Killing Rhinos by Herb Hughes

Author:Herb Hughes [Hughes, Herb]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Books From The Pond
Published: 2017-06-16T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 32

“Thank you for the dance,” Sheffie said as the waltz came to an end. The night was old. It would be time to leave soon. Sheffie glanced to each side to make sure no one could hear then said, almost in a whisper, “Johnathan, I need to ask you a favor.”

“Of course, my dear. Let’s step outside a moment. It’s a beautiful fall evening.” He took her arm and led her to the terrace of the Lisbon Arts Center, which housed the museum, art gallery, concert hall, and ballroom, the location for tonight’s ball. It was a substantial building, and the terrace was huge, complete with spindled railings, decorative arches, and wrought iron benches running the length of the outside railing. Like the Lisbon library, the main floor was one story above street level so they could look down on the city streets from above. There were several small groups outside. Jonathan McGurke stepped through the small crowd with a gracious smile and a greeting nod for everyone, maneuvering Sheffie to a quiet corner where they could talk privately.

“I hope I’m not imposing,” Sheffie began.

“Of course not. How could a gentleman possibly refuse a lady such as yourself.”

“By saying ‘no,’ of course.” Buoyed by several drinks, Sheffie giggled at her own poor humor. McGurke laughed politely.

“Jonathan, the newspaper is being quite unfair to Jack. According to Dokie, it is reporting things that are not only untrue but the exact opposite of the truth, purposely malicious. Jack is trying so hard to help, but the paper is making a monster of him.”

“Yes, I’ve read the articles. Of course, Mr. Edwards is not the most honorable of characters. He is, I believe it’s called, a street hustler, a swindler. Not to be believed accordingly to folks who know him. I can’t imagine why Jack has taken up with someone of his reputation.”

“Me, either,” Sheffie admitted. “He, well, I’ve never met Dokie. I know what Jack told me and I can’t believe Jack would lie to me. There must be something you can do.”

“Of course. I will talk to the editor of the paper in the morning. I must warn you, he’s an old political enemy. I may not be able to sway him.”

“Oh,” Sheffie hesitated a moment. “Please do what you can, Jonathan.”

“I will. It’s getting late. May I offer you a ride home?”

“You’re so polite, Jonathan. But the hotel has a carriage waiting for me.”

“Ah. Well, then, dinner tomorrow night at my house? I won’t take ‘no’ for an answer. I would love to show you my home. And, my dear, my personal cook is the best in Lisbon!”

“We would be delighted. If I can drag Jack along, that is.”

“Oh, I’m sure Jack is busy with all that’s going on. I mean, he’s welcome, of course. But if he can’t be bothered to attend, I still want you to be there. I insist on it. 8:00?”

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