Who Is Jack Winter? ( Part 14)

Jack has a meeting with the PM and the old Winter charm works it's magic once again.

Jack shook his head. A sudden rush of adrenalin shot through his body as he snorted the second line of cocaine. The waist high toilet cistern in the downstairs loo at number ten was the perfect platform to launch his magic powder.

He made a mental note to congratulate Patrick on the new supply and order up another kilo. This was the best stuff he’d ever had. Yes, it made his nostrils sting and his eyes water but within a few seconds his mind became a razor blade, clean and sharp. He was able to focus on things much more clearly. Problems became solutions and that was exactly what he needed at this particular moment in time.

Maurice was obviously working for someone other than the PM. But who? The Chancellor, The Home Secretary? No way, he could tell by the way that Maurice spoke about them that he hated their guts just as much as Jack did. No, it had to be someone outside of the Cabinet and probably outside of Government altogether. If the timing was right he’d try to find out more this morning.

Maurice had prepared him for what the PM was going to say. The “blackout” wouldn’t be mentioned. He would suggest that they work closely together during the next few weeks. Purely for Jack to gain experience.

Another thought came into his head. Harriet Knowles, naked and on all fours, turning her head slightly and licking her lips. Another side effect of this wonderful powder was that it made him as horny as a three balled tomcat. But, unfortunately, there was no time. The early morning wank would have to be put on hold. The PM was waiting…

Harold Simpson was sitting in an old leather armchair and deep in thought as Jack walked into the Library.

“Good morning Prime Minister.”

There was no reaction. The PM continued to stare at an empty cup and saucer on the table in front of him. Jack coughed.

“Ahem… Good morning Prime Minister!”

Harold Simpson jumped as though someone had just stuck two fingers into the most private of his orifices.

“Sorry Jack…. miles away. So glad you could come in early. Please, take a seat, there’s a few things I’d like to go through with you.”

There was a tiredness in the way the PM spoke, almost as though every word was an effort.

“No problem Prime Minister, always glad to be of service.”

“Thank you Jack. I have a feeling you and I are going to make a good team and that’s why I want you to accompany me on all official engagements over the next few weeks. You’re new to the cabinet and I think it will be invaluable experience for you. We’ve got Victor Kennedy, the US President, coming in two days and it’ll be good for you to be alongside me during those meetings.”

“Absolutely, Prime Minister.”

“Thank you Jack.”

There was a sense of relief in the way the PM said “Thank You Jack.”

Years of experience told Jack that this was the time to make his move.

“Hope you don’t mind me asking Prime Minister, but is everything okay?”

Harold Simpson put his left hand up to his face as if he was stroking an imaginary beard. He stared at Jack for a few seconds obviously trying to make up his mind about something.

“Look Jack, what I’m about to tell you is strictly between the two of us. Agreed.”

Jack’s face looked sincere but inside he was smiling. The old Winter technique had worked once again.

“Of course Harold, one hundred percent.”

For the first time ever he had called the PM Harold. He thought it was a nice touch.

“It appears that I’ve been over working recently. Early mornings, late nights, lack of sleep, the usual stuff Jack. But yesterday I had a bit of an episode. Bit of a black out. To be honest Jack, there’s not much of yesterday that I can remember at all.”

Jack knew exactly what he meant. One Saturday he got completely wasted and lost count of how many blues and green he took. He “lost” three days. Yet apparently he’d sat in on meetings and attended a conference in Brighton. That was a big learning curve for him. Since then he treated the little beauties with much more respect.

“I’m sorry to hear that Harold, but perhaps now I’m here we can share some of the workload. Maybe even ask the Chancellor and The Home Secretary to help out.”

Jack waited for a reaction. He got one.

“Look Jack, you’re new to all this and that’s why I feel I can trust you. Believe it or not I have a few enemies in the Cabinet. A couple of people would see my ask for help as a sign of weakness and I can’t let that happen. That’s why this conversation has to be kept just between the two of us.”

“Okay Harold, I fully understand. But what has the doctor said about your black out?”

“Well, they’ve done tests, but it seems that it all comes down to over working and lack of sleep.”

Jack stuck out his hand for the PM to shake. He took it and shook it firmly.

“You have my full support Prime Minister, you can rely on my total co-operation.”

The PM smiled for the first time since their meeting had begun.

“Thank you Jack. I really appreciate your loyalty.”

Jack walked out of the room wanting to punch the air. He now had the PM exactly where he wanted him!

If he was quick he could get back to his office and pour himself some breakfast before the cabinet meeting started.