Darren began to feel that the charade was about to collapse. But he had been in this position before, been outed and still could boast a healthy ‘close’ rate.
“No, not exactly. Who funds your organization? I mean who are the principal funders?” Winston now sounded like a lawyer doing cross examination of an adverse party.
“Our funds are largely sourced from four principal organizations with a high number of smaller grants from many sources.”
“Such as?”
“What do you mean?”
“Who are your four principal sources, then give me some of you smaller funding sources. If you can.”
“Well, I mean … some of this information is confidential, of course. Not certain that I’m free to discuss that tonight. Perhaps I can update you later with the detail. Just wanted to get to the main explanation tonight and deliver a check if that meets with your approval.”
Someone in back shouted, “How much?”
“Tonight, I have a check with me, a good faith starts, for two hundred fifty thousand dollars earmarked for this organization, with additional committed funding over the next ten years. With a signed agreement tonight, we will pledge over fifty million dollars in total.”
Darren smiled and licked his lips at seeing the positive reaction of the members in the crowd, who were now counting the number of projects and the amount of land this could mean to their little group. With this kind of stable funding they could attract much more funding and finally be taken seriously. The immediate collective assessment; the Stiff merited further attention.
Winston, however, seemed nonplussed. This wasn’t like him.
Winston began, “That is a generous offer Darren. Most generous. I can see you have gotten the attention of everyone in this Hall tonight.”
“My pleasure,” said Darren.
“Darren, are you familiar with an organization called, let’s see, Wilderness for a Free America? Had a very similar operating method for many years.”
“Sounds familiar but I would have to say no. I don’t think I recall them.” Darren was lying, and Winston knew it.
“Now, now Darren. Don’t be modest. You founded the organization in New York City fifteen years ago. Seems you were on the Board until it was merged with an organization called Wildlife Matters, again a New York private foundation. That was five years ago. In fact, IBD is a private foundation, too, is it not?”
“Of course, it is. There are tax and other legal reasons for that, but all of this is a matter of public record, and our status as a tax-free organization has never been challenged.”
“True, and insofar as much of what you say is true, I commend you. So, let’s just cut to the quick, as they say, and I’ll make my points. Feel free to respond if anything I say is incorrect in any way.”
Winston began, “What you say about the groups associated with IBD is true. Approximately 93% of your funding, however, comes from four principal sources, all private foundations. Approximately 3% comes from government and educational sources, and the final 4% from other organizations. All the latter are private foundations.
“You have contractual arrangements with twenty-two small wilderness, conservation and environmental organizations offering similarly generous terms for funding in exchange for access to research. Of those twenty-two organizations, you have existing litigation with all but three. And, I see that those three folded under the weight of the lawsuits which you brought against them. Breach of contract in each case. Correct?”
Darren nodded slightly in the affirmative while quietly closing his brief case.
“And before them, your predecessor organizations and affiliate organizations had entered into similar arrangements many times. Each time offering a contract virtually identical to the one you are offering us today. True?”
Winston looked at Darren, wondering just how far this would go before he closed his briefcase and walked.
Then Darren continued, “We admit there were a few difficult issues we could’ve covered more carefully. We work with a lot of organizations that …”
“That what Darren? Aren’t very careful? Don’t read the fine print? Or are just too excited about long term funding to be very picky about partnership?”
Darren said, somewhat less jovially now, “Seems you have a point to make, Winston. Why don’t you do that now? I might still be able to catch the red eye back to New York.”
“OK Darren, I will. Seems that IBD is funded by four very modest private foundations. However, if you follow the trail of bread crumbs back far enough legally, are all connected directly or indirectly to the research arms of Big Pharma, Big Oil, Big Mining and Big Timber. If something looks promising to any of these masters, then a lawsuit automatically follows hoping to outspend smaller organizations into oblivion. In the process they uncover all the research there is to obtain and where private wilderness land is concerned, tie up the land in litigation, hoping to overturn any deed restrictions later. Or settle on terms favorable to IBD.
“Here’s the kicker though, and Darren if this was your idea I commend it in a somewhat insidious way: if a target organization, such as ours doesn’t have anything worthwhile to exploit, the actual organization responsible for long-term funding, which is never IBD, simply closes up shop and goes away. The funding ability and commitment dies with each of these sham organizations. This is a win-win for IBD, but not for anyone else. Your thoughts, Darren?”
“None, Winston. You’ve covered the issues quite well. You should commend whoever did your research; it was actually quite thorough.”
“I’ll send your regards to my daughter. She did most of the work. In fact, it was she who remembered an obscure case note in a law review that discussed this kind of legal nonsense.”
“Ah, yes I know the case note well. By Martin Andersson, now resident of Denver, Colorado. Public interest lawyer and poor as a church mouse. Mother must be proud. Anyway, I assume our presentation has concluded and there is no further business. Goodbye.”
The general membership was in a state of agitation as Darren stood up and seemed confused about what had just taken place. A few minutes ago, it seemed they were on the verge of claiming first prize - $50 million. Now, for some reason, the guy was leaving – and with the check. Winston was asking the attendant membership for calm and for everyone to settle down, so he could explain.
Darren headed for the doorway and his rental car parked strategically for a rapid departure, just in case. Two men followed Darren as he left, but nobody seemed to notice. All eyes were glued on Winston as he began to describe just who Darren represented and why.
“Hey mister,” one called out as Darren walked briskly to his car. “Hey, don’t pay them no mind. If you’re still lookin’ for a guide in this part of the country, we’re still your men. We ain’t as stuffy as some of them tree hugger types. We don’t let politics get in the way of business. Especially our business. Call us if you’d still like to talk.”
“Sure boys. That is a very generous offer and one I’d like to take up with you. You are heading back to Denver tonight?”
“We are if you are.”
“Happens I am. Ever stayed at the All Seasons International Resort?”
“No sir,” they both said in unison. “But we wouldn’t mind someday.”
“Then tonight may be your lucky night. I may have a job for two young men like you and the pay is pretty good. Interested?”
“Hell yes, we are,” they said. “What’s the job and when do we start?”
“I’ll tell you what. I’m staying in Denver, so I’ll meet you downstairs in the lobby of the All Seasons tomorrow morning early, say around seven. Should give us plenty of time to talk and reach agreement on the paperwork before my flight back to New York in the afternoon. If so, I’ll get you guys a couple of rooms and you can stay as our guest while I talk to head office and we figure out what to do with your talents.”
“Sounds great!” e
ach said with excitement.
“Then give me your full names and Socials and I’ll get the paperwork started for tomorrow. Deal?”
“Deal, Mr. Jameson. See you tomorrow morning at seven.”
Chapter 19
Jimmy and Alan arrived early at the All Seasons International Resort in Denver, parking their 4x4 down the street and around the block where public parking was cheap. They did not have money for Valet Parking at the All Seasons but that was the least of their concerns today. They needed to show some results to their families who were now funding an ever-increasing portion of their monthly rent and utilities and neither wanted to return to New Jersey with a big “L” for loser tattooed across their foreheads. Anything this Darren guy was going to offer was going to be accepted by the boys today, within reason - and perhaps even a bit beyond.
As it turned out, the offer and pay weren’t so bad after all. In fact, it sounded damn good.
They met in the lobby, then Darren suggested they move up to his suite and have breakfast, so their conversation could be private.
Darren began, as the boys took seats around a table with a spectacular view of downtown Denver. “Boys, I took the liberty last night of sending off your names and Socials for a quick background check. Hope you don’t mind?”
They didn’t because they wanted a job; otherwise they would probably have beaten Darren right where he stood. Jimmy and Alan weren’t the brightest bulbs in the pack, but they were aware of current events, the Snowden situation and all the government surveillance going on. The Right to Privacy meant something to them and they liked what it meant. So, they looked at each other knowingly and let the Stiff carry on. For now, anyway.
Alan spoke up, “We’re fine with anything that leads to a job. That’s why we’re all here, right?”
“It is indeed, gentlemen, it is indeed. Now we understand that you both graduated from high school two years ago and have been working here in the Denver area trying to get on as a guide with someone. Correct?”
“Correct.”
“And you have not been able, yet, to find suitable employment and by that, I mean working outdoors in the back country. Is that also correct?”
“It is, Mr. Jameson. We haven’t had the right opportunity just yet. Can’t take just anything that comes along, right?”
“We are in accord, Jimmy. Exactly. So that is why the opportunity I will present to you today is so exciting. We have an opening for a Wilderness Guide Trainee, Level 1 in one of our associated organizations that might just be right for one of you.”
“For one of us? I’m sorry Mr. Jameson but this is a package deal. If one of us goes, so does the other. That’s the only way we work – together.”
“I see. Well I thought that might be the case so maybe I can convince my superiors to hire you both – on one condition.” Darren looked at each carefully.
“What?”
“I may have to reduce your salaries a tad to make you fit in budget, but I think I can swing it.”
“What do you have in mind? Alan asked.
“There is a three-part training program operated by one of our security consultancy firms which we hold in North Carolina. Not sure where.”
“Training for what?” asked Jimmy.
“You will be a part of our team of experts in wilderness survival and data accumulation. There is a three-month qualifying internship in which you will be taught survival tactics at an advanced level, use of various tools and gadgets to gather data, and, finally, a one-month wilderness trek test designed and monitored by our team in Houston.”
“Houston? Didn’t realize there was much wilderness in oil country.”
“You be surprised, gentlemen. Anyway, our top people are headquartered there but only few live there. Most are out in the field often for up to fifty weeks a year. That meet with your approval gents?”
“Sounds great,” both said in unison.
“Well then, we’ll pay you a stipend during training of three thousand dollars per month plus all expenses. All meals, housing, training and incidentals will be provided to you free of charge. You will share a company car, a new 4x4, specially modified with gear and instruments which you are expected to learn quickly. Your vehicle will have a sat phone, with video uplink in the event anything goes awry. Everything will be monitored in real time and your whereabouts verified through GPS. So, during training, your main job is to learn our data collection techniques and instruments and report back to us as often as we ask you to do so.”
“What do you want us to do, exactly?” Alan was curious what all the five-dollar words meant in plain English. Alan and Jimmy would sign anything so long as the job did not involve drug smuggling.
“Well that’s the easy part. Your daily routine will be planned out carefully for each day you’re out and on task. About twice a month, sometimes more often, we want you to meet up with one of our remote teams and give them any testing samples you have accumulated, specimens collected and some blood work we will want from each of you.”
“Blood work?”
“Just to monitor your health and for no other reason. If you happen to smoke weed, well let’s just say we have zero interest in your personal habits. Are we clear?”
“Where do we sign?” Both boys were happy as Darren took out two forms contracts and entered the names of James McLemore “Jimmy” Phillips and Alan Luke Martin in the appropriate spaces. The boys signed on the dotted lines.
“Thanks gentlemen and let me be the first to welcome you to Blackhurst International, LLC. Head office has authorized me to put you up here at the All Seasons for the next few days, then you’re off to Raleigh, North Carolina for assignment and training. Any questions?”
“Who’s Blackhurst International? I thought we were working for IBD?”
“Blackhurst does all our training and qualification runs. Once you pass and demonstrate you level of proficiency, you’ll be assigned to one of the operating companies within the IBD family. For now, you must earn your way in.”
Jimmy asked, “What do we do with our apartment? Our stuff?”
“You won’t need any of it. Just leave it where it is and give us the keys. We’ll take care of everything.”
“And my car?” asked Alan.
“What’s it worth, Alan? Top dollar?”
Alan thought, “Maybe a couple grand. Maybe a little more.” He was lying but since Darren was too, it seemed only fair to throw the kid a bone.”
“How about three thousand each and I get the car. Fair enough?”
“Hell yes,” they each shouted. “More than fair.”
“Good, then I’ll go get your cash, check you into your own suite and you can go get the pink slip to the 4x4 to sign it over to me. How about we reconvene downstairs in the lobby in 45 minutes. I’ll throw in an extra thousand each for you to pick up a modest suitcase and buy some new threads. When you get to Raleigh, you’ll get all new gear for the outback. Just buy some things so you can use to party before you leave for training. Today is Tuesday. You leave for North Carolina on Sunday. Have fun, enjoy the urban life one last time and whatever you do, don’t miss your flight. Your itinerary and paperwork will be couriered to your suite here at the hotel by Friday. If you have any questions, I’m leaving two new corporate cellphones with my card and digits preprogrammed in, so just call. Orientation begins Monday, so rest up for the flight on Sunday.”
“We appreciate the opportunity, Mr. Jameson.” We won’t let you down.”
Jameson, or whatever his real name was, departed and never looked back. Alan and Jimmy would never see Darren, the Stiff again. His job was over. Theirs was about to begin.
***
Alan and Jimmy wasted no time delivering the auto documents to the front desk as instructed. The hotel manager confirmed the contents and asked Alan to sign over the title. Having secured his signature, the manager then handed each an envelope containing four thousand dollars in cash.
“Enjoy your stay with us gents. We’ll have a car pick you up and take you to the airport Sunday morning. Private plane; you’ll be taking off from the executive terminal around noon. Please be packed and ready to leave hereby 11:00 am.”
***
They boys were ready to move out bright and early Sunday morning. Both were eager to get to Raleigh and begin the first part of their new lives. This was what they dreamed about in high school and they were finally living the dream.
They had called home and told their families about their good fortune, about IBD, Blackhurst International and Mr. Jameson. They would soon be on their way to Raleigh and would contact them when they arrived.
Everyone was excited. Everyone.
***
They landed at a small airfield in rural Louisiana just outside Baton Rouge at around four in the afternoon that Sunday. While neither Alan nor Jimmy had ever been to Raleigh, NC, they both were pretty sure that this landing field wasn’t Raleigh. They hadn’t expected a flight attendant to be on the small jet but there was also no one at the small airfield on arrival to greet them. No worries said the pilot, as the boys sat on the tarmac with their gear, someone would be around soon enough to collect them and take them to the barracks. Welcome to the Ranch, he said. No sooner had the boys moved their stuff into the little hut that seemed to be the totality of airport administration than the jet turned around and departed. They sat in the shade of the little hut, in sweltering Louisiana summer heat, waiting for someone to pick them up. About a half an hour later, someone did.
“Hey ho there, gents,” a big pot-bellied man with a cigarette drooping out of the corner of his mouth shouted to them. He drove a new 4 x 4 right up to where they were standing. “Sorry I’m late,” he said affably. “Got in a little dust up a mile or so back with one of them damn mule deer. Well, he’s off to deer heaven and I got all his red shit on my grill. Ah well, let’s get your gear in the back. We’re off to the barracks, your home for the next couple of months or so. Orientation begins in the morning with the other recruits, so sit back and relax, enjoy a beer and get ready for the time of your life.”
Discovery Page 43
