Discrete Justice

Prologue

It had been twenty five years since Discrete Inquiries began. The business never really flourished, but the Wickham’s made a comfortable living. That is until Walt got involved in a case with a real tough bunch.

The case he was working on involved a crooked policeman and an equally crooked attorney. They had a protection racket going on the lower north side of Milwaukee and in the Polish area off of Lincoln Avenue. The cop and attorney, along with five small time toughs, had over 70 businesses paying monthly protection money.

Several of the businesses hired Discrete Inquiries to see if they could help the police obtain evidence against the crooks.

As Walt Wickham gathered more and more damning evidence it became too much for his own safety. The first incidents were bricks through the windows at Discrete Inquiries. About a week later someone came into the office late at night by smashing the back door.

It was apparent their aim was to kill Hondo the Third, the big Doberman Pinscher, which they did. They used a .22 caliber gun and then a baseball bat. Hondo lost, but not before tearing about eight inches of skin and muscle from someone’s arm. They destroyed many files and tried unsuccessfully to burn down the building.

Numerous threatening phone calls disrupted the office and also the Wickham home. Working closely with Berelli, his police friend who was now a lieutenant on the vice squad, they got a handle on the members of the racket. The Grand Jury indicted those involved and arrested seven people. Before the cases were completed in court, Walt was murdered by a Muslim, Khaled Kaba, who was in the country illegally.

Kaba was not an accomplished criminal and was caught in two days. He was wounded in a shootout at the arrest scene, but lived and testified against the seven members of the protection racket who had hired him. Kaba received a lighter sentence due to his testimony. He was in the State Prison at Waupun until he could be deported.

Even with the legal defense offered by several of the areas shady attorneys, the seven were all convicted and sentenced to life in the state prison. Charges for each included murder, extortion, assault and robbery. The sentences were ordered to be consecutive rather than concurrent making parole impossible.

Ginny, Walt’s wife, lost all interest in the business and transferred her controlling interest in the business to Walt’s and her only child, Willard W. Wickham III.

He had recently returned from serving six years in the Army where he entered with an ROTC commission as a second lieutenant. Graduating from the University of Wisconsin with a double major in law and business gave him added experience to offer the Army.

He served in the Military Police and had rapidly advanced to Major with battlefield commissions. His last tour of duty was in Iraq. Now at age 29, Willard decided to leave the Army to run the business. He felt good about trying to help other people as much as possible, the original goal of his father and mother.

Chapter 1

What do you want to be called? asked Jimmy John Phillips.

I’ve always been partial to Willard. Guess I figured it’s a good name and maybe even has a little bit of class.

Your daddy liked the name Walt, but then your Grandpa was always satisfied with Willard. So Mr. Willard the Third, where do we go from here?

As far as I’m concerned, you do a great job. I know you’re anxious to retire and go back to Vegas, but I could sure use your help and especially your experience. It will be bad enough when you do go. I would appreciate it if you would stay a few months.

I guess, but not too long. Lowell and Brown are already enjoying their retirement. You know your momma set up a retirement account for us all and I best start using mine pretty soon. There’s a whole bunch of chorus girls out there in Vegas for me to ogle.

Jimmy John had just turned 67. He was a light colored black man with just a hint of a black accent, mostly when he felt like using it. Standing at six feet with a solid body, he was an imposing person who commanded respect. When anyone made the mistake of thinking he was old and feeble, they soon found the error of their thoughts.

Thanks, Jimmy John. I’ll try to learn fast. I guess Mom taught Heather all about the books and records.

Heather Stein was a local woman raised in the area. She finished vocational school studying bookkeeping and business. Her skills with numbers were enough to earn her special recognition at her graduation. She had been employed for 18 months and an audit proved the books were in great shape.

"She shore did and don’t tell her I said so, but

Heather is even better than your momma. Guess she learned a lot at school and she uses that damn computer and cell phone like she was born with ‘em. Now don’t you tell your momma that I said that either."

I won’t. It looks like I have a great chance to make something of myself and carry on the business. I still have great memories of when you would sit me on your knee and tell me stories. Can’t say I didn’t enjoy the M&M’s you used to sneak to me either. And I suspect the stories were more fiction than fact.

Get to work, Boy… But you’re right, them stories was part truth and part Jimmy John fun talk.

Guess I always knew that. Sure do miss dad. I think we learned something. You can’t be too careful. I’m glad those bastards are in Waupun. If they ever do get out I’ll be waiting.

They’re set for a long time for sure. I also miss Hondo. All three of those dogs we had was great.

I miss them too. One of the first things on my ‘to do’ list is to get another dog. I already have a name, Sir Hondo.

I like that. Classy. Now I got to arrange some things at my desk so we can start gettin’ you trained. You sure have grown up; no question you’re all man.

Willard busied himself going through the personnel files first. He had grown up. He stood 6’ 4". His hair was a sandy brown which complimented his rich brown eyes. All the military training as well as his personal devotion to exercise gave him a physique a lot better than men much younger. One of the first things you noticed was the size of his muscular arms and a body lacking any fat.

The only other employee was Jonathan Witkowski. Jon, as he liked to be called, was an ex-cop. He had 12 years’ experience on the force when he was rear ended at a stop sign. The Police Department granted him disability pay. He had been a successful investigator for the office for three years and there were no complaints and seven letters of commendation from clients.

Jon was about 6’ 1’, weighed 220 and although he was starting to get a small stomach, he was still impressive. His greying hair was neatly trimmed. Jon was dressed neatly and in fact always was the neatest person in the office.

Looks like we’re in good shape, said Willard. Now to increase our staff and make some money. Heather, can you come in a minute?

The pretty brunette came in bringing a notebook. She was short, about 5’ 2" with small bones and almost regal stature. Willard was pleased that she was so attractive. It was a benefit to the office to have a woman like that as the first person visitors met.

We’ll get to spend more time talking one day soon, said Willard, but right now I was wondering if there are any applications from people looking for work.

I have an application folder under the personnel section. She reached in the file cabinet and pulled it out. I think there is just one in there right now. She isn’t a bookkeeper so hope I don’t have any competition.

Mom told me how great you’ve done and I see it in the records and files. I’m more worried you may look for another job.

Not on your life. I was just getting this place shaped up. Now you’re here and I’ll have to start all over. She had a great smile. Anything else?

No, except don’t give the boss grief. He smiled and continued to go through the files. He picked up the application. It was for a Breeda Bain, ex-navy petty officer in security. Her resume looked good. He called Heather in and gave her the file. Please call Miss Bain and see if she is still interested; if so make an appointment for an interview.

I heard that, said Witkowski who had just come in. You aren’t ready to replace me already are you?

Jon, I didn’t hear you come in. Why would I replace you? Something I should know? They hugged each other and Jon stepped back to look at Willard. You know I used to baby sit you when your folks needed a night out. You were about five. I was a new patrolman then working with your dad.

Oh, I sure do remember. You could be a real pain. I never got by with anything when you were there. They both enjoyed a good laugh.

It’s really good to see you, Jon. I’m just starting on the files and working on my long-range plan. I think we can expand by a couple people and hopefully be in good shape when Jimmy John sneaks out of here.

We can use more business. It was tough on your mom when Walt died. Our clients slipped away just a little. Now I look for you to charge ahead. Just hope I can keep up.

That worries me too, smiled Willard. He ducked as Jon threw his notebook.

Mr. Wickman, I just talked to Miss Bain. You have an appointment with her for 9:00am tomorrow morning. She sounded excited. Jon had already gone out to his office. Heather laid the Bain file on his desk. Do you want to meet about clients now?

Yes, I’d like Jimmy John, Jon and you to please come in and tell me what we now have for clients and anything else you know about future business.

They went over all the records and Willard had a handle on the business in about 45 minutes. Wow, that didn’t take long enough. We best work on ways to improve our client list. Jimmy John, I’d like you to come up with some more ideas.

Willard buried himself in the files as Heather left. I’m open to suggestions from any of you, he yelled into the outer office.

What do you think, Jimmy John? I see we have room to add a couple more offices.

There’s plenty of room. If we have to we can divide the storage room to hold our files and even have room in there for a break room.

As Willard looked over the floor plan and thought about offices he remembered Jimmy John would be leaving so they did have enough room to expand.

After reviewing the property files, he went out to look at the vehicles. They had a Yamaha motorcycle, Ford van and an almost new Dodge pickup. The service records were up to date and all but the van had low mileage.

Other than a ding or two, the vehicles looked good. The van had a work desk and computer system built inside as well as some recording devices. We can live with these until we increase our client base and need more transportation. He looked around to be sure nobody was listening to him talking to himself.

Back in the office he looked at a picture of his mother and dad. He smiled and thought of his mom living in a great retirement building with her own two bedroom apartment. She said she loved it; especially having all her meals included, And darned good food, she had told him.

The one complaint his mother had was that she was not a grandmother. She often reminded Willard of that and insisted she never would be if …you don’t take enough time off to find a wife. Some days I think we failed in raising you.

Willard locked his desk and office, told Heather good night and left happy with his decision to leave the Army and head up Discrete Inquiries.

Chapter 2

It was 8:50am when an attractive woman came in the door. I’m Breeda Bain. I’m a little early for my appointment with Mr. Wickham.

Welcome, said Heather. Please sit down and I’ll tell him you’re here. Would you like coffee?

No thanks, she said as she sat down.

Mr. Wickham said he will be with you in a few minutes.

Breeda had attractive natural blond hair cut back just above the collar. She was rather tall for a woman standing 5’ 9" barefoot. Breeda was proud of her body and exercised daily to keep in shape. Her shapely figure made most men turn to take a second look as she passed. She wore a plain dark business suit with a skirt, medium heeled shoes and carried a dark briefcase.

Thank you. She sat and surveyed the office. There were some nice pictures and artwork. On one wall were framed letters; appreciation letters from clients she assumed.

Good Morning, I’m Willard, he said from his office door. Please come in and sit down. To start with, I was very impressed with your experience. There is no doubt you have qualifications I’m looking for. Tell me, where are you from.

That’s sort of a tough question. I grew up in Texas and graduated from Baylor in Waco, Texas. You’ll notice I was in the upper 10 percent of my class studying business with special classes in computer science.

Have you kept up with your computer training?

Yes. After enlisting in the Navy I took classes they offered in security and additional classes in computer programing as it related to the Navy. After several promotions, I attained the rank of Petty Officer.

Where did you serve?

I finished the courses and then accepted duty on USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier. I was in charge of the computer programs dealing with security. I also had charge of the sailors who patrolled the ship while in dock. Most of my work was with computers however.

How did you like sea duty?

Can’t say that I did. I learned a lot and the work was interesting, but for a woman there are just too many men and no place to get away from them by yourself.

Willard smiled, I can see how that could be a problem for you. He detected a slight blush.

Thank you. Gee I’m here ten minutes and you have me blushing already. Wish I didn’t do that.

Would you like coffee or something else to drink? When she shook her head he said, Tell me about your land experience.

When I left the ship I was transferred to the Norfolk Naval Base and assigned to their security section. That was great duty. I spent a lot of time on various types of computer security for the Admiral and his staff.

Have you had any self-defense training? I mean besides fighting off the sailors…Opps, I did it again…but you do have an attractive way of blushing.

Thank you, I think. To answer your question, I am an expert at Karate and during my last eight months I was an instructor in self-defense. I will say it was fun to take the smile off the face of some men who were double my size. They became close friends which shows I must have handled myself well.

I’m impressed. We will look over your application and call you within a day or two. Thanks for coming in. Willard showed her out

Willard called to Jimmy John. Please come in. Close the door. That woman would be a great asset to us. Have Jon run a personal check on her and if all is as I expect we’ll have a new employee in about a week.

The next morning Jon came in to Willard’s office. You know we do so many personal checks that the system is all set up. Miss Bain checks out 100%. Everything she told us checked out and then some. There were about a dozen letters of commendation and many great recommendations from her superior officers. Better hire her.

Glad my instinct was right. Call Jimmy John in too will you? When they were all there, Willard explained his feelings about Miss Bain. I want her in our company. Now what assignment do we have for her abilities or do we have to go looking for clients?

We have a manufacturer who is being robbed blind. I think that whoever is robbing them is doing it through their computers. Looks like they make stock disappear from inventory and when we check it is just gone like they never had it. Can’t track down the buyer or anything. A real mystery and I can’t find how it’s being done, said Jon.

I’ll work with Heather, said Jimmy John. We’ll get all the paperwork ready and put a file together for Bain to study. See if you can get her in here tomorrow.

Jon, you work up the file while we figure out the salary we can offer. Jon left and Willard and Jimmy John went over the budget. When they had their proposal ready they called Heather in to check their figures.

She should grab that offer, said Heather. It’s fair and I sure would take it in a minute. I’ve got the paperwork all done. Who is going to call Breeda?

I’ll do that, said Willard. Thanks for your help. Heather, check out the books and see if we can afford one more employee when I find someone. Jimmy John, you and Jon see about other client prospects. I’ll be pleased to personally call on any company that you discover. I think we have more to offer with our computer crime expertise; we’ll soon know.

Willard dialed the cell phone of Breeda. Good Day. This is Willard. We would like you to come to work with us if you are still interested. After explaining the salary he was offering, he had to hold the phone away from his ear for a minute.

"That sounds like you will consider the position. When can you come in…yes, one