‘I will go further; if spin has corrupted the system, I will introduce an independent verification process.’ The PM paused. ‘It will be overseen by a select committee, whose members will be chosen by a secret ballot of MPs. This committee will be tasked with bringing into the open blatant spin, barefaced lies, halftruths and white lies. Offenders will henceforth have to face this committee and if they are not cleared of wrongdoing, they will have to make a public apology and correct their errors on the record. Furthermore, their apologies will be added alongside the relevant sections of Hansard requiring amendment or clarification. The committee will have teeth to investigate and bring people to account; these powers will include the ability to suspend members of both Houses and, in extremis, debar the individual from public service.’ The PM went silent again for a moment, then went on, ‘On reflection, I am prepared to go further and widen the powers of the committee to include all public officials who blatantly deceive in order to further their or their party’s own ends.’
‘Thank you Prime Minister.’
The door to the office opened. ‘Your next meeting is ready to start, Prime Minister.’
‘Thank you, SJ.’
The PM looked at Kate and Rafi, and held out his hand. ‘It’s time for me to be elsewhere. Thank you both again for your help.’
They shook his hand and left.
Back in the hotel suite, Kate put her arms around Rafi’s neck, her warm brown eyes gazing into his.
‘What now?’ asked Rafi.
‘Silly question! How about we get some food – I’m starving -and turn in for an early night?’ she said with a wicked glint in her eyes.
‘Great idea. What would you like to eat? The room service menu is impressive.’
‘I’m glad you’re paying,’ she said with a smile. ‘I could eat out for ages on some of these prices.’
‘We deserve some pampering, or at least I thought your orders were: lots of TLC.’
‘That,’ said Kate, ‘could be on the menu for dessert.’
They settled for a light supper. After the meal they snuggled up on the large sofa, enjoying the tranquillity.
‘Would you mind if we paid an impromptu visit to my brother and my parents on Sunday?’ asked Kate. ‘I think they need a bit of reassuring after the past few days.’
‘Sounds like a great idea. Are you sure we are not wanted elsewhere, though?’
‘I’ve cleared it with David – thanks.’
‘Where exactly do they live?’
‘Just outside Colchester.’
‘Sounds like an excellent idea.’
The conversation moved on to what they could do during Kate’s two-week break, which was scheduled to start as soon as the terrorist leaders were in captivity.
‘I don’t feel like going far away,’ Kate said.
‘Before this all happened, I’d booked a suite at a hotel in Cornwall for ten days. What do you think?’ enquired Rafi.
‘Is it a very smart hotel?’
‘It’s family run – by all accounts it’s comfortable and has good food,’ said Rafi.
‘But what about the beds?’ queried Kate.
‘They should be fine,’ he replied.
‘They?’ asked Kate sleepily. ‘Would it be too forward if we continue to share a bed?’ Kate planted a kiss on his cheek and snuggled up.
Rafi smiled. The prospect of having Kate as a girlfriend appealed. ‘I’d like that very much… I’ll ring the hotel in the morning.’ He didn’t get a reply; Kate was sound asleep in his arms.
The next morning, Rafi awoke to the buzzing sound of the bedside phone. He reached over and picked it up. His watch showed the time to be 11.45 a.m. He recognised the voice at the other end but could not initially place who it was. The quietly spoken woman introduced herself as SJ from Number 10.
‘Could you come in to see the Prime Minister again, please? I’ve arranged for a car to collect you. It’ll be waiting outside your hotel in thirty minutes.’
‘No problem,’ Rafi replied, replacing the phone and sitting up.
Rays of daylight crept around the edges of the curtains, casting a soft warm light around the room. Kate’s side of the bed was empty. Rafi lingered for a moment realising that he missed her company. Then he reluctantly slipped out of bed, aware of his bruises, and headed for the sitting room. On the side table was a note: Thought you needed a lie-in. Sorry not to be here – have things to do at work. See you later. Love, Kate.
Forty five minutes later Rafi was walking in to 10 Downing Street. He was met at the door by a smiling SJ. She looked at him and felt she couldn’t fully work him out. His mugshot had been plastered over the papers as public enemy number one, but he was one of the good guys. He’d had a rough time by the looks of things, but his eyes told another story. They were alive and bright.
‘The PM sends his apologies, his meetings are running late. While he is busy, he thought you would like to be brought up to speed on the terrorists’ whereabouts. But first, how about a cup of coffee?’ asked
SJ.
Rafi nodded, and followed her to a coffee machine.
‘This is how the other half lives,’ remarked SJ apologetically.
‘Home from home, where I worked was open plan and my desk was practically on top of all the others.’ Rafi paused as he realised he had used the past tense. He sensed that that part of his life was over.
‘How about a nice biscuit or two,’ she said bending over just in front of him to open a cupboard door.
To Rafi’s surprise, he found himself wondering how such a meticulously dressed secretary could suddenly look provocative.
‘If you would like to follow me… I thought we could borrow one of the meeting rooms.’
As Rafi followed SJ, a stray thought flitted through his mind – what would she look like with her hair down and in casual clothes? Undoubtedly she’d be very beautiful. His musings were halted as they reached their destination, a small meeting room, where SJ beckoned him to sit opposite her. She gave him a radiant smile.
Rafi was suddenly aware that he was staring ‘Sorry I was miles away…’ He felt uneasy and wondered what SJ would say next.
‘The PM tells me you are a remarkable man, and that you helped avert a number of other major disasters.’ SJ paused and smiled. Her soft blue eyes locked on to his. ‘The PM asked me to look after you…’
Rafi searched for a good reply but his mind was focused on SJ’s beautiful face. ‘That’s good,’ he replied, weakly returning her smile. He wondered if SJ realised how uncomfortable he felt. He took a sip of his coffee and looked down at his bruised and swollen wrist, partly to avoid making eye contact.
‘Is it as painful as it looks?’ asked SJ sympathetically.
‘Not really, I’ve sort of got used to it now, thanks to the painkillers,’ replied Rafi. He sensed his brain was beginning to work again, and decided to take the initiative. ‘Do you like working at Number 10?’
‘Yes, I do.’
‘The hours must be very long at times…’ Rafi took a mouthful of his coffee.
‘Yes, and the working weekends and late nights can wreak havoc with the social diary.’
Rafi looked down at her left hand – there was no ring. ‘Your boyfriend must be very understanding…’
Seeing that Rafi had relaxed, she smiled. ‘That’s a nice thought. If only one could find the right man. I seem to attract all the wrong ones.’ Someone just like you would suit me perfectly, she thought to herself.
He smiled and looked into her lovely blue eyes… ‘Don’t worry, your luck will turn when you least expect it.’
‘Thank you,’ replied SJ.
‘I am serious,’ added Rafi. ‘A week ago I was on my own and then through the most bizarre circumstances I met Detective Inspector Kate Adams… You have everything going for you… the right man will come in to your life.’