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alt_luciusRufus, something for you to pass along to Pandya, should he need it:
My clerk received an urgent request from Nic Frobisher to meet with me. Asked Hooper to dig a bit before granting the audience; turns out it's to do with the contract Eosphorous pressured them to sign regarding their daughter Victoria. Veronica. Something like that, anyway. Given the clinic's reputation and the number of curse licences issued to its employees, suspected that his signature may have been coerced - a clear violation of the terms of the licence - so allowed him to come along.
The story regarding his daughter is unfortunate, but his explanation of it was anything but straightforward. He assured me there was no undue exertion of will involved in signing, but nonetheless held that the full terms were not made clear at a time when he and his wife were in some distress over their daughter's well-being. (Not that it's an excuse for not reading the fine print, mind, but I suspect that he is unaware of the ways in which Imperius may be applied in its subtlest forms, to convince, rather than force, compliance.) More to the point, they were aware that the treatment prescribed would involve judicious application of IC but he claimed they were given 'no idea' ahead of time that Eosphorous meant to keep her under their direct supervision - and to continue curse sessions - for a prolonged stay. During which time, of course, the Frobishers would need to provide funds for all her material needs, at what I gathered from him were rates that would make the Dorchester seem a bargain by comparison.
Frobisher mentioned that he had already petitioned the Wizengamot for recourse to remove her from the clinic and return her to Hogwarts. Tell Pandya that it was Rallison who granted the suit (and from Frobisher's comment, you may well be investigating a bribery as well, though for the moment that is a separate concern). Understand from him as well that Eosphorous has sent the school matron a list of instructions, attempting to extend their reach even there - and no doubt intends to continue charging Frobisher for care they claim to 'oversee' regardless of who is actually administering to the girl.
At this point, asked why he thought I could help him rather than taking his story direct to MLE. He responded with twaddle regarding the Governors and his rights as a parent. Rather certain his real reason for concealment is the manner in which he obtained legal custody of his child again, but nonetheless, assured him I have every sympathy for his family, but no clear course of action to take, apart from ensuring that the burden placed on the school matron does not prevent her ministering to the remaining students and referred him to MLE.
In reply, Frobisher claimed that his attempts to involve MLE thus far had achieved no results, as he had been told his complaint constituted a private matter between him and Eosphorous. Suspect that this was either a lie or that whomever told him that had no inkling of the extent of Pandya's investigation into the clinics.
Barty, Eosphorous is owned by Smethley, not Maule - however Crispin was able to find a tenuous connexion between the two. Both had a small amount of property outside New London, in Launceston. Smethley's was purchased in 1976 and Maule's in 1983. Both applied for their curse permits within three months of each other and both purchased parcels in New London for the first time in 1988. Have asked Crispin to review further their business ventures, including the timing of openings and closures, and send the results to Pandya. Suspect it will aid his inquiry no end. He may wish to investigate Launceston's records during the late '70's, as well, to see if there can be found any additional link between the two. I do find it considerable suspicious that both capitalised on the brassicrose-related industries so quickly.
Meanwhile, Frobisher may be more forthcoming to MLE if he can be persuaded that the contract may be nullified and perhaps gain immunity for his rash methods to rescue his daughter from Eosphorous' clutches. Rallison, too, may be a viable resource to gain access to the clinic's patient records - and thence to see how many of their contracts were signed under similar circumstances of duress.
My clerk received an urgent request from Nic Frobisher to meet with me. Asked Hooper to dig a bit before granting the audience; turns out it's to do with the contract Eosphorous pressured them to sign regarding their daughter Victoria. Veronica. Something like that, anyway. Given the clinic's reputation and the number of curse licences issued to its employees, suspected that his signature may have been coerced - a clear violation of the terms of the licence - so allowed him to come along.
The story regarding his daughter is unfortunate, but his explanation of it was anything but straightforward. He assured me there was no undue exertion of will involved in signing, but nonetheless held that the full terms were not made clear at a time when he and his wife were in some distress over their daughter's well-being. (Not that it's an excuse for not reading the fine print, mind, but I suspect that he is unaware of the ways in which Imperius may be applied in its subtlest forms, to convince, rather than force, compliance.) More to the point, they were aware that the treatment prescribed would involve judicious application of IC but he claimed they were given 'no idea' ahead of time that Eosphorous meant to keep her under their direct supervision - and to continue curse sessions - for a prolonged stay. During which time, of course, the Frobishers would need to provide funds for all her material needs, at what I gathered from him were rates that would make the Dorchester seem a bargain by comparison.
Frobisher mentioned that he had already petitioned the Wizengamot for recourse to remove her from the clinic and return her to Hogwarts. Tell Pandya that it was Rallison who granted the suit (and from Frobisher's comment, you may well be investigating a bribery as well, though for the moment that is a separate concern). Understand from him as well that Eosphorous has sent the school matron a list of instructions, attempting to extend their reach even there - and no doubt intends to continue charging Frobisher for care they claim to 'oversee' regardless of who is actually administering to the girl.
At this point, asked why he thought I could help him rather than taking his story direct to MLE. He responded with twaddle regarding the Governors and his rights as a parent. Rather certain his real reason for concealment is the manner in which he obtained legal custody of his child again, but nonetheless, assured him I have every sympathy for his family, but no clear course of action to take, apart from ensuring that the burden placed on the school matron does not prevent her ministering to the remaining students and referred him to MLE.
In reply, Frobisher claimed that his attempts to involve MLE thus far had achieved no results, as he had been told his complaint constituted a private matter between him and Eosphorous. Suspect that this was either a lie or that whomever told him that had no inkling of the extent of Pandya's investigation into the clinics.
Barty, Eosphorous is owned by Smethley, not Maule - however Crispin was able to find a tenuous connexion between the two. Both had a small amount of property outside New London, in Launceston. Smethley's was purchased in 1976 and Maule's in 1983. Both applied for their curse permits within three months of each other and both purchased parcels in New London for the first time in 1988. Have asked Crispin to review further their business ventures, including the timing of openings and closures, and send the results to Pandya. Suspect it will aid his inquiry no end. He may wish to investigate Launceston's records during the late '70's, as well, to see if there can be found any additional link between the two. I do find it considerable suspicious that both capitalised on the brassicrose-related industries so quickly.
Meanwhile, Frobisher may be more forthcoming to MLE if he can be persuaded that the contract may be nullified and perhaps gain immunity for his rash methods to rescue his daughter from Eosphorous' clutches. Rallison, too, may be a viable resource to gain access to the clinic's patient records - and thence to see how many of their contracts were signed under similar circumstances of duress.
no subject
Date: 2011-04-25 07:46 pm (UTC)If his clinics are misusing their instruments in order to sign clients, that would be a felony to hold over Smethley. If you're right about the link between them, perhaps he could be persuaded to turn on Maule to save himself.
Useful to have Crispin at Commercial Regulation. Tell him to have a care, though. Maule is a nasty piece of work. Always has been.
no subject
Date: 2011-04-25 08:36 pm (UTC)Though your advice that Maule could be dangerous is appreciated. It has been a reasonable consolation that Crispin's current position offers me insight to the machinations behind New London's real estate and commercial operations; should dislike it were anything to happen untoward. Still, the lad has proved he can take care of himself (and certainly learned how to wield his own wand in pursuit of goals on my behalf).
no subject
Date: 2011-04-25 08:57 pm (UTC)I'm certain Crispin learned many practical skills under your tutelage. He'll do well to look sharp, nonetheless, if he's going to poke about in Maule's business.