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Kendra’s stomach knotted from the conflict that came with wanting to support Sarah while empathising with the press. She knew where the guy was coming from, and even though he was downplaying the success here, he had made a valid point of comparison. She’d had major concerns over the negative impact of the high-speed rail link that was being constructed in her area, and she’d campaigned against it along with most of the people affected in the area. All conservation work was important and necessary to save the planet, but she had wondered about the significance of the sites they’d visited today given what could be achieved elsewhere, including preventing the needless destruction of habitats that were already thriving. There was countryside all around them here, and unlike her hometown of Chesham and the villages close to it, there didn’t appear to be a threat of a fuck-off train track dissecting the countryside.
“I can say that,should I be elected, I intend to look into all our policies. The fundamental issues created by the current government will be addressed and we will give our environmental agenda the attention it deserves.”
Kendra raised her eyebrows. That was a political response if ever she’d heard one.
“How exactly are you going to do that, Ms Thompson?” the reporter asked.
Sarah smiled and took a deep breath. “Thank you for your questions. And as you are already aware, I’m not able to discuss the details at this time. We’re here to congratulate those involved in these incredible successes in Wales. Biodiversity here is starting to recover and I’m sure you’ll agree, that has to be a good thing.”
“While fracking is going to be reinstated in North Yorkshire. How is your constituency taking that news?”
Kendra stared at Sarah. The reporter was trying to provoke her and not for the first time today. The fact was, there was little Sarah could do about anything until she was leading both the party and the country. She felt for Sarah and tensed as she waited for her response.
“That will be all. We’re on a tight schedule. Thank you all very much for coming.” Sarah turned, shook hands with the local councillors, thanked them, and headed towards the car. She maintained her smile the whole time.
Kendra released a long breath, glad the day was coming to an end. “Want me to drive?” she asked as Sarah opened the driver’s door.
“No, thanks. I don’t make a good passenger.” She got in and settled behind the wheel.
Kendra did up her seatbelt. “You okay?”
Sarah turned the engine. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
She seemed tense or sensitive. “It was pretty gruelling. And some of those reporters were pushing hard.”
Sarah released a long breath and leaned back against the headrest. “Reporters will always push hard.”
“He’s right about the fracking though.”
“I know.” Sarah sighed. “But that’s not our party’s decision.”
“Do you know him?”
“I know most of them, Kendra. We have a close relationship with the press. Well, as close as we can get.”
“To spin shit for you, you mean?”
Sarah laughed. “That’s one way of putting it. The media is also our friend. We need them to print what we want at the right time. But we must also encourage freedom of speech, so that means giving them leeway to print what they find even if we’re not proud of it. If it was all one way, the public would lose faith in us.”
“You think the public has much faith in any government?”
Sarah stared intensely at Kendra, and she wondered if she’d spoken out of turn.
“Perhaps not.”
“I agree with the reporter about priorities. You should come and see where I live. There’s more going on that’s destroying the planet than healing it.”
Sarah nodded. “One day. For now, I’m hungry, and I need to eat.”
Kendra smiled. “The bed and breakfast isn’t far.”
“We’re not staying at the Imperial?”
Kendra blushed. Jeremy had said Sarah would prefer to stay at the best hotel in the area while on the visit, but Kendra had found a family run, cosy B&B instead. It had advertised itself as eco-friendly and served only a small number of guests. It had fantastic views, not that they would see anything now because it was already dark. It was set within an organic produce farm. She thought Sarah would appreciate the food and ambiance, and the privacy away from the corporate-style hotels she was used to. “I thought you might like something quieter.”
Sarah rubbed her temples as she sighed. “Quiet is good. Which way?”
Kendra gave instructions, taking them deeper into the countryside and down a track road. The satnav had long since given up on them, and she was trying to make sense of the directions using her phone. “Those lights.” She pointed. “I think that’s it.”
