Chet The Dog

Posts Tagged ‘Ponzi’

Beginnings (Not)

Sunday is when we do beginnings, taking a look at the start of a Peter Abrahams novel, including those written under the Spencer Quinn moniker™. But today how about an excerpt from Santa 365, a Chet and Bernie short story some folks like to read at this time of year? It’s available on digital and audio form, and this little passage seems relevant.

“Remind me of your sentence, again?” Bernie was saying.

“Four years,” Plumpy said.

“We can’t be even close to that.”

Plumpy nodded, one of those enthusiastic nods that make jowls wobble on humans that have them, which Plumpy did. “Paroled after eight months,” he said, “on account of overcrowding.”

“So you did eight months – “

“Less six weeks on account of good behavior.”

“ – for stealing one point two million dollars?”

“Stealing puts it in such a harsh light, doncha think?”

“But that’s what a Ponzi scheme is,” Bernie said.

P Words (from SANTA 365)

“So you did eight months – “

“Less six weeks on account of good behavior.”

“ – for stealing one point two million dollars?”

“Stealing puts it in such a harsh light, doncha think?”

“But that’s what a Ponzi scheme is,” Bernie said. He glanced at Charlie, sort of checking out how the kid was doing. Charlie was watching with wide eyes. What a kid! What a dad!

Plumpy sighed. “That word,” he said. “So … something or other, also starts with P.”

“Pejorative?”

“Exactly! Forgot what a good conversationalist you were, Bernie, although there are some not bad ones inside, don’t get me wrong. But the point is I never planned on running a Ponzi scheme. It ran me, is what ended up happening.”

“Meaning you’re a victim?”

“I knew you’d understand,” Plumpy said.

– from SANTA 365, the new C&B e-short.