‘Donald?’
‘Speaking.’
‘It’s John Woods.’
Donald Parker used his tongue to push a piece of white bread to one side of his mouth. ‘I have to admit this is an honour and a first, I don’t usually get a call from the president of the United States when I’m tucking into a meatloaf sandwich. It’s good you caught me, I’m due to fly out of town on some business this evening. Hence the rushed breakfast-cum-lunch-cum-dinner.’
Woods mouthed a silent thank you to Joan, as she placed a cup of coffee on his desk in front of him and he continued to fiddle with his red fountain pen, spinning it round between his fingers until it dropped on the floor. ‘Well I hate to come between a man and his meatloaf, so I’ll make this quick. I just wanted to call you personally to say this administration is excited to be part of such an innovative campaign. I know you’ve spoken to Teddy and my team since we made the decision, but I was going over some paperwork and what you’ve done in the DRC, well, it’s really very impressive. Especially what you’ve done with Lemon water treatment. Exceptional, in fact. It shows such an altruistic responsibility. A real social conscience rather than just business acumen. Making a difference to the community is why I got into politics in the first place. You should be very proud of everything you’ve done and I look forward to being part of it.’
At which point Parker swallowed the piece of sandwich, and said, ‘Thank you, Mr. President. I appreciate you taking time out of your schedule to make this call.’
‘Well I feel it’s important to support anything which puts us as a nation in the right direction. And clearly supporting conflict free products does just that.’
‘As well as giving you your votes for the reforms.’
Woods wasn’t quite sure why Parker’s choice of words made him feel a little uneasy. A little like he was heading to sit in someone’s pocket. But he carried on. ‘And this administration appreciates your support. Anyhow, all the details, my team are working on at the moment and we should have a strategy put together pretty soon which, once you see it, I’m sure you’ll approve of. Then as agreed we’ll be making a press announcement.’
‘Mr. President, I hope this doesn’t sound too presumptuous. But I think you’re doing the right thing.’
Woods bent down to pick up his red fountain pen. Took a sip of his coffee. ‘You know something Parker, I think I am.’