to fully comprehend The Forces’ ultimate goals and modus operandi in achieving such goals and have noticed some resistance from a few of you which is understood. You feel I am a recent addition, a white man, part of the privileged financial and industrial world of South Africa. What I am about to tell you tonight should dispel any doubts some of you might still have about me. Furthermore it will have a major impact on the future of The Force. We are in for an interesting night!!”
“Get to the point man!” shouted Jackson.
“I am getting there. Gentleman, you might, however, not be aware that an Executive Director of my parent company has been attending meetings of a political nature within and beyond our borders. It is unknown who initiated these meetings and the only reports we have received internally were that talks were sporadic with little being accomplished. I have had a more direct source of information in that my father-in-law has been a party to these meetings. He did not confide in me as to content or progress but things have recently changed. Events were accelerating hence my unexplained request asking you to be here today. Yesterday he called me to his house, casually mentioning he had some additional urgent family business to discuss and instructed me to say nothing to my wife or, in fact, anybody. As a member of The Force my obligation and duty is to share this information with you here this evening. What you are about to hear must remain within these four walls until we have reached agreement on how to proceed from this point. Do I have your word on this Gentlemen?” I went around the table making sure we were all in agreement. “Nelson Mandela is about to be unconditionally released from the Victor Verster Prison. After being incarcerated for 27 years he will be walking out a free man. The date set is 11 February. It is rumoured he will address a rally in Cape Town immediately after his release but this has not been confirmed.”
There was stunned silence. Suddenly each member jumped up shouting. Jackson took over.
“Quiet!” he demanded, “We do not know if this is true …… SILENCE PLEASE! Charlie, can we believe this?”
“I have it on the best authority and it has to be believed. There is no way the Nationalist Government can retract on the deal. It would start a civil war! We must all hope to God his release does not erupt into violence. God help us should that happen.”
Both Jackson and Marlon looked at me. Marlon grinned and then stiffly said,“ We do not want civil war, disruption must come from us. It will only happen if there is resistance to our taking economic power into our own hands. Mandela’s release could cause a delay in economic transfer but the end result remains the same. Our vision continues. Those of us sitting here today, the true instigators of black economic control, will be the leaders and will reap the financial rewards of our brilliance and foresight. This is only a hiccup in the planning schedule. If Mandela becomes a problem we will deal with it. The plan stays on course .” Marlon got up and gave the clenched fist black power salute, a sign that to me signified,“ Beware, Extreme Danger.” The others followed. I remained seated. I knew my time as a member of The Force was over.
I arrived home physically and mentally drained. We were scheduled to have dinner with my parents-in-law and I decided to use this opportunity to confide in Sir Frederick. I had absolutely no idea how he would react nor to what degree I could confide in him.
Rachel and I drove in silence. She sensed something serious was in the air and had the sensibility to say nothing. My mind was racing. As we drove up to their house I turned sideways in my seat and looked at her. “ There is something of extreme importance I wish to discuss with your father. When I ask him to give me a few minutes of his time, please do not suggest we talk during business hours. It must be dealt with tonight.” She looked at me and frowned. The door opened, we entered. Pre-dinner drinks were in the drawing room. As he handed me my drink the front door bell rang and Mary walked in, David close behind. Damn, another obstacle to deal with.
“Well everybody, it is so nice to have you all here. It is not by coincidence we are together this evening . Alice and I want to discuss family matters. David please close the door. You are not all aware of the latest developments in the Nelson Mandela saga.” He paused, looking around at all of us. “He is about to be released from jail. You will appreciate this is a momentous event in the history of South Africa and I personally believe it will herald a new beginning for all the people in the country. It is the question of unrest that bothers me and the subsequent dangers we as a family might be subjected to. It is time for us to introduce change to our own lives.”
“What have you in mind Freddie?” I blurted out.
“I am coming to that young man. You, and hence Rachel, are in a fortunate situation in that your family assets are held globally. David, your fathers’ financial situation is unclear but whatever it is, it appears you are not receiving support from him and you certainly have a career to consider. In my opinion there will be limited opportunities for white advancement in the impending new South Africa. We need to look to personal and financial security for our family. I need not remind you how confidential this discussion is. The time has come to uproot ourselves and immediately set in motion a move to the United Kingdom.”
I was dumbfounded. What a blessing in disguise. The Jewish survival instinct had prevailed and definitely to my advantage. No need for half cocked stories of quitting my job and leaving the country. A good reason for doing so had been handed to me on a plate. My delight quickly turned to anxiety. Rachel was talking.
“But Daddy, I am so happy here. This is where all my real friends are and besides, Charlie does not have to concern himself about keeping money safe. His already is!” Oh you stupid girl if only you would recognise sound advice when given was my silent reaction.
“Freddie, this African business scenario has been a concern of mine for some time. In fact plans have been in the making for months and all that is required is a final decision and taking action without further delay. Rachel, my love, this is what I was going to discuss with your father this evening coupled with the intention of us talking once we got home tonight. There is a situation in London which requires me to fly there as soon as possible. I will talk to Hetherington first thing in the morning asking for urgent leave of absence.”
I turned to Rachel and told her she had no choice in the matter. The decision was taken. She was furious.
It was a turbulent and sleepless night. The severity of the situation engulfed my entire being, a smothering anxiety throttled my mental system and controlled my innermost thought process. Finally as dawn broke a switch within me clicked. I was released from the throbbing negativity and a light directing me forward swamped me. I dressed and left the house, my destination the gym. It was the right place to be. My exercise programme took control and once completed, a fresh tingling shower left me revitalised, ready to face a day of divergent decisions and positive actions.
I was about to leave when Jeremy walked in. He looked at me and said.“ Time for coffee?”
“Of course,” and we sat down in his office, machine coffee in hand.
“Charlie, you look dreadful. Let me help.”
I smiled. “ Thanks old chap, not exactly what I need to hear but I can believe it. Yes, it is going to be a day of dramatic decisions with life changing consequences.”
“Anything you want to share?”
“I am in a hell of a situation. Not sure confiding in anyone is an option at the moment.”
“We go back a long way and talking might help. Phone me if you change your mind.”
“Will do,” I said and got up and left. I sat in my car outside the gym for a good ten minutes. It was patently obvious talking to someone was a necessity for peace of mind, someone not in my work and social environment. Jeremy was my man. I re-entered the gym.
“Jeremy, I need your advice. Can you spare a few minutes?”
“Definitely.”
The next hour was spent outlining my political predicament and family problems.
“Hell , this is Scotland Yard stuff! You are underestimating the danger surrounding you. There is no way you can face this alone.