Breaking Britain (Completed)

Chapter 3

3
Friday 4th January 2030
14:45

         Billy Cummings strummed his fingers gently on the steering wheel, as he waited in the traffic of the community drive. The car park was already full, the media had got to Harrow Community Centre early, mourners from the general public had also turned up to celebrate the life of Omar Chutani.
         Omar Chutani, had been a respected member of the PCSO's (police community service officers), he also ran a Muslim community group at the very community centre his mourning was scheduled to take place, over the next three days.
         The media had been very respectful to the family. They had respected their desire for privacy at the Mosque, where the bathing and enshrouding of the body was taking place and where the prayers would take place. They had even respected the privacy of the burial, although everyone was sure long distant photographs would be taken.
          'You okay?', Mike asked Billy.
           Billy looked next to him, he had known Mike for two years. Mike had trained him when he first joined the catering company and held the senior position.
           'You're sweating', Mike said pointing to Billy's forehead. Although his main concern was the cold air Billy was allowing into the car through his window.
           'Yeah, I'm feeling a little under the weather'
           'You look as though you've picked something up. Just don't be giving me none of it. I have a big date tonight'
            Mike waited for Billy to make some sort of derogatory comment about the women he dated. Nothing came.
            'After this delivery you should go home'
            'You sure about that?'
            'Yeah, it's better than you spreading your germs all over the place'
            'Thanks Mike'
            The car in front of them turned right into the car parking area, opening the path ahead, for the deliveries.
             Billy accelerated forward, following the path to the back of the building. He parked up next to two other vans. Mike got out and called over some of the other catering delivers to assist with emptying the van.
              Billy stepped out moments later and stood next to Mike, leaning over his shoulder to read the list of items they had transported. It had all been food to cook with and therefore needed to be in the kitchen.
               Mike pulled off a sheet from behind the top one and handed it to Billy. 'You tick them off as they bring them to the kitchen. Billy nodded.
              Billy made his way easily to the kitchen. It was busy with the catering company putting items in their respective places. The catering company would not be cooking the first night, as the first night was specifically for family members. During the second day of mourning, the police officers were expected and some local government officials would also be present. The final day of mourning was for anyone and everyone. The catering company, Official Caterers, was scheduled to cook on the second day, although they would supply the food for the whole three days.
             The family had been very specific about the type of food required and as a result Official Caterers have been forced to purchase most of their supplies from Asian suppliers, which had reduced their profit margin.
            One after another the boxes were delivered to the kitchen. Billy directed them to the correct places, some went to the walk in fridge, some to the pantry, a few were sent to the cupboards under the stage in the main hall.
             After twenty minutes everything was in place and Billy confirmed with Mike that all the boxes had been ticked off.
             'You better shoot off home Billy, if you can drop off the van back at the depot and I'll ring to let them know I've sent you home'
            Billy thanked Mike and left.