Echoes of Edinburgh Read Online Free Page B

reputation in the community, and world standing. Sometimes I need to dig deep to find some of their...activities. To suit their own purposes, they can keep them well-hidden. And,” he said, blowing out a sigh, “that applies to individuals as well.”
    Shelby paused her spoon halfway to her mouth and noted the set of Harrison’s jaw, the firm line of his lips. “It sounds almost like…I don’t know, some kind of spy game, and you’re the lead detective.” She shook her head. “Sorry. Take me out of my office, and my imagination runs amuck with crazy ideas.”
    “You’re closer to the truth than you know.” Harrison lowered his voice. “It’s my responsibility, and my honor, to uphold and protect the interests of the foundation.” Truly, this man was a knight in shining armor with an uncommon dedication to his work.
    “I’m impressed. That’s very admirable. It’s not just a job to you, is it?” In contrast to what she did—making rich people richer—Harrison did something to benefit those who really needed help. How could such work not be incredibly soul-satisfying and rewarding? In an odd way, it humbled and almost shamed her.
    “It’s in my lifeblood, and I’m blessed to do something I love,” he said. “But so are you, Shelby, and there’s a place for it all. We can’t all be out saving the world from itself.”
    “Harrison’s being much too humble, Shelby,” Robert said as she pondered that last comment. “He actually...”
    An older gentleman called out a greeting and planted a hand on Robert’s shoulder. After introducing them, Robert turned to speak more privately with his friend. The close proximity of the tables made for easy exchanges between patrons. From his constant smiles and gregarious manner, Robert must know a number of the other patrons.
    “What do you think Robert started to say?” she said to Harrison. Maybe that was nosy, but her interest was piqued.
    Harrison took a long drink of water before answering. “Oh, I’m sure he was going to mention the foundation’s primary focus is helping special needs children.”
    Talk about humbling. “That must be very gratifying.”
    Draping one arm over the back of her chair, Harrison shifted to face her. “It is, and a big reason why I love it. Ever heard of the Scottish-American industrialist, Andrew Carnegie?”
    Shelby gulped. “Sure. You actually work for one of the Carnegie foundations?”
    “Nope. Just wanted to get you going.”
    Shaking her head as Harrison chuckled, Shelby dipped a thick slice of bread in her soup and swirled it in her nearly empty bowl as she’d seen Robert do.
    “So, what do you think of the cock-a-leekie?”
    “It’s quite delicious for a soup named so unfortunately.”
    Harrison almost spit his drink of water on the table. He shoved a curled fist over his mouth and coughed in between chuckles.
    Wiping her napkin across her mouth, Shelby managed not to crack a smile. “Although I’m sure you’re dying to tell me, feel free to keep the origin of the name to yourself.”
    “Like I said, you’re going to get along fine here, Shelby. Proper as they are, the Scots can be quite irreverent once you get to know them. You’ll be glad—or should I say relieved—to know I haven’t a clue about the name cock-a-leekie other than it has something to do with chickens...and leeks. Um,” he said, clearing his throat, “that’s leek as in the vegetable. Like the onion or whatever. So we’re clear.”
    Seemed even Harrison could get flustered and ramble every now and then. Of course, it only added to his charm. Fine breeding, great teeth, and strong musculature notwithstanding, Shelby didn’t wish to be caught studying him the way her father used to examine his horses.
    He’s a man, not a thoroughbred .
    Robert told her more about Edinburgh as they enjoyed a main course of seafood indigenous to Scotland. If asked, she wouldn’t have been able to call it by name, but it wasn’t half bad. She