On their arrival back at the Sir John Barleycorn, Lanegan told the staff sergeant to assist Wilf with the vehicles. The contents would have to be organised for people to use and then reloaded onto the vehicles for the journey back to London. The logistics of getting people back to London in a coordinated manner was playing on Lanegan’s mind. Bob Bukewitz was given the responsibility, but after the new information came to light, Lanegan knew he could not be trusted. The solution had become clear to Lanegan now, however unpopular it would be.
“Ken, Morrison, can I talk to you two please?” he said.
The three men sat down on a bench purposely out of earshot of the others.
“We have a few things to discuss. Firstly, Bukewitz is out. I’m not sure what to do with him so we’ll get him here and I’ll decide when we’re face to face. This obviously leaves an unfilled position in the helicopter. We need someone reliable and trustworthy in the air to coordinate our return.”
“Do you want me and Morrison to pick someone?” asked Ken.
“No. I already have someone in mind. I just need him to say yes.”
“Anyone we know?”
“Yes, Morrison.”
“Are you sure, Tom? Shouldn’t this be conducted by the military?”
“Normally, yes - but I want everyone with crisis response experience on the ground where they can get to people. Morrison is ex-military and is reliable and professional. I need someone I can trust. This Bukewitz thing has made me realise that trust is as important as capabilities. I won’t be made to look foolish again. Will you do this for me, Morrison?”
“Of course I will, whatever you need of me,” Morrison replied.
“Thank you. Ken, how are we progressing with the trains?”
“Most of the people here are from London; so I went through the records and found as many train and underground drivers as possible and asked if they would be willing to help. Those I could locate all said yes.”
“Brilliant. What about the actual trains?”
“Most of the people here travelled on trains which were not returned to London. Those trains are close by. We have sent many of the drivers out on military trucks to bring those trains and any more we can locate to Totton station. From there we will travel straight to Waterloo Station.”
“Straight into the heart of the city,” said Lanegan.
“It’s a risk - an unknown risk I must add. The reports from our people in the city tell us it’s still technically safe to walk around without fear of attack. What we don’t know is whether a huge insurgence will spark a change in behaviour. What we have on our side is that we still greatly outnumber the rioters. The last estimate was up to a hundred thousand rioters across London. Other cities and towns vary slightly, but it’s fairly consistent. It might sound like a lot; but out of a population of fifteen million, it wouldn’t be an even fight.”
“A fight is exactly what we have been trying to avoid. Let’s hope everyone uses their heads and stays calm long enough that we can see any changes.”
“Of course,” replied ken. ”But we should be prepared for the worst, just in case. The cities will be a shock to the people returning and we have no idea how they will react to the destruction.”
“We will have to rely on the idea that we want to stop the riots, not contribute to them.”
Ken was now certain that Lanegan was being naïve. The goodwill on show was commendable, but this was a situation that nobody predicted, on a scale nobody had ever seen. How people reacted to the devastation that they would face was beyond even Ken’s imagination.
“Casualties are certain,” said Ken, bluntly.
“We will see,” replied Lanegan.
“And my role will be to direct you towards or away from where the rioting is concentrated most?” Morrison asked.
Lanegan and Ken looked at each other.
“Towards,” Lanegan said.
“We will meet them one by one and see what happens,” Ken added.
“You may be gone for a few days, Morrison; time to say your goodbyes,” said Lanegan.
“I’ll see you in London,” said Morrison.
“I look forward to it. Good luck.”
“Good luck, Prime Minister.”
Morrison walked towards Stephanie, Isabelle and Jacob. Lanegan and Ken watched as he informed them he was taking Bukewitz’s position. After a group hug he walked away.
“Morrison,” shouted Stephanie.
She began to run to catch him up.
“I just wanted to say, stay safe.”
“You too, Stephanie.”
“Will we meet in London?”
“I will make sure we do.”
Morrison turned and ran to a waiting vehicle that left before he had a chance to look back.
Stephanie slowly turned to see Isabelle and Jacob watching from a distance. She slowly walked back and put her head on Isabelle’s shoulder.
The moment was short-lived as Ella called their names, inviting them all to the pub with Lanegan and Ken. Isabelle wiped a tear from Stephanie’s cheek and held her hand as they walked.
Ken and Lanegan were sitting and waiting with expressions that made clear this was not to be a sociable drink.
“First of all,” Lanegan began, “I want you all to know that giving Morrison this assignment was not an easy decision. Certain information has been presented that has made any role Bob Bukewitz was expected to undertake untenable. He will not be working with us on any level.”
“Good - where is he?” asked Isabelle.
“He’ll be here soon. Ken and myself will deal with him then. Morrison will now fill his role. I’m sorry, but he is the only person I really trust to do it. I hope you understand, Stephanie, you two have become close; are you okay?”
“He would do anything you asked if he thought it would make a difference. And I’ve seen how good he is. He’s the right choice - I’m a big girl, I’ll be fine.”
Lanegan went through their plan to use trains to transport everyone into Waterloo. He also told them how he had insisted that he would be the first back into London and that they were all welcome to join him. They all said yes. They would, of course travel on the bus, if it could be made roadworthy.