Free Three Faces of West (2013) by Christian Shakespeare Page A

was not problem as it pivoted open to allow access for the three men. Jack noticed that this area seemed different in its feel, there were definitely more office workers and wardens here than before. Jack knew they were in the administrative block so the governor’s office could not be far away now. Continually they followed the warden, up a flight of stairs and into yet another office,
    “In here sir,” He said to both men, “This is the governor’s reception area. I’ll just let them know who you are”.
    “That’s fine.” Said Jack. By now they were a little apprehensive. Hopefully the governor should be a reasonable person, and cooperative in letting them interview one of their terrorist prisoners. Standing in the doorway, the two men could clearly see the warden have a quiet word with the secretary who was clearly pre occupied with her computer at her desk. Seemed like she was having problems with the computer system at her workstation directly in front of them. Jack watched as she glanced over to them, obviously checking them out, seeing her nod her head told Jack that they were clear to proceed,
    “Over here sirs.” Said the warden gesturing them to advance. John and Jack advanced forward to the secretary’s desk,
    “I’ll leave you to it. I have to get back on duty.” Said the warden. He left the two men with the secretary as Jack began the introductions,
    “My name is Jack West and this is John Hudson-‘
    The secretary politely interrupted, “That’s OK, I’ve been informed who you are. You wish to speak with the governor.”
    “That’s correct. Is he available right now?” Replied Jack.
    The secretary got up from her seat and moved around the desk,
    “I’ll just see if he’s free. If you would like to wait here please I’ll be just a moment.”
    She knocked on an adjoining door, disappearing into the next room,
    “I hope she doesn’t find him dead.” Thought Jack cynically.
    They did not have to wait long, looking around the room; it was a typical office, notice boards, filing cabinets, desks, office equipment, nothing unusual. Their instinctive scan of the office was only interrupted by the opening of the door. Both West and Hudson turned to face whoever was coming out. The secretary came out first followed by a grey haired man in a light grey suit, early fifties and slightly shorter than John and Jack. He greeted the two men cordially,
    “Hello my name is Stephen Jones, I’m the governor here.” He said while shaking the two men’s hands,
    “I have been told who you are; I understand you require access to one of our inmates here.”
    “Yes,” Replied Jack, “We wish to see one of your long term prisoners, someone called Maxwell Grey.”
    The governor replied somewhat audaciously,
    “Mr West, we have many prisoners here, all of them serving lengthy terms. We house some of the most dangerous men in the country.”
    “I’m only interested in just one, Maxwell Grey.” Jack fired back.
    The governor paused for a second before turning to his secretary,
    “Jill, can you access the prisoner register, call up the file for a prisoner called Grey.”
    “I would, but we’ve been having these stupid computer glitches all morning. The system is completely down. The technicians are trying to fix a workaround but until then…”
    Stephen knew what she was talking about; he was suffering the same glitches himself,
    “Can we get a hard copy of the physical file then; the records should be in the admin block.”
    The secretary promptly obeyed as she turned to exit the room. The admin block was just round the corner so it shouldn’t take long to locate the correct file,
    “She won’t be long gentlemen; we have an excellent filing system here. Can I offer you some refreshments perhaps; would either of you like a cup of tea?”
    “No thank you.” Said Jack sounding as polite as he could,
    “I’m fine as well thanks.” Added John.
    The sound of thudding outside told the three men