The Song of Mawu. Jeff Edwards
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sake I’ll you ask what you would do in our friend’s place if your ill-gotten gains totalled not one million dollars but let’s say, one million dollars and one cent. What would you do with that one cent?’
‘Leave it where it is.’
Chris Tan nodded, ‘That’s right. Such a miniscule amount you wouldn’t worry about and most people would leave it where it was. However, what if the amount were say, one million nine hundred and ninety-nine dollars and ninety-nine cents?’
‘In that case I might transfer it all or I might leave it.’
‘Correct again. Therefore, our problem is to find an amount that is odd and distinctive, an amount that will make it worthwhile for your target to transfer.’
‘What about the accomplice? Would part of the residual go to him?’
‘It would be hardly worth his time to do the mathematics. No, the accomplice will get a round figure and we’ll still be able to track the residual.’
‘But if he did?’
‘We’d lose track of the money. That’s why I wouldn’t leave anything to chance. I wouldn’t go looking for one odd amount of money, but several. That way we can be sure that the account the money ends up in, is the correct one. Even if we select an odd amount there will still be millions of transactions using that residual figure during that particular timeframe but there will be far fewer for us to trace. By using several sums with different residual amounts we’ll be better able to triangulate the target account.’
***
Joseph and Thomas Lattua were enjoying a quiet beer beside the Presidential palace’s large swimming pool while they congratulated themselves on their latest gains.
‘The figures from the provinces are in and they’ve all been able to achieve their targets,’ smiled the President.
‘That’s good. I thought we might have had a lot more trouble. It seems the governors are calling on my troops more and more these days to ‘encourage’ the populace to part with their taxes.’
‘It has been happening a lot, hasn’t it?’
‘Yes, and using my men for tax collection is eating into my budget. My ‘profits’ from the army this quarter is way down and I’m not happy about that.’
‘There’s no reason why you should be brother,’ reasoned the President. ‘If you’re doing the governor’s work for them, then I see no reason why they shouldn’t meet your costs. Send them a bill for your collection services.’
‘A good idea brother, I’ll have my staff implement it immediately. I can think of all manner of things I can add into the invoices.’
The President laughed, ‘And I’ll await the indignant calls from the governors when they receive them. But if they want the army’s help then they’ll just have to pay. After all, you are doing their work for them.’
‘The governors seem very reluctant to do the more ‘difficult’ work themselves.’
‘Have there been many difficulties?’
Thomas shrugged, ‘A particularly recalcitrant person here and there has to be made an example of, but nothing that my men can’t handle.’
‘There’s no sign of any organised opposition?’
‘Not that I know of.’
‘Good. Very good,’ Joseph smiled as he sipped at his ice cold beer and watched as one of the junior members of his staff strode toward him in her micro mini skirt.
‘You have a call from a Mr Reynolds from The Fund,’ she announced shyly.
‘I thought The Fund had given up on our poor country,’ Joseph said to his brother. ‘Put the call through to me on my speaker phone,’ he ordered the girl, and watched her swaying hips as she walked back into the palace.
‘Very nice!’ commented Thomas Lattua.
Joseph turned to his brother and smiled, ‘She’s new and I think it’s time I got to know that young woman a little better.’
Thomas laughed, ‘What about me? I saw her first.’
‘I’m sure she’ll be more than willing to entertain you… as soon as I’m through with her.’
‘The first born and therefore the first in all things?’
‘Of course younger brother. Of course.’
***
Brian sat in his comfortable office, looking out over the countryside as he waited for the call to be connected. Lana sat opposite, listening in.
‘Go ahead, Mr Reynolds,’ announced the President’s PA.
‘Good afternoon Mr President, it’s Brian Reynolds from The Fund. Thank you for taking my call.’
‘Good afternoon Mr Reynolds. I recall our last conversation and formed the impression that The Fund has decided not to continue with its good works in our corner of the world.’
‘I’m afraid that despite the best efforts of the world’s charities, the refugees on your border are still suffering. My Directors at The Fund feel that our services are needed more than ever in Namola.’
‘Yes my friend,’ agreed the President with an exaggerated sigh. ‘I too, see the unfortunate situation and I wish that I could do more. Regrettably we are a poor nation, and not in a position to offer more than a dusty plot of earth for them to call home.’
‘I’m sure they appreciate the efforts of the Namolan people on their behalf Mr President. We at The Fund would like your permission to return to Namola and to continue our work.’
‘Of course Mr Reynolds you may return at any time you wish. However, I must remind you that your financial commitment to our country has yet to be met.’
‘Ah yes. The taxes,’ sighed Brian dramatically. ‘You must realise, Mr President, that The Fund is a young charity with very limited financial resources. We’re continually stretched to our limit in providing resources to the poor of the world.’
‘And I reiterate Mr Reynolds, Namola is a poor nation. In order for us to survive it is important that everyone meet their obligations. That is especially true of our international debtors.’
‘Yes of course, Mr President. It’s simply that we have had a very difficult time accumulating the sum you seek. We have been able to convince our backers to contribute a goodly portion of the amount you asked for and there are promises of more to follow. Would you allow us to make the payment in several instalments?’
Joseph Lattua smiled broadly at his brother. ‘The Namolan people are most anxious to help your charity in any way we possibly can. However, we must insist that all debts are paid in full before our former relationship can be resumed.’
‘That will be difficult, but we hope to have all the money to you within a fortnight. You’ll understand that the money may have to come from several different sources.’
‘As long as the funds are lodged with Namola’s Treasury Department I don’t foresee any problems Mr Reynolds.’
‘Excellent Mr President, and when will we be able to move back into our encampment?’
Joseph looked to his brother who nodded in the negative. He had no intention of giving back his comfortable billet to its rightful owner.
‘Unfortunately, Mr Reynolds there is a problem there. We are currently conducting military manoeuvres in the area and we can’t risk civilians getting hurt. It would be best if you kept well away from the area for the present.’
‘How long do you think it will be before we can move back?’
Thomas mouthed the word ‘never’ to his brother and Joseph replied: ‘We’ll keep you informed