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Jose: I'm listening. Do you mind if I tape record this call?
Collins: Well, if it will help you, then I guess it's all right. The UN contracts
organizations such as ClearFieldz to demine suspected land mine locations in other
countries. However, ClearFieldz also subcontracts other commercial organizations.
Jose: If the UN doesn't mind, why should you?
Collins: Subcontracting doesn't bother me; it's HOW they subcontract that I don't
like.
Jose: How are they subcontracting?
Collins: ClearFieldz is practicing something they call 'stretching the profit margin.'
Someone is forging documents within ClearFieldz, accrediting subcontracted personnel
with experience they don't have.
Jose: Why?
Collins: Money. Someone in a key position is making money and 'stretching' personnel
so they can make more money by taking in more work than they should-- at the risk
and expense of other people's lives.
Jose: How do you know it's just one person?
Collins: I don't- not personally, but it's the way the system works. Just one rotten
apple can make the good apples look rotten also. Besides, I've seen the records.
I know what I'm talking about!
Jose: What records are you referring to?
Collins: I can't say.
Jose: Do you know of other companies who's conduct is questionable?
Collins: No. ClearFieldz is the only one I'm aware of.
Jose: How do you know all this?
Collins: I can't tell you without endangering myself.
Jose: Why did you choose me to tell this to?
Collins: I've followed your stories in the newspapers. You seem to be honest. Mr.
Fernandez, I can't face God, I can't- not when there's something I can do about it.
Like the Bible says, 'to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it
is sin.' I think that's in James chapter four somewhere.
Jose: Verse seventeen. Tell me, Mr. Collins, what do you think I can do about this?
Collins: You're a reporter! Don't let him get away with murder! <click!>
Jose dialed the number again, but there was no answer. He quickly called his office.
Diane answered the phone.
Jose: Diane, trace this number and see where it is. Call me back when you find out.
Jose only had to wait ten minutes before Diane called back.
Jose: What did you find out?
Diane: The number 555 326-9844 is a pay phone in New York.
Jose: Which part of New York?
Diane: What does it matter? Just look up his name in the phone book!
Jose: No. If the phone number isn't real, then his name isn't real. Which part of
New York?
Diane: The western part-- Buffalo, New York. |
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end of chapter
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