The truth comes out; do you want a trumpet or a whistle?

In the last episode, Ben was slowly losing his battle with the auditors. They had latched onto the discretionary account and were asking questions about an Indian restaurant he had never been to. He was about to face his 'Moment of Truth.'

******

“Well, I know that this is one of Mr T’s favourite restaurants,” said Ben, taking a deep breath.

“And who is Billie?” probed Doug.

“Billie is always the guy who served Mr T and his guests.”

"O.K. Ben, are you aware that all the cheques have always been on the border of the top end, and the tip can sometimes be $200 in cash?”

“No idea,” said Ben.

“You should do,” replied Doug, “they are always charged to your account - Discretionary Account - 60743. What’s more, it would appear that Billie only gets a 15% tip, and it is not often equal to the $200 reimbursed. What do you have to say to that, Ben?”

Ben was now in a mild state of panic; he was hyperventilating. He had been used by Mr T and Glenny. He wasn’t going to take the rap for this, no way.

“I think I want to blow my trumpet,” replied Ben.

They looked at each other, puzzled. “You what?” asked Doug, looking very perplexed.

“I think he meant he would like to turn whistleblower,” said Lizzy, saving the day with a cute smile.

"Yeah, that’s right. I want to blow the whistle on Mr. T, Glenny Bakersun, Penny Promo, and everyone else," Ben said, losing control a bit.

“Are you saying you don’t know anything about the invoices in your file for Roti Boti?”

“What?” Ben said, looking puzzled. “I’ve never taken anyone there. I don’t even like Indian food. It’s too spicy for me. It messes with my digestion and gives me the farts—something chronic!”

“You are a bit like President Clinton or Donald Trump, aren’t you, Ben?” replied Doug Selfrighteous, sitting back and waiting for a reply.

Ben had no idea what to talk about. He recalled his audit training: answer only the question. Don’t share extra info, and pay attention to your body language. He already felt the beads of sweat forming on his brow.

“Where are you now, Calvernicus, always sticking your nose in when it is not wanted, never here when I need you?” Ben cursed at no one in particular. He smiled and was just about to answer when the familiar voice came over his airwaves.

"Careful, Ben. You remembered your training, but always remember your duty to do what’s right. That means you should always be honest, and I don’t think you are being honest, are you, Ben? You are being cagey about what you know. Trust me and tell the truth.”

"Good advice," thought Ben. "You’re not so bad, Calvernicus. A bit irritating at times, but you seem like a wise old turkey."

“Look,” said Ben clearing his throat for what was about to come, “What I meant to say was...”

“Excuse me for a minute, Ben," said Doug, answering his phone.

“What?” said Doug without even so much as a “ What do you want, I’m in an audit; can’t this wait?”

(Pause). “I see, when did this happen?”

(Pause). “Have you got all the emails this time, or did you miss some like last time?”

(Pause). “O.K. That is great, and is he/she here yet?"

"When?" “No, I haven’t; we were just about to get to that."

(Pause) "O.K. I’ll tell him at some stage."

(Pause). “They did what? When?"

“I will be right there; keep them there and keep them busy."

"Look, Ben, something pressing has come up. I am sorry, but I need to deal with this. Why don’t we get back together after lunch?" said Doug, already halfway out of his seat.

Joe and Lizzy went to follow, “You guys stay here and keep looking through those documents. I have some others that will follow, which I think you will find very interesting."

The others sat back down, looking somewhat disappointed. “Didn’t you say you had a meeting anyway, Ben? Who was that with?” asked Doug.

“It is with one of the people in marketing about a social event we are organising," replied Ben.

“With whom exactly?” asked Doug.

“With Penny Promo,” Ben said, not understanding why Doug cared about his entire life. Do you want to know colour shorts I’ve got on? thought Ben, but then decided to be nice.

“Oh yes, Penny," replied Doug with a wry smile.

Next Episode: Episode 16 - The Return of Tina Goodytwoshoes!!!!!