There Aint No Such Thing As A Free Lunch: The great Redeal

"Mr. Jackson.. We have already extended your credit line," A well dressed man shook his head. "I do apologize but perhaps if you feel that way you could go to a better bank that could serve your needs.."

Angrily the farmer flipped the desk, "Mr. Octavius.. You a rich banker who has no clue what it is like to work .."

Octavius waved off the guards as Jackson droned on..

"You hire negros, dem hispani, china men, Injuns, Irish Men, Jews, and women.. " Pissed off, "You could not even.."

A young woman with child next to her spoke up, "Peter..  This is.."

"Shut up Virginia.. Me and this city boy gonna wrestle.." Peter decided to go to strike Mr. Octavius..

A few seconds later Peter was bent over as Mr. Octavius had Peter's hand bent back wards. "First off.. So that you and every one of you listening are clear.. I do not give a F#$% what you think of my hiring practices.. I hate real work with a passion.. Because I have had to do way to much of it.. Second I am tired of all your mother F#$%er's b@#$%ing because you over extended yourselves credit wise.. Now everyone in town that is hear to get a loan extension can thank you Peter.. I am going to deny all of them because you spoke for all of them. All payments will be due on the First or I will seize every single one of your F#$%ing properties.." Bending over and whispering as he had Peter in tears from the pain, "Enjoy your F#$%ing new popularity.."

"Please.. Mr. Octavius," Mrs. Jackson had tears in her eyes.. She looked around and saw murder in everyone's eyes, "Your the only bank in town that is still able to loan money.. If we.."

"Your husband is a F#$%ing Drunk.. He has been drinking more then he has been farming.. I can still smell the S#$% on his breath," Mr. Octavius twisted a little harder..

"Mr. Octavius.. The farm has been in his family for generations.. " Virginia was pleading, "We go to the same church.. I know you are a decent fella.. You have donated a lot of food to the church.. You have bought tons of land at auctions in Texas.."

An older woman with six kids in tow  and a basket walked into the bank as the armed guards held the door open.. Octavius instantly shoved Mr. Jackson away..

"Mrs. Brinkley," Octavius stepped over the mess. "What brings you in here today?"

Looking around as several people in town grumble, "Mr. Octavius.. I see I caught you at.."

Walking over to her, "No mam.. I told your dear late husband yall were welcome anytime.. Do you need anything?"

Seeing all the people eyeing her, "All right out with it Mr. Octavius..  I know you aint sweet on me..  I am not a young hen and you have not even attempted to come callin.. Preacher told me months ago you were the one to pay for my Hewy's funeral, plot, and tombstone.. Nicest one in the cemetery.."

"Mam.. Your good people who deserved better then the hand delt," Mr. Octavius glared at Mr. Jackson whose wife was hovering over him..

"Was my Hewy your daddy?" Mrs. Brinkley spoke firmly, "He told me first day he met you a few things.. Said you look like him.. I wasnt happy but when you told him that the bank had no proof he ever had a loan with them.. So you couldnt charge him any money for a loan he thinks he mistakenly owed.."

"No mam," Octavius looks for half a second at her two year old son.. "I .. My daddy abandoned my mother when she was three months pregnant. He was in the army.."

Mrs. Brinkley covered her mouth, "My god.. Your my brother in laws boy with that huz.. Young lady near where he was stationed he kept going to see every so often.  Edward Jack Brinkley, Corporal US ARMY.. We named my youngest boy here after him.. Sweet jesus that explains why you have been so nice to us.." Everyone in the bank is whispering, "I.. I did not mean to expose the case of Bastardry.. That is why the general store keeps losing receipts for credit of ours. You figured out.. "

Looking at the two year old, "I am Edward Brinkley's son.. I just did not feel proper imposing Mrs. Brinkley.. I came down here and just feel in love with the place."

"You act just like Edward.. That explains everything," Mrs. Brinkley turned towards the crowd in the bank. Sighing, "You come from good people. Your daddy had his faults.. I know you cant afford to keep bailing everyone out.. He did help people out when he could."

Rubbing his eyebrows, "I will accept payments for the next two months in a mixture of cash,seed, cattle, pigs, fowl, and other assorted items.. Then it is back to all cash.." Looking at the toddler, "I know my daddy's mama tried.. Mine did to.."

Several of the guards are smiling nodding there heads..

"Thank you Mrs. Brinkley," One of the farmers quickly shook her hand and left. 

Octavius glared at several of them, "Some of you better have payment here tomorrow.. Or I repo all of it!"

All the farmers walking out nodded their heads to Mrs. Brinkley.. Several stopped with an apology, and they knew his daddy.. Coldly Octavius ignored them..

Mr. Jackson swallowed hard as he was the last one.. "I apologise sir.. We do not need.."

"Get the F#$% out now.. I expect you to have the equivalent payment here tomorrow.. You are the deepest in debt.." Looking at his desk, "I expect my desk fixed or completely replaced or I get the Sheriff.."

"I dont want any problems with the Brinkley's family," Mr. Jackson looked down and walked straight out..

"Mr. Octavius.. I apologize he.. Its.." Virginia stuttered as tears fell, "Is it ok If I get him sober first.. My brother can fix your desk.."

Octavius sighed, "Come in two days if you have the payment.. Virginia.."

Virginia hugged Octavius not meaning to.. After a second to long, Mrs. Brinkley coughed..

"I.. I will have my brother come fix the desk.."

"Dont worry about it.." Octavius blinked as he inhaled, "Your brother is to busy working for me to fix your husbands crap.. Cheaper on me.. I wont call the sheriff.."

Pausing for a second she saw Mrs. Brinkley staring at her, "Lets go Georgia.." She took her daughters hand and walked out..

"She is a married a woman," Mrs. Brinkley shakes her.. "You are definitely Edward's boy..  "

The Black guard walked up, "So boss yours family is from here?"

"Freedman.." Looking at his guards, "Yes..  I am going to take this pretty SINGLE lady.." Octavius sticks his tongue out at Mrs. Brinkley.. She points at him, "I guess we will go eat at Mabel's place.."

"I brought you," Seeing the look on his face.. "You dont like my cooking.."

Freeman whispers, "Mam he is a snobby northerner we thought.. Is that .."

"Ungrateful JackA$$," Mrs. Brinkley looks at Octavius and then covers her mouth. "I meant you should have said something.. "

"We are officially family.."

"Which means you dont have to lie anymore," Mrs. Brinkley shakes her head.. "Hewy and Jack said that all the time.. So who has been eating my cooking I brought to thank you.." She pauses when she sees several of the guards looking at her basket.. "I see.. I did not bring enough to feed you all.. I.."

"They have empty legs Mrs. Brinkley, with I suspect tape worms in dem dere bellies.." Seeing his guards sniffing the air, "Freeman.. When we leave, divvy up the spoils laddies.."

Mrs. Brinkey hands the basket over to Freeman, "I will come back for the basket.." Taking Octavius's arm, "First is is either Mary Ann or Auntie.. Goodness gracious, I need to introduce you to your family. We are barley making it but Jack, Hewy, and wilbur left life insuran...." Mrs. Brinkley swallows hard as she stops, " They did not have life insurance policies we knew of.. You.. You have been paying that monthly stipend to .. Bless you child it is the only reason we have made it through this depression.. If only Hoover would get off his butte and do something.."

_______________________________________________________________________________________

"Mr. Reins," A man is a suit walks in.. "We .. We ran into some problems in Texas.."

Looking up from a desk, "J. Edgar you cant be that incompetent.."

Balling up his fist, "Mr. Reins.. We have investigated the man Gaston E. Octavius.. Mr.  He is very well connected to the Texas Political Machines.. He has quietly made millions of dollars.. And now.."

Mr. Reins picks up the file Hoover sat on his desk.. He started reading it and paused several times, "A fifty hour work week..  No children under sixteen at factories,  fourteen on sales floors, and 12 on street corners hawking.. That SOB  is using.. Never mind, all children receive continued education while they work.. " Reading on very curios, "Blind hiring.. They do not find out the person's sex or race.. He has hired African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Latino amerians.." Hoover narrows his eyes confused, "Yes.. those are the proper terms for our diverse american peoples.. It looks like We will have to pay a visit to Corsicana Texas.."  

"Who is this man? He tangled with the Klan and they lost badly according to rumors." J. Edgar Hoover narrowed his eyes, "Like you  and your friends he did not have any record of note till three years ago.."

Mr. Reins was not very happy, " He made a second fortune in 1929 when the market crashed.. He made millions selling vegtables and fish before then.. that mother F#$%er.. Aquaponics.." Standing up and grabbing his coat, "I have to go talk with a few people.. We may need you to handle this.."

Putting his hand on Rein's shoulder, "Did you not hear me? We ran into problems.. For instance several of my boys are sitting in local Texas jails.."

"You cant arrest FBI agents," Reins stopped for a second.. "Your boys were set up.."

"I am not sure Mr. Reins..  It appears that several Prostitutes were working with the Texas Rangers under cover.." Seeing contempt in Reins face, "It is those new hiring policies you had me go with.."

"Those racist Texas Bastards," Reins shook his head.. "We will have those.."

"Are you not listening.. Not every D@#$ thing is about race!! It was a mix of those agents I sent.. The senior Agent left standing is a neg.. African boy.. He said the Rangers have to follow a new law passed last year.." Reins looked paused at Hoover as J. Edgar went on, "It appears that the Embarrassment act passed the Texas Legislature. this time tomorrow Morning it will be all over the US that Thirteen Agents of the FBI were caught with underage sex slaves.. The same ones the Texas Rangers were looking for, If I remember what my source said correctly.."

"So your agents were stupid.. They got set up.. It.."

"I thought the same thing at first.. Till my lead agent told me that three of the agents were caught in those hotel rooms mid act," J. Edgar Hoover shook his head.. "If I did not need your technology Mr. Reins.."

"You need to put some pressure.. slight pressure on those reporters.. Kill the story and we give them something," Mr. reins was pissed off.

A FBI agent quickly came into the room, "Sir.." Reaching back to a radio, "The Texas incident just blew up in our face.."

"..overnor of Texas, has demanded Answers from the FBI. the good governor publicly has demanded that J. Edgar Hoover answer for his Departments involvement in supporting American slavery of underage children.." A male voice deeply intoned, "Under a new Texas law, the names of the FBI agents involved have been released...."

Rein gets pissed off, "That SOB has played us.. Those Agents where set up.. It is a smear campaign.."

Another man walked around a corner, "Herbert.." Seeing J Edgar, "Good you're here to.. President Hoover has asked to speak with all of us.. He should be done soothing the ruffled feathers of the Texas Joint bipartisan delegation of .."

".. a Joint session of congress to investigate these charges.. That he would be calling J. Edgar Hoover himself to testify as to why the FBI agents where behaving in such a manner and was it representative of the whole Agency," The reporter spoke.. "The Speaker of the house went on to say he was personally going to the white house to address his concerns of the good decent people of Texas.. Namedly, Over the Executive Branches policemen.. Further he added that......"

J. edgar Hoover was very pissed off, "You god D@#$ a$$holes.. Make no mistake If I go down you're going down with me!!"

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

With a black eye, "For a fancy boy banker he sure does hit like a god blessed mule.. He is definately Edward's boy.. I aint been hit like that since I ran my mouth to sarge.. "

"What did I tell you about insulting Mr. Octavius," Mary Ann put the wet towel over her eldest son's black eye? " Well Eli?"

"Mama I thought he was a fancy .. I mean he is out of place here.. Yet he.. " shaking his head, " He told me mama that I should listen to my Sargent more and think less.. He.."

Octavius walked in a bottle and poured it into a glass, "Sip it slowly.. Then drink some water.."

"Mister.. Cuz where did you learn to fight dirty like that," Eli held the wet towel to his eye..

"My Chiefs apparent hit harder then your nancy boy Sargents," Octavius grins evilly.. "F#$%ing Army.."

Eli chuckles with a smile..

"Now what did I tell you about cussing in my house," Mary Ann narrowed her eyes..

"Never use words you do not," Octavius got hit in the arm by Mary Ann.

Rolling her eyes Mary Ann walked back into the kitchen.. "Did you hear that, He sounds just like my Hewy did?"

An older woman took a sip of a drink as she sighed, "Edward.. Edward..."

"Now Jane.. Mary Ann did not mean anything by this," another woman spoke.. "As much as you might be ashamed, god works in mysterious ways.. Your step son, his words, May be a bad boy like his father.. You just are not aware of his good deeds.. You know he has donated hundreds and hundreds of pounds of food to our ministry.. Why we have feed hundreds as they have come through my Richard says.."

Taking a deep breath, " Sue.. I know.. It is just like looking at Edward when I first met him..  And this.." Sue pointed at the new household appliances, "We all had the same thing delivered to us.. Ice Boxes..   It is way to much.."

"He had twelve given to the church and one to us for personal use," Sue speaks as she sips the Ice cold water. Looking at the other ladies, "Do you know how blessed you are? How much food you can store.. I heard that you are getting your houses redone.."

"Told me that it was nothing.." Mary Ann shook her head, "Said that this depression was gonna get worse before it got better.. Jane.. This is not our main problem.."

One of the younger woman walked in, "Eli.. Mrs. Brinkley they fought a minute over something stupid and now they are talking like old hens.." Pulling out a chair as she sat her pregnant butte down, They are telling military stories.."

"Karen.." Mary Ann quickly changed the subject, "Is your sister still being courted by that Green boy?"

"Mary Ann.. " sue looked at her then grinned, "Is a very good question?"

Jane leaned forward from her drink, "Sue?"

"Mary ann.. She is but .. Wait .. Your kidding me that you do not know," Karen whispered?

"As the Preachers wife," Sue leaned forward.. "It is better that Karen shares this if it is what I am thinking.. A concern of mine.."

"Karen Brinkley," Mary sue looks out and sees the men go outside.. "You better spill this quickly.. Fore the emotional men folk get involved.."

"We heard what happened in Town at the bank already.. What you did not know, was that about two months ago, Mr Jackson went in for another loan.. To expand his farm." Karen Whispers, "He got that loan the problem is.. There has been a rumor that Mr. Octavius was sweet on Virginia.. Mr. Jackson always takes her to the bank now in the hopes of extensions.." Rolling her hands in the continue motion.. "Well Virginia is about two months pregnant.."

"Just because he is my Edwards son does not mean," Jane looks at Sue.. Seeing her face, "What are you not telling us?"

"I cant tell you that," Sue drinks her Ice water.. "But it is public knowledge that Mr. Jackson is a heavy drinker.. We visit them to help lead them in the ways of the lord.. The problem is.. Well.. " Sue makes a face and copies Karen's hand signal from earlier.

Jane starts laughing as Mary Ann rubs her face..

A knock comes from the front door.. A loud voice fills the air, "Boss we's got trouble.. De men in bed sheets.. De grabbed one of dee girls and De holdin Simon.."


________________________________________________________________________________________________

 
J. Edgar Hoover looked up at the hanging bodies as he got out of his car..  "Klansmen hanging all over Town, " J. Edgar whistles as the Texas wind blows the white sheets some of the men hanging where wearing..

He pauses as he see's several men of different races with Tommy Guns..  

One of the white men in a suit with his own Tommy Gun walks up, "Director.. We had to deputize them Sir.." 

"You.. Your Agent Long," Hoover was confused..

"Long story sir.. Mr. Octavius busted us out of County Jail yesterday," Agent Long held his tommy gun down at an angle.. "We were set up sir..  As.. As the senior agent I had to give him a badge.. With him and his boys we.. Well we caught a whole cattle Rustling ring.." Pointing up at the body hanging the highest in all red, "His honor was the center of it.. It gets better sir.."

Several reporters were allowed up and they approached, "Director..  Director.. Was the statement made by Mr. Octavius true..  "

"Boys," J Edgar was little surprised caught flat footed..

Octavius called out from the court house steps, "Now gentlemen..  I done tole you that the Director of the FBI is fully aware of the situation.. He cant talk about it because it is part of an ongoing investigation he is overseeing.. He might give you a press conference after he checks a few things out.."

"Was the Klansmen in the area really running a massive cattle rustling ring?"

"Our people have a source that the FBI agents were drugged?"

"Were several women involved in these crimes of Klansmen?"

"Is it true the FBI is now holding twelve people for different unrelated crimes as part of this investigation?"

"Agent Octavius.. You told us that you had proof that the FBI was set up by the Klansmen.."

Director Hoover heard all those words and almost cracked a smile at the reporter as he spoke, "The public wants to know .."

"My Agent told you boys it is part of MY on gong investigation.." Hoover smiled , "You boys can print that.. The President of the United States was briefed yesterday and told me I had his full faith to continue.. Now please the good people of Texas have been through enough.." With a practiced sigh, "You boys give me a few minutes and If a few other things pan out here.." Looking at Octavius, "I will fill you in a little.."

Hoover stuck his hand out to Octavius who shook it as a camera flashed..

"The FBI is an honorable organization whose reputation has been wrongly bismirched," Hoover walked up the rest of the way.. "Temporary Agent Octavius.."

Octavius followed purposely behind Hoover into the County court house.. Armed men held the door open.. The Director of the FBI was directed by Armed women up the stairs.. A door was opened and the two of them walked in..

After the door was shut, "All right Mr. Octavius.. I know your one of them.. I am supposed to take you in to speak with the President.." Looking out a window, "That cant happen right now.."

"I had nothing to do with your boys being set up," Octavius sits down at a table.. "Let me guess.. They have proof your homosexual or did they nail you for cross dressing?"

J Edgar closes his eyes, "What do you want?"

"I do not care what you do in your free time. My issue is with the rights of the people you trample.. " Octavius shook his head, "Yes I am from the same time they are.. They offer you chains I offer your freedom.. How would you like to arrest Mr. Reins?"

Hoover turned with a raised eye brow.. "They are to well connected.. I would have to have.."

"Say someone naming him directly.. The drugs used.. " Octavius walked over opening the doors, "Bring Agent Johnstone in.."

Three white men in suits with Tommy guns come in a minute later.. In front of them is anther agent with black eyes and dirty clothes..

"Johnstone," hoover was wide eyed..

"Director.. No matter what they say I had," One of the agents cracked him in the bad with the Tommy Gun..

"I have a wife who is gonna want to hear your D@#$ story," The agent growled.. "Your gonna sing for the director.."

Mr. Freeman laughed, "Mr. Octavius.. Ma Ferguson is here.. She is politicking.. Be up in a minute.."

J Edgar Hoover looked wide eyed, "Mr. Octavius.. the Governor is here.."

"I am one of her PROUD constituents.." Octavius smiled evilly, "Called her as your boys contacted you quietly.. She is telling thee Press that she is here to speak with the Director herself.. Unoffically.. She is gonna ask the FBI to aide the STATE of Texas.. She wants Mr. Reins to stand trial in Texas for a laundry list of crimes.."

J Edgar Hoover broke into a smile, "The FBI of course Cooperates under these extreme circumstances.." Narrowing his eyes, "What do you want out of this?"

"Tell the president I had nothing to do with this crap.. Because I did not," Octavius took a deep breath..  "If your smart Director.. You will go from villian to hero in the press.."

"Ma," A reporters voice came from downstairs.. "The people responsible for this.."

"You have my word as the Governor of Texas," The Governor's voice filled the air.. "The a$$hole that did this to Texas children will be facing the finest rope Texas ever made.. I had pa go buy about ten feet  for this.. Would you believe the owner wouldnt take his money? We got fifty feet donated by one of local merchants And that is just for Cattle rustlin.. Now boys.. Director Hoover Personally invited me to tell me the full story.. You will have to wait outside.."

Octavius whispers, "Mr. Reins is heading to the express lane.."

Hoover paused and walked out to the rail, "Ma.. Pick a few of the press boys to come up with you.. The FBI has finished its investigation.. Now it is just a matter of Warrants and paperwork.. I am glad your here.. The FBI is cooperating fully with the TEXAS rangers over this atrocity committed.."

MA Ferguson narrowed her eyes as she looked up, "Smart boy.."