‘It’s the will of the people being frustrated over and over. These past few years, we’ve seen it happen time and again, election promises broken, Parliament dragging its feet before acting on what the people want. What they demand. These politicians, they’re the servants of the people, right? So how come they get to decide what orders they do and don’t carry out? All that has to come to an end. And that’s what we’re doing. Bringing it to an end.’
Judd waited until Flint was done, then clapped politely. ‘You know what I like most about that? It’s that you said sweet fuck all.’
‘I was explaining—’
‘No, you were saying words. But don’t get me wrong.’ He lifted the teapot and began pouring. ‘That’s all you need do right now. Say the words and make the noises. Nobody’s really listening, they’re just tapping along to the beat.’
‘I’m listened to.’
‘No. You’re noticed, that’s all. But that’s nothing to worry about at this stage. There’s a fine line between political notoriety and political respectability, and that’s where you’re balanced. A good starting point for a career.’
‘If I was interested in political respectability, I’d have stood for election. And a fat lot of good that would have done.’ Flint picked his teacup up, but put it down without drinking from it. ‘We all know the system’s rigged to favour Establishment voices. Of which you’re one, by the way. So why should I be interested in anything you have to say?’
‘Because I’ve been there and walked away from it,’ said Judd smoothly. ‘I know what it’s like to occupy one of the great offices of state, and what it’s like to feel dissatisfaction – disillusionment – with the process.’ He oozed sincerity. ‘I spent most of my life believing I could do good within the walls as they currently stand. But I came to recognise that there will always be those who will do everything in their power to maintain the status quo, even when that so obviously favours such a small section of society.’
‘Fuck off.’
‘Yes, that’s a good point. Do help yourself to a biscuit.’ He did so himself, and went on, ‘You know, I don’t get told to fuck off half often enough, given the bullshit I spout. On the other hand, I’m in PR now. If I weren’t spouting bullshit, I’d not be doing my job.’
‘What do you want?’
‘To see how far I can push you.’
‘In what way, push?’
‘Up the greasy pole. To the summit. Any metaphor you care to employ. A metaphor is when you describe something as if it were something else.’
‘Fuck off again.’
‘See? We’re getting along famously.’
Flint took a biscuit. ‘There were rumours you had no choice but to go. All sorts of mischief going on behind the scenes.’
‘That’s primarily what scenes are for, old man. To cover up what’s going on behind them. And the fact that you don’t know that underlines how much you need me on your team. As for my departure from front-line politics, the truth? Yes, I was aiming for the top, and was prevented from reaching it. But that was then and this is now. And things are changing. In your own small way you’re helping bring that about, though it would be happening anyway. It might be wise not to forget that.’
‘There’s change coming, you got that part right. Massive change. And long overdue.’
‘Well now. Let’s not overestimate its impact. When the Establishment crumbles, you know what’ll replace it? The Establishment. There’ll be new letterheads printed, that’s all. And what I’m offering you is the opportunity to climb on board. You might as well. If not you, it’ll be someone else.’
‘Do you think you’re being funny, mate? Because I don’t have to just walk out, you know? I could knock your block off first.’
‘I’m sure you could. You do look, if I have the terminology right, “well hard”. But do either of those things, and at the very least you’ll miss learning something you ought to know.’
Judd sipped tea again, and waited.
Flint had his hands on the arms of his chair, ready to get up. But he didn’t.
Judd sipped more tea. Waited.
At last Flint said, ‘Well?’
‘The Secret Service have people in your organisation.’
‘… We’re not an organisation, as such.’
‘Aren’t you really? As such? But you have people doing things, don’t you? You’re having leaflets printed. Who’s writing the copy? Who’s arranging the printing? Who’s sorting them into bundles—’
‘Okay.’
‘—and arranging their distribution? Who decides when and where you next do whatever it is you’re going to do? And who decides what that is?’
‘I said okay.’
