Читать книгу Countdown to Corruption - Glenn Edward Kirk - Страница 4

As soon as the Agent drove me up to the house I knew I was going to buy it.

It was a sprawling 700 square meter thatched roof house with separate staff quarters and garages. Over 1200 square meters of thatch roofing. Rachel initially was not too keen but reluctantly agreed that with her decorating skills it could become a very special family home. Now looking up at it, all I saw was a highly vulnerable home and easy terrorist target. Terrorism was a rapid developing phenomenon in a divided South Africa and I had unwittingly set up home in a tinder box.

“Control yourself Charlie,” I mumbled softly to myself. I entered the house . Rachel heard me and called out.

“Hello darling , I will be down in a minute.”

I went into the drawing room and headed straight for the drinks tray, poured out and downed a scotch but decided against a second. Alcohol was not a favourite of mine and clouded thoughts were not an option. Rachel walked in and I again realised there was absolutely no way I could explain our predicament and tell her about the events that preoccupied my mind without multiplying the problems facing us. An hysterical and out of control wife was a non starter for me. Formulation of my own plan and my own solution was the way to go. Outside help would lead to disaster.

“You do not look too good. Had a tough day?” she asked.

“Yes, there are matters that need my urgent attention and I have to be totally focused. Please understand, I will go straight to my study after supper.”

“Luckily we have nothing on tonight. Anyway it is early to bed for me. Remember we have a dinner date with your boss tomorrow.”

I flinched at the thought. Supper was dreadful. I could not eat, Rachel got annoyed, I left the table. I sat in my study, lights off, my mind racing.

“Slow down Charlie,” I demanded of myself. Suddenly I thought of the Volvo parked across the street. I could not help myself and ran down to the gate and out into the street. I looked left and right, it had definitely gone. I patiently began to take full control of my thoughts. Sleep was necessary.

It was a long night. I got up at 5 am., showered and left for the office. The one firm decision taken was to instil into Marlon and his men a feeling of trust in me. Any false move in the game about to be played could bring my whole world tumbling down. The Committee had to believe Charlie Hall was a member of their team. It was my prime survival tactic and once they had this belief I could begin the process of destruction.

It was surprising to see people up and about so early but I reached the office in record time. Maybe my morning routine needs rescheduling was a possibility that came to mind. I sat down at my desk and began to marshal my thoughts:

1 . Protect my family.

2. Trust …….. The Committee must trust me.

3. Assemble every bit of information available on their current and future plans plus what they had achieved to date.

4. Their structure ………… who were the kingpins and what companies they had infiltrated.

Suddenly a thought occurred to me.

My God, that’s it. They are not doing this for the upliftment of the impoverished black communities, it’s all about the accumulation of vast individual wealth. I must feign a weakness for the same. They will understand that. Their reactions will show the path to be taken to gain their trust, and, only then will they believe I am one of them. Implementation of a plan had begun and my confidence returned.

My next step was to arrange day and night security at home. There was an existing electric fencing system in place above all boundary walls but guard patrols were a necessity, something highly organised but as undercover as possible. No need to alarm the neighbours.

I said aloud to myself. “Yes, they are not doing this for the ANC. They want to enrich themselves. The sum of the individual wealth involved would be astronomical.”

The next move was to keep Rachel updated on the new security. I phoned and explained what was happening with immediate effect.

“What a total waste of money. What has got into you? Make sure my privacy is not invaded by your Nazi storm-troopers. They are not welcome.” She somehow had the ability to be particularly obnoxious and irritating when I needed her support. I rang off. There was a knock on my door and Jackson entered.

“Charlie it is good to have you in with us but be warned. You cross us, you will be eliminated.”

My body went rigid.

“You are much too sharp to be stupid. Hey, think of the exciting challenges and successes in front of all of us …..endless opportunities, once in a lifetime opportunities. You are part of a Committee of brilliant minds. That is why we have recruited you. Incidentally, I was the one to nominate you, so you owe me!”

The “new” Jackson mesmerised me. It had not even been suspected he had it in him. For the first time his lust for power and his enjoyment of dictating to me became glaringly real. He had, nevertheless, met his match! What was his seniority within the Committee? This would determine how best it would be to handle him.

“Jackson, old chap, the aims and the best methods of implementation must be recognisable for me to be a useful member of the Committee. Only then can I be in a position to make a major contribution and work towards the ultimate success that we all want and are striving towards.” A sickening thump hit my stomach as the words came out. My acting skills would have to be sharpened if I was to be taken as a genuine and hard working member. It was not going to be easy.

The new home security measures were installed. Rachel complained. My concern for my wife’s and daughter’s safety was not eased. Then another spinning meteorite came hurtling towards me.

I arrived home one evening to be greeted by Rachel at the front door.

“Charlie, darling, wonderful news, I am pregnant.” The shock must have been visible. “ Are you not happy for us?”

“How could that happen? You are on the pill.”

“I stopped taking it over two months ago. You must have noticed my irritability of late. It has been an anxious two months and guess what, I am six weeks in. It is so exciting. You still do not look happy. Come on, be pleased for us.”

“Rachel, it should have been a joint decision.”

“Oh stop your nonsense. You want a son. We can easily afford it and you are getting what you want. Now let us drink to the exciting news.”

I mustered up as much joy as I could considering the circumstances.“ It is exciting …..Champagne it is! We should phone our parents. They surely will be absolutely delighted.” I stood up.“ To our next born.” Rachel stood up laughing with joy.

“What shall we name him?” she cried.

“That can come later. We have had enough excitement for one night!”

Rachel went up to bed early. I went to my study. The events of the evening made me feel stronger in resolve and there was so much to do. I picked up the phone and slowly dialled Jackson’s number. He was at home.

“Good Evening my friend. I am fully focused on our project. When is the next meeting?”

“Glad you have such positive thoughts. Funnily enough Marlon called a few minutes ago, Friday night 6pm, venue to be advised.”

“Good, it is noted. Let me know the venue once you have it.”

“Will do, see you then.” The call ended. Focused determination enveloped me. I felt good.

The Friday meeting was a success. My continuing contribution and sharp attention was noticed and I could sense some approval and a growing confidence but knew there was little time to play with. Work mode took over. It consumed me and within no time it was possible to gauge where the leadership lay and recognise the herd instinct within the other members. Jackson, Marlon and Sandile were the leaders but it would take time to understand the exact contribution each member made and how they fitted in to the general structure of the immediate group. After the meeting was closed we had drinks but, true to form, I soon went home . It was expected of me.

My Company work was demanding . There were new policies to develop and implement, targets to establish and achieve. I was constantly on the lookout for any signs from staff members which might connect them to “ The Force”, the name chosen to replace “ The Committee”. My silent observations revealed nothing. The Force held meetings weekly and each time I found myself growing more and more incredulous at what they expected to achieve. Black Empowerment was the buzz word, Nationalisation generally the vehicle. The all consuming greed became more obvious. My suggestion that if Mandela was released he might not support take-overs on such a vast scale met with raucous laughter. He was to have no personal power, he belonged to the people. It is Marlon and his cronies who will commercially represent the people. They will control economic power and be represented at all levels throughout the mining and industrial sectors. This was the reality. The Force will run South Africa. It is the black man’s right and heritage. Those whose help they enlisted would be well rewarded but ultimately the country belongs to them. I remained silent. Any attempt to try and make them realise the absurdity of their views and the futility of their policies would invite disaster and death for me and my family. Marlon turned and looked at me.

“Charlie we expect more from you. You are part of The Force’s hierarchy but your participation and planning is not increasing at a fast enough pace.”

“Marlon, I will be making a presentation in a few weeks. Gentlemen please ensure you are all present.”

“We will be there,” came the unanimous reply.

The evening of my presentation quickly arrived.

“Good Evening All, I will, with your permission, chair the meeting this evening.”

“Go ahead Charlie, the formality suits you……ha ha!”

“No comment, but, thank you,”

“You are all aware that over the last few months I have been trying to fully comprehend The Forces’ ultimate goals and modus operandi in achieving such goals and have noticed some resistance from a few of you which is understood. You feel I am a recent addition, a white man, part of the privileged financial and industrial world of South Africa. What I am about to tell you tonight should dispel any doubts some of you might still have about me. Furthermore it will have a major impact on the future of The Force. We are in for an interesting night!!”

“Get to the point man!” shouted Jackson.

“I am getting there. Gentleman, you might, however, not be aware that an Executive Director of my parent company has been attending meetings of a political nature within and beyond our borders. It is unknown who initiated these meetings and the only reports we have received internally were that talks were sporadic with little being accomplished. I have had a more direct source of information in that my father-in-law has been a party to these meetings. He did not confide in me as to content or progress but things have recently changed. Events were accelerating hence my unexplained request asking you to be here today. Yesterday he called me to his house, casually mentioning he had some additional urgent family business to discuss and instructed me to say nothing to my wife or, in fact, anybody. As a member of The Force my obligation and duty is to share this information with you here this evening. What you are about to hear must remain within these four walls until we have reached agreement on how to proceed from this point. Do I have your word on this Gentlemen?” I went around the table making sure we were all in agreement. “Nelson Mandela is about to be unconditionally released from the Victor Verster Prison. After being incarcerated for 27 years he will be walking out a free man. The date set is 11 February. It is rumoured he will address a rally in Cape Town immediately after his release but this has not been confirmed.”

There was stunned silence. Suddenly each member jumped up shouting. Jackson took over.

“Quiet!” he demanded, “We do not know if this is true …… SILENCE PLEASE! Charlie, can we believe this?”

“I have it on the best authority and it has to be believed. There is no way the Nationalist Government can retract on the deal. It would start a civil war! We must all hope to God his release does not erupt into violence. God help us should that happen.”

Both Jackson and Marlon looked at me. Marlon grinned and then stiffly said,“ We do not want civil war, disruption must come from us. It will only happen if there is resistance to our taking economic power into our own hands. Mandela’s release could cause a delay in economic transfer but the end result remains the same. Our vision continues. Those of us sitting here today, the true instigators of black economic control, will be the leaders and will reap the financial rewards of our brilliance and foresight. This is only a hiccup in the planning schedule. If Mandela becomes a problem we will deal with it. The plan stays on course .” Marlon got up and gave the clenched fist black power salute, a sign that to me signified,“ Beware, Extreme Danger.” The others followed. I remained seated. I knew my time as a member of The Force was over.

I arrived home physically and mentally drained. We were scheduled to have dinner with my parents-in-law and I decided to use this opportunity to confide in Sir Frederick. I had absolutely no idea how he would react nor to what degree I could confide in him.

Rachel and I drove in silence. She sensed something serious was in the air and had the sensibility to say nothing. My mind was racing. As we drove up to their house I turned sideways in my seat and looked at her. “ There is something of extreme importance I wish to discuss with your father. When I ask him to give me a few minutes of his time, please do not suggest we talk during business hours. It must be dealt with tonight.” She looked at me and frowned. The door opened, we entered. Pre-dinner drinks were in the drawing room. As he handed me my drink the front door bell rang and Mary walked in, David close behind. Damn, another obstacle to deal with.

“Well everybody, it is so nice to have you all here. It is not by coincidence we are together this evening . Alice and I want to discuss family matters. David please close the door. You are not all aware of the latest developments in the Nelson Mandela saga.” He paused, looking around at all of us. “He is about to be released from jail. You will appreciate this is a momentous event in the history of South Africa and I personally believe it will herald a new beginning for all the people in the country. It is the question of unrest that bothers me and the subsequent dangers we as a family might be subjected to. It is time for us to introduce change to our own lives.”

“What have you in mind Freddie?” I blurted out.

“I am coming to that young man. You, and hence Rachel, are in a fortunate situation in that your family assets are held globally. David, your fathers’ financial situation is unclear but whatever it is, it appears you are not receiving support from him and you certainly have a career to consider. In my opinion there will be limited opportunities for white advancement in the impending new South Africa. We need to look to personal and financial security for our family. I need not remind you how confidential this discussion is. The time has come to uproot ourselves and immediately set in motion a move to the United Kingdom.”

I was dumbfounded. What a blessing in disguise. The Jewish survival instinct had prevailed and definitely to my advantage. No need for half cocked stories of quitting my job and leaving the country. A good reason for doing so had been handed to me on a plate. My delight quickly turned to anxiety. Rachel was talking.

“But Daddy, I am so happy here. This is where all my real friends are and besides, Charlie does not have to concern himself about keeping money safe. His already is!” Oh you stupid girl if only you would recognise sound advice when given was my silent reaction.

“Freddie, this African business scenario has been a concern of mine for some time. In fact plans have been in the making for months and all that is required is a final decision and taking action without further delay. Rachel, my love, this is what I was going to discuss with your father this evening coupled with the intention of us talking once we got home tonight. There is a situation in London which requires me to fly there as soon as possible. I will talk to Hetherington first thing in the morning asking for urgent leave of absence.”

I turned to Rachel and told her she had no choice in the matter. The decision was taken. She was furious.

It was a turbulent and sleepless night. The severity of the situation engulfed my entire being, a smothering anxiety throttled my mental system and controlled my innermost thought process. Finally as dawn broke a switch within me clicked. I was released from the throbbing negativity and a light directing me forward swamped me. I dressed and left the house, my destination the gym. It was the right place to be. My exercise programme took control and once completed, a fresh tingling shower left me revitalised, ready to face a day of divergent decisions and positive actions.

I was about to leave when Jeremy walked in. He looked at me and said.“ Time for coffee?”

“Of course,” and we sat down in his office, machine coffee in hand.

“Charlie, you look dreadful. Let me help.”

I smiled. “ Thanks old chap, not exactly what I need to hear but I can believe it. Yes, it is going to be a day of dramatic decisions with life changing consequences.”

“Anything you want to share?”

“I am in a hell of a situation. Not sure confiding in anyone is an option at the moment.”

“We go back a long way and talking might help. Phone me if you change your mind.”

“Will do,” I said and got up and left. I sat in my car outside the gym for a good ten minutes. It was patently obvious talking to someone was a necessity for peace of mind, someone not in my work and social environment. Jeremy was my man. I re-entered the gym.

“Jeremy, I need your advice. Can you spare a few minutes?”

“Definitely.”

The next hour was spent outlining my political predicament and family problems.

“Hell , this is Scotland Yard stuff! You are underestimating the danger surrounding you. There is no way you can face this alone. Forgive me for saying this but you cannot involve your wife and it is questionable her family will be of much help. If I can assist in any way, please name it and you will have my utmost support. Just say the word, but you have to get out of the country and view the situation objectively. I am myself going through a rough time. Claustrophobia is a constant problem. The routine of the gym is driving me insane. Let me come with you and help. I also need to get away and you will be doing me a favour. My Manager can handle the gym. What do you say?”

“This is major. Do you understand that?”

“Of course I do.”

“Very well, your offer is appreciated and accepted. I cannot thank you enough. It means so much to me. Thank you again. Leave the arrangements to me and we can speak later.”

“Destination?” he asked.

“London.”

I left, my brain exploding with details, things to do and more importantly what I was going to tell my wife.

Everything fell into place. Hetherington never asked why I was off to London so urgently and Rachel accepted my going without much reaction. The one condition set by me was that she and Sophie go to her parents for the duration of my absence which met with no complaints. She actually sounded disinterested. I promised to give her my full itinerary from London.