‘. . . confident that by the time I am officially announced as the Republican Nominee at the National Convention in July of this year, every business interest I have outside of the United States of America will have been divested into trusts and subsidiary companies, preventing any possibility of any conflict between me and my position as US president.’

‘We can agree on one thing,’ Dempsey said, turning to Kirk as he spoke, ‘he was definitely getting ahead of himself.’

‘And then some,’ Kirk replied. ‘But listen to the next part.’

‘Mr Victor, you’re obviously very confident when it comes to winning your party nomination, and perhaps understandably so, given the current polls.’

Dempsey recognised the American voice. Sarah Truman. It was no surprise to him that his friend would be taking the lead at a Dale Victor press conference in the UK.

‘But surely you can’t justify such a level of confidence when it comes to winning the presidency itself? After all, in John Knowles you’re up against an incumbent with a sixty-six per cent approval rating just months ahead of the presidential campaign, leading one of the most vibrant economies in US history.’

The question was a good one. Dempsey would have expected nothing less. What he did not expect was the answer.

‘Miss Truman, isn’t it? Well, thank you, Miss Truman, for that question. I’m sure John Knowles’ chief of staff will consider it money well spent.’

Dempsey glanced sharply at Kirk as he watched Sarah Truman begin to protest the false, scandalous allegation.

Kirk simply shook her head.

‘Wait for the rest.’

‘Ordinarily, Miss Truman, I’d give you the full facts and figures about the deficiencies of your wonderful John Knowles. But since the likes of you people don’t listen to the truth about him and his administration, I don’t see that there’s much point in me wasting my breath, is there?’

The answer was an attempt to belittle and to bully. An attempt which, Dempsey knew, would not work with Sarah Truman.

Without missing a beat, Sarah proved him right.

‘Then surely this is your chance to have your say direct to camera, Mr Victor? Instead of going through “the likes of me”. Surely this is your chance to explain to us how you are going to succeed in an election against someone as well supported as President Knowles.’

Dempsey smiled at her quick response. For the first time Victor looked uncomfortable – uncertain, even – as he considered his answer. A glance off-stage suggested that he was looking for some assistance. He did not seem to get it. The answer that followed was uncharacteristically vague.

‘Perhaps, Miss Truman, you don’t know everything there is to know about John Knowles. Maybe he isn’t what you think. Maybe there are things that you’ll learn about your heroic president that’ll make you change your mind.’

Victor’s confidence was visibly returning as he spoke.

‘Things happen in war. Bad things. We’ll see what the president has to say about those things when the time comes.’