by Douglas Hall
She was also unable to break down the Child Waiting revenue as coming from one-time donors, or regular downers, as it was lumped together into one deposit along with general income. She noted that when she had the privacy and time she would try and trace the monthly amounts Victor Madison’s company made on behalf of his daughter but didn’t hold out much hope that she could as she suspected they would be lumped into general revenue.
Culpepper tapped his finger on the table-top and said, “It’s time I had a word with Jayden Mayfield, showed him what Mandy has uncovered, and demanded an explanation…if he indeed has one.”
“Why not let us sit in? We are the ones Interpol raised the spectre of money laundering with, and we could have a go with him to start things off. That could be enough to get him to open up when he appealed to you to shut us up.”
Culpepper removed his glasses and wiped his eyes, “Excellent suggestion. This case gets more bizarre by the day.”
Nineteen
“THANK YOU FOR COMING IN, Jayden. I have asked Deputies West and King to attend because I am sure they will have questions for you. I trust you don’t mind?” Culpepper said in an offhanded tone as though the question really didn’t need to be asked.
Mayfield stared straight into Culpepper’s face. Ignoring West and King he opened his briefcase and took out a recording device which he placed on Culpepper’s desk and turned on without asking permission. Culpepper suggested he move it in line with his recorder, so, hopefully, all conversation could be captured clearly. It was a deliberate act of one-upmanship. King didn’t need his recorder taking up space. Everything said would be available for future reference on Culpepper’s recorder.
Leaning close to the recorders Mayfield said, “I want it on record that had I known your deputies would be attending, I would have refused to come to this meeting. I am under the strictest of orders to have nothing to do with your deputies including being in their presence or answering any of their questions.”
“You are free to leave at any time, but should you do so, I must inform you that if it takes a judge’s warrant, we shall meet again, and it will be in my office with my deputies present and you will be ordered to answer their questions or answer them before a judge. Do you understand?”
“Yes!” muttered Mayfield.
“Splendid Jayden. Might I suggest it would be in your best interest to cooperate with Deputy West and Deputy King who have headed up my investigation from day one. Their questions are critical to the solving of this case, so please take note. Should you decide not to answer their questions, I shall have no alternative but to charge you with obstruction of justice.” It was a bluff and it worked.
Mayfield licked his lips and replied, “If I must, I must.”
West opened a file and took out a sheet, “It has come to our attention that there have been some unexplained deposits and withdrawals itemised on Sammy Pines recent monthly statements. Since you are the manager of record, you are the logical individual to provide answers and put the record straight.”
Mayfield leaned close to his recorder, “I am forbidden by my superiors, at The Agronomy Bank of Alabama, to have any further discussions about Sammy Pines dealings with my branch with you or your partner.”
“Let me respond,” Culpepper said, “so noted but to make my position crystal clear once again, I am conducting a criminal investigation. If I, or my deputies, think that you might be able to throw some light upon the investigation, I have the backing of the fair State of Alabama for us to ask questions and insist that you answer. This is most distressing for both of us but it has to be done.” The pressure was mounting and Culpepper increased it with, “How long have we known each other, Jayden?”
“Ever since we were young lads in school.”
“Our wives know each other, correct?”
Mayfield nodded not quite clear where Culpepper was headed. West and King knew and were impressed by Culpepper’s long honed ability to dig deep and rattle.
“Yes, since school days.”
“How long have you and I sat around a table for a friendly game of poker with our friends every four weeks?”
Mayfield shook his head, “You confuse me, Virgil. What have our poker games got to do with this meeting?”
“Bear with me, Jayden, and answer my question, how long?”
Mayfield shrugged, “We have been playing for years.”
“Precisely, years. During that period, how have you fared?”
“I win some and I lose some.”
“Would you say I am a good poker player?”
“We are all good poker players.”
“Am I good at bluffing?”
“You are one of the best if not the best.”
“Now we are getting somewhere. I pride myself on bluffing so please keep that in mind when I ask you a pointed question because, old friend, I am not bluffing. Nor are my deputies. We are deadly serious.” A significant point had been made, and from Mayfield’s expression, it sunk in.
Culpepper theatrically leafed through the papers in his file and pulled one out. “This is a copy of my monthly bank statement. I make a point of diligently checking it upon receipt to make sure that all deposits and withdrawals are properly identified and recorded. If I ever found one that caught my attention, I would be on the phone to you asking for an explanation. Would I get one?”
Mayfield relaxed slightly, “Of course, the bank is obligated to answer all questions about monthly statements. Transparency is the byword when it comes to identifying all deposits and withdrawals.”
After scanning the statement, Culpepper looked up, “I do not see one deposit or withdrawal listed here that is not properly identified. My compliments on your reporting.”
Mayfield relaxed further and even allowed himself a satisfied smile.
Taking out another sheet of paper Culpepper studied it then said, “This is a copy of the last monthly statement for Sammy Pines. There are entries under deposits and withdrawals that have no identification. I find that curious, care to explain…”
Mayfield noticeably stiffened, “There shouldn’t be any but the bank is not infallible. I am sure that, at one time or another, something, such as you note, has had a way of slipping through. Had Sammy Pines bookkeeper flagged them and gotten in touch with me, I would have immediately seen to it that corrections were made. I would also have made a note to follow up the next month to make sure everything was in order.”
Culpepper leafed through the file and removed three more sheets, “I have in hand three more past statements. It’s interesting to hear you say ‘at one time or another’, how about on a regular basis?”
Mayfield flushed noticeably, “I can’t comment until I get back to the bank.”
Culpepper passed the statements across the desk.
With a shocked expression Mayfield studied them, “I don’t know what to say. You must appreciate that I do not review every monthly statement that goes out to our clients.”
“Are you saying that Sammy Pines bookkeeper never raised the question in the past and called the bank for clarification?”
Mayfield licked his lips and small beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, “Not to my recollection. Someone else in the bank might have taken the call and looked into it.” The papers were passed back to Culpepper.
“You can see my dilemma. It would greatly assist our investigation to know who made the deposits and who benefitted by the withdrawals.”
Mayfield made a move to stand up.
“Please, remain seated Jayden. I am just about through, and when I am, I shall turn you over to my deputies.”
“I made myself clear. I am under strict orders to have no further conversation with either of your deputies. It would cost me my job to do so.”
“Well that is a risk you will just have to take because I am instructing them to have at you and believe me Jayden, I am not bluffing.”
“I don’t think I should say anything more unless I have my lawyer in attend
ance.”
“That is your privilege, but it won’t be Gaylord Brunson,” Culpepper said offhandedly.
“He’s my lawyer. Why wouldn’t he represent me?”
“When I called to give him the courtesy of being informed of our meeting, I said he was welcome to attend, but he informed me that his workload was all consuming with another client. Unless I could reschedule for next week, he would have to politely decline.”
“He said that?”
“Yes, he also said that if you needed representation, he would recommend another lawyer, but it would probably be a few days before an appointment could be confirmed. He added that he would call you to explain. Has he called?”
“No, this is the first I have known about it.”
“You could always call in a bank lawyer. He would be most welcome.”
Culpepper was lying beautifully and it worked.
Mayfield slumped back in his chair. Ignoring Culpepper, he slowly turned to West and King to ask, in a defeated tone of voice, “What do you two want to ask me?”
King answered, “You can tell us if Pastor Sammy’s monthly statements were the same as Sammy Prides with no identification for some questionable deposits and withdrawals?”
“That was years ago. How do you expect me to remember what his monthly statements showed?”
“You are so conversant with Sammy Pines banking. I just assumed that you had the same recall with Pastor Sammy’s accounts.”
“As manager, it is my job to be conversant with all major accounts. Obviously because of the business one account might generate, when compared to others, some demand more attention than others. I take pride in conducting bank business as dictated by head office.”
“My compliments,” King said with less than a complimentary tone, “as I am sure you are well aware, Pastor Sammy had a numbered account with a Lichtenstein bank. Large unexplained sums of money flowed in and out of his operating account at your branch without any identification other than a simple ‘withdrawal’ or ‘deposit’. That is what red flagged his account and triggered a major investigation. It resulted in him being convicted of money laundering. At first glance, it would appear Pastor Paul might be following the same path.”
“Just what are you implying?” Mayfield asked in an accusatory tone.
“I am not implying, sir, I am suggesting. When large sums enter and exit an account without identification, it usually smells of money laundering and someone in the bank is culpable.”
“You are a witness, Virgil. Those are libellous words.”
Culpepper opened his mouth to reply and King cut him off.
“Sue me,” he pointed at the recorder and continued, “it’s all there.”
The more Culpepper watched King in action, the more he appreciated the high esteem his chief held him in when he asked for a reference shortly after he and West arrived in Moody Bank.
In a voice tinged with panic Mayfield said, “I refuse to have any more discussion with you. I am just following orders.”
King leaned forward and slammed the top of Culpepper’s desk with his open hand. It made the desk clock, stapler and paper clip holder jump. Mayfield flinched.
“I don’t give a rat’s ass for your head office’s orders. As you were informed earlier, my partner and I are investigating the disappearance of a young girl, and we suspect that there is a direct tie-in between her disappearance and Sammy Pines. We also suspect that a serious crime has taken place on the property. This grants us the licence to ask you anything we see fit. Either you answer or we shall take all the legal steps available to us to obtain the answers and head office be damned. Am I correct, sheriff?”
“Without question,” Culpepper replied, “I most strongly suggest that you cooperate, Jayden. It will be in your best interest because this isn’t going away and Inspector King and his partner are following my orders.”
“They have no evidence to even suggest that there is a tie-in to the girl’s disappearance or money laundering.”
“You are absolutely right, Jayden, and if they find out there is nothing to support their allegations, I’ll be most delighted to order them to write a letter of apology to your superiors which I would witness. I would add a codicil that you were nothing less than the soul of cooperation, and my deputies received a strong reprimand for embarrassing and denigrating the reputation of one of Moody Brook’s finest citizens.”
“That is very Christian of you, Virgil.”
West could hardly muffle a smile and tapped King on the foot.
“I only have one further question,” King said. “Interpol requested that if evidence of money laundering was found, they were to be advised immediately, so they could take the proper steps which would mean freezing all funds. Advising the IRS would be their next step and result in an immediate freezing of all Sammy Pines accounts with The Agronomy Bank of Alabama followed by a full-blown forensic investigation. It would become front page news, and we all know how banks abhor any publicity which points a finger at them and shakes depositor’s confidence.”
King let his words sink in before continuing, “Unless unproven we strongly suspect that what brought Pastor Sammy down has been reborn with Sammy Pines.”
“You have no evidence to support such an allegation,” spat Mayfield.
“I will let my partner answer that.”
West leaned forward and Mayfield recoiled backwards, “You have to know where the unidentified sums that are simply identified as deposits came from, and you have to know where the unidentified withdrawals went. Prove me wrong and you’ll never hear from me or Inspector King again.” West received an approving nod from Culpepper.
Mayfield took out a handkerchief and wiped his forehead. He looked at Culpepper pleadingly, “Are you going to allow these two men to badger and harass me in such a manner?”
Culpepper raised two palms upward, “There is nothing I can do. They are well within the bounds allowed for questioning and are just doing what they were trained to do and that is get truthful answers to questions that need to be asked.”
“I’ve done nothing wrong,” Mayfield replied in almost a wail.
“Well then, tell them what you know and start with the identification of the monthly Lichtenstein’s bank deposits where they originated and where the Agronomy Bank’s withdrawals end up.” Culpepper realised that Mayfield was close to the breaking point he said, “Don’t comply and you will leave me no option but to charge you with obstruction of justice.” Culpepper knew only too well that obstruction was most difficult to prove, even with hard evidence which he did not have at this point.
West started with, “Let me rephrase Sheriff Culpepper’s question. Take us through the banking steps that end with withdrawals and deposits being recorded on the monthly statement along with identification.”
“As I said it is totally transparent. Funds are deposited by direct cash deposit, cheque or electronic deposit, and withdrawals follow the reverse pattern. The bank is obligated to identify all transactions and the identifications appear on the statements.”
“Do the monthly statements come from head office or the branch?” King knew the answer before he asked the question.
“Statements are produced at the branch level.”
“If that is the case, are you responsible for some deposits and withdrawals on Sammy Pines’ monthly statements not being identified?”
Mayfield cleared his throat and replied, “Such errors are the manager’s responsibility to correct.”
“I can accept that one or more, over the course of months, could slip through, but there is a definite pattern here. What I need to know is the source of the deposits and withdrawals, simple as that.”
Mayfield thought for a moment then stammered, “I told Sheriff Culpepper that I have no idea why some items were not properly identified, but I will look into it immediately when I get back to the bank. What more can I say?”
West turned to King, “Have you anything more before we wrap this
up?”
“Indeed, I do. Mr Mayfield, you informed us that you were under direct orders not to speak to us further. Where did that directive come from, or, more interestingly, who at head office issued it?”
The question resonated with Mayfield and he noticeably blanched, “Why do you want a name, suffice to say I was directed?”
“We would like to have a word with the bank official who told you that you were not to speak to us.”
“Whatever for? I am just relaying what I was told. Don’t you believe me?”
“Let me answer that question,” Culpepper said.
“Be my guest, sheriff,” King said.
“Jayden, you have known me for years and are well aware of my reputation for having a short fuse. My fuse has been lit and it’s getting very short. To put it succinctly, and I am speaking for my deputies, we don’t believe you. If your superior confirms your version, I shall be the first to apologise.”
“It would mean the end of me if you contact head office. I would be immediately dismissed.”
“Not if you are telling the truth, Jayden. Carry on, Deputy West.”
West turned in his chair to face Mayfield and said, “I have interviewed more persons of interest than you can count, and there are only two types: those who are truthful and those who are lying through their teeth. Which one are you, sir?”
“I’ve been as forthcoming as I could be under the circumstances,” spluttered Mayfield.
King snorted.
Mayfield turned to Culpepper, “Would you, at least, answer one question for me, Virgil?”
“If I can, Jayden.”
Mayfield let a long lungful of air escape his lips and in a controlled voice began, “I must say I expected more, Virgil, if for no other reason than our long association and friendship. I guess neither matters with you anymore. I find it sad that I can’t rely upon you any longer. Can you tell me why you are supporting two carpetbaggers from north of the Mason-Dixon Line and won’t come to my defence, your fellow Alabamian?”