Chapter 32
The next morning, Hyde Park bustled with frantic energy. The clouds had given way to clear skies that let the sun dry the ground, creating an inescapable smell as the damp mud was pounded back into the earth. The foul odour blended with the charred remains of London.
The scene was one of controlled chaos. Many who had returned to London continued with the proposed enthusiasm that had been asked of them. For some, positivity was used in an attempt to turn the rioters away from their destructive behaviour; for others, it was an excuse to experience a new world without limitations and restrictions. Laws were yet to be made and nobody knew the boundaries of acceptability. For others, their thoughts were consumed with their families, their futures or both. Where would they go? Were they alone in a barren city that couldn’t provide for them all? Whatever choices people were making, they all waited with anticipation for Lanegan to address the nation, to hear what would happen next?
Jacob, Isabelle, Wilf and Stephanie had spent the previous evening discussing ideas. They decided that they would build a stage and surround it with stalls and tents that could be used freely. The hope was that they would start the process and then let it take on a life of its own. It would be an area that belonged to everyone, where common interests and creativity could flourish in a community that would provide relief from the rubble and chaos. Even if they were not supported at the highest level, they had to try for their own freedom.
They talked through the night about everything that had happened the previous day and slept for a few hours under blankets in the back of one of Wilf’s trucks. They were guests of the Dorchester Hotel, but chose not to stay there.
The next morning they began to write a list of the equipment they thought they would need, but Jacob was distracted. He couldn’t stop thinking of the previous day’s meeting with Lanegan.
“What time is it?” he asked.
“Eleven,” replied Isabelle.
“One hour to go.”
“What’s the matter? You seem nervous.”
“I have to speak to him. I have to try to convince him the reconsider what he is about to do.”
“Are you sure that would be a good idea? You would be arguing against the person that your career depends on. Let him make the speech and start whatever he is planning, Jacob. When he sees the consequences of his actions I’m sure he will reconsider. He’s still human, he’s just in pain.”
“I don’t think I need to worry about my career anymore. He would have asked me to stay if I still had one. I changed his mind once, I can do it again.”
“I think you’re showing great courage. If you think you can change his mind, then you should go. You will regret not trying.”
“Thanks.”
“I could come with you.”
“I think I have to go on my own. I hope you understand.”
“I do. Good luck.”
“I’ll see you soon, Isabelle.”
Jacob began to walk across Hyde Park. Wilf and Stephanie arrived to see him in the distance.
“Where’s he going?” asked Stephanie.
“To try and talk to Tom.”
“On his own? Shouldn’t we go with him?”
“He wanted to go alone.”
“Maybe it is for the best,” said Wilf. “Jacob has an honesty that might break through whatever Tom is feeling.”
“I hope so,” said Stephanie.
Jacob approached The Dorchester hotel and realised that he didn’t know where the Lanegan family had been located. It hadn’t occurred to him before, but he now knew that this missing detail was intentional. He stood outside waiting for somebody he recognised. After a few minutes a voice called out.
“Jacob.”
Jacob turned to see Ken.
“Ken, I didn’t …”
“What are you doing here? Is everything okay?”
Ken looked around to see if Jacob was alone.
“I’m fine. I was hoping to have a word with Tom before his speech.”
“That’s impossible, Jacob. He is in the middle of preparing his speech and security will move him to the Park a few minutes before midday.”
“I will be very quick, I …”
“Sorry Jacob, it is impossible.”
“What’s happening Ken? Why is he doing this? After all we have seen and done, how can he turn his back on us now?”
“It’s complicated, Jacob. You will see that what we are doing is for the best.”
“And you agree with him?”
Ken hesitated and looked away.
“You have doubts, don’t you?” said Jacob.
Ken breathed out deeply before looking Jacob in the eye.
“I am with the Prime Minister one hundred percent,” he replied. “I suggest you get on-side, Jacob.”
Ken walked away towards the road, closely followed by two security agents. A convoy of four cars with blacked out windows pulled up in front of him. The second car stopped directly beside him and the door opened. As Ken climbed in, Jacob saw Lanegan reading over a document in the back seat. They looked back towards Jacob as Ken pulled the door shut leaving Jacob staring at his reflection in the window. The car stayed still. Jacob instinctively started to walk towards them but the car pulled away. Instead of stopping, Jacob continued at speed, heading straight for Hyde Park. He arrived to see a platform and a heavy police and military presence surrounding the area. It was clearly a demonstration of force. Up until this point it was thought that this sort of action would produce fear in the public and further hostility from the rioters. Concerning the public their thoughts were correct. A muted crowd stood and waited, unsure of how they should behave. Jacob instantly became aware of the tension that was present across the park. He stood by the scaffold that held the speakers and climbed up to gain a better view. It was important to him to be close to the stage so that he could look into Lanegan’s eyes. He had to know if he meant what he was about to say.
Isabelle, Stephanie and Wilf were standing on the opposite side of the stage to Jacob. They had accepted that any future governmental decisions would not involve them, even Wilf, who had decided he could no longer be a part of the political machine. If his suspicions were correct about Lanegan’s next move, he would withdraw his funding and support for the party.
“I wonder if Jacob had any luck,” said Stephanie.
“I think it is unlikely,” said Wilf solemnly.
“He should be here with us,” she continued.
Isabelle was looking hard at the stage. She knew that Jacob would be close by. As she scanned the area, she saw him standing on the scaffold above all the other spectators. She opened her mouth to speak but said nothing.
“I know,” said Wilf. “But I believe he feels in some way responsible for certain aspects of what has happened, as well as a deep betrayal. He looked up to Tom and was possibly a little too naïve about the nature of politics. Loyalties can change very quickly. He will come back when he is ready.”
“What time is it?” asked Stephanie.
“Midday …” replied Isabelle. “… any time now.”
All of a sudden, the speakers crackled as the PA system was switched on. The platform had barriers surrounding it with security personnel covering every side. On the centre of the stage stood a pedestal with microphones attached.
Jacob thought about the speech that Lanegan had made in the New Forest. Those improvised and heart-spoken words were inspiring and had made him feel part of a cause worth fighting for. That feeling had entirely left him now as he witnessed the birth of a new power, with an army meant for fighting.
Lanegan walked onto the stage with purpose. The sound of thousands of whispers filled the park.
“Good afternoon,” Lanegan began. “I speak to you today as the Prime Minister of Great Britain. As a nation we are involved in a battle for our very existence. Our way of life and everything that we hold dear to us is under threat from this plague that has infected our cities, our streets and our homes. We have n
ow reached a point where we need to take these back.”
The crowd began to become more animated with sporadic cheers and shouts.
“In the last few days I have asked for all of you to unite as a force for good. To use positive energy for change, in an attempt to turn the citizens that are causing the destruction back to who they once were. We have not given up on this idea, but have come to the realisation that this alone is not going to be the solution. We cannot win this if we ignore the needs of those who haven’t turned; they have a right to be protected, and that means action. If we are to survive then we must act now as a united force. We cannot wait in the hope that a recovery or solution will simply present itself to us. That will not happen. From now on we will take charge of our cities and towns. We will no longer be held hostage to violence and chaos. Our responsibility lies with the welfare of every person who is not committing these acts against us. A process will begin immediately of registering all citizens. This will enable us to situate people in safe accommodation in areas of the city where the violence is at its least. Food, water and health care will be provided to those who need it most. Through this process we will also be able to inform concerned families and friends about their loved ones who have turned against us. Hopefully, this will be a small comfort to those who have lost someone to this terrible affliction. Our plan is maintain a stronger police and military presence on the streets and to stop the rioters quickly and quietly. People are still turning so we have to act with urgency in stopping them. I personally have had enough of the chaos and pain and I want it to stop. We have to make it stop.”
The crowd were confused; some erupted into an incoherent mixture of shouting and applause while others stood silently in shock. Lanegan paused and looked out at the sea of people. As he scanned the crowd he saw Jacob standing on the scaffold. They looked into each other’s eyes. Lanegan showed no emotion as Jacob struggled to contain his. As a tear fell from his eye he was distracted by Ken moving across the back of the stage with his hand raised to meet someone. Jacob’s heart sank as he saw Bukewitz standing in the wings with his hand held out. Jacob turned back to Lanegan who had remained still.
“No,” Jacob shouted out. But nobody could hear.
Lanegan repositioned himself in front of the microphone.
“I promise to all of you that we will end this – by any means necessary.”
And with one last look at Jacob, he walked from the stage.
Essential as Air and Water Page 32