"Stephen R. Lawhead - Avalon, The Return Of King Arthur (v4.0)" - читать интересную книгу автора (Lawhead Stephen)

full cooperation to the authorities to aid in the investigation. I have been told that the
Consul has been in contact with Number Ten, and that a statement will be issued by
the Prime Minister. We have not been privy to the тАФтАЭ
тАЬIтАЩll have to stop you there, Kevin,тАЭ said Jonathan Trent, breaking in, тАЬbut it looks
like that statement is about to be made. We go now to Ronald Metcalf at Number
Ten Downing Street.тАЭ
The screen changed to a man in a trench coat with his collar up, standing
hunch-shouldered outside a rain-streaked Georgian town house. Television lights lit
up the night, glaring off the familiar black-enameled door. Policemen formed a
cordon behind the press and television reporters, all of whom were jostling for better
position.
тАЬWe have just received word that the Prime Minister is about to make a statement,тАЭ
Ronald Metcalf informed the viewers.
тАЬTell us something we donтАЩt bloody know already!тАЭ shouted someone from the
back of the pub тАФ who was in turn shouted down by those around him.
James found himself leaning forward to hear what was being said.
тАЬIt could be any momentтАж. We are waiting forтАж there тАФ it looks as if the Prime
Minister is coming out now.тАЭ
The picture shifted to the front entrance as the shiny black door opened and Prime
Minister Thomas Waring emerged, looking distinctly grave and concerned, his
compact, athletic form severe in a close-tailored black suit and deep blue tie.
Accompanied by a swarm of aides, one of whom held an umbrella over his bossтАЩs
head, the Prime Minister paused to allow the pressmen a photo opportunity. Then,
disdaining the offered umbrella, he braved the drizzle and walked quickly towards
the bank of microphones to the staccato click of camera shutters and the strobelike
bursts of their flashes.
Stepping before the massed mikes, he looked at the paper in his hand, waiting for the
buzz to quiet down. When he sensed the moment was right, he raised his head and,
in solemn, subdued tones, said, тАЬI have prepared a brief announcement.тАЭ
He paused, swallowed, and began reading. тАЬA little over an hour ago, the Home
Office confirmed the report that the King of England was found grievously wounded
at his villa in Madeira and rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead at eight
twenty-seven Greenwich Mean Time. Official cause of death is yet to be determined,
but preliminary reports indicate that Edward succumbed to a head wound caused by
gunshots.тАЭ
The Prime Minister raised his head slowly. тАЬAs Prime Minister, I wish, on behalf of
the nation, to extend condolences to the members of the monarchтАЩs surviving family,
his many friends, and well-wishers the world over. Obviously, our thoughts and
sympathies are with them in this time of grief. I have nothing more to say.тАЭ He made
to step away from the microphones.
At this, the journalists unleashed a volley of questions at the retreating politician.
тАЬMr. Waring! One question, Prime Minister!тАЭ shouted someone over the rest of the
pack. тАЬYou said gunshots тАФ was it murder or suicide?тАЭ
The Prime Minister hesitated, then returned to the microphone. тАЬThe Portuguese
authorities are conducting an investigation. To offer any speculation now would be
highly inappropriate. Thank you.тАЭ
He turned away and started back to Number Ten.
тАЬWhere does this leave your Magna Carta scheme?тАЭ another journalist shouted.
The Prime Minister turned his face towards the camera but kept walking. тАЬNot now,тАЭ
Waring replied. тАЬI have said all I have to say this evening. I will be making an