Games People Play

Russell Page smiles contentedly as he completes the latest review of his most outrageous project to date. He knows its success would put an end to his recent struggles with middle management obscurity and anonymity in Downton business circles. Because only months before, his intuitive mind hatched an idea to turn his club's picturesque cricket ground into a prestigious housing development. His smile fades for an instant as he now ponders the potential pitfalls of this best laid plan. Support amongst his team mates as well as the backing of Downton's Building Committee will be required. Also he knows lives will be shattered, together with the serenity of Collingwood's sleepy village community. But such minor trivialities fail to put even a dent in his positive frame of mind. Even the likelihood of breaking the law along the way fails to suppress his ever deepening resolve. After all, on the way to a directorship at West Country Builders, stepping on toes and bending a few rules had become commonplace. So he surmises, to ensure success, he needs to plan meticulously and keep a cool head. A piece of cake for a man like him, or so he thinks.