When his aged car finally gave up the ghost last year, Councillor Robert Wallis had elected to switch to an electric model. A few of the dealerships in Hereford had electric cars on offer, but Wallis instead sent away for one that promised full self-driving capability within the year. Of course it was only once he’d bought the damn thing that he’d learned self-driving cars weren’t even legal in Britain yet.
But they would be eventually. There was no avoiding the future.
As he finished parking outside the council offices, Wallis fished a packet out of the glove box and popped two tablets into his mouth, chewing rapidly. Those rumours about the fraud squad had set off a particularly vicious round of heartburn.
Wallis’ position as cabinet member for community assets and services afforded him a small reception area outside his office. It contained his assistant’s desk, a few chairs, and — at present — Elizabeth Leonard, deputy leader of the cabinet.
“Bob!” She ambushed him immediately, waving her phone in his face. “Have you seen this?”
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