Building Eden by Levy Matthys;

Author:Levy, Matthys;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Upper Access, Inc.
Published: 2018-08-05T16:00:00+00:00

TEN

The Investigation

May 2001

A THUNDERSTORM WORRIED AND GROWLED overhead but, like the dry heaves, brought forth no rain. In the offices of Urbanland Construction Co., Mike Long ignored the noise outside as he handled the myriad paperwork required to move the project forward, responding to invoices from subcontractors, preparing monthly billings to Grant Development Co., and responding to Sam’s requests for more superintendents at the site. Marion, who had served as Mike’s executive assistant since they started the company, was away visiting her sick mother. She was to return later that day. A temporary secretary had been assigned to handle Mike’s routine tasks, leaving more serious matters to await Marion’s return. Mike was surprised this morning when the temp announced the arrival of two gentlemen from the FBI.

“Just push away some of those papers on the chairs and have a seat,” said Mike.

The two FBI men in dark suits, white shirts, and plain dark blue ties stood in sharp contrast to Mike in an open blue collared shirt and jeans. They presented their credentials and introduced themselves. Stephenson, the taller of the two by no more than an inch, explained that the case of the Crocker murder had become a federal issue because the suspected perpetrator had fled across state lines. In the process of their investigation, they had come across a number of questions that they believed Long could help them clarify.

“I’m always happy to help the feds. What do you want to know?”

Makovsky, the second FBI man asked, “We’ve talked to some of your subcontractors who complained that you pressured them into cutting the fees they had negotiated with you before you signed a contract with the Grant organization, a contract they claim you would not have gotten without them. You also threatened to go to another sub unless they cut their fees, in effect increasing your profit at their loss. This may have been a violation of existing statutes.”

Mike replied confidently, “Gentlemen, this is a rough business and it’s difficult to make a buck without squeezing the last penny out of every contract. It’s a common practice in the construction business to negotiate a best and final offer before actually signing a contract and frankly, I don’t think negotiation is against the law.”

“We’re not making any accusations at this time,” replied Makovsky. “We’re merely trying to understand what could have led to the death of one of your supers.”

“If that’s all, ask away!”

Stephenson paused for a moment and then asked, “It’s not just the contract issue; there is another matter we would like you to clarify. It concerns your origins.”

Mike fidgeted nervously in his chair and said, “What about it? All I know is that I was born in Seattle of Cambodian parents and that formalities were handled by the priest at our church.”

“That’s the problem. It seems that your birth is noted in the church records but a birth certificate for you was never registered at City Hall.”

“Well I know nothing about that. It would have been handled by my parents or our priest.

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