Fear of the Fathers Read Online Free PDF Page A

Jonathan Ayres’ office. Anthony Bliss, the Prime Minister’s private secretary, knocked on the door and led him through. Ayres got up from his desk and offered his hand. “Ah, Jennings, good to see you,” he said genuinely.
    Anthony Bliss left and Jennings took a seat opposite the PM.
    â€œWould you like a drink of anything?” Ayres asked. “Tea, coffee – something stronger?”
    â€œJust coffee please sir. I’m still on duty.”
    â€œI wouldn’t worry about that,” said Ayres. “Nobody’s going to know.”
    â€œI appreciate that sir, but coffee will do just fine.”
    Ayres poured two cups from the cafetiere and passed one to Jennings, then produced a half bottle of brandy from the desk drawer and laced his own drink. “Are you sure you don’t want to make your coffee more interesting?” he asked.
    â€œI’m sure,” said Jennings, tempted but wishing to keep a clear head.
    Ayres sat down and took a sip of his coffee. “Well,” he said. “Yesterday was rather exciting wasn’t it?”
    â€œExciting?” queried Jennings. “I suppose so sir. That’s one way of looking at it.”
    â€œSorry Jennings, that was the wrong phrase to use. I appreciate that it was a difficult day for you.”
    â€œNo need to apologize to me sir, you were the one they were trying to kill.”
    â€œYes, of course,” said Ayres. “But you were the one who took the bullet. I’m extremely grateful you know. I’m going to be putting you forward for the George Cross.”
    Jennings bowed his head and blushed inwardly. “I don’t know what to say sir. It was just instinct really. It’s what I’m trained to do.”
    Ayres smiled. “It may well be, but to risk your life for another human being is the noblest gesture of all.”
    â€œTo be fair, I was wearing body armour sir.”
    Ayres waved his hand dismissively. “That’s as maybe. But that wasn’t in your mind when you acted. You could have been shot in the head – body armour wouldn’t have saved you from that. I admire your humility, but the fact is, as I said yesterday, you are a hero.”
    â€œThank you sir,” said Jennings accepting the compliment to end the conversation. The barrage of praise was making him uncomfortable.
    â€œDo you mind if I smoke?” Ayres asked.
    Jennings said he didn’t.
    Ayres got out an ashtray and lit a cigarette. “What do you make of it all then Jennings?” he said. “Who do you think wants to kill me?”
    â€œCould be anybody sir.”
    â€œAm I that unpopular?” laughed Ayres.
    â€œNo sir, I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant that it was difficult to narrow down. Nobody’s claimed responsibility yet. Until then we have to look at all the possibilities.”
    â€œI know that,” said Ayres. “But what’s your opinion? What does your instinct say? Do you think it’s Muslim fanatics?”
    Jennings shook his head. “That’s the obvious assumption to make, but I’m not so sure. I’m fairly certain the guy was a Sikh. You haven’t done anything to annoy the Sikhs have you sir?”
    â€œNot that I’m aware of.”
    â€œAnyway sir,” said Jennings. “Wouldn’t it be better to ask Brennan about all this? He’s probably got a lot more information than I have.”
    â€œYes, yes, of course he has. I’ve spoken to him already. But Brennan, for all his brilliance, is slow and methodical. You Jennings, on the other hand, appear to be blessed with fantastic intuition. What does your gut tell you?”
    Jennings looked at the expectant Prime Minister, unsure of what to say.
    â€œWell?” Ayres pressed.
    Jennings shrugged. “It’s not really telling me anything, sir. Except that I don’t think there was a political agenda.”
    â€œWhy do you say