And back down

Continuation of From the ground up. Co-mother of construction company owner daughter is roofied, raped, abused, ridiculed, and laughed at by rich kids. One of the 'polite young men' resigns his p

The party grew to a town tradition. Babysitters were booked weeks in advance, kids planning theme nights with babysitters and their ‘posse.’ In addition to construction workers, now builders, inspectors, politicians, and tradespeople, everybody wanted in. Albina Zackowski had added a polka band and appropriate food the second year. It no longer bothered anyone seeing Jose with a bratwurst and Guinness Porter Stout, Zack with a sauerkraut burrito.

The terrible two, just past two and the best trackers of varmints in the area, were captured, washed, and stuffed in bed, complaining loudly they could hear the party. George and Emily were ready for a courtesy appearance at the party and then bed.

Albina walked in and asked, "If I kill some people, will you help raise my kids?" Serious as death. "What!!! My youngest, Jody, they raped her." The polite young man in the corner of the room left, replaced by another, puzzled. Albina said they roofied her, gang-raped, laughed at her. The quiet, polite young man came to the table, sat, and took her hands. "Do you have their names?" "Yes. I will kill them, if you want.” She actually looked at him, his eyes, and realized she was holding death, real, not bragging, not showing off, serious, death. Oh god, the temptation.

George interrupted, what happened. I let her go to school dance, with a boy she liked, Tommy, he offered her a ‘new Coke’. She woke up, nude, being assaulted by three boys. She got home hysterical, I took her to ER. Raped, three samples. Roofie. Despite treatment, she’s pregnant. Won’t leave her room. Cry's all the time. . Boy is rich, does this al the time. Laughs, says consensual. Taunts her on social media. His dad runs a big time law firm.

She says not baby fault going to carry to term. I want his name as husband long enough for child. Alter that, he can go to hell. And I want the other two b******s to leave her alone, painfully.

Polite young man, names? OK, no one dead. Your call. And he was gone.

George called Mr. Beachcomber of Beachcomber, Bobbitt, and Willis. I’m so sorry Harry, something’s come up. A good friends 15 year old was gang raped and if u have time,.,,….. here are names. Known repeaters. Thanks so….. OK

After he hung up, he remembered Harry’s granddaughter. No, he’d have time. And anything else he needed.

Bevis and Butthead or whatever their names were woke in excruciating pain. They found the call button just out of reach. Guy standing between beds thumped each on bandage, hard. When they tried to call, a corner of napkin was forced in their mouth and halfway down throat. Then he hit their broken ribs very hard and for what seemed like an hour. And they still had no memory of getting to hospital. Finally he said if you mention Jody, laugh at her, make fun of her, I will come back and beat you to death, very very slowly. Understand? They nodded. He left. Both had soiled themselves. Later one of the kids in group came by and using their phones, posted fake ratings of Jody in bed. The guy came back, looked at their hands and said who used your phones. They told him. Using semi-legal fools he chained through the entire snake nest of social media accounts. Collected all pictures, and dumped in net. Girl with lots of guys, girls, groups. Lots of group pictures. Guys with guys, every kind of perversion.
Separation from Tommy.
Tommy’s father threatened to sue. Lots of noise. Harry’s firm finally told him tio shut up, he had no case just because his son was trash. He threatened to sue Harry. That gave everyone a good laugh.

Harry and his even less amused sr staff met with Tommy’s farther and their lawyer. Harry said you will
Keep your mouth shut
Marry the girl in front of a priest in church
Divorce or annul marriage as they wish
Relinquish all parental rights
Never contact or mention her again
Never contact or mention your child again
Keep your mouth shut

Fat chance said father. Or Harry said, "We will ruin your business, bankrupt you, and leave you penniless. "And in order to eat, you will agree to the same terms."

Are you threatening me?"" Yes," said Harry.

I’m rich," he said. "Not after everyone else decides you and your son are trash. I’m going to help that decision."

She just wants my money!" "Oh," said Harry, "child support, almost forgot, thanks!"

Birth to 15, $75,000 a year
15 to 20, $100,000 a year
20 to 25, $150,000 a year
21 to 25, full ride school of their choice, est. $900,000

And before you bluster, family court judges set child support at their discretion. Want to discuss the gang rape of a minor with one? Enjoy.

He just sat. His lawyer said we would have to consider this offer. Harry said, "Offer, interesting word choice." The child WILL be born legitimate. If not, I will become very unpleasant. Very. Don’t take too much time.
Bill
The polite young man was back, sitting with her as usual, holding her hand. "Why are you here?" , my sister, been years; still not 100% back." She looked at him. "Thank you…. You have never even given me your name." A pause. "Use Bill. I have as much ID there as anybody." Thank you, Bill." He smiled at her with a barely noticeable squeeze of her hand. Emily and Marie noticed.

They noticed he always stood when she entered. Polite, yes. It also allowed him to follow her to a couch. And how he escorted her wherever she wanted. And treated Jody as just an accident victim to her relief. Upon reflection, he was actually a polite, not so young man. His health routine and condition were misleading. He was closer to Albina than Jody in age. As he was always on site when Albina was, the crew noticed him. Some crew members with a rough background took one look and knew Albina was safe. For the others, the proof came on Friday when the current smash and grab group hitting construction sites on payday hit as he arrived to escort Albina. He called the local precinct, asked for the patrol sergeant by name, then said he had trash pickup. The police arrived, picked up 4 battered and unconscious thugs for transport to the hospital, and walked away with no questions.

Jody, like the other women, which she was rapidly becoming, noticed everything he did. Jody saw the semi-retired custom builder who showed up for every social occasion Maria attended. The architect who was always there for Emily’s mom. And she noticed that her mom would have a nicer dress, some jewelry, and a little makeup when Bill was coming over. She also heard the occasional creaking of stairs and whispers from the hall.

She worked through the “my mommy” stuff to mother to mom. She decided to push. Listening carefully and walking soundlessly, she caught them, in robes, whispering outside her mom's room as she shuffled to the bathroom yet again. They froze. As she passed, she said too early to be getting up. And she kept going. Returning to her room, the hall was empty.

The next morning, Bill ate in his robe. Then he said he had to visit the combustion site. Her mom gave her a look she didn’t understand. She finally figured it was a woman to woman thank you. It made her so happy.
Obserwator Security
Bill walked into George’s office and said, “I’m afraid I must resign.” “No surprise,” said George. “I wish you a happy life. What are you going to do?” Well, I really don’t have to work.” Yeah, right. Two weeks of not working and you and Albina won’t even be speaking

Well, I don’t know anything about construction. Most of my skills won’t transfer.” Wrong,” said George. “How many construction sites, of some kind, are active in 5 county area?” “I’ll save you the wrong answer: over 250. You know all the big yellow equipment with funny tires or treads sitting around on sites? A lot of it is 40 to 90 grand, with high school security systems. They lose, in this area alone, around 250k a month. I’ll bet a professional hard-case investigator could cut that by, what, half?” “More like 90% said Bill, showing interest.

Let’s go talk to some builders. The 5 County Builders breakfast is today. Put on your business look.” There was some interest, but the builders had been burned by most security companies in the area who wanted a fortune up front to put operators at sites overnight. And even less from Robbie Henderson, owner of the largest equipment sales outfit in the area who was really dismissive, hostile even. Bill left it at trial; he would cover sites the coming weekend, and they could continue the discussion Monday. He watched Robbie very thoughtfully. He was, well, ‘off’ in his responses. Interesting.

He hired a guy; they toured sites on Wednesday, setting up cameras. He found and leased a small old two-story warehouse. He set antennas on the roof. Installed desks couch and coffee machine. Phones. Security on the building. Ordered signs and business cards for Obserwator Security. Albina thought The name was great, so he kept it

Monday, he showed up at the builders' breakfast with 3 semi-trailers of equipment, worth about half a million dollars. The police showed up needing numerous reports checked and signed to return stuff to the owners. They said he had also given them 7 battered thieves with video footage and their boss, Robbie.

Bill said this was a freebie. Now he needed to discuss contracts. If he saw stealing, he would report it, but if they wanted his company to watch, he needed remuneration. Some idiot said, "If you're out there, why should we pay you?" Bill replied, "Oh, like you and your crew are here so you can upgrade my third garage to code, living space, bath, kitchen, door, window as all for nothing? Back here in the real world, work costs. Pay, or it doesn’t get done. Guy said he didn’t like Bill's attitude; Bill told him to FO. If they wanted their stuff protected, pay up. He handed out flyers and cards and left. The flyers had a handy chart on replacement costs for commonly stolen equipment and his weekly and monthly rates. The pros came at him: the hospital, police, and DA all called him "Sir" and "Mr. Because all the cases he made, overwhelming evidence.

The number of clients was rising. Obserwator Security becoming a name in the industry.

The pros came after the families he worked with. That caused the polite young men to act. Most of the thugs were dead or in ICU. One DA said, "Exactly who are you?" I asked hard and was told to sit down, shut up, and leave you alone by very sober senior staff at a very large agency.

Bill said, "Want coffee? And ignored them.
Wedding
Bill paid a visit to Tommy. Said wedding was scheduled for Friday. Don’t be late. He laughed and said he would never marry a little piece of trash. Bill said, See, you won’t ever miss those teeth at the wedding. Let me explain this: you will be getting married Friday, standing or in ICU. Friday. I’ll bet you can nod from the oxygen tent; want to try? Friday. Tommy’s dad called, screaming about intimidation. Bill asked if they had a favorite funeral home and reminded him, "Friday." He sent an invitation to Harry Beachcomber marked "FYI."" Harry decided to tighten the screws very tightly. That family fortune suddenly became entangled in numerous local, state, and federal cases. Frozen assets from end to end. Legal abuse? Absolutely; it didn’t keep Harry awake for a second.

Friday, two large guys showed up to escort Tommy. At the first sign of hesitation, they demonstrated how the infliction of extreme pain can focus the mind. The Bishop, who strongly looked like a funeral mass, was much more to his liking, structured marriage ceremonies to require only a "Yes" from Tommy. Once married, Tommy was handed his phone, told to keep quiet and call a rideshare.

Tim, a nice kid who had been, well, visiting family a lot, courteously asked Madame Albina with a nod, Madame Josephine, may I escort you home? Albina said that would be her decision. Jody said, why yes, thank you.

I month later, after Jody’s daughter was born, he asked if, as the father was unavailable, he could escort her to her christening mass. Jody gratefully agreed. Her daughter was as baptized and christened as Ilona.
Eject Tommy
Harry notified, on his firm letterhead, that they considered the child support agreement, copy attached, in effect, and deposits were expected in the Capitol Account, number attached, on the first of the month, without exception. CC to Family Court.

He then asked the ladies when they wanted to eject the useless clown. He would file for divorce whenever she wanted. Jody settled down to being a mom, yet being under her mom's roof. An increasingly uncomfortable situation. She didn’t want to live off Tommy’s money; that was for Ilona. She needed a job. A real job that would support her. Talking to Bill one night, she offered some accounting advice that fixed his billing issue for good. After dinner, he asked her to have coffee with him. What’s with the detailed accounting? I was in the last year of junior college AP accounting when Timmy raped me (Bill was impressed with her growing ability to discuss the trauma) but I was a couple of weeks from graduating the program. That is what the AP advisor at her school had said to Bill, plus how whip-smart she was. OK, start working for me, at home, part-time, to ease into it. A Monday start for work for you? Pay comprehensive based on work. A slow start is typical for women rearranging their lives, including child care.

She just looked at him, answers to all her problems. Have you discussed this with Albina? No, should I?

No, no, just asking. Yes, I would be grateful for the opportunity. She had some child care options already; her mom and the unconscious ’do it my way” attitude was not one of them. She had a lady she’d been talking to; she watches 3 or 4 kids max. She could afford it. She called the lady, deal. A friend’s dad had a converted room above the garage, kitchen/living room, bath, and two tiny bedrooms. Called, deal. She had never been one for elongated easing into situations. She would take it one day at a time for a couple of days; she wasn’t stupid, but she planned full-time by the end of next week.

Next, the real issue: Albina. Mom had a fit: why move out, work somewhere else, use family as babysitters their way, live at home, dress differently, and on and on.

Finally, she said she was doing it. Period. And left poor Bill to take the heat. He didn’t. He looked up and said, “Grown. A good mom. Managing tough trauma. Let her be a grown-up.” And went to get more coffee.

When she finally got her limited possessions into the apartment and locked the door for the first time, tons lifted from her shoulders. She and Ilona liked the babysitter. The resale shop gave her access to business attire: not young, not sexy, professional.

She showed up at Obserwator Security looking like an accountant and did the work of one. Bill was very pleased. Two months later, after her overall audit, he was ecstatic. She had found 6 figures of missing billing, undercharging, incorrect refunds, and, in general, stupidity. 6 figures! For his company, huge. She got a serious raise, effective the previous month. Albina was proud; Tim asked if they could have coffee sometime. She sat him down, “You know my background, right? That I don’t and never will have any relationship with Tommy? So, if you want to ask me out, ask.” He said, “But you are married.” The next morning, she called Harry. "How may I help, my dear?" Please eject him." Consider it done." How are you managing?" "Good, sir. I'm doing accounting at a small firm, got my own place, and just got a raise." Oh, I am so glad to hear that." But please call me Uncle Harry. Someone in my office will call if we need anything. Thank you, Uncle.

Harry’s office called the Bishop and Arch Bishop. Both were old card playing opponents. Said you know the story, roofied, gang raped, pregnant, kept child, forced marriage to ensure legitimacy, child baptized and christened as Ilona in our church. Stable, self supporting. I see no reason she put up with an army of questioning priests about her fake marriage. I vote we approve her annulment and divorce with all due haste. Harry, you don’t have a vote said Bishop. Well, I should he said. However, we do know the story. Approved. Any opposed? Done

Process is normally around a year, 18 months. Hers took 2 days.

Harry came to her office. Bill was surprised, good morning Mr…. Uncle Harry, want some coffee? No dear, I just wanted to tell you in person, you are single in eyes of church and may take communion as you see fit. Paperwork follows. She squealed and hugged Harry thoroughly. He looked happy. Tom looked very happy. She walked past him with Harry, quietly said so ask.

Śledzone Accounting
A few weeks later, she took morning coffee to Bills office, Whats up? Business, you don’t need me, not 40 per week, I’ve been watching, everything is flowing correctly, everything balances. I want to cut back to 4 hours a week, for you. I’ll still do your taxes, and any emergency but i feel like I’m stealing sitting around drinking coffee doing nothing. He sighed, "Damn honest people," with a smile. And your plans are? Śledzone Accounting. Which brings me to those tiny offices on ground floor. I’d pay std rate for one. In this neighborhood, not much. Smile, yep.

Śledzone huh, Tracked. Nice.

Signed lease on office. Ordered and installed sign, ordered business cards, flyer’s, stationary, good laser printer, 2nd work computer. Used furniture store: desk, filing cabinets, lightly used couch, a few chairs, coffee machine, desk lamp, and minor items. Some newer business outfits. Took Bill's offer of recommendation gratefully. Talked to several businesses, construction because she understood it and they knew her, or of her. Others due to recommendation. First client that day, end of the week, replaced income from Bill.

Her mom, however, YOU QUIT???? But why? It was stable, blagh blagh….. Gave the family business cards. Stopped the ‘bad idea’ comments to say her income was already above what Bill had been paying her. Bill, bless him, said, "Hey, ‘mommy,’ she’s grown, has her own business; let her be." As she walked by, she gave him a quick hug, thanks.

Kidnapping
Next week, she called him at work. "Bill, I kind of have a problem." Sounding worried, she had all his attention; it’s probably nothing, but the lady who watches Ilona, she said there have been several people asking about Tommy's child. You did the right thing. Let me look into this." Taking his climber and cameras, they covered Jody’s apartment, the babysitter's place, and even the office downstairs. All feeds were on 24/7 watch. Deciding to play all the angles, Beachcomer was called. Left a message regarding the physical safety of Jody and Ilona. Harry called back with, "WHAT?" Someone is sniffing around Jody’s life for information on “Tommy’s child.” 5 minutes of truly impressive profanity followed. Bill, it always surprises me how abysmally stupid some people are. You read the agreement? Albina showed me. Did you see anything about contact with Jody or Ilona? No, sir, the opposite. Thank you for calling me…. Uh, you're not sitting on Tommy's cadaver just now, are you? Never mind, don’t answer that. Let's reserve that.

Harry called a meeting with Tommy’s clan; well, it’s not really a meeting when only one person speaks, and he is very loud. Harry said they had signed a legal document, and if they crossed the line again, he’d have them in jail. And get out. He put some bright young men to looking into the cesspit of the entire clan. It appears they were having severe money problems that would magically disappear if an heir could be produced for rather more, as in very moral, churchgoing relatives living in another state. Jody and Ilona, in their current state, were self-sufficient, strong, and moral; in the good graces of the church, they would fit its expectations to a tee.

How she got there from a drugged, raped, pregnant victim of Tommy certainly would not. Their only hope was custody and rapid brainwashing toward ‘Dad’ Tommy. Unfortunately, custody of children among families across state lines can be a “possession is 9/10” kind of situation. Some drag on for years. Harry knew that it would not happen but wanted to protect everyone from disruption. He had a long discussion on familial kidnapping, especially across state lines, with Bill.

Bill thought about vulnerabilities and targets. Idiots are easy; they want Ilona, so there was a vacant apartment in the building where Ilona was kept. TV monitors, a long discussion with Police Sgt., with girl children and a long memory, and handcuffs. The hard part, wait.

Amateurs. His operatives saw the idiots literally from a block away; they set up to get a clear view of Ilona as her mom dropped her off. Then they moved for frontal assault on the building and babysitter. Meanwhile, the babysitter and all the happy kids were taken out the back and to the zoo.

When the thugs broke in, they were all beaten unconscious, handcuffed, and given to watching police and DA.

Harry, the mean SOB, decided this had to stop. Through the church, he set up a meeting with Tommy’s relatives. Showed them all the police, medical, and church reports. Introduced them to Jody, they heard her story, met Ilona, and were told that their company was not welcome. Perhaps in a few years. They were truly heartbroken about a DIL and granddaughter where they were unwelcome and with cause. Plus, they were ragingly furious at Tommy.

Harry and Bill met with Tommy” crew, said with extensive surveillance the DA said they’d get attempted kidnapping easy. Of a minor? By By. They then mentioned the DA was offering a nice deal for solid information on who ordered as well as led the attempt.

Jody
Ilona asleep, Tim and Jody sat on the couch in her apartment, lightly necking. She said, "Thanks for taking us slow; I’ve never done this." What, kiss?" Tim. I went from a virgin on my first real date to a drugged, sore, bruised, bleeding, pregnant victim." Smiling, there was a lot I missed on the way by. I never thought... Oddly, I cannot regret all of it because it gave me Ilona. But I intend to stay in control of every detail of my life, all the rest of my life." "You are a remarkable woman," Tim said. "And that earns a kiss," she replied, snuggling into his chest.

Without any discussion with family or friends, she had set up a relationship with a gynecologist, discussed her history, verified she was healthy, and obtained a contraceptive prescription, which she filled and took like clockwork. “Control” She also had a supply of high-end prophylactics. “Control”

With no discussion, she had walked into Bill's office, closed the door, and said, "Sometimes I worry about living alone. What do you think about personal protection?" He got up, said he would be back, and took her out the back door. At the gun range, he had her load, unload, clean, fire, and tell him, face to face, her opinion of a number of pistols. That technique narrowed the list dramatically. She left with a Glock 26, a good cleaning kit, several boxes of ammo, a couple of holsters, and a mandatory (per Bill) gun handling course and range practice weekly. And a standing date for shooting. He said the most dangerous gun is any in the hands of an amateur.

As she left, she said, Thanks, Dad, I…., and just stopped. Uh, I uh, what…. Bill said, "It’s OK, I’ve thought of you as a daughter since I met you." They shared a hug that started awkwardly and became real instantly.

A week or so later, at a family-ish group dinner, she had casually called him Dad, and the reactions had been humorous. Her mother had almost spit water across the entire end of the table. Bill and Jody had caught it, grinned at each other, and just gone on. Funny.

Ann
Jody had been thinking a lot about this and decided to do it. She went over to Obserwator Security, knocked on Bill's door. He looked surprised. "Knocking? I don’t know if you’re going to toss me. Dad, Bill, I know every busybody in the country has bugged you, but could I talk to your sister?" He looked at her for a long time. "You know, that might be a good idea. Friday evening?" "Sure.

Friday, completely unsure of what she was doing, she met Ann for dinner, just them. "Hi, I’m Jody, Albina’s daughter." Looking at her, damn, he has kept you out of the loop. Bill has been living with Albina for about two years now. I’ll hold him while you pound, do him some good. Ann smiled I’ve thought that.

Now the awkward part, the’re together because of us. I was just 15, on my first real date, dance. Got roofied, beat up, gang raped, pregnant, target of every a*s at school. Everyone told consensual. Dad, your brother, stepped up to help Mom. Between him and Uncle Harry, my lawyer, we have made the three boys lives into dog crap. Forced the father to marry me in church, had it annulled. He’s paying child support through college. I’m saving all of it for her. I’ve found myself calling him dad because my real dad is dead and Bill has helped me no end

I’m good at accounting, real good. Fixed Bills payroll and he gave me a start. My audit found him a lot of money, I started Śledzone Accounting. Good money, at point of needing to hire help. Got a maybe boyfriend, I have no experience with dating, moving slow, He’s ok with that.

All these people saying how brave, how I bounce back, crap. I got drugged, beat up, gang raped, left pregnant. It happened, no fault of mine, like a car wreck. I know who was at fault, he’s paying. I moved out with Ilona as soon as I could. MY life, MY decisions, MY choices. No one else will ever control any my part of my life. EVER.

So, as we are kinda connected through crap, I felt I should share what little I’ve learned. Want a beer?

Ann said that thats my issue, I can’t seem to stop replaying it. How did you forgive them. Forgive? Let’s get them alone with a blowtorch and I’ll show you forgive. No, I still carry a core of white-hot fury and probably always will. I just choose not to let it run or ruin my life. I spent a couple of weeks locked in my room crying. I just got up one day saying, "Screw them, my turn." I won’t let them win. And no matter how bad it got, I never did.

Maybe that’s my solution: I just ignore the SOBs as much as I can and plan for our futures. They have none. Ann looked at her, "Well, that’s something to try." Judy asked, "If I can ask, why aren’t you and a nasty lawyer eviscerating them on your lawn?" My mother thinks admitting to rape is shameful. OH S**T, found your problem. Are you ashamed? No. With all respect, tell your family to FO and find the nastiest lawyer you can find. In fact, dialing her phone, Uncle Harry. Have you got an especially nasty lawyer to talk to Bill's sister about her assault? Tomorrow at 2? She’ll be there. She gave Ann the card. Be there. They promised to have lunch the next week. .

On Monday, Bill came down to her office, smiled, and said, "I haven’t seen Mom this mad for years."" First, Ann’s going to ’air dirty laundry," talking about being raped, but worse, when she told Ann no, Ann said she was going regardless. And was quite blunt. Jody laughed, "No Christmas card for me." " No," said Bill, "thank you!

Harry called, "I cannot believe there are still idiots worried about dirty laundry when they are victims. " And? My young bulldog expects to have the rapest guts on her lawn by Friday, checkbook in hand. And, given her trauma, significant compensatory damages are being discussed. Standard no-contact clause. Many thanks, Uncle Harry.

And congratulations with thanks, for getting through to that poor lady." That night, she met Ann, a better-dressed Ann. I understand I’m not on your mom’s Christmas card list. Ann laughed, "What do you think of how I’m dressed? a little too old and conservative for you, but okay. Mom said I was dressed like a w***e and should put some clothes on. She looked at Ann, "We need to get you out of that house. You see, when I was raped, with less hesitation, I was badly beaten. I was in a coma for almost a month and didn’t know people for two more months. Wow, so that reinforced dependency. That’s what I think as well.

What did you do?" Ann laughed, you’re going to love this, I have, or had, a CPA and was two years into forensic accounting. Jody looked at her and they both devolved into laughter.

Jody had moved into new apartment a few weeks back. Two bath, two bedroom, spacious living / dining, modern kitchen. 2nd floor, balcony over looking well gated and monitored play ground for complex. Add restricted access and .covered parking, perfect. She took Ann to view converted garage, for one person effectively just starting out, she thought just right. Ann agreed. Jody said, do me a favour, when you first lock the door, just you, call me. With a sly look, you know the guy renovating needed a lock, Bull had one laying around. Restricted keyway, That is? You can’t buy key blanks outside government agency. So if someone were to borrow your keys, they can’t duplicate. Smiles Went to resale shop, profesional, not sexy. Minor household items.

Month or so later, Ann’s mom said there was. Something wrong with door. Lock smith said he couldn’t make copies. I don’t want copies. Her mom said I need one for emergencies. No. But a mother should…. No. Not settled. She complained to Bill, he agreed to all her complaints, hung up, and did nothing

Jody said a have 115 hours toward 120 required for CPA qualifications. I’ll have the others this month. Then I can start tests. Ann said can I help you study? Selfish, it will let be see how rusty I’ve gotten and If I’ve lost anything. Deal.

In the meantime, I brought this from work; I haven’t gotten to it other than a glance. It smells. Would you look at it? Ann studied her, like a test. Well, call it due diligence. Ann laughed, give.

Next day, she first told Jody locking her door was like being free. Then she handed the accounting package back, holding it by two fingers like a dead rat. I figure somewhere around 1.1 million in graft; it's hard to be precise with this level of theft. All the ‘family’ cards are looting the place. Owner is blind or complacent. Run, run fast.

And Jody, damn, that felt good. Thanks.

Your welcome. Want a job? Can’t pay CPA rates, just accountant. Deal, absolutely. Ann, dressed professionally, showed up to work at Śledzone Accounting looking and performing like an experienced accountant. And she started producing like one.

Bill came down and politely invited both ladies to lunch. His sister slugged him. Albina? punching him again? Months? Pretending fear, "OK, OK, let me call her." He called Albania, "Help, I’m being threatened. What? Meet us for lunch. Us? Just please.

They met at neighbourhood steakhouse. Bill said, this is Ann, my sister and she and your daughter are piloting against me Albina said I am so glad to finally meet you and the girls must have a good reason to plot. You’re buying.

Judy said, as all of you are here we’d like to announce that Ann will be working at Śledzone Accounting while she refreshes her CPA and works to resume her Certified Forensic Accountant (CFA) studies. The fact that it provides us with study buddies is immaterial. Congratulations from everyone.

Later they told Ann’s mother separately so her numerous complaints didn’t spoil the lunch. Too soon, should live at home, dress more conservative, don’t know this woman, don’t get involved with school at her age, and on and on. Basically, stay under my control. Ann toon a really long breath, went home and turned off her phone for weekend. Monday she was back at work.

Jody noticed Ann’s hard-case lawyer was a more frequent visitor once she modernized her wardrobe and stopped acting defeated. Working for Harry, she had no doubt of his quality and figured attention from a trustworthy guy was a positive for her self-esteem. And Ann could use that.

Bill called Harry one morning, with an amused voice he said Tim’s in jail, assault. What? He crossed paths with Tommy who
made some typically moronic comment about left overs with Jody and worse. Tim broke his nose and gave him two black eyes and numerous bruises. Harry almost dropped phone laughing. Let me call judge, I know him and he has a daughter.

Tim and Jodie’s relationship had progressed way past casual necking, the first night he slept over had been a turning point for her. She had a wonderful time with no memories to disturb it. She was happy with her life and comfortable with Tim.

2025 © Jim Bartlett

Author's Note

Polite young men 2/2