‘Couldn’t miss it, really – connected as it is to the very current topic under discussion in the committee. What the hell were you thinking?’

‘I don’t think I was, actually,’ Charlie muttered. ‘I suppose that means I’ve burned my bridges already with you and your department.’

Cora let the silence hang between them, and Charlie felt the sweat trickling down his back. What was it about this place that made him feel as though he was back in school at every turn? Eventually, she spoke.

‘Indecisiveness might be a politician’s worst trait in the eyes of the public,’ she said. ‘But passion, and real emotion, can often be a vote winner. Despite making a mess of that interview with that meddling cow Ruth Middleton, your willingness to stand up for a cause you believe in before that was impressive, particularly so early in your career.’

‘I thought you didn’t approve of my support for that particular cause,’ Charlie said dryly. ‘Certainly seemed that way when I was in your office.’

Cora shrugged. ‘I might have been a bit hasty. Initiative is a good thing.’

Charlie put down his drink and looked her straight in the eye. ‘What am I missing here? You as good as told me to step away from the CF issue. Why are you saying this now?’

Cora looked a fraction less composed. Obviously playing for time, she took another sip of her gin and tonic. ‘The PM’s had a word,’ she said quietly.

‘Really?’ Charlie’s heart leapt. ‘About what?’

‘Apparently our Prime Minister was impressed with the way you managed to ask that question, and has asked me to keep an eye on you.’

Charlie’s head started to spin, and it wasn’t just the whisky. ‘Even after that interview?’

‘Charlie,’ Cora said, looking him straight in the eye. ‘This is the twenty-first century. What matters is how you connect with people on a personal level, and how you conduct yourself on social media. After you asked that question, you, and the CF issue, were trending on Twitter for an hour. The public has got hold of the story, and combined with your recent girlfriend’s campaigning, it’s got a platform that a lot of other campaigners would die for.’

‘But you told me to leave it alone.’ Charlie shook his head in confusion.

‘Things might seem slow-moving and traditionalist around here, but they move faster than you think.’ Cora eyed him speculatively. ‘Perhaps I was a little hasty in warning you off the issue.’

‘How do I know we won’t be having a different conversation in another week’s time?’ Charlie said. ‘I’m not sure I can keep up with the speed of change in this place.’