‘Are you telling me to drop this issue?’ Charlie put his own cup and saucer down on the minister’s desk with a clatter.

‘I’m telling you that there is more at stake here than just the new CF drugs,’ Cora replied. ‘Even if we can come to an arrangement with the pharmaceutical company, that money, as I’m sure you’re aware, has to come from somewhere. The NHS is not a bottomless pit of resources. Are you sure you want to be the one to have to balance the books, for this relatively small issue?’

‘It might be small to you, Minister, but there are lives at stake here, every time we push the pause button on discussions. Lives that don’t have the luxury of time, as I’m sure you’re aware.’ Charlie tried to keep his voice level, aware that antagonising Cora was not the best path to promotion within her department. He drew a deep breath. ‘Is there a way forward?’

Cora smiled without warmth. ‘There might be.’ She paused, her direct blue stare making the suggestion that she hadn’t yet voiced.

‘You want me to step back from the issue,’ Charlie supplied, his heart sinking.

‘Let the committee do its job, Charlie,’ Cora’s voice was suddenly lower, quieter. ‘That’s what it’s there for. If these new drugs are cost-effective and worthwhile to fund on the NHS, they’ll recommend it to government. If not, the money gets spent elsewhere, on equally important issues.’

‘So, I just walk away, do I?’ Charlie retorted. ‘And how do you suggest I explain that to the members of my constituency that are directly affected by this situation? Who don’t have the luxury of waiting years for an answer?’

‘You’re a politician,’ Cora replied, brisk and efficient again. ‘You’ll find a way. Breaking bad news, as well as good, goes with the job description.’

Charlie looked down at his hands, clenched into fists on his knees. ‘I know that,’ he muttered.

‘I know it’s going to be hard, but you should have waited before jumping into the fire with this one. You might have raised the profile of the issue, but shouting in public will only get you so far. Work behind the scenes on other issues, by all means, but let this one take its course.’

‘And then what?’ Charlie said. ‘What happens if I agree to stay quiet?’

There was another perceptible pause in the room. ‘If you do your job, keep your nose clean and play the game… it will be looked upon favourably.’