CHAPTER 10
British Prime Minister Noah Hughes, holding the invitation from the Colombian embassy in his hands, was faced with a dilemma, which only men of his level could afford to have.
I face my enemy in his field or I insist on trying to beat him in my field...
During his entire tenure as British Prime Minister, there was a thorn in his side that nearly made him lose his re— election, and everyone demanded a more energetic stance on that.
Arrest Paul Leaks...
— You know it could be a trap, don't you?
— There are risks we need to face, Clark, I've already had a crushing defeat, another defeat like that... it will be my head that will roll.
— You know he's exiled there, don't you?
He nodded.
— I really want to confront him in person and I believe this is an excellent opportunity, we can't just order an embassy to be broken into without causing serious diplomatic inconvenience.
— If it were a more economically, technologically or even more relevant country that provided us with irreplaceable provisions, I would even agree with you, however, Colombia is here for mere formality, I still think they abuse our hospitality too much, especially after they have granted asylum to Paul Leaks, a clear demonstration of the lack of diplomatic friendship.
— We've had a reasonably friendly relationship since 1821, I don't want to cause an uproar over any terrorist, especially on the eve of the 200th anniversary of our diplomatic friendship. In the eyes of the world this has a certain relevance and we must have good eyes in front of the world.
— This friendship that you've refused to help us for the last five years, sir, and remembering that this terrorist has been our ally for many years, he knows much more than we would like him to know.
I know this better than anyone...
— It's understandable from their point of view, they want to force us to be more generous, I would have done the same, it's a war strategy, but that's only luck with powerful people, like England and the United States, third countries world trying to do such a thing is bordering on ridiculous, it's like a hen wanting to coerce a hungry lion.
— But the United States has already given us an ultimatum on him.
Noah smiled clearly telling him not to worry about it.
— The United States knows that they can charge us and that they cannot force us to make a decision, we would do the same thing if we were in their place too, and they would do the same thing we are doing if they were in our place. Politics is a game of cat and mouse that sometimes we change places, to make the dispute more interesting, the best strategy is the one we take, we surround the chicken and leave it more and more without space... at the right time we take it. And the right time is today.
— There are several ways to oblige us, Prime Minister.
— Exactly, Clark... exactly...call them and confirm I'll be there, it's time for us to cook our chicken.
His secretary nodded and left.
It's time for the most important piece on the board to come into play... And I only play to win...
— And how are you facing the referendum on Brexit?
— I still think it's a mistake to isolate ourselves, I'm a representative of the people's will, if that's what they want, then we have to accept it.
They turned on the television and saw Selene Stillton, the leader of the Brexit movement, speaking to the press.
— Now we know what the will of the people is and we demand that the Prime Minister, Noah Hughes, take the vote as soon as possible in Parliament, if he doesn't, let other people better able to do the sovereign will of the people, the do...
— And do you have a name that can represent us?
— I can certainly put myself as a possible candidate, but the big question now is who can't represent us, and by being openly against Brexit, that is, against the will of the people, Noah Hughes has put an end to his own office.
Noah turned off the television and walked around the room, accompanied by his secretary, Ian. And before he could say anything, Noah Hughes picked up the television in his arms and threw it at the wall.
'Is everything all right, sir?'
— If it was the bitch Miss Stillton in place of that television, then that would be fine.
ERICK HUGHES, knocked on the door and said:
— May I come in, brother?
Noah couldn't wait for his troubled brother to arrive.
— Can't it be another time, Erick?
— I was just passing by and wanted to see you.
— I think you've seen it earlier, so...
Erick looked at the broken television.
— Has something happened that I'm not aware of?
— You never know anything, Erick, that's always been your excuse for not getting beaten up by our parents, that's your excuse for never doing anything for your country.
Erick ignored his brother's bad mood and sat down in an armchair. Before, he filled a cup of tea and sipped.
'I like to come here as they always have the best tea in the world, hot anytime.
— The least you can expect of an Englishman is to know how to taste an Earl Grey.
Erick nodded, took a cookie and ate it.
— Prime Minister Gray was responsible for introducing this type of infusion to the UK, around the year 1830, naming the drink in his honor.
— Apparently someone didn't miss history class. —
— Earl Grey, or Count Grey — Erick said proudly — also known for the electoral reforms carried out in the country.
Erick savored the drink again.
— Earl Gray is basically an infusion of bergamot oranges mixed with black, green or white tea. The different versions of the story reach the consensus that the Count, was diplomatically presented with the mixture by an Indian or a Chinese maharaja, depending on the legend, and began to serve it to his guests at events and parties. When he saw that everyone loved that mixture, he called the people at Twinings and got them to come up with the Earl Gray recipe. Another version of the same story says that, in fact, it was the store's main competitors, Jacksons of Piccadilly, who received the Count's preparation method, and thus, began production. This dispute continues to this day.
— Well, if the small talk is over, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me take care of our country.
— Sometimes you need to relax a little, little brother. It's easier to take care of a country with a cool head and hot tea in the cup, than vice versa.
'Or live relaxed, as you do, don't you?' I wonder what kind of country we would have with you in power.
Erick lifted the cup in his honor.
— You only live once, Noah.
— No, Erick, you only die once, we live every day.
— May we live intensely then.
Erick looked at his watch and looked as if he had an extremely important appointment.
— I beg your pardon, Prime Minister, I have an extremely important appointment now.
— I'm sure yes.
Erick drank the tea in one gulp and saw Ian Clark entering the room again.
— Take care of my little brother, Clark.
The secretary didn't say anything, he hated that insolent brat, as soon as Erick left he spoke to Noah.
— Sir...
— Don't say anything, Clark, let's get to the really important things, please.