Over 30 people were sitting in a large meeting room, mostly men; they were wearing luxurious clothes and accessories. They were board members of the Chamber of Commerce in the Aden Square.
As two servants were handing out pieces of paper, a middle-aged man with neatly combed hair stood up, and said, "As you know, the monthly food competition is coming soon. For 18 months, the first 10 places have always gone to our member restaurants. We'd like to keep it that way. What you have in your hands is this month's list. Every vote counts. Let's give them as much support as we can."
The others listened quietly.
The middle-aged man leaned close to the old man sitting beside him, and whispered, "Mr. Moreton, do you have anything to add?"
The others looked at the old man with respect. He wore a long gray gown and had a grim face. His hair was gray but neat, his long beard white and evenly trimmed.
