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      “No, she’s not doing The X-Factor, Raj,” interjected Chloe, trying not to laugh at the thought.

      “Britain’s Got Talent perhaps? You are maybe doing a ventriloquist act with a naughty otter puppet called Jeremy? That would be most amusing!”

      “No, she’s not doing Britain’s Got Talent either.” Chloe smirked.

      “How do you solve any dream will I’d do anything or whatever it’s called with Graham thingy?”

      “It’s the election, Raj,” interrupted Mother. “You know, the local election? I am standing to be our local MP.”

      “And when is this election thing happening then?”

      “Next Friday. I can’t believe you’ve missed it! It’s all over these newspapers, Raj!” Mother gestured at the piles and piles of newspapers in the shop.

      “Oh, I only read Nuts and Zoo,” said Raj. “I get all the news I need from them.”

      Mother looked at him disapprovingly, even though Chloe suspected she wasn’t sure what either Nuts or Zoo were. Chloe had once seen a copy of Nuts that one of the older boys had brought into school, and knew it was rude.

      “What do you think are the important issues facing Britain today, Raj?” asked Mother, delighted with the cleverocity and inteligentness of her own question.

      Raj pondered for a moment, then shouted over at some boys who were loitering by the pick ‘n’ mix. “Don’t put the liquorice in your mouth unless you are going to buy it, young man! Oh dear, I will have to put that liquorice on special offer now!”

      Raj grabbed a pen and a piece of card. He wrote ‘slightly chewed’, and put it on the liquorice box. “Sorry, what was the question again?”

      Note to self, thought Chloe. Never buy liquorice from this shop again.

      “Erm…Now where was I?” said Mother to Raj. “Ah yes, what do you think are the most—?”

      “—important issues affecting Britain today, Raj?” chimed in Raj. “Oh, I didn’t need to say ‘Raj’. I am Raj. Well, I think it would be a great advance if Cadbury’s Creme Eggs were available not just at Easter but all year round. They are one of my most popular items. I also strongly believe that Quavers should diversify from cheese flavours to incorporate Asian Chicken and Lamb Rogan Josh varieties. And most importantly, and I know this may be controversial, but I think that coffee Revels should be banned as they spoil an otherwise wonderfully enjoyable confectionery. There, I’ve said it!”

      “Right,” said Mother.

      “And if you promise to change the government policy on those issues you can rely on my vote, Mrs Crumb!”

      Mother had had a mixed response to her campaigning so far, and was eager to secure this potentially crucial vote.

      “Yes, I will certainly try, Raj!” she said.

      “Thank you so much,” said Raj. “Please help yourself to something from the shop.”

      “No, I couldn’t possibly, Raj!”

      “Please, Mrs Crumb. Have a nice box of Terry’s All Gold, I have only taken out the caramel squares. Mmm, they are delicious. And perhaps Chloe would like this Finger of Fudge? It’s a bit squashed as my wife sat on it, but it’s perfectly fine to eat.”

      “We couldn’t possibly accept these kind gifts, Raj,” said Mother.

      “Well, why not buy them then? One box of Terry’s All Gold, £4.29, and a Finger of Fudge, 20p. That’s £4.49. Let’s call it £4.50. Easier if I just take £5. Thank you so much.”

      Chloe and Mother exited the shop holding their confectionery. Mother held her partially eaten box of chocolates with barely disguised disdain.

      “Now, don’t forget, Raj. The election is next Friday!” said Mother as she opened the door.

      “Oh, I can’t do next Friday, Mrs Crumb. I have to stay here as I am expecting a large shipment of Smarties! But good luck to you!”

      “Ah…Thank you,” replied Mother, looking crestfallen.

      “Mrs Crumb,” said Raj. “May I interest you in something incredibly special that will certainly become something of a family heirloom to be passed down through the generations? Something your grandchildren will one day take proudly to have valued on The Antiques Road Show?”

      “Yes?” said Mother expectantly.

      “It’s a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stationery set…”