Nights Like This

Chapter 9

On Monday, October 4, Hurricane Paul was the talk among students and staff at the College. Where would it land in the United States? When? Charleston? Would they have to evacuate?

Marco and Alexei took their seats just before Sparrow walked in and sat at his desk. He cleared his throat. His drone was almost non-existent as he spoke.

"I know you are concerned about Hurricane Matthew and what the College will do. Check the  school website for details. If the State calls for evacuations, take care to be safe. We'll go over the editorial assignment today."

He walked over to Alexei and Metty. "I'd like to talk to you both about your tourism paper after class." They nodded.

"Was there a problem with it, Dr. Sparrow?" Metty asked.

"No, no problem. The opposite. Let's talk after class." He returned to his desk and pulled the next assignment up.

*

Sparrow dismissed the class. The students trooped out, talking about Matthew. "I'll see you later, Alexei," said Marco.

Alexei and Metty walked to Mr. Sparrow's desk.

"You wanted to see us, sir?" Alexei asked.

"Oh, yes, yes. Sit down. This will only take a minute."

Alexei carried two chairs to the desk and held one for Metty.

"I know an editor on 'Lowcountry Talk'", he said. "Well, he's a part-time editor there." Alexei nodded. Sparrow continued, "They are going to publish an issue about Lowcountry ghosts, hauntings, unexplained phenomena."

"Yes, sir," said Alexei.

"He asked me if I knew of any stories that hadn't been done over and over again. I thought of your paper. The Library Ghost has not been written of often. As far as I know, the Dalmurias Garden Ghost has not been covered in years." He looked at Alexei. "I suggested your two ghost stories."

"Oh, it would be great to be published," said Metty. "What do you think, Alexei?"

"I would like to," Alexei said. "I will contact the Palace and confirm if it is approved."

Metty looked puzzled. "Oh. Your grandfather, Prince Sebastian."

Alexei said, "There should be no problem, but I do have to advise the staff there."

"I thought so," said Sparrow. "The article will pay $350. Metty, I assume you want to publish?"

Metty nodded.

"If you will let me know as soon as possible, I will let my friend know. They want to publish in the January issue and need the copy by the end of the month."

"It shouldn't take more than a week, Dr. Sparrow," said Alexei. "Is that all you wanted?"

"Yes. Stay safe during the hurricane. Paul is due to hit by the end of the week."

"Paul may not make landfall at Charleston," said Metty.

"It almost certainly will," said Sparrow, "or so close it will make little difference." He put his books in his briefcase and snapped the locks shut. "I have office hours now. Have a good day," he said, as he left the room.

Alexei returned the chairs to their place. "Are you free for lunch?" he asked. "We can discuss publishing the article."