[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
.He seemed to have very clear views on criminal law and the changes that were necessary.For the first time in his life Raymond felt he was no longer a young man.Suddenly both women we're at his side."Hello, Raymond." "Hello, Stephanie," he said awkwardly.He looked anxiously toward his wife."Do you know Patrick Montague?" he asked absentmindedly.The three of them burst out laughing, "What's so funny?" asked Raymond."You do embarrass me sometimes, Raymond," said Joyce."Surely you realize Stephanie and Patrick are engaged?"16413"CAN YOU EXPLAIN why Simon Kerslake missed the vote yesterday?" Charles looked across the table at the Chief Whip.:'No, I can't," he said."I've been distributing the weekly Whip' to him the same as every member of my group." "What's the meaning of it then?" "I think the poor man has been spending a lot of his time traipsing around the country looking for a seat to fight at the next election." "That's no excuse," said the Chief Whip."Duties in the House must come first, every member knows that.The vote missed was on a vital clause, and everyone else in your group has proved reliable.Perhaps I should have a word with him?" "No, no, I'd rather you didn't," said Charles, fearing he sounded a little too insistent."I consider it my responsibility.I'll speak to him and see that it doesn't happen again." "All right, Charles, if that's the way you want to play it.Thank God it can't last much longer and the damn thing will soon be law, but we must remain vigilant over165FIRST AMONG EQUALSevery clause.The Labour Party knows only too well that if they defeat us on certain key clauses they can still sink the whole bill, and if I lost one of those by a single vote I would cut Kerslake's throat.Or anyone else who was responsible." "I'll make sure he gets the message," said Charles."How's Fiona reacting to all these late nights?" the Chief Whip asked, finally relaxing."Very well, considering.In fact, now that you mention it, I have never seen her looking better." "Can't say my wife is enjoying the 'prep school antics,' as she describes our continual late-night sessions.I've had to promise to take her to the West Indies this winter to make up for it.Well, I'll leave you to deal with Kerslake.Be firm, Charles.""Norman Edwards?" repeated Raymond in disbelief "The general secretary of the Lorry Union?" "Yes," said Fred Padgett, getting up from behind his desk."But he burned Full Employment at Any Cost? on a public bonfire with every journalist he could lay his hands on to witness the conflagration." "I know," said Fred, returning a letter to the filing cabinet."I'm only your campaign manager.I'm not here to explain the mysteries of the universe." "When does he want to see me?" asked Raymond."As soon as possible." "Better ask him if he can come for a drink at the house at six o'clock-" Raymond had had heavy Saturday morning office hours and had only found time to grab a sandwich at the pub before going off to watch Leeds play Liverpool.Although he had never cared for soccer, now he regularly sat in the directors' box every other week in full view of his constituents while he supported his local soccer team, killing thirty thousand birds with one stone.He 166FIRST AMONG EQUALSwas careful to adopt his old Yorkshire accent when talking to the lads in the dressing room after the match, not the one he used to address a high court judge during the week.Leeds won 3-2, and after the match Raymond joined the directors for a drink in the boardroom and nearly forgot about his meeting with Norman Edwards.Joyce was in the garden showing the union leader her early snowdrops when Raymond returned."Sorry I'm late," he shouted, as he hung up his yetlow-and-black scarf."I've been to the local match." "Who won?" asked Edwards."Leeds, of course, three to two.Come on in and have a beer," said Raymond."I'd prefer a vodka." The two men went into the house while Joyce continued with her gardening."Well," said Raymond, pouring his guest a Smirnoff."What brings you all the way from Liver-pool if it wasn't to watch soccer? Perhaps you want a signed copy of my book for your next union bonfire?" "Don't give me any trouble, Ray.I came all this way because I need your help, simple as that." "I'm all ears," said Raymond, not commenting on the shortening of his name."We had a full meeting of the General Purposes Committee yesterday, and one of the brothers had spotted a clause in the Common Market Bill that could put us all out of work.The clause concerning shipment to the Channel coast." Norman passed a copy of the bill to Raymond with the relevant clause marked in red."If that gets through the House my boys are in deep trouble." "Yes," said Raymond."I can see that.Actually, I'm surprised it's been allowed to get this far." Raymond studied the wording in detail while Edwards poured himself another vodka.167FIRST AMONG EQUALS"And how much do you think this will add to the costs?" asked Raymond
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]