Free The Final Cut by Michael Dobbs Page A

Urquhart left him dangling as he considered. To convict or to assist, punish or protect? He had just buried one Cabinet member, to bury a second in such rapid succession could look more than unfortunate. He swivelled his pen on the blotter in front of him, like a compass seeking direction.
    'You can assure me that these accusations are false?'
    'Lies, all lies! You have my word.'
    'But I assume there are land registry deeds and titles with dates that to the cynical eye will appear to be more than coincidence. How did she know?'
    'Pillow talk, perhaps, no more than that. I ... I may have left my Ministerial box open in her bedroom on one occasion.'
    Urquhart marvelled at the younger man's inventiveness. 'You know as well as I do, Geoffrey, that if this comes out they won't believe you. They'll hound you right up the steps of the Old Bailey.'
    The fountain pen was now pointed directly at Booza-Pitt, like an officer's sword at a court martial, in condemnation. Urquhart produced a sheet of writing paper which he laid alongside it. 'I want you to write me a letter, Geoffrey, which I shall dictate.'
    Awkwardly, with the movements of a man freezing in the Arctic desert, Booza-Pitt began to write.
    ' "Dear Prime Minister,"' Urquhart began.'" I am sorry to have to inform you that I have been having an affair with a married woman, the wife of the chairman of my local association . . ."'
    Geoffrey raised pleading eyes, but Urquhart nodded him on.
    ' "Moreover, she has accused me of using confidential information available to me as a Government Minister to trade in blighted property and enrich myself, in breach not only of Ministerial ethics but also of the criminal law." New paragraph, Geoffrey. "While I have given you my word of honour that these accusations are utterly without foundation, in light of these allegations
    Booza-Pitt paused to raise a quizzical brow.
    ' "I have no alternative other than to tender my resignation."'
    The death warrant. A sob of misery bounced across the desk.
    'Sign it, Geoffrey.' The pen had become an instrument of punishment. 'But don't date it.'
    A dawning of hope, a stay of execution. Booza-Pitt did as he was told, managed a smile. Urquhart retrieved the paper, examined it thoroughly, and slid it into the drawer of his desk. Then his voice sank to a whisper, like a vault expelling the last of its air.
    'You contemptible idiot! How dare you endanger my Government with your sordid little vices? You're not fit to participate in a Francis Urquhart Cabinet.'
    'I'm so dreadfully sorry. And appreciative . . .' 'I created you. Made a space for you at the trough.' 'Always grateful. . .' 'Never forget.'
    'Never shall. But . . . but, Francis. What are we going to do about my chairman?'
    'I may, just possibly, be able to save your life. What's his name?'
    'Richard Tennent.'
    'Have I ever met him?'
    'Last year, when you came to my constituency. He chewed your ear about grants for tourism.'
    Slowly, without taking his eyes off Booza-Pitt, Urquhart reached for his phone. 'Get me a Mr Richard Tennent. New Spalden area.'
    And they waited in silence. It took less than two minutes for the operator to make the connection.
    'Mr Tennent? This is Francis Urquhart at Downing
    Street. Do you remember we met last year, had that delightful discussion about tourism? Yes, you put the case very well. Look, I wanted to have an entirely confidential word with you, if you're agreeable. Bit unorthodox, but I have a problem. Did you know that you've been put up for an honour, for your political and public service?' Evidently not.
    'No, you shouldn't have known, these things are supposed to be confidential. That's why I wanted an entirely private word. You see, I've just been going through the list and, to be frank, after what you've done for the party I thought you deserved something a little better. A knighthood, in fact. Trouble is, there's a strict quota and a bit of a waiting list. I very much want you to have the "K", Mr Tennent, but