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| Goldman Sachs |
Richard huddled in his jail cell, pulling his Armani suit closely around him. Now he was watching his world disintegrate.
Where had it all gone wrong? We had a duster clean the computer files. We dated everything retroactively . He wondered. Surely everyone in the investment business embezzled from his clients now and then. It was part of the investment game after all.
With the untimely arrival of the arrest warrant, he was for a moment left spellbound. Richard’s travel carry-on sat by the door, stuffed with one-million dollars and a change of underwear.
Five more minutes!
Five more minutes and he would have been out the door, heading to the nearest non-extradition country.
Unfortunately, they seldom, if ever, go to jail.
ReplyDeleteThis is true.
DeleteOnly the big ones went to prison, while the others got their severance pay (big bucks) and scampered out.
DeleteVery clever, especially how you worked in "duster."
ReplyDeleteGratitude goes to the Hillary Clinton investigation, when DOJ found her computer had been "dusted", wiped clean. Never knew there was such a term!
DeleteDon't do the crime if you can't do the time.
ReplyDeleteWhat amazed me in 2015 was the lack of remorse.
DeleteA bribe might be worth a try. In for a penny, in for a pound.
ReplyDeleteI guess a person lacking in a moral compass would do that.
DeleteSusan:
ReplyDeleteFunny how people like that never even think about the consequences of their actions.
To me,that should be the FIRST thing to consider.
(it usually ends with better choice being made...and not having men with badges knocking on your door when you least expect it).
Right! A better choice should have happened pretty quickly.
DeleteYou scare me, LOL, down deep there is a devious streak! hahahaha. Great and I agree with Debra about the word 'Duster'. Now, that must be a great part of a novel hidden deep in THAT mind???
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy the read and the imagination, I liked how my mind immediately got in step. It made me smile!
Sherry and jack back in North CArolina.
Many thanks, Jack! My mind does have a streak of deviousness. I confess. Gives me different perspectives. As for a novel, I don't know about that!
DeleteNorth Carolina! From PA to NC!
PS: I meant to say great picture to accompany the story. ;-)
ReplyDeleteAmazingly, there were sooo many photos of briefcases stuffed with $$.
DeleteAwful and unethical behavior. I have worked for an ethical corporation for over twenty years. I have taught business ethics. So I have no sympathy for people who engaged in this behavior. There is no excuse.
ReplyDeleteBernie Madoff brought this to public light in 2005. Destroyed massive number of sad people. He stole millions, even billions dollars.
DeleteHe is in prison for 115 years. No excuse at all.
Sigh.
ReplyDeleteThere are clones of him. World-wide.
There must a class called Embezzlement 101 that gets them on the road.
Delete5 more minutes! Or maybe 15 minutes.
ReplyDeleteAnd away many go, with barely a slap on the wrist.
ReplyDeleteLike much done on computer, actions are silent, easily changed.
DeleteEverybody does it, the Great American Excuse...
ReplyDeleteIt starts so young: Mom, everybody does it!
DeleteThose that do these things don't think they'll ever be caught. And they don't much care about the people they hurt. It's all about winning the "game" to them.
ReplyDeleteIt does seem a game. Have you ever seen "The Big Short"?
DeleteFive lousy minutes. 'Bummer' indeed.
ReplyDeleteSad, isn't it.
Delete"Surely everyone in the investment business embezzled from his clients now and then." That sentence gave me chills.
ReplyDeleteDoes that line of work take a certain personality? A person without a strong moral core?
DeleteThere's no remorse in sociopaths --none that I understand anyway. Provocative post.
ReplyDeleteSame here. I don't understand lack of remorse. I wonder if that transfers to personal lives as well?
DeleteI could see this all in my head while reading. Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Glad you enjoyed the read.
DeleteSo this is based on a true story? I think it's horrifying how so many people in charge of large amounts of money don't seem to realise or care that it isn't theirs to do what they like with.
ReplyDeleteThere were so many financial institutes that were caught and investigated. They ruined so many lives.
DeleteSKILLFULLY DONE dear Susan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBrilliantly you used all the words here indeed!
people who snatch other's living earned by had work are so LOST in their deceptive nature
but actions we do never stop chasing us until we face the consequences
Well said.
DeleteVery expressive. Thanx.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Thanks! Give my regards to Father Ignatius.
DeleteAnd Richard learned the a new word: Karma. Good story
ReplyDeleteYup. What comes around, goes around and around and..
DeleteI love your story. I can tell it comes from what was in the headlines a few years ago. You weave a tale so well and use those words to your advantage. Too bad real people are often involved in these devious plots.
ReplyDeleteWhere are they now? I hope some are living in the mom's basements. Or in prison.
DeleteI bet he doesn't forget "just five more minutes."
ReplyDeleteAs a parent, I heard "just five more minutes" from my kids. Too late.
DeleteWell done, creative use of all the words.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the short story.
DeleteThat's a big bummer!
ReplyDeleteLoved using that word. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteA lot of things could happen if we had just 5 more minutes.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, 5 more minutes could have changed history in some way.
Delete"The untimely arrival of the arrest warrant" - love that line.
ReplyDeleteIt does wrap up and stamp DONE! on his life.
Delete