"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 feared that by tomorrow, she would experience additional discomfort.
Gratitude for the warmth and the opportunity to sleep off the day's emotional and physical efforts took all of her energy to cuddle up in her bed.She rolled over and gave herself a hug before falling asleep.However, a whisper caught her attention as she drifted.The two girls in the bunk next to them were arguing.Johnson listened in unreservedly on the conversation.
Since I began working there, he has been approaching me.He is so old that he must be at least thirty, which is disgusting.Yuk!’
What did you do, then?
‘Well, at first, I just didn't pay any attention, but now that he gets me to come into his office, you know, I can't ignore him,'He has also been giving me things.He would initially provide me with out-of-date stock to take home.He then gave me a necklace and a bracelet to wear.I made a lot of money selling them to one of the boys at the skatepark, but it still gives me the creeps and I don't know how to stop it.I can't tell anyone that I don't want to lose my job.What do you think I ought to do?'
Johnson took a deep breath in anticipation of the advice.
‘Look, you dickhead, what will occur is a foregone conclusion.Try to spread it out first so you can get as many gifts as possible.After that, you'll just have to learn to shut down and let him do what he wants.You can complete it more quickly by pretending.Guys in that situation rarely take long to respond.They've been dreaming about it for too long, and they're afraid they will be found.No matter what you do, don't go anywhere with him so long as you keep it in the office.If no one is present, things can get nasty once they believe they have control.They believe they can do whatever they want.
Johnson had a hard time controlling her rage.She was heartbroken by the children's lack of options.Her instinct was to fight, but here was a girl who didn't think anyone could help her and didn't want to lose her job.She believed that there was no way out.The only way out of the pit for this girl was to get a job, so she was trying to climb out.Her job was more than just a way for her to make a living; it was also a way for her to regain her independence and self-worth.In spite of what your mother and stepfather said about you, regain the belief that you were entitled to success in this world.
"Just try to stay alive for as long as you can."They won't give up when they don't get what they want, so you'll get more presents.Once they have it, you might get a clip across your head and not be treated well.Do you understand what I'm trying to say?Give me a hug, it will be fine, come on.
As one climbed into the top bunk, the bed creaked.As they hunkered down under their covers to whisper in the dark, secure cave of the sheets, their voices became increasingly muffled.
Johnson was still cooking there.She resisted, but her resolve strengthened as the thought of the girls finding out she was listening held her back.The scum who treated children in this manner needed to be dealt with.And she realized that Franklin was doing exactly that.In addition, she was absolutely going to assist him in locating the person who had tortured and killed Clinton and might be torturing other children at the moment.
Johnson had a bad night's sleep and had trouble getting out of bed the next morning because he was feeling helpless and forced to give in after the conversation the night before.Johnnie dished himself breakfast and sat down next to her while she was eating her breakfast in the food court.She was sitting away from the other people so that they could talk because she had been feeling a little down.She took a look at the eggs, sausages, hash browns, and toast on his plate.At least you won't starve, right?'
He gave her cereal plate a cursory glance.You ought to also be eating a healthy breakfast after all that exercise yesterday.’
However, Johnson lacked appetite.Despite her desire to move away from her plate, she continued to load her bowl with cereal.
Johnnie said under his breath, "Now listen": "I called Franklin this morning, and he is going to follow up with Clinton 's supervisor."He said to congratulate you on your accomplishments.
Johnson fixed on him.How did you speak to him?There's no telephone.'
"At the conclusion of the drive, what do you think I left in the bag?"a mobile phone and a few other items I may have required.I called him when I went back down last night after the lights went out.Franklin will be able to start working on it right away, and I think the sooner he does, the better.Clinton 's body was dumped as a warning.This indicates that additional young children are still involved.He needs to act quickly if he wants to prevent other kids from being hurt.'
Johnson grinned.I would never have thought to leave that bag, what a brilliant idea.'In point of fact, Johnson came to the realization that she had simply approached this circumstance in the Johnson e manner as she had approached the stalking situation: blunder along and observe what transpired.There was no preparation, no prior thought, just full speed ahead.And dealing with people who don't play by the rules is just plain stupid.people who are ready to kill in order to get what they want.
"What's going on?"She was brought back by Johnnie's harsh tone.
"Nothing, I'm just.........," and "Don't shut me out, Johnson ."I can tell when something is wrong.Do not fabricate an excuse.Simply inform me, it's easy.'
She moaned. 'Last night, I overheard two of the girls conversing.She also shared what she had heard with him.
Johnnie listened without interrupting, but she could tell he was angry by the way his jaw muscle moved.Who is this girl, and where does she work?'
Karrie was the one.It wouldn't be hard to find out where she works, but I'm not sure where.'She knew right away why he was asking.Are you thinking about visiting him?Wouldn't that make her situation even worse?'
"Not if handled correctly.Just let me know where she works.He dug into his meal once more.Also, you need to get going.If you go about your day like a wet blanket, you won't be of any use to these girls.In addition, "you’ve got to learn to handle hearing these stories if you want to continue as a volunteer," he said, turning to look her in the eye.
Despite the harshness of his tone, Johnson recognized that he was correct.She would be too emotional if she didn't keep her distance from what she heard.It would submerge her.They didn't need her sympathy or tears; they needed her strength and compassion.Emotion also meant that you couldn't think clearly.On the off chance that individuals they were managing were perilous, reliable discernment was crucial.
"I'm sorry, Johnnie."She leaned over and gave him a cheeky kiss.He gave a nod, mumbled, "You're welcome," and then slurped down yet another serving of food.
Johnson was overjoyed when Douglas picked her to work with on a trust exercise that morning.Each person was blindfolded, and their partner verbally instructed them throughout the room and then led them outside through the woods without touching.Being told to walk forward while unable to see in front of you was upsetting.You just had to walk and have faith in the other person.Johnson was perplexed as Douglas first led her around the room's obstacles before instructing her to extend her hands in front of her and then kneel.She slouched, frowning, and noticed a warm glow in front of her hands.She giggled out of surprise.It's the radiator!'
He then led her out of the room, across the clearing, and into the bush with his assistance.Johnson simply released her and let him lead her.She used all of her senses consciously while she was blindfolded.Despite the fact that she had walked this route numerous times throughout the weekend without noticing any of it, she could smell the trees, the damp earth, and the sickly sweetness of rotting leaves.As she walked, she reached out to touch sharp bushes and feel shiny leaves.She noticed when they leveled out and when they were walking up a slope.She had the idea that Franklin and Johnnie lived this way.They used every sense at all times to gather as much information as they could at any given time.
"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
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
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
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.
‘The one causing the song and dance,’ Michael answered. ‘Rumour has it that he’s a bit temperamental.’‘Can I help you?’They spun around, and Franklin gave himself a mental kick for allowing their comments to be overheard.‘I’m Shane Burge the station General Manager. How can I help you?’Both men showed their ID. ‘We’re looking into the disappearance of a young boy called Matt Sunderland. He did work experience here for a while and we were wanting to speak to anyone who may have come in contact with him.’‘Of course, let me find out the details from HR for you. I should be able to tell you how long he worked here and who he might have worked with.’ He walked back to the desk and picked up the phone. ‘Sarah, have we had a Matt Sunderland do work experience?’ He waited, listening. Franklin looked back out into the office. Gary King was staring directly at him. Franklin nodded at him. The news had got out fast and Gary didn’t look at all pleased to see the police at the station. Th
‘If you were to guess, what do you think he might be getting up to when he left here?’‘Well, like most kids I suppose. He probably had people he hung out with which mightn’t have been the best influence.’‘What makes you say that?’Gary shrugged his shoulders. ‘Kids that age, you know.’They waited, watching. It usually worked.‘I do know there was someone he was scared of though.’Bingo! ‘Keep going.’ Franklin could smell the truth behind his apparent attempt at looking like he was cooperating.‘Well, I walked out of the studio with him once and he stopped. There was someone sitting in a car outside. He asked me if there was a back way out. I told him to come with me through the basement and I could drop him off wherever he was going.’‘And did you?’‘Well, that was the funny thing, we just got down the road and he asked to be let out.’‘And?’‘He got out and I never saw him again.’‘What kind of car was it?’Gary looked at them and elation shot through Franklin as he knew that th
‘Sure. Is there something wrong?’‘I’ll explain when I see you.’ He couldn’t afford the risk of her trying to discuss Clinton ’s case with him until they had checked whether or not her place was clean. He had to convince them that Sam was not worth their attention. And he had to find out who he was convincing.He studied the face of the guy in the pics from Johnnie, spread his fingers on his iPhone to bring it up larger but still didn’t recognise him. He was young, fresh looking. He obviously wasn’t a gang member, maybe he was the real deal and had been bought. Do the odd job for us and we’ll make it worth your while. Still, you could never tell. Most psychopaths were the most charming and good looking. He forwarded the pics to Michael ’s phone and called him into his office. He filled Michael in on what it was about and what they were going to do. ‘If there’s anything there, I’ll bring one in tomorrow. We’ll leave one behind so it will just seem like one is malfunctioning. If they a
‘Aunt Amelia, you didn’t need to bring veges, I picked them up on the way home.’ Franklin came forward, bent and kissed her on both cheeks, taking the bags from her.‘Huh! But these are from Stepan’s garden. Not the tasteless shells you get at shops. And there is some goulash from the dinner you missed. Good goulash, make you grow. You too small.’Franklin caught Sam’s eye and she could see how much he loved having his family around.‘And about time we meet your girlfriend.’ Amelia turned to face Sam. One sweeping glance and Sam was summed up, assessed and approved. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Sam in the warmest hug Sam had ever had. She was completely enveloped in a loving circle. Sam stepped back, blinking. You could face anything life could throw at you if you were a part of this family.If Sam thought that food would dampen down the chatter, she had vastly under-estimated their humour and energy. They had the ability to eat, tease, question and laugh all at t
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
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
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
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.
‘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
‘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
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
‘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
‘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, ‘