In High Places Read Free Page A

His communications, spoken and written, still retained a flavour of the clear, crisp advertising copy he used to produce, first as a skilled copy-writer, then as a top-flight agency executive. Nowadays, though, advertising was something he delegated to others, his principal duty being to advise James McCallum Howden on day-to-day problems in retaining public favour for the Government. Howden inquired anxiously, 'There's been no leak about the subject matter?'
    'No,' Richardson said. 'All the taps are tight on that. It's just the fact of the meeting.'
    Appointed to his job soon after Howden's own accession to party leadership, Brian Richardson had already masterminded . two victorious election campaigns and other successes in between. Shrewd, resourceful, with an encyclopaedic mind and an organizing genius, he was one of the three or four men in the country whose calls were unquestioningly passed through the Prime Minister's private switchboard at any hour. He was also one of the most influential, and no government decision of a major nature was ever taken without his knowledge or advice. Unlike most of Howden's ministers, who as yet were unaware of the forthcoming Washington meeting, or its purport, Richardson had been told at once.
    And yet, outside a limited circle, the name of Brian Richardson was almost unknown, and on the rare occasions his picture appeared in newspapers it was always discreetly - in the second or third row of a political group.
    'Our arrangement with the White House was no announcement for a few days,' Howden said. 'And then it'll be a cover statement that the talks are about trade and fiscal policy.'
    'Hell, chief, you can still have it that way,' Richardson said. 'The announcement will be a little sooner, that's all - like tomorrow morning.' 'What's the alternative?'
    'Speculation all over the lot, including the subjects we want to avoid. What one joe found out today others can learn tomorrow.' The party director went on crisply. 'At the moment only one reporter has the story that you're planning a trip -Newton of the Toronto Express. He's a smart cookie, called his publisher first and the publisher called me.'
    James Howden nodded. The Express was a strong government supporter, at times almost a party organ. There had been exchange of favours before.
    'I can hold up the story for twelve, maybe fourteen hours,' Richardson continued. 'After that it's a risk. Can't External Affairs get off the pot with a statement by then?'
    With his free hand the Prime Minister rubbed his long, birdlike nose. Then he said decisively, 'I'll tell them to.' The words would presage a busy night for Arthur Lexington and his senior officials. They would have to work through the US Embassy and with Washington, of course, but the White House would go along, once it was known that the Press was on to something; they were conditioned to that kind of situation down there. Besides, a plausible cover statement was as essential to the President as it was to himself. The real issues behind their meeting in ten days' time were too delicate for public chewing at this moment.
    'While we're talking,' Richardson said, 'is there anything new on the Queen's visit?'
    'No, but I talked to Shel Griffiths a few minutes ago. Hell see what he can do in London.'
    'I hope it works.' The party director sounded doubtful. 'The old boy's always so damn correct. Did you tell him to give the lady a real hard push?'
    'Not quite in those words.' Howden smiled. 'But that was the gist of my suggestion.'
    A chuckle down the line. 'As long as she comes, anyway. It could help us a lot next year, what with all the other things.'
    About to hang up, a thought occurred to Howden. 'Brian.'
    'Yes.'
    'Try to drop in over the holiday.'
    'Thanks. I will.'
    'How about your wife?'
    Richardson answered cheerfully, 'I guess you'll have to settle for me solo.'
    'I don't mean to pry.' James Howden hesitated, aware that Milly was hearing half the conversation. 'Are things no