Paragraph Thirty-Eight

By Michael D Hunt

For sixty-five million dollars, would you be willing to do whatever was necessary, including killing one or more people? Don't answer too quickly. Everyone has a number that would turn him/her from saint to sinner. Paragraph Thirty-Eight provides the opportunity, and Glennis Saint John's ghost

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michael Delphy Hunt
• Release date: Oct 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781087988139

Michael D Hunt

Hunt is a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill, and Howard University of School of Law. He is the former Utility Attorney for Manatee County, Florida, Deputy County Attorney for St. Johns County, Florida, and County Attorney for Lee County, Florida. He has extensive experience in contracts, statutory and constitutional construction/interpretation.

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Chapter 1

8:38 am—Executive Bathroom—Mayor Oliver Slattery

59 hours after approval of Paragraph Thirty-Eight

Mayor Oliver Slattery often conducted business in his oversized office bathroom because without cameras or recording devices, privacy prevailed. Mischief and mayhem need no longer be confined to dark corners, or jagged crevices. So with no subject or strategy off limits, Slattery could freely ignore the law, and abandon decency, in order to explore shocking, self-serving options.

He washed his hands meticulously, thoroughly, as if doing so would cleanse and absolve all his sins. But his sins were far too many, and far too serious to be rinsed away by mere soap and water. Slattery was cruel, vindictive, and treacherous to a fault. Because Slattery stood for nothing, he could champion anything and everything, so that he created an appearance of empathy to the masses—though he was empathetic only to the most loyal, and hardcore, adherents of his corrupted style of governing.

Slattery’s reflection in the spotless mirror revealed an aging politician, still dressed for success with an Italian black pin-striped suit, and a handwoven Gildamere red tie. Smiling, he revealed a set of dazzling white teeth. Amazingly, Slattery had never had so much as a cavity—the product of favorable genetics, milk, regular dental visits and constant oral care, including brushing, and periodic cleaning. Whenever asked, Slattery attributed his million dollar smile, and flawless teeth, to clean living. However, Slattery had led a life that was far from clean.

In the background, he captured the grizzled, square-jawed image of his Chief Investigator, August Sloan. Though technically an employee of the Sheriff’s Office, Sloan was permanently and exclusively assigned to Slattery. Further in the mirrored background stood the Mayor’s Chief of Staff, John Brubaker. For twenty of Brubaker’s forty-nine years, he toiled as the Mayor’s front man, and problem-solver. More than anyone, he knew every buried secret and atrocity. He did not always believe in the Mayor; but, he believed and advanced the Mayor’s policies. And the Mayor appreciated Brubaker’s discretion and loyalty. He survived because he was ruthless without seeming ruthless. Brubaker survived because Slattery could not survive without Brubaker’s ability to keep Slattery from being Slattery at every moment of the day and night. Brubaker survived because he served as the perfect buffer between Slattery and City staff.

As Slattery washed his long, thin hands a second time, he asked, So why should I care about Paragraph Thirty-Eight?

By Paragraph Thirty-Eight, the Mayor referenced one provision of a seventy-five page, two hundred paragraph, five appendix, seven attachment Solid Waste Franchise Renewal Agreement between the City and Nutrino Waste, the City’s long-time solid waste hauler.

Sloan spoke in a deep, resonant voice. Since the City concluded its solid waste franchise process, I have received occasional negative feedback concerning the Nutrino Agreement. Most chatter I dismiss as the grumblings of those who had a financial interest in the rejected franchise haulers. But, there have been a couple of social media postings raising questions with respect to possible improprieties in the franchising process. Again, I determine the blogs and articles have been written by disgruntled losers. However, yesterday community activist Kendrick Warren comes to me and questions the proposal process, as well as, the motives and intentions of certain commissioners, including Jordan Fowler. Further, he specifically mentions Paragraph Thirty-Eight as being potentially troublesome.

Brubaker remained silent, watching the facial contortions of Slattery whose grimace convoluted the ridge of wrinkles below his balding forehead.

Sloan continued, Ordinarily, I would not give Warren the time of day. But, you have to admit that Nutrino’s regional manager, Daniel Hendricks, is no choir boy. He very well could have bribed one or more commissioners, or altered Paragraph Thirty-Eight in some impermissible way.

What do you think, Brubaker? Slattery asked, adjusting the knot in his tie.

The Mayor’s Chief of Staff measured his words carefully. Under the circumstances, it is better if we take the time now to follow-up on the franchise process, and Paragraph Thirty-Eight, in order to determine if we indeed have a problem.

All right, go ahead and talk to Fowler and Hendricks. Report back to Brubaker, and I will determine if further action should occur.

Brubaker commented, By the way, you are getting some pretty stiff feedback from multiple quarters concerning your comments on the Stewart matter.

How stiff? Before Brubaker could answer, Slattery added, Is Needham still on board? referencing his most important financial donor.

Yes.

Neal Needham was so obscenely rich, he lit his extra-wide Cuban-rolled cigars with twenty dollar bills. From the moment Slattery first ran for public office, Needham had funneled millions of dollars into Slattery’s official, and unofficial, campaign accounts. Slattery felt emboldened by Needham’s support.

After pressing medicated balm on his lips, Slattery replied, Fine, then there will be no change in my rhetoric. The City is not at fault and will never pay one cent to anyone associated with the case. We will present a vigorous defense at trial next month, and prevail decisively. Now go out there, and make sure there are no rough edges around the Nutrino deal.

Both men nodded, then left.

Chapter 2

9:15 am—August Sloan’s Office

60 hours after the approval of Paragraph Thirty-Eight

Ward Seven City Commissioner Jordan Fowler stepped into August Sloan’s office. He noticed a copy of the Nutrino Waste Franchise Agreement, along with the Nutrino proposal package sprawled across Sloan’s cluttered mahogany desk. Sitting in a brown leather chair next to the desk, Fowler said, You are lucky you caught me. I was on my way to the grand opening of the new branch of Boothe Cleaners, a welcomed addition to Ward Seven.

Trust me, I will be brief.

So what does the Mayor have you investigating now?

Sloan handed Fowler a sixteen ounce bottle of spring water. Well, the Mayor wanted me to do some follow-up regarding the Nutrino Waste Franchise Contract.

What follow-up could he want? After all, he wanted the Commission to award Nutrino an exclusive twenty year franchise, and that is exactly what he got. He should be quite pleased.

Oh, there’s no question that Slattery is pleased. But, Sloan paused.

But what?

But there have been whispers by a few in the community concerning the franchise process itself, and in particular, about one of the provisions in the Franchise Agreement.

Fowler humphed in irritation at the intimation of improper action. There are always whispers in the community. For whispers and gossip of wrongdoing are the fuel and lifeblood of the disgruntled. But do you know the one constant of whispers and gossip?

No.

The one constant is they remain whispers and gossip for there’s no substance to them.

I did not mean to offend you.

What offends me is that your time and my time is being wasted on a useless exercise. In effect, you are attempting to find a grain of sand, in a pillow filled with cotton. What difference does it make if you find the grain of sand; you will still sleep well. And if you find the grain of sand, who cares? He stopped, composed himself, then added, Anyway, I’m sure you have reviewed each proposal, and the video from the meeting. Did you detect anything improper?

No.

Of course you did not find anything improper because Hendricks and Saint John are competent and professional; and I am extremely competent and professional.

Sloan detected continued irritation in Fowler’s voice. Again, forgive me, if it sounds as though I was accusing you. I assure you I am not. I just want answers to some basic questions.

I know, I know. It’s just that you caught me off-guard.

Should I drop by your office when you have more time?

Look, although I can vouch for Hendricks’ integrity, he would seem a better fit for answering any questions. After all, he is the Regional Manager of Nutrino Waste. I am certain he is far more knowledgable about the franchise proposal process and agreement than me.

I am sure he is more knowledgable, and I will talk to him in due time. But right now, I would like to ask you a few questions. Can you give me ten minutes?

Ten minutes?

I promise, no more than ten minutes.

Okay, the clock starts now.

Sloan handed Fowler a copy of the Nutrino Franchise Agreement. Please turn to Paragraph Thirty-Eight. For your convenience, I have paper-clipped the relevant provision.

Paragraph Thirty-Eight. Permissible Payments to Nutrino Waste.

A. To the extent that Nutrino is not in violation with any material aspect [as defined elsewhere in this Agreement] of this Agreement, and has not received a substandard periodic performance evaluation, or notice of termination of this Agreement from the City, then Nutrino may bill/invoice the City monthly/periodically.

B. Notwithstanding the billing/invoicing/schedule of payment provisions referenced in this Paragraph, on the fifth (5th), eleventh (11th), and sixteenth (16th) anniversary of this Agreement, Nutrino may request a true-up payment to account for the increase in residential/commercial/recyclable accounts. Additionally, commencing thirty (30) days prior to the termination of this Agreement, Nutrino may request a true-up payment for the period from the sixteenth (16th) anniversary to thirty (30) days prior to the termination of this Agreement, to account for the increase in residential/commercial/recyclable accounts. True-up payments to Nutrino shall use the following formula: Seventy-five percent (75%) of the average increase in residential/commercial/recyclable accounts times Fifty percent (50%) of the approved rate for residential/commercial/recyclable service times the true-up period in months/years.

C. Notwithstanding the billing/invoicing/schedule of payment provisions referenced in this Paragraph, Nutrino may seek and receive pre-payment for Eighty-five percent (85%) of the first year estimated billing/invoicing.

D. It is strictly understood that with the exception of true-up payments, and pre-payments, Nutrino is not entitled to any amount noted in either this Paragraph, or in any other Paragraph of this Agreement. Rather, as noted elsewhere in this Paragraph, Nutrino’s compensation is based on Nutrino adhering to the Scope of Services noted throughout this Agreement, and any subsequently approved Addendum or Revision to this Agreement.

E. Upon receipt and verification of Nutrino’s bill/invoice, the City shall process the bill/invoice, and electronically forward payment to Nutrino within twenty-four (24) hours of verification.

F. It is strictly understood that Nutrino may neither bill/invoice, nor receive payment for any fee and/or service charge imposed by the City for any legally permissible purpose, including, but not limited to, administrative, solid waste debt reduction, or revenue enhancing purposes.

Handing the Agreement back to Sloan, Fowler asked, "So what is your concern? The language contained in the Renewal Agreement is replicated exactly to the word, letter, comma, and period to the language contained in the previous two Solid Waste Franchise Agreements, except for two areas—first—the extended franchise term; and two—the revised applicable rates; To put it another way, ninety-five percent of the language contained in the Renewal Agreement is standard and boilerplate. More importantly, the last two franchise terms with Nutrino have resulted in zero payment controversies, of any kind, or sort. And there will be zero payment controversies in this Agreement."

Smooth and relaxed, Fowler sounded as though he was telling he the truth. The problem was that Sloan did not believe him. Something about Fowler’s delivery sounded a bit too rehearsed. And there was something about Fowler’s eyes that appeared less than honest—perhaps it was that Fowler could not maintain eye contact with Sloan.

For the moment, Sloan chose to move on from Paragraph Thirty-Eight. All right, let me backtrack and ask you about the franchising process. Are you aware of any impermissible contacts between any of the Commissioners, and any of the solid waste haulers?

No, and if I had, I would have had to report the infraction, and request the immediate disqualification of the offending solid waste hauler.

Did you meet with David Hendricks alone, at any time, during the past thirty days?

Of course I have. I am the chair of the City’s Public Utility Committee, which includes solid waste, Fowler said as though he met with Hendricks on a regular basis. In reality, Fowler met with Hendricks infrequently, perhaps once a year. Daniel Hendricks and I meet in order to discuss any areas of concern. As a matter of course, we meet during the latter stages of the franchise term.

Is it possible that someone could manipulate Paragraph Thirty-Eight in such a manner as to skim and/or redirect any payment to an unauthorized person or persons?

Again, ask Hendricks. Better yet, ask Saint John. After all, she is the City’s Director of Contracts and Procurement.

All in due time, Sloan replied dryly.

You have two minutes left.

Sloan thought that if he maintained pressure on Fowler, the politician would crack over time. However, today would not be that day. There would be other chances in the near future.

As Fowler counted down the seconds until he left, he noticed the west and east walls of Sloan’s office. Unlike the rest of his office which was cluttered, junky, reminiscent of an unkempt bachelor pad, the west and east walls were clean, neat, and patterned. Movie posters overlapped the east wall. Framed commendations adorned each corner of the west wall. In the middle, a wood and glass framed plaque, complete with bronzed bullet fragments, punctuated his selection as Hero of the Year. Slattery bestowed the award on Sloan after the Chief of the Mayor’s Security Detail jumped in front of a would-be-assassin and took a shot meant for the Mayor. In the years following his selection, the Mayor referenced the annual recognition/citation as the August Sloan Heroism and Valor Award. Who do you think is going to win your award this year? Fowler asked. I heard Firefighter/Emergency Management Technician Donna Carden is the frontrunner.

She would be a good choice. But I have no inside information, and no vote.

Well, if it is Donna Carden, she would be an excellent choice. Rushing into a house consumed by flames, in order to save two children took guts. By the way, have you seen her?

Not recently.

She is still walking with a cane. With no response from Sloan, Fowler concluded the conversation by offering, "Anyway, If you need anything else Sloan, just let me know. That is, after you talk to Hendricks, and Saint John."

We’ll keep in touch, Sloan said dryly, not acknowledging Fowler’s last comment.

Chapter 3

10:36 am—August Sloan’s Office

62 hours after approval of Paragraph Thirty-Eight

August Sloan handed Daniel Hendricks a full mug of hot black coffee, with a teaspoon of sugar, and a dash of fresh cream. Congratulations on securing the solid waste contract for the City.

Daniel Hendricks, Area Manager for Nutrino Waste, sipped the steaming brew, and remarked, Good java. Nothing like hot coffee first thing in the morning.

Well, I am glad you could drop by on such short notice.

Hendricks’ voice was light with the punctuated fervor of a carnival barker. Believing his voice was his gift from God, he replied in a most pleasant tone, No trouble at all. I had planned on dropping by City Hall before noon anyway. How can I help you?

I was hoping you could help me with one of the provisions of Nutrino’s new contract with the City.

Hendricks’ small gray eyes widened a bit. Always happy to assist the City in any way I can.

Glad to hear that.

Sure, what provision concerns you?

Well, I am curious about Paragraph Thirty-Eight, Sloan answered, as he handed a copy of the contract to Hendricks.

Hendricks flipped to page seventeen. At the bottom of the page, he carefully read Paragraph Thirty-Eight. He cut his eyes in the direction of Sloan, then read Paragraph Thirty-Eight a second time. Noticing the intensity in Sloan’s eyes, Hendricks remarked, Say, I see why you might be concerned or confused.

And why would I be?

Because you have an earlier copy of the contract. I have a later version, the version that the City Commission approved. Lucky for you, I have the approved version in my brief case.

I’d like to see it.

Of course, just give me a minute. In a matter of seconds, Hendricks compared the two documents, and underlined the different wording. Placing both versions in front of Sloan, Hendricks continued, As you can see, your version, which I take was an earlier draft, is quite similar to the approved version that I have, except for what I have underlined.

Sloan examined both versions, and carefully read the wording underlined by Hendricks.

Paragraph Thirty-Eight. Permissible Payments to Nutrino Waste.

A. To the extent that Nutrino is not in violation with any material aspect [as defined elsewhere in this Agreement] of this Agreement, and has not received a substandard periodic performance evaluation, or notice of termination of this Agreement from the City, then Nutrino may bill/invoice the City monthly/periodically.

B. Notwithstanding the billing/invoicing/schedule of payment provisions referenced in this Paragraph, on the fifth (5th), eleventh (11th), and sixteenth (16th) anniversary of this Agreement, Nutrino may request a true-up payment to account for the increase in residential/commercial/recyclable accounts. Additionally, commencing thirty (30) days prior to the termination of this Agreement, Nutrino may request a true-up payment for the period from the sixteenth (16th) anniversary to thirty (30) days prior to the termination of this Agreement, to account for the increase in residential/commercial/recyclable accounts. True-up payments to Nutrino shall use the following formula: Fifty percent (50%) of the average increase in residential/commercial/recyclable accounts times Twenty-five percent (25%) of the approved rate for residential/commercial/recyclable service times the true-up period in months/years. Notwithstanding any contrary language contained in any prior Agreement, it is specifically noted that Nutrino may defer the final true-up payment noted under any prior Agreement, Addendum, or Revision, and carry-over that true-up payment and payment formula noted above, and receive such true-up payment within the first thirty (30) days of this Agreement.

C. Notwithstanding the billing/invoicing/schedule of payment provisions referenced in this Paragraph, Nutrino may seek and receive pre-payment for Fifty percent (50%) of the first year estimated billing/invoicing.

D. It is strictly understood that with the exception of true-up payments, and pre-payments, Nutrino is not entitled to any amount noted in either this Paragraph, or in any other Paragraph of this Agreement. Rather, as noted elsewhere in this Paragraph, Nutrino’s compensation is based on Nutrino adhering to the Scope of Services noted throughout this Agreement, and any subsequently approved Addendum or Revision to this Agreement.

E. Upon receipt and verification of Nutrino’s bill/invoice, the City shall process the bill/invoice, and electronically forward payment to Nutrino within twenty-four (24) hours of verification.

F. It is strictly understood that Nutrino may neither bill/invoice, nor receive payment for any fee and/or service charge imposed by the City for any legally permissible purpose, including, but not limited to, administrative, solid waste debt reduction, or revenue enhancing purposes.

Sloan observed, "The timing for the true-up payment has been changed, and the percentages for calculation of the true-up payment and pre-payment have been reduced."

Exactly, Hendricks answered. "As demanded by the City Commission during the public hearing, the percentages were reduced to the amounts reflected in the version I underlined and highlighted in yellow. And of course you are aware that on behalf of Nutrino, I did not object to the reduced percentages, and in fact, sought a deferral of the final true-up payment referenced in the prior Agreement, in order to carry-over to this Agreement. As a result, the City will realize a savings of approximately two million dollars. I am sure you would agree the savings is substantial. Nutrino prides itself on being both a great corporate citizen, and responsive to the financial and political sensitivities of the City."

For the time being, Sloan would have to accept the projected savings to the City. However, he grudgingly admitted the true-up payment and pre-payment percentage reductions greatly benefitted the City. Are there any other provisions that are substantially different from the prior Agreement?

Hendricks finished his coffee. Could I impose on your kindness and have a second cup of joe? This time with a smidge more cream, and a pinch more of sugar.

Thirty seconds later, Sloan returned with a re-filled cup. Now if you could answer my last question?

And that was? Hendricks replied, downing a quarter of the second cup.

Exasperated, Sloan repeated, Are there any other provisions in the renewed Franchise Agreement that are substantially different from the prior Agreement?

Before answering the question, Hendricks complimented Sloan, The second cup is dark brew perfection. Thank you. Now as for the recently approved Franchise Agreement, there are probably half a dozen other numbered paragraphs that have been revised. For example, Paragraph Four, which contains definitions, deleted obsolete definitions, revised others to reflect solid waste standards and/or consensus, and added new definitions to account for new and enhanced technology. Then Paragraph Eight, which is the franchise term, has been revised to reflect the twenty year duration. Also, Paragraph Nine, which sets forth the franchise territory, has been revised to reflect an exclusive city-wide franchise. A handful of other paragraphs, and attachments note revised rates, collection dates, times, and holidays. I am sure that grammar has been tightened throughout. However, the beauty of this Franchise Agreement is that it is substantially similar to the prior franchise agreements, which were approved with little resistance by prior City Commissions. It is the consistency of the words, individual provisions, and interpretation that safeguard the interests of both parties.

Hendricks regurgitated self-serving bits about Nutrino and the Franchise Agreement with a natural, effortless ease that reassured those persuaded by words alone. However, Sloan was not persuaded by Hendricks’ words.

Could the Franchise Agreement be manipulated in a way that some resourceful individual could skim or redirect any of the scheduled payments?

Hendricks exhaled and rubbed his lower lip with thumb and forefinger. He appeared deep in thought on whether such deception could actually occur. To add to the illusion further, he glanced at blank pages of his notepad. But of course, Hendricks was immersed in other thoughts, namely what he wold do with his share of the payment redirection. Perhaps he would splurge on a sprawling mountain retreat located deep in the British Columbia woods, complete with a thermal-heated Olympic-sized pool, and a five hundred bottle capacity wine cellar. Maybe he would buy an art masterpiece, or an artifact of historic importance. The possibilities matched infinity. Finally, when he believed he had given due consideration to Sloan’s question, Hendricks answered directly, "The simple answer is no."

Sloan could not accept such an answer. Humor me, Sloan said without the slightest trace of humor in his voice. Could an enterprising computer hacker breach the integrity of the payment schedule, and redirect one or more payments into one or more undisclosed accounts?

Hendricks swirled his coffee. Sloan was a suspicious soul. And while he had actually asked the right question, he would have no follow-up once Hendricks answered. Taking another sip, Hendricks answered, "I like a man who covers all the bases. Skimming or redirecting any payments directly to a person is strictly prohibited, and grounds for immediate franchise dismissal, as well as criminal prosecution. But the truth of the matter is that every year this particular franchise is subject to a complete financial audit. The audit accounts for every cent of revenue and expenses. I’ve been with Nutrino for twenty-five years, and in that time, not one cent has magically disappeared or been re-directed."

Why does a large corporate behemoth like Nutrino need a pre-payment of first year expected revenues?

It’s not that Nutrino needs or requires a first year pre-payment. As I mentioned during the public hearing, Nutrino is the second largest solid waste removal company in the country, and the eighth largest worldwide. But Nutrino will invest the first year pre-payment in newer, larger, and more efficient equipment, in order to provide continued excellence in service.

Sloan stopped questioning Hendricks, and re-read Paragraph Thirty-Eight, as well as the appendix containing the approved rates. During the brief lull, Hendricks’ eyes darted around the office. Dozens of movie posters covered the east wall. Wooden or glass frames preserved half the posters, while the other half remained mounted via removable adhesive, or barely visible, clear push pins. B-rated movies, or cult classics including Marooned, and The Swinger accounted for most of the posters. Nothing in Sloan’s outward DNA suggested even a remote interest in movies or posters. Hendricks broke the silence and asked, So, I gather you are a collector of movie posters.

No, I’m not. Sloan chose not to share any aspect of his personal life with Hendricks. He remained on topic. What if I told you that there are individuals within the community who believe you paid Fowler for his vote, and the guarantee that Nutrino would receive the necessary votes for a twenty year exclusive franchise?

I would say that that those individuals are lying scum, attempting to sully my spotless reputation as a solid waste manager. Further, if I discover the identity of those individuals, I will sue them for defamation.

Sloan bristled at the faux rage displayed by Hendricks. Returning to Paragraph Thirty-Eight, he asked, "With respect to the true-up payment, what is the operable number of additional residential accounts?"

I will have the actual numbers tomorrow.

Can you give me a ballpark number now?

It is in the ballpark of thirteen thousand additional accounts, Hendricks replied, intentionally under-estimating the number of additional accounts.

"So what is your estimate of the true-up payment?"

"The true-up payment might amount to three-quarters of a million dollars," Hendricks answered, again downplaying the true value of the expected payment.

Sloan doubted either answer was truthful. However, whatever the actual number of additional accounts, or the actual amount of the true-up payment, Sloan surmised that there was enough money in play to corrupt a person easily corrupted, such as Hendricks.

You know that the City generates revenue to the tune of ten million dollars a year through its administrative fee that is added to each account, Hendricks observed, intentionally inflating the amount of revenue the City generated.

I’m not interested in how much the City receives through its administrative fee.

Well you should, for the City’s solid waste administrative fee is dumped into the overall City solid waste budget. Once that is done, there is no real accountability for those funds, which makes them susceptible to impermissible redirection.

Right now my sole focus is on the solid waste franchise renewal process, and Nutrino’s Franchise Agreement, specifically Paragraph Thirty-Eight.

Go ahead, ask as many questions as you like. Nothing is going to change the operative facts—one, Nutrino has never diverted or mismanaged any compensation received from the City, and two—there is no way for Nutrino, or anyone associated with Nutrino, specifically including me, to impermissibly divert or redirect any compensation received from the City.

Displeased with Hendricks’ answers, yet certain he would not provide additional useful information, Sloan finished his interrogation of Hendricks. Perhaps you’re right. Nutrino is as pure and clean as new snow.

I am happy that I have satisfied your concerns.

Oh, I still have concerns. I am certain that my concerns will be satisfactorily resolved in time. Can I count on you answering any follow-up questions that I might have?

Of course.

With a confident, smug swagger Hendricks left. Sloan repeatedly scribbled Paragraph Thirty-Eight on his notepad. He turned his attention to the next person on his list, City Attorney Marshall Hunter. Sloan did not expect any earth shattering revelations from Hunter. However, Sloan thought Hunter would provide greater clarity, with respect to the franchising process, and the proper interpretation of Paragraph Thirty-Eight.

Chapter 4

2:17 pm—August Sloan’s Office

66 hours after the approval of Paragraph Thirty-Eight

Sloan neared the end of his interview with City Attorney Marshall Hunter. So you were part of the Committee that reviewed the solid waste proposals. Does Saint John select you to review proposals on a regular basis?

After forty-five minutes of questions, Hunter was certain of two things—one, Sloan had misgivings about the solid waste franchise proposal process—and two, Sloan did not have one shred of evidence to attack the franchise proposal process or the Franchise Agreement itself. But Hunter was not foolish enough to believe Sloan could not decipher the mystery of Paragraph Thirty-Eight. Given time and luck, Sloan might discover the key components of Saint John’s inventive, bold, and daring scheme. As a result, for each question, Hunter chose his words carefully, so as not to unnecessarily arouse the suspicions of August Sloan. So far, Sloan seemed pleased with Hunter’s answers.

Sloan’s first series of questions centered on the selection process for other competitive City services, such