The Last Conflict *5 3 Blake returned to his office where Janet Barnett, his assistant, told him that TV stations were clamouring for an interview. The media were keen to get his response to the actions of volunteers who had taken over maintenance at the Royal Western Hospital. Blake said he would speak to them later. First, he would contact the Secretary of the Union. He would again try to build bridges. Janet mentioned some helpful news. Unemployment had again fallen and the monthly trade figures continued to be encouraging. Blake smiled. writing my script, Janet. You’re suggesting “You’re patience in an improving situation. I’ll give you some news, patience is a lost cause.” It was a certainty that Bob Grantley the Union Secretary, would be angry The hospital workers had suffered the government’s tight purse strings, but having struck against the sick they were an easy target for media attack. Blake was reluctant to join any critics but having few arguments he would do so if necessary. His phone rang and he was through. Bob.” “Hello, Minister.” “Hello, Blake paused before sounding indignant. That’s a bit “Minister? formal isn’t it? We do know each other. My name is Blake Evans, and we come from the same side.” are you phoning?” Grantley snapped. “Why You know why I’m phoning. Have you and your members gone “ mad?” The exchange quickly lapsed into a self repeating deadlock of irreconcilable positions.
The Last Conflict *5 3 Blake returned to his office where Janet Barnett, his assistant, told him that TV stations were clamouring for an interview. The media were keen to get his response to the actions of volunteers who had taken over maintenance at the Royal Western Hospital. Blake said he would speak to them later. First, he would contact the Secretary of the Union. He would again try to build bridges. Janet mentioned some helpful news. Unemployment had again fallen and the monthly trade figures continued to be encouraging. Blake smiled. “You’re writing my script, Janet. You’re suggesting patience in an improving situation. I’ll give you some news, patience is a lost cause.” It was a certainty that Bob Grantley the Union Secretary, would be angry The hospital workers had suffered the government’s tight purse strings, but having struck against the sick they were an easy target for media attack. Blake was reluctant to join any critics but having few arguments he would do so if necessary. His phone rang and he was through. “Hello, Bob.” “Hello, Minister.” Blake paused before sounding indignant. “Minister? That’s a bit formal isn’t it? We do know each other. My name is Blake Evans, and we come from the same side.” “Why are you phoning?” Grantley snapped. “ You know why I’m phoning. Have you and your members gone mad?” The exchange quickly lapsed into a self repeating deadlock of irreconcilable positions.