In 2021, I got my first job at Westminster. I was a soft blonde English 18-year-old man navigating the inner workings of the UK Home Secretary's team working for the summer as an intern, I expected challenges, but nothing could have prepared me for the commanding presence of Priti Patel, a figure held in both high regard and fear.
Her intense gaze, her wicked smile, that aura of dominance that seemed to define her very essence. The atmosphere in Priti Patel's office was tense. People walked on eggshells petrified of displeasing her. Stories would soon emerge nationwide about her bullying behaviour. Some staff would quit, some would have nervous breakdowns and some would fall completely at her feet. Little did I realise that her focus would soon shift onto me, entwining me in a web of obedience and submission.
Only a week into my role, I received a summons to her office.
Aware of the tales of her intimidating nature, I couldn't help but wonder if I had somehow annoyed her or done something badly wrong. I trembled into her office, closed the door and stood before her with my hands at my side and awaited her instructions. Her gaze was intense as she looked at me from behind her desk, exuding authority.
"Jamie," she started, her voice sharp and commanding, "do you know why I've asked you to come today?"
I struggled to speak, my throat dry under her scrutiny. "N-no, ma'am," I managed to say.
Her lips curled into a tight frown, her disapproval palpable. "One of my staff reported an incident earlier today when I was delivering my report to the entire team," she said, her tone clipped and curt. "They claimed you were staring at my bum inappropriately while I was working at the whiteboard. She told me you were very actually drooling as I was pointing at things on the screen. She is worried we may have a young man that things us women are his eye candy"
"I-I'm so sorry, ma'am," I blurted out, my cheeks burning with shame. "I-I didn't mean to... I-I was just... I-I..."
"Jamie, do you realise how serious this accusation is?" she questioned, her voice low and ominous.
I swallowed nervously, feeling the intensity of her gaze, like a weight, on my skin. "Yes, ma'am," I whispered softly, my words barely audible. "I didn't mean to stare. I'm truly sorry. It won't happen again. I promise."
There was a pause filled with the sound of my uneven breaths as I awaited her response. Then, unexpectedly, she reclined in her chair, her features softening slightly.
"Jamie," she spoke, with severity in her tone now, "I could terminate your employment for sexual discrimination; you're aware of that fact?"
I nodded vigorously, with my heart racing in my chest. "Yes, ma'am. I understand, and I'm pleading with you not to," I begged earnestly while dropping to my knees before her in a gesture of desperation. "Please... I'll do whatever it takes to make amends. My father will kill me if I blow this wonderful opportunity to work for you and your government. Please Miss Patel"
She regarded me for a moment, her expression unreadable, before finally nodding in acquiescence. "Very well," she said, her voice soft but firm.
Priti smirked a little and leaned back in her seat. "Since you looked at my arse, maybe I should look at yours? Bend over my desk."
I was stunned by her request. This couldn't be real. Tears filled my eyes. How could I explain this to my parents? They would lose faith in me if they discovered that I had jeopardised this job my father had secured for me through his connections.
Priti sighed impatiently and tapped her foot. "What are you waiting for? Do as I fucking say!" she yelled.