‘Looks like it but the tax office did an audit on them and they were able to explain the tu
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Chapter 42
‘You deserve that. You did great, Babe. I’m proud of you.’ And he raised his bottle, clinked it against her wine glass and took a swig.She took a tentative sip. ‘Bit early for this, isn’t it?’‘Nah, let’s live dangerously.’ Johnnie looked down, swallowed then looked at her again. ‘I’m sorry Babe. I knew it was bad, but I had no idea…’‘Johnnie, it’s past. Finished. Don’t get upset about it. I’m sorry you had to hear that but I felt he was getting sympathy and that was the only way I could think of that would change the mediator’s point of view.’Johnnie grinned. ‘Did you see the look on his lawyer’s face?’ He took another swig. ‘Just as well Franklin wasn’t there, he would’ve wanted to kill him. I mean I did too, but I’m glad Franklin wasn’t here.’‘Don’t forget, Franklin investigated the stalking at that time and he interviewed David. He was the one who warned me not to meet him for a while and then only in public. He knows what David had become.’‘Are you going to ring him and t
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She nodded and walked back towards the kitchen. Some of the boys at the other tables watched her walk past out of the corner of their eyes, but no one made any smart remarks. Not to Maria. None of them were that stupid.Bubba headed home when he had finished his coffee, he didn’t want to hang around while he was carrying his payment on him. He’d got paid and he’d helped Alex and the guys who were trying to find who’d killed Clinton . As he got to the top of the hill at the end of his street, he looked back at the city sparkling below. It looked like a sideshow at a fair, all lit up to tempt you to come and play. But he knew only too well, the kind of playtime this could be. His bruises were healed for the moment, but his scars ran deeper. He looked from the sparkling yellow lights to the clear sky above. Stars were twinkling, some shining brighter than others. Bubba searched the sky until he found one bright enough for what he was looking for. That one. He watched it for a moment, shi
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Chapter 40
‘Calm down, Babe. He’s requested a reconciliation meeting with you through your lawyer, who is obligated to pass it on to you. You don’t have to do that if you don’t want to.’‘Really? I don’t have to?’ Sam dropped into a chair, relief clear on her face. ‘But that reads as if it is one of the steps to the divorce.’‘Yea, well I believe that they like to try to get the couple to reconciliation if at all possible. Tell your lawyer that you are frightened for your life, that meeting him would be traumatic for you and leave it with him.’ Johnnie crouched down beside her. ‘As long as he doesn’t get either your mobile or your address, you’re safe. And besides, you’ve been doing my self-defence course, you’re better placed to protect yourself if the need arises.’Sam shivered. ‘It was horrible. I didn’t think I would have to see him again. But I’ll sound so much like a coward if I don’t attend that meeting. I should go, tell them that there is no way I would feel safe being in the same room
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Chapter 39
‘He’s really working that table. He’s trying hard to impress.’Martin glanced in at the table again, watching the ceremony of honouring the older men, the showing of respect for these elder businessmen. ‘I think he’s just showing respect. He’s Arbruzzio’s new partner so he’s got to work to be accepted into their business world. And this is the way to do it. Those guys coming and going at the end of the table, they are making an appearance and showing the same respect.’‘How long do you think this lunch is going to go for? They’ve been here two and a half hours so far.’Michael checked out the table. ‘They’re not at coffee yet, so it may go for a while longer. Relax Martin, how often do you get a great meal like this paid for? Franklin would give his right arm to be seated where you are now, but Arbruzzio knows him. Watch out, here comes another one.’ Michael picked up his phone, lifting his sunglasses to get a better look at the screen. He lifted the phone and aimed it at Martin, ‘
