"Yes, Mr. Mela," the receptionist responded. "Mr. Birnbaum is expecting your call."
The line was silent for a moment. "Hello, Frank!"
"Hello, David. Jenn mentioned that you were expecting me."
"Yes, Frank, and I'm sorry. The news isn't good."
"Does this have to do with my card being declined? I called the issuer, but they said that they couldn't provide any information."
"I'm afraid that we won't be of much help either. There are limits to what we can divulge in situations like this."
"In situations like what?"
"I'm authorized only to inform you that your assets in this bank have been frozen."
Francisco felt a jolt of shock at this news, but he kept himself composed. "Do you know for how long the freeze will be in effect?"
"Unfortunately, no. The action isn't under our control, and we're not permitted to disclose additional information."
"I understand, David. I have see this type of thing before."
"Here in the US?"
"Internationally."
"I'm very sorry, Frank! You've always been a good customer, and we hope that things return to normal as soon as possible. But the regulations are clear, and we have no flexibility."
"That's okay." Francisco thought for a moment. "Can you tell me though whether this impacts other personal or business accounts within the family?"
"I'm afraid that we can't share an account's status with anyone except the account holder."
"How about my son's accounts?" Francisco asked. "I'm a joint signatory."
"Let me check." Mr. Birnbaum placed the call on hold. "His accounts are open, Frank. No issues."
"That's good news." Francisco searched his mind for a reason. Was he under investigation? What agencies could he contact in an effort to find answers?
"I apologize once again, Frank, but that's really all that we can say at this time."
"It's fine, David. We'll get it straightened out."
"Take care, Frank!"
"You, too!"
Francisco held the phone in his hand as he thought for a moment. He'd closed the Ferrari's windows for privacy. It sat parked on a tree-lined street near the university hospital; the car wouldn't look out of place in a neighborhood frequented by surgeons.
Francisco dialed again.
"Deegan, Worthe, and Schweitzer..."
"Hello, this is Francisco Mela."
"Oh, hello, Mr. Mela! Would you like to speak with Mr. Worthe?"
"If he's available."
"Certainly! One moment please!"
"Frank! How are things?"
"Hi, Park. Is the family doing well?"
"Everyone's good, Frank! Thanks for asking! How's everything with YOU?"
"I was hoping that you could tell ME."
Attorney Stephen Parker Worthe, III hesitated for a moment. "I'm sorry, Frank. Is something wrong?"
"I was just informed that my private banking accounts have been frozen."
"Oh my! That's serious! Have you contacted the bank?"
"Just got off of the phone. They didn't say much."
"Of course," Worthe reasoned. "They're not allowed to."
"You didn't know anything about this?" Francisco asked.
"We haven't been notified," answered, "but that's not unusual unless records are being requested. Typically, we learn about such actions from our clients or their agents."
"What actions."
"Without knowing more, it sounds as though the Feds are looking into you."
"You think the government is involved?"
"They have to be involved," explained Worthe. "They're the only ones with the authority to freeze assets."
"I see."
"Would you have any idea why they're coming after you?"
"Not at this time," Francisco replied.
"So, this is completely unexpected?"
"Yes."
"Have you spoken with your father?"
"Not recently. Why?"
"If there's been a change in the business, that could explain things. The feds are watching international monetary transfers closely these days. Maybe it's just a misunderstanding."
"There's nothing that I know of, but I'll check with him."
"We'll place a call right away to his counsel," Worthe offered. "They'll want to take steps to keep his own accounts out of jeopardy."
"That would be helpful," Francisco noted. "I need to focus on the business now. We have to made certain that operations at El Corazon are not impacted."
"It's a busy time of year for you, I bet."
"Lots of races," Francisco confirmed. "Lots of edgy clients."
"Okay, as discussed, we'll reach out to Mr. Mela."
"Thanks, Park."
"Let us know in case you're contacted by anyone or if anything else suspicious occurs. Oh, and you should probably talk to Jerry."
"He's my next call."
"If they're going to subpoena financial records, they typically start with tax returns. Sometimes that yields low-hanging fruit."
"I understand."
"Is there anything else that we can do?"
Francisco thought for a moment. "Should I be concerned about property seizure?"
"It's always possible but probably unlikely."
"Okay, but if it looks as though it's coming, I need to get out in front of it. I can't stay in business if the government padlocks my stables."
"Understood. Have Jerry assemble a list of critical assets. In an emergency, we can transfer them to an offshore company. That should insulate the farm from legal exposure. But you might have to take your name off of the property."
"Understood."
"I'm sorry about this, Frank."
"Thanks, Park."
"You bet! We're always here for you!"
'The Horse Farm'
Copyright © 2015 Daniel R. South
All Rights Reserved
No comments:
Post a Comment