by Carl Andrew
In Finsbury Park, the style was much more street, very young and quite trendy. As they neared Oxford Street, you got the agency staff, those who worked in PR, advertising and the other creative industries. It was much more of a hipster look.
Victoria and Westminster was professional attire with suits and a significant amount of grey hair.
It’s funny, he thought to himself, how the lives of the people who occupy these seats are so different even in a single journey from north to south.
He was so lost in his own world that he almost missed his stop. He had to do the embarrassing thing of rushing off as other people were getting on. They’d already let the quota of people off the tube and Leon’s exit was nothing if not unexpected.
He received a few audible ‘tuts’ that really only British people had perfected. A way of complaining without creating a scene.
Making his way through the crowds, a mixture of tourists and civil servants, he found fresh air before too long partnered by a familiar vista.
He strode purposefully towards the Houses of Parliament doing the photo avoidance dance as he went, the one where you decide between waiting, ducking or scuttling past an endless ream of tourists taking the same picture of the Houses that millions had before them.
He went through the usual security checks. Always allow ten minutes before your appointment to get through security, they warn you at the Houses of Parliament.
At precisely the tenth minute after joining the queue, he made it through security. It was as though Big Ben was timed on visitors going through there.
He found the room the press conference was being held in and nodded hello to a few contemporaries and combatants before settling in to a seat near the front.
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Houses of Parliament, London
Russell watched as the media pack filed in. He looked over towards Vanessa who was staring into the crowd. He followed her gaze and found himself staring at Leon Bryant from The Day Today.
For some reason, knowing he was here gave Russell a shudder.
All of the other attendees were present at the previous press conference. Leon was the only exception.
He was the one variable and, for someone who liked order as Russell did, it made him feel uncomfortable.
The journalists had all found a seat and were engaged in idle chat so Russell decided to start proceedings.
“Good afternoon and thank you for joining us today. I appreciate it’s a short notice thing but we felt it opportune to provide an update following our previous briefing.”
“As many of you will be aware, we are almost two weeks into the initial research project by the Institute of Behavioural Science and results so far have been encouraging.”
“While we’re not at a stage where we can reveal anything concrete, I did want to update you on a timeline for when we hope to announce a change to the current strategy to tackle anti-social behaviour.”
“As we expressed in our previous briefing to you, scientific research projects such as this take time. While we’re aware of that and want to respect the scientific process, we also know that the violence plaguing our streets is not abating.”
“So, we are focused on providing an initial policy update in early January…” audible groans collectively echoed around the room, “… but Dr Hopwood and her team are working hard to provide us with findings of significant substance and we are very hopeful of a tangible result to be able to bring to you when we next meet.”
“What we can say is that the latest crime figures are out and we’ve seen significant encouragement in the towns and suburbs engaged in Neighbourhood Watch programmes.”
Russell and Vanessa had hurried the home office into an early release of the crime figures so they had something to provide to the media today.
Russell clicked through to a presentation slide.
“You’ll see from the table on the top left that burglaries and common assaults were down for these areas. However, for those areas without active Neighbourhood Watch Schemes, the figures are at the same level as they were following the last release of results.”
“While it’s encouraging the figures aren’t on the increase, the concern is that they are already way above the five year average and we need to start seeing reductions.”
“What this does show us is that positive action is helping in this fight against violent behaviour. The community police officers working with local people along with the increase in the use of ASBOs and Night Time Curfew Orders are really starting to take effect.”
“As such, we recommend for people to join their local schemes and even start them up if they are not currently in operation. Information can be found on the website listed below the charts on the slide.”
“However, we understand that it can’t all be left to community groups to tackle the problem. That is why we hope to provide a longer term strategy in January when we next brief you.”
“So, short and sweet but I think you’ll agree it was important to keep you informed. So, without further ado, any questions?”
Russell went through the same process as before, acknowledging an inclination to pose a question and then providing a guarded but adequate response.
It was about five questions in and Russell was about to close proceedings when Leon put his hand up. Russell nodded in his direction and felt a slight murmur trickle down his spine.
“Minister Brooks, thank you for inviting us to a reading of the latest crime results as a cover for not having made any progress with the Institute of Behavioural Science research.”
“I appreciate the art of science is one that takes time…” Leon paused as some of his peers chuckled at his dichotomous description of science. “… but I wanted to ask, when we come back here again in January, what happens if you still haven’t found the answer you’re looking for?”
“Err… good question Leon and… and thank you for asking it.” Russell was using the classic bridging technique he’d learnt from his media training. It bought him a second or two to construct a response.”
“I’m not in the habit of predicting the future and nor would I want to as I don’t want to be accused of misleading the media. However, we are confident in the ability of Dr Hopwood and her team and look forward to presenting you with a policy update in January, the exact date of which remains to be confirmed.”
Leon wasn’t expecting an insightful response. His question was more about keeping the Minister on his toes and letting the rest of the media pack know that he was back.
“Ok, so that’s all the questions we have time for today. Thank you for coming and, if I don’t speak to you before, have a nice Christmas.”
The attending journalists started shuffling out and Leon was oblivious.
He was still thinking about the closing gambit from Minister Brooks. Have a nice Christmas.
With all that had gone on in his life over the last few months, he’d completely forgotten that Christmas was just over two weeks away.
Lost in his thoughts he didn’t even realise that Vanessa had made her way over to him and had said hello.
Her voice slowly came into focus. “Leon, are you ok? Did you hear me?”
“Err… oh hi Vanessa. Sorry, I was a million miles from here just then. What did you say?”
“I was just wanting to thank you for the article about the success of the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in Hitchin, while it’s never easy to correlate these things directly, we understand that 20 similar schemes started up around the country within 48 hours of your article.”
“That’s good news. I have to admit that I do believe they have a role to play in the solution to all the anti-social issues we’re facing,” Leon said in response.
“In fact, if you have any further stories, I’d be interested in covering them,” he continued.
“I’ll be sure to share them but I’m actually working on a potentially bigger opportunity for you. I’m k
een to try and broker an interview between you and Dr Hopwood if you would be interested,” Vanessa was laying down the foundations of a plan she had discussed with Russell to try and get Leon Bryant further onside.
Additionally, she wanted to get Leon in support of the research project as well as the Institute of Behavioural Science. Also, there were a couple of other loose ends she wanted to tie up.
“It sounds interesting Vanessa but what sort of restrictions would I be under?” Leon responded.
“No restrictions. Dr Hopwood is a seasoned media spokesperson. She can handle herself. I just want to give you a better understanding of what we’re trying to achieve with the research project,” Vanessa continued.
“Also, Dr Hopwood is keen to promote the positive work the Institute is doing. So, as you can see, an interview works on numerous levels.”
“Ok, you’ve got me entirely too intrigued to pass this up. I’m in. When and where?” Leon was fascinated by the prospect and, even though she was ‘one of them’, he liked Vanessa in a strictly professional sense.
“Great. Dr Hopwood will be in London in a few weeks for a meeting with Russell and I. Shall we say 10am on 5th January?”
Leon checked his phone calendar for any clashes. He would have been lost if such technology didn’t exist. Apart from taking old style notes using a pen and a pad, he lived his life on his phone.
“Works for me,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it.”
They exchanged further pleasantries before Leon realised the time and made his excuses to leave. He was meeting Sarah for lunch and was running seriously late.
Chapter 16:
Late December, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
The research project was now at the end of its third week of four in total. Jennifer had visited the Prison so often it was starting to feel like a second home.
Governor Voskov was being as co-operative as possible and the test cases were presenting some interesting and consistent results for the lab team to review.
Because of this, Jennifer had decided to move to ‘phase 2’ of the project a little earlier than expected.
Ideally, she would have liked to have stuck with the original programme but she was getting pressure from Vanessa and Russell to deliver results as soon as possible.
Besides, Vanessa had let her know that an interview had been set up with Leon Bryant so there was a level of urgency from her own perspective as well to provide some meaningful and relevant information.
She had assembled the team in the usual meeting room to make the announcement.
“Hi everyone, firstly thank you for taking time out of your work to attend this rather impromptu meeting. I wanted to let you know that the research project has been going incredibly well and that has a lot to do with the professionalism and work ethic of each of you.”
“As you know, we’re under a little bit of pressure to move things forward so I need to balance out our needs and wants. On one side, we want to be able to take our time and go through a proper cycle of research…” She paused to allow a reaction, which was immediately satisfied by nods of agreement.
“However, we have a need to provide results and that need is becoming ever more apparent.”
“So, as a result, I’d like to expedite the programme and move to ‘phase 2’ a week early.”
“That means starting phase 2 next week. How does everyone feel about that?”
A small, bespectacled twenty-something man looked side to side before building up the courage to utter a word.
“I’m… I’m in agreement Dr Hopwood, I mean Jennifer. I mean, the results couldn’t be any more consistent. We understand the test cases reference points that trigger good and bad behavioural thoughts. We just need to identify how to err… manage those, right?”
“Absolutely, thank you Michael. That’s exactly my thought process. We can measure and scenario test for weeks and weeks but I can’t see the results changing. So, next week we’ll start to monitor each test case in control situations in the laboratory. That means live test cases on site, everyone comfortable with that?”
The response was simply silence again. She took that as affirmation.
“Right, I’ll head up to Leicestershire and negotiate this new approach with our friendly Governor Voskov. Thanks for your time everyone.”
The room cleared in what felt like a nanosecond.
Jennifer went back to her office, picked up the phone and dialled Russell’s number.
“Hi Jennifer, how can I help you?” came the rather surprising response.
“How did you know it was me?” Jennifer asked, she purposely had set her number to show as private when she called out on this phone. It was a way of protecting herself that she’d adopted years ago.
“Because only two people know this number and Vanessa is currently in my office,” Russell responded.
“Aah, I see. Ok, well look, I’ll get straight to the point and it’s actually good that Vanessa is there too as it will save me a phone call. Can you put me on speakerphone?”
Jennifer heard a couple of subtle clicks and then an echo-ey female voice.
“I’m here Jennifer, what’s up?” Vanessa said.
“Ok, so in the interests of moving things on with the research project, I wanted to let you know I’ve just met with the team and we’ve agreed to move to ‘phase 2’ next week. That’s a week earlier than planned.”
“That’s great. So the results are looking ok?” Russell chimed in.
“The results are looking consistent and informative, which is why we were able to move forward quicker than expected,” Jennifer replied indulging in science speak to a certain degree.
“That sounds really positive,” said Vanessa. “I have one question,” she continued.
“No problem, what do you want to know?”
“What’s phase 2?”
“Aah, I’m glad you asked. Phase 2 is monitoring the test cases in a laboratory environment. We need to test their trigger patterns using control devices to understand if we can alleviate a response,” Jennifer was speaking colloquially again.
“When you say ‘monitor the test cases in a laboratory environment’, can that happen in the prison?” Russell enquired.
“Unfortunately not, we’d need to bring them here?”
“For how long,” it was Vanessa’s turn to ask.
“About a week,” came the reply.
“Right, that could be tricky. They’re still prisoners serving jail terms,” Russell said.
“I understand that. If there was any other way, I’d have tried to make it work. The issue is that we have everything here already set up. We also need to place the test cases in a neutral environment, one they’re not familiar with.”
“Ok, so we may have a bit of a challenge on our hands with this one. How will we keep them secure?”
“We’d need to borrow a few of the prison officers. We have accommodation here that is secure. I’m happy to visit Governor Voskov and let him know,” Jennifer was happy that she had started the conversation about her requirements.
“I’m not sure that would be the best way to work it Jennifer. I think if I call Governor Voskov it’ll give me a chance to exert some pressure from the Government if he doesn’t play ball,” Russell interjected.
Even better, thought Jennifer, saves her a whole lot of hassle.
“I’m happy for you to do that if you are Russell. Thanks for your help.”
“I’ll get onto it straight away. I’ll let you know how things go a little later. Thanks for calling Jennifer.”
Russell hung the phone up and turned to Vanessa.
“We need to let David know.”
Vanessa’s response was simple and to the point: “Agreed.”
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Finsbury Park, London
Leon’s relationship with Sarah was starting to fall into a familiar and very comfortable pattern. The blog was going well but he
was becoming increasingly busy.
“Do you think I should take on another writer?” He asked Sarah as she placed a sumptuous lunch in front of him.
“Are you keen to grow the blog?” Sarah was interested in understanding Leon’s plans.
“It’s more a case of the blog needing to grow due to the volume of stories we’re getting in.”
“Can you afford to pay someone else?”
“The blog is doing very well financially. So expense wouldn’t be a problem,” Leon said.
“Do you have any concerns about taking someone else on?”
“It’s more one of retaining a level of control as well as editorial consistency. People know the blog presents articles in a certain way. They’re used to that and I wouldn’t want that writing integrity to change.”
Sarah sat down next to Leon and found herself deep in thought. She’d had something on her mind for a few weeks now but didn’t want to delve into the subject. She just wasn’t sure about it.
“What are you thinking?” Leon asked.
His question stirred her.
“Oh, nothing, it’s nothing really.”
“It’s not ‘nothing’ Sarah, I can tell that by your furrowed brow. You’ve got that look I recognise that is always immediately followed by something completely insightful and brilliant.”
“Right, no pressure on me now, thanks Leon,” she said with a smile slowly growing on her lips.
Leon chuckled. “Go on, what is it? No pressure, I promise,” he said.
“Ok, but don’t laugh,” she looked at him sternly but with a friendly undertone.
“I wouldn’t dare!” He replied.
“So, I’ve been thinking about this for a while now. You know I’ve been looking at things to turn my attention to. I need a new focus, you know that right?”
“Go on,” Leon encouraged.
“Well, maybe we can kill two birds with one stone,” she was almost teasing him by not quite getting to the point.
“In what way,” Leon continued to nudge.
“Instead of hiring someone to help you write for the blog, why don’t I start writing? I mean, I haven’t got any experience but I could learn from you. What do you think?”