3/5/2009
95
James Williams
Before
Audrey could introduce him, the third European stepped
forward and engulfed Paul’s hand in his own. His accent
was a thick Scottish brogue, which Paul had trouble deciphering,
but he made out, “Aye, Lieutenant, glad to meet you.
Now we can get to work. I’m James Williams, Engineer on this
project.” Williams had a radiant, almost burnished, scarlet complexion.
Later, Paul would discover that the sunburn was perpetual
and never turned into a tan. Williams had worked in Africa
for years—right out of the mines of Scotland, and he could
curse in more tongues than Paul could speak. His confident
demeanor advertised his competence, and to Paul that reduced
the coarseness of his voice and features.