“Thank you for coming today. I’d like to make a short statement, and I won’t be taking questions.”
The press didn’t react because they’d been briefed. That was more for the people watching.
“I know there have been a lot of questions since private photographs of me were shared in the press. I’d like to stress that these were taken without my knowledge or consent. Nobody would want what they considered to be a private and intimate moment broadcast for everyone to see, regardless of their sexuality.
“This wasn’t the way I wanted to come out as gay. That should be a person’s choice to make, when they’re ready. I knew I was gay before I started university, but my father wasn’t willing to accept that about his only child. I kept that part of myself hidden for over twenty years, to keep the peace and not risk losing my relationship with him, especially after my mother died. It was only after he’d died that I realised the damage he’d done. I now had the freedom to come out, but I’d been programmed to fear the consequences.
“I ask that the man in the pictures with me be left alone. He’s very important to me, but he didn’t choose this lifeand the rightful scrutiny that comes with public office. Basically, I’m asking you all a favour here ... Don’t scare him off.”
That got a laugh from the reporters.
“I also want to acknowledge the position I’m in, and the platform that gives me to speak on this topic. Now... I speak now to other members of the LGBTQ+ community. I kept this part of myself locked away for too long. I know the importance of role models, and I apologise for not being one for the community I’m proud to be part of. If any of you are struggling, whether you have anyone close you can talk to or not, remember you can always call Switchboard. They were a lifeline for me when I was younger, and the work they do is exceptional. We all need a safe space to talk sometimes, and this one is just for us.”
Edward shared the contact details before thanking the press and leaving the stage. He’d expected them to throw a few questions at him– which was common even when someone said they wouldn’t be taking any– but apart from speaking amongst themselves, there wasn’t a sound from them. It felt respectful, which wasn’t what he had built himself up for.
Once he was out of the press room, he headed to his office. A few of his colleagues congratulated him along the way and gave words of encouragement. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad, and all would work out. That feeling went straight out the window when he saw Hargreaves waiting outside his office. He thought of going somewhere else, but then the toad spotted him.
“I’d like a word in private, please, Edward.”
“Sure, come into my office. I know you don’t have a private one anymore.”
Yes, it was a cheap shot, but the glare on Hargreaves’s face made it all worth it. Once they were inside and the door was closed, Edward removed his jacket and tie before sittingbehind his desk. Hargreaves was still standing, seeming unsure of himself.
“You wanted to speak to me, William?”
“What are your intentions?”
“About what?”
“You know what. The leadership contest.”
“There isn’t a leadership contest.”
“Not yet, but we know it’s only a matter of time.”
“I’ll make that decision when the opportunity presents itself.”
“Bullshit. If she’d announced it as planned, you would have gone for it.”
“Circumstances are different now.”
“Ah yes, your little bum chum.”
“I’d watch what you say, William. It wouldn’t look good for you if someone overheard you and reported it to the press. You never know when a mobster could be hiding around the corner.”
The look on Hargreaves’s face was all the evidence Edward needed to know who’d been behind everything. Why Hargreaves was mixed up with someone like Grant Kincaid was a mystery, and one which would no doubt bite him on the arse one day.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” said Hargreaves.
“Close the door on your way out, William. And tell Mister Kincaid to keep out of my business in the future.”
Hargreaves’s jaw dropped, and he went bright red before scuttling out the door. Derek had guessed Hargreaves had made some sort of deal with Kincaid, assuming that he’d soon be PM and able to give certain favours. The man would not be happy when Hargreaves couldn’t deliver, but that’s what you got for getting into bed with criminals.
That morning, Olivia had shared with Edward that she’d decided to stay on as PM until at least after the next election.Polling was tightening, so it was in the party’s interest not to rock the boat, Edward had made it clear to Olivia that he wouldn’t be running for the leadership at this time, but was happy to stay on as her deputy.
Milo was his priority now. He wanted to build a future with him. After meeting him, being prime minister had dropped down the list. For that reason, it wouldn’t be right to take on the role. Nobody had wanted Hargreaves, so Olivia had made the right call. Besides, how she had been with Edward since everything had kicked off had been the perfect balance between supportive boss and decisive leader. He wasn’t sure he could strike that balance in the way she could, but that was something he could consider in the future, if the time ever felt right.
“Hi, honey, I’m home.”
