"Wow, so many people are here already, I guess I'm late."
Dirk Carter said with a hearty laugh.
Jabez Shaw grabbed Dirk's hand, also wearing a big smile, and said, "No, no, we came early. Secretary General Carter is right on time."
Indeed, words of such eloquence have a way of warming one's heart.
Besides Jabez Shaw and Britt Ford, there were three others.
They were Franklin Ross, Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee.
Arsenio Dempsey, the Minister of Organization, and Dallon Lewis, the Chief of Police.
It was clear that these individuals were Jabez Shaw's loyal allies.
Of course, the purpose of this dinner was more than just drinking; from the outset, Dirk Carter sensed something was amiss.
Jabez Shaw first placed Dirk between him and Britt Ford.
This arrangement seemed appropriate.
Dirk Carter, as the head, with his deputies respectively on his left and right, was consistent with the seating order in official circles.
The issue arose as soon as Dirk sat down.
