Page 166 of Pervade London
Her lips formed a slow smile. “Ballad, you’ve been keeping this jewel locked away.”
“You have no idea.” He winked at me.
“Now, regarding the matter at hand,” she said, her expression stern, “the Prime Minister—”
James interrupted her with a confident wave. “Inform Charles nothing has changed. War is off the table—”
“But the speech—”
“He’ll appear to be the reasoned one. Let the United States carry this. They owe us.”
“You’re making a mistake,” she chided.
“I’m fully aware that you have your sights set on becoming PM.”
“A rumor.”
“You’re a hawk, Agatha. Some would call you bloodthirsty.”
“I’m merely putting the country first.”
“I suggest you visit the countries where you want to send more troops. Check out all the amputees. Then move on to the graves at home.”
“Don’t be crass.”
“Don’t throw away lives for political gain.”
“You’re no saint, Ballad.”
“That’s the most insightful statement you’ve made.”
Agatha sighed and sent a condescending glance my way. “She’s very young, James. Doesn’t she bore you?”
My forearms prickled in response.
He arched a brow. “Look at her one more time in that manner, Home Secretary, and you’ll be serving your country from Siberia.”
“Well, I must admit,” she said, her tone softening, “she is quite lovely.”
He gave a nod. “I’m grateful for that change of attitude. Please give Charles my regards.”
She walked away in a cloud of expensive perfume, glancing back nervously as Akmal led her out and closed the door behind them.
James turned in his chair to face me. “Wine?”
“Yes, please.”
He signaled the waiter. The bottle was ordered and the table was cleared.
“She looked like she was scared of you,” I said. “The Home Secretary.”
“That’s because I can have her on a plane to Siberia tonight if she crosses me again.”
“Oh, the heady power.” I gave him a cheesy grin.
James grinned back at me as a bottle of wine was delivered to us.
“We’re having dinner later,” he said. “But I can order you an appetizer if you like.”
