Breaking Britain (Completed)

Chapter 58

  58
Sunday 6th January 2030
08:15

            Joe's Diner was very popular, especially in the mornings. Joe was an American, who had opened his restaurant in London, making it look, from a British person's perspective, like it was traditionally American. They had even installed inner saloon swing doors, an old piano and a long bar. The waitresses were dressed as though they were prostitutes in an old western movie, with frilly sleeveless dresses and the man behind the bar donned a wide brimmed cowboy hat.

            Maria had found this place, when she had gone for her interview with the Multi-cultural British Society. She had turned up early for the interview, a little too early, so she had taken a walk and came across Joe's Diner, in a small shopping centre. It quickly became her regular, for her lunch breaks and on occasion she would time her train ride, to get to work early, deliberately so she would have reason to eat her breakfast there.

           Anna Taylor had rung Percival Granthom, on her behalf to arrange to meet for breakfast. Maria glanced at the entrance, unsure as to whether Mr Granthom would turn up. He hadn't arrived as yet.

           She looked around the diner, there was a man sitting on his own and a couple in the far corner, but it was the least amount of people she had ever seen there.

           'Is it your usual, Miss Anello?'

           Maria turned to the waitress. She was a young girl. She had spoken to her many times and had asked her name at some point, but she couldn't remember what it was. However, the waitress highlighted another reason as to why Maria loved this place, they knew her and addressed her by name.

          'Yes....no. I mean I'll have a coffee for now, but I'm waiting for someone. I'll have my usual when they arrive'.

          'No problem, I'll bring you some coffee'

          The coffee at Joe's was much better than the cheap coffee they had purchased for the office.

           Maria watched the waitress leave, wondering if the diner supplied the clothing for her to wear. She didn't notice Percival Granthom enter, with three associates. Associates that looked more like bodyguards.

           'Good morning Miss Anello'

           Maria turned in surprise. The sun had just crept through the clouds and illuminated the back of his head, as the blinding light hid the tension that came from being so close to her adversary.

           'Mr Granthom, glad you could make it. Would you care to join me for breakfast?'

           Percival smiled and pulled out the chair opposite her.

           'I take it your friends don't intend on joining us?', Maria question was laced with sarcasm.

             Percival looked over to his associates, nodded to one, directing them to retreat to another table.

             'You can never be too careful. I'm guessing it's more dangerous for us in London, than it would be for a black man', he said hanging his jacket over the back of the chair and sitting. 'Interesting place you chose to eat', he looked around, pausing to gaze at a passing blonde waitress.

              'Would you like me to get you some coffee?'

              He turned back to Maria. 'I was surprised to receive your call'

              'You were? I thought that's what you wanted....after sending the flowers'

              He smiled. 'I am not a delusional man. I know a woman as beautiful as you would not want to meet me because I sent you flowers, you obviously have an agenda.'