...FRAUD…..
...Ponzi Scheme….
...ARRESTED…..
...Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)….
...Biggest Securities Fraud since Bernie Madoff….
...ASSET FREEZE…..
...Restitution…
...PRISON…..

Kurt looked up from the newspaper, shaking his head, the words just a blur, jumping off the page. He couldn't make sense of it all. 

He looked down again, checking for the tenth time. Yes, it was there in clear, bold print… Anderson Parker Investment Securities LLC… Definitely, it was Blaine's company. The company founded by his father.

Looking at the grainy picture, he looked for a resemblance between Blaine and his father. Blaine must take after his mother more, as Kurt couldn't see any similarity.

He sensed movement close by, and looked up as Tina flopped down at his table, letting go a big sigh. “I still can't believe it!” 

Her eyes were wide, reflecting back Kurt's shock and bewilderment. 

“And Blaine was here getting his coffee yesterday just like normal! There was no hint of anything like this.” Kurt said softly.

Tina reached over, putting her hand over Kurt's in comfort. “It looks like a lot of the senior staff of the company were arrested. Do you know if Blaine was? Anyone at the San Francisco office?” 

Kurt sighed, frustrated. “I don't know. The newspapers don't mention it, mostly focusing on his father and his partner. I've texted and left a voice mail for Blaine yesterday, asking him if I can help, but theres nothing back from him yet.” Tonight, he'd be able to search the Internet thoroughly, hopefully find out more.

Getting up, Tina came around the table and hugged Kurt. He held her tight, tucking his face against her warm neck. This was just insane. 

Unfortunately, there really was nothing he could do. Sighing, he moved back and got up. “I'm going back to work. I need to keep busy, keep my mind off this.” 

___

News was spotty, very sensationalistic. It was hard to know what to believe. Hastily researched biographies of Charles Parker and Keith Anderson were playing on CNN and other news shows. So far, Kurt had only seen one mention of the rest of the Andersons. From this, he heard about his mother, Pam, and his brother, Cooper, who both lived in Chicago. It was surreal learning about a friend's family from the media like that.

___

Near 6:00 pm the next day, Kurt was stocking a shelf, when he sensed a presence nearby. Looking up, there was Blaine, standing quietly so close.

He looked exhausted. Haunted. An empty shell, swaying slightly on his feet like he was seconds from collapsing. 

Kurt turned and pulled him close, feeling his weight leaning into his body, sagging like he was boneless. “Let's get out of here.” 

Just seeing Blaine like that, Kurt knew he was running on vapors. He needed to crash in a bed and sleep. Heading to the backroom, Kurt pulled Blaine with him and continued out the back door. Luckily, his car was parked close by. Soon, Blaine was in the passenger seat, and Kurt buckled him in.

“Blaine, I just need to grab my bag and tell Mandy to close up. I'll be back in a minute. It's OK if you fall asleep here. You're safe.” 

Blaine nodded slightly, his eyes seeming a little unfocussed. 

___

Never before had Kurt regretted being on the top floor of the house. His arm around Blaine, he slowly worked them up the staircase, little by little, whispering encouraging words into his ear. Blaine was silent, his breathing heavy, but he followed Kurt's instructions.

In Kurt's apartment, he guided Blaine right to the bedroom. Blaine was still as Kurt undressed him down to his undershirt and boxer briefs, and then encouraged him to lie down. “Sleep, Blaine. You are safe here. We can eat and talk when you wake up.” 

Blaine's eyes were shut, and with a rough sigh, he went limp against the pillow. Kurt was tempted to kiss his forehead, but he satisfied the urge by brushing the hair back off of Blaine's face. He made sure Blaine was tucked in comfortably, and pulled the curtains shut to darken the bedroom. 

Shutting the door behind him, Kurt went into the kitchen, looking into the refrigerator. There was enough food for a few meals for them. Blaine had looked so exhausted, he might not wake up until the next morning anyways. 

“Hey Tina.” Kurt was glad that she answered his phone call.

Tina sounded preoccupied. She was usually at the café around 5:00 am, so she was likely heading to sleep pretty soon. “Oh, Kurt. What's up? Is everything OK with the store?”

Kurt sighed. “Yes, the store is OK, but I left Mandy to close. Blaine showed up there.” 

“Oh, really? How does he look?” Tina's voice was soft.

“Not good, Tina. Exhausted. I brought him back to my place and he's sleeping already.” 

“That's understandable. Anything I can do to help?” Kurt could hear the concern in her voice.

“Well, I'd like to be here tomorrow for him, if he needs me. Would you be able to cover things?” Kurt wouldn't ask unless it was completely necessary. They didn't have that much staff yet. 

“Of course, Kurt. Get some rest yourself, OK?” 

“I will. Thanks, Tina.”
___

Kurt checked on Blaine, and saw that he was sleeping soundly still. 

Going to the kitchen, Kurt made a big pot of beef stew. While it was bubbling gently on the stove, he went online for the latest information on the case. It was frustrating to see all the varying information. He was sure half of it was exaggerated or complete fiction. 

Once the stew was done, Kurt put two portions into bowls and froze the rest in single serving containers, for quick meals later on. He put one bowl into the fridge for Blaine when he woke up. 

Curling up on the sofa, Kurt watched some reality TV with the volume on low, needing the mindless distraction while he ate. Grabbing his laptop when he finished his meal, he surfed the web. 

The papers kept referring to the Bernie Madoff case, so Kurt read up about it. He was arrested in 2008, plead guilty in 2009. Madoff is currently serving a 150-year sentence in federal prison for the $17 billion investor fraud. Prosecutors estimated the size of the fraud to be $64.8 billion, based on the amounts in the accounts of Madoffs 4,800 clients as of 2008. 

Scarier was what he read next. "His son Mark committed suicide by hanging exactly two years after his fathers arrest."

How involved was Blaines family with the firm? What would happen with Blaine? The thought of suicide was just too crazy to consider. 

Kurt hadnt known Blaine that long, but to even imagine him being involved in anything underhanded was just ridiculous now. Look how he had reacted to Kurt silly accusation that he faked reading a book for a book club! Blaine had shown nothing but the highest level of integrity and openness.

But then again, Blaine did have that luxury apartment and car service. His clothes were high end designers, without being flashy. Everything about him spoke of family money. Blaine looked like he had always lived an affluent lifestyle. 

Even if Blaine wasnt involved at all and wasnt charged, would he ever be able to work in this industry again? Even if his father was cleared too, their names were certainly being dragged through the mud. Blaine's life would never go back to what it was before.

Everything on the internet said investigations were ongoing. Kurt doubted things would be settled in a few months. It could be a year or longer.

___

Blaine slept soundly until around 9:30 the next morning. Kurt had slept on the sofa, not wanting to disturb him, and ended up waking up pretty early. Feeling a little anxious and unsettled, Kurt decided to bake some cinnamon rolls and make a big pot of coffee. Stress seemed to be bringing out his nesting instincts.

Kurt was still working in the kitchen when he heard Blaine moving around, and the toilet flushing. Blaine came into the living room, a blanket wrapped around his body and with terrible bed head. He looked about five years old, with a bit of a lost expression.

"Hey, Blaine. Want some coffee?"

Nodding, Blaine slumped down on the couch. Kurt poured him a coffee, and carried it over with one for himself. Blaine murmured thanks as he wrapped his hands around it, staring into the mug.

Kurt looked him over. Even though hed slept so long, there was still an exhausted, overwhelmed expression on his face. With good reason. Kurt couldnt even imagine having to deal with everything Blaine was.

"Im making some cinnamon rolls for breakfast. They should be out of the oven in about 10 minutes." Kurt took a long sip of his coffee. "So, can you tell me what happened, Blaine? You must still be in complete shock over everything."

Blaine nodded miserably. "Yeah... Well, it started like a normal day, and then suddenly theres this guy in a suit flashing identification at me and asking me to come with him. And there are two of our security guards with him. It was so embarrassing, being escorted out like that, in front of all my co-workers." Lifting his hands, he ran them over his face.

Kurt could imagine how horrible that must have been. "What happened next?" 

"They took me into a board room, sat me down with the SEC officials, lawyers, security. Told me that there was an investigation that it would be in my best interests to participate in, and that I was going to be suspended from work while this went on. And then they escorted me to an office downtown. I was questioned for hours and hours. Luckily, I know little about the company beyond my own job, so they ran out of steam eventually." Blaine just shook his head slowly.

"At the end, they mentioned that other people were being investigated, including my father, and not leave the city. I asked if I could take my personal laptop with me, and after the security team reviewed it, I was allowed." Blaine reached over for his knapsack, taking out the laptop, and turning it on to confirm it was still OK. He sighed in relief as the screen lit up.

The buzzer on the oven went off. Kurt got up and took the rolls out of the oven. Dishing two up, he returned to the living room and passed one to Blaine. Blaine gave him a little smile.

After they'd taken a few bites, Kurt attempted a small joke, testing the waters. “At least you didn't have a big stash of gay porn on your laptop for the security guys to see.” 

Blaine gave a half-hearted chuckle. Kurt considered it a success. 

“I have my niece Katy to thank for that. Last time I visited my brother, she wanted to play on my computer. Luckily, I grabbed it from her first, but I did a thorough cleanup of the memory then.” Blaine smiled, thinking back on it.

“Does your brother work for Anderson Parker also?” 

Blaine shook his head. “No, he's a drama teacher in a high school. He fought with our father ages ago, when he left to work as an actor in LA. He was in some truly awful commercials, but not a lot else. Eventually, he met a great girl, went to university and settled down. He's lived like a ‘regular' guy, paying his own way, the whole time.” 

Kurt could tell Blaine admired his brother for being so independent. “So, he probably won't be too affected by all the stuff with the media then. Hopefully.” 

“I hope so too. Especially for his wife and daughter. They have never been a part of this crazy world.” Blaine put his empty plate on the coffee table. 

Looking over at Kurt, his eyes looked a honey-brown color in the morning light. “Kurt, thank you so much for letting me stay here last night. I didn't know where else to go.”

“Of course, Blaine. I'm here for you, whatever you need. Tina too.” Kurt shifted closer of the sofa, putting an arm around Blaine's shoulder. 

Blaine sagged a little, and Kurt drew him closer into a hug. Blaine tucked his head against Kurt's chest, sinking down into him. Kurt rubbed his hand up and down his back, holding him tight, giving Blaine the comfort he clearly needed. 

Kurt was happy that Blaine let him do this. He'd felt the need to hug him hard since he'd come out of the bedroom. Kurt's hand went up to Blaine's hair, running through the messy curls.

Eventually, Blaine pulled back. “I'm going to make some phone calls and do some emails. Find out what I can from the lawyers and everybody.” 

Nodding, Kurt got off the couch, grabbing the dirty dishes. “I'll get you some more coffee for that. Make yourself at home here, Blaine. Help yourself to anything in the fridge and have a shower if you want. Do you need some clean clothes?” 

Blaine looked a bit embarrassed. “The authorities have seized all my assets, and frozen all my accounts, while this investigation is going on. I can't even enter my apartment to get my clothes. All I have is the suit I wore to work that day, my phone and my laptop.” 

“That's crazy. Well, I'll look through my closet and see what I may have that could fit you. We'll figure all this out, Blaine.” Kurt tried not to let the shock show on his face from what Blaine had said. To suddenly have nothing but the clothes on your back, and the items in your bag was terrifying to consider. 

Kurt poured Blaine a coffee, did the dishes, and then went to look through his closet. He found some clothes that would likely work for casual times. If Blaine had a meeting with his lawyer or someone official like that, his suit would have to do. Kurt hung it up carefully, and added the dress shirt to his laundry bin. 

___

“So, what did you find out today?” Kurt asked, taking a bite of his salad. 

Blaine set down his water glass. “The lawyer agreed that I should continue to cooperate with the investigators. They know that I was very removed from any part of the company where any fraud could have happened. Plus I am way too junior. They doubt I'll be charged with anything.” He gave a little shrug.

“That's good, right?” Kurt was puzzled by his reaction.

Nodding, Blaine took another bite of his pasta. “It's a relief to hear that I'm not really suspected of anything. But it's so strange to have my father, Charles and the senior staff I've known my whole life under the microscope like this. They are like extended family to me, like uncles and aunts. To think of any of them capable of crimes like this makes me feel ill.” 

Kurt reached out to place a hand on Blaine's forearm. Funny how little touches seemed to be a better way to give comfort than any words would be. 

“So, what's the next steps in all of this?”

Blaine let out a big sigh. “The SEC, who are like the FBI of investment fraud, are conducting their investigation. It's best to just let them have full access, get it over with as soon as possible. The longer the investigation goes on, the more damage it does to all of our reputations. The sooner they can discover there is no fraud, or charge people who are responsible, the better.” 

Tearing his bread roll in half, and buttering it, Kurt asked, “I was reading on the net that the investigation could take years.” 

“It's possible, but it will probably be six months to a year. And that whole time, I don't have a job, don't have any money, no place to live, nothing.” 

Kurt raised his eyebrows. “You aren't allowed to work at all the whole time?” 

Blaine laughed a little. “Well, I'm allowed, but no one in the finance industry will touch me while all this is going on. And I'd like to keep a low profile, instead of appearing on the news in a Burger King uniform or something.” 

“Well, you can stay here for now. We'll figure the rest out as we go, OK?” 

Blaine smiled at Kurt. “Again, thank you so much, Kurt. Here you are feeding me, clothing me, letting me stay here. And we haven't even known each other that long or anything. But one thing I can definitely do is sleep on the couch. You deserve to sleep in your own bed, Kurt.” 

Kurt returned the smile. “Actually, I might have an air mattress buried deep in the closet. It's more comfortable than the sofa for sleeping on, since you can stretch out normally.”

“Perfect! I'll camp out on that. Would you mind if I took a shower now?” Blaine asked, looking almost normal in his expression. It made Kurt glad to see him looking rested and fed. 

Kurt nodded. While Blaine showered, Kurt did the dishes and was able to find the air mattress. Once blown up, he shifted some furniture around to make a space for it on the floor in one corner of the living room, and found some extra bedding for it.

____

Kurt returned to work the next day. Blaine stayed in the apartment, communicating with people by phone and email about the investigation. It seemed no closer to being resolved. 

Things settled into a bit of a pattern for the next few days. After work, Kurt would come home and make dinner for them. Over dinner, they would discuss their day. Afterwards, they would escape their day-to-day worries with some bad TV or a silly comedy. Kurt found he liked having Blaine's company in the apartment.

And then they would take turns in the bathroom, and Kurt would head to his large, empty bed while Blaine settled onto the air mattress in the living room. 

___

-Disclaimer: I own nothing.

-Bernie Madoff: A quick 3 min clip from the news when he was sentenced, giving a quick summary, is here. He is currently serving a 150 year sentence in federal prison for the $17 billion investor fraud. Prosecutors estimated the size of the fraud to be $64.8 billion, based on the amounts in the accounts of Madoffs 4,800 clients as of 2008.