Breaking Britain (Completed)

Chapter 12

12
Saturday 5th January 2030
18:30

             There was a knock on the door.

             Maria Anello mopped away the moistness under her eyes. 'Come in', she said from behind her desk.

             'Mr Vogl is here now', Anna Taylor said, peeping her head into the office Maria shared with Madu. 'I've directed them all to the meeting room'

             'Thanks Anna', Maria replied, choking on her words. 'I'll be there in a minute'

             'Would you like me to come in and take minutes?'

             Maria thought for a second, before nodding.

             Anna disappeared back through the door shutting it behind her, to give Maria some privacy.

             Maria looked down at her hands, they were shaking. She willed them to stop, but they wouldn't. Maria was twenty-six year old, of Italian decent, there were many reasons why Jonathan Vogl and Taylor Wyman argued against employing her in such an important role in the Multi-cultural British Society. The ones they found most prudent were her age, they argued she was too young to make decisions on how experienced members of Organizations should be run. They also argued that a person of Italian decent was not a true reflection of the cultural society in Britain.  Madu rebuked their opinions with the fact that she was fresh, exciting, with exceptional ideas and a different outlook on issues surrounding ethnics in the UK. He also highlighted that her charm and good looks, will make anybody listen to her.

           Maria stood up from her chair, she stepped out of the office, Anna was waiting for her with a tablet computer and a pen in her hand. Nothing was said. They walked together to the other side of the open plan office. Staff stopped their work to watch them walk. Maria felt her walk was less assured than it usually was.

          She took a deep breath, before entering the meeting room. She was greeted immediately by Jonathan Vogl, who had travelled down from Birmingham, initially to accompany Madu to the Mark Watson show. However, after exiting the train, he had heard the news regarding Madu's stabbing and had requested that Taylor Wyman set up a meeting, as soon as he arrived.

         Maria nodded to Taylor, in the crowd. There were more people there, than she had expected. Managers of smaller organizations that dealt with ethnic minorities in London had heard about the meeting and had requested to attend. Maria spotted Caral James, Madu's personal assistant, she was standing in the corner, her head lowered and busy wiping her eyes with a scarf that was hanging around her neck.

         Maria wanted to go over to her, although she had no idea what she would say once she got there. Jonathan had other ideas, guiding her to a seat next to where he had laid out some papers.

         The room went quiet and everyone followed Jonathan Vogl's lead, Taylor Wyman sat on the other side of him and the remainder of the seats were taken up by the most influential people in the room. There weren't enough seats for everyone and many stood facing the head of the table.

           Maria looked around for Anna, she had positioned herself a couple of steps behind Maria's chair.

           Jonathan Vogl coughed for attention. The room went silent, apart from the sound of a few shuffling feet.

           'I'm glad all of you could make it here', Jonathan said, keeping his voice low, yet audible. 'I've received confirmation from Harley Street Clinic, that Madu Obinna died on the way to the hospital'

           Jonathan waited in silence for a few seconds, allowing all around him to absorb the news, even though everyone had already heard.

           Maria dug her nails into her hand, under the table, as Caral wept, the pain the only thing preventing her from crying too.

           'We all know he was a good man and our condolences go out to his family. The reason I am here and I have scheduled this meeting, is not to provide a eulogy for Madu, but to ensure our heads don't go down, when this country needs us most. We have a duty to the people of this country and a duty to Madu to not let the people of Britain down.

           'I am therefore going to ensure, that his work is continued. So Taylor Wyman will take over all of Madu duties and responsibilities'.

          In such an emotional time, Taylor found it difficult to hold back a smile from his face. It was a position he felt he deserved and would have hated to see the position go to a young white girl that had yet to prove herself.

          'I expect everyone to give Taylor all the support he needs. I know some of you were thinking that I would take on that role. But, unfortunately with the demands in the Birmingham area, I think it's best that I head back up there as soon as possible. Also, in light of the Madu situation, I am expecting to have to prevent any media speculation from getting out of hand

          'Now, with regards to the Mark Watson show tonight, that Madu was scheduled to speak at, I am of the opinion that we should go ahead with it. If for no other reason than to let the New England Group know, we will not lie down when threatened. However, that's my opinion and I feel we should vote on it', he looked around the room, 'I think it's only fair that everyone gets an equal vote'.

          There were a few murmurs, yet no one opposed the decision.

          'Okay. Before we vote, would anyone like to speak, maybe put their opinion forward', he waited, no one was ready to speak.

          'All those in favor of doing the show', Jonathan raised his hand, Taylor's hand shot up next to him. Slowly hands were raised.

          Maria looked around, people were ready to fight and she was filled with pride. She raised her hand.

          'I think that's carried. But just to be sure. Those against'

          No hands were raised.

          'Good. I've decided that Maria Anello will be our face', Taylor's head shot up, 'she's young, bright and I feel she would do a great job representing us'

         Maria was stunned, she wanted to object, her objections lodged in her throat and refused to come out.

         'Caral', he turned to Madu's personal assistant, 'can I ask you to get Maria up to speed on everything?'

          Caral nodded.

          'Good, that's settled then'.