some articles on the movie and some of the actors and actresses in these. You might want to read them and see what we’re up against.”
Jade took them. “Thanks, Harry.”
“Think nothing of it, Jade. Say, as I understand it, your friend Featherstone made a motion picture. Better watch out. He’ll be turning daft, too, like these people.”
“Shut up, Harry.”
He chuckled and left her as Jade opened a magazine and tried to pass the time reading. She worked her way through one interview with the director in which he spoke of the adventure that he’d capture on location. He praised all his star-ring actors but waxed particularly eloquent over the beautiful Miss Zagar, a rare pearl of beauty in name and fact.
Reading that one article in a rocking train gave Jade a headache, so she settled for thumbing through the remaining pages, marveling at the wealth of beauty ads. The Pompeian ads won hands down over Pond’s and Resinol. Their motto, “Don’t envy beauty—use Pompeian and have it,” came through on full-page picture ads for beauty powder, cold cream, and vanishing cream. She remembered seeing a jar on Bev’s vanity, which was surprising, since the product was made in Cleveland, Ohio.
Jade thumbed past photo displays of Pearl in a harem costume holding a boa and another of Hall’s new California home in someplace called the Hollywood Hills. They were followed by yet another ad, this time for Pond’s massage cream, guaranteeing an end to the double chin and sagging skin. Jade turned the page and saw a final article about the producer, Graham Wheeler, shown astride a horse, his entourage just behind him. The caption described him as making a research journey through Abyssinia. Jade set the magazines aside to look at later and closed her eyes, hoping her headache would disappear. She felt, rather than heard, someone slip into the seat beside her.
“I hope you don’t mind the intrusion, but I felt I had to talk with you.”
Jade opened her eyes and sat up straighter. “What can I do for you, Miss Porter?”
“Please call me Cynthia. I just wanted a friendly ear, that’s all.” She fiddled with her hands, twisting them in her lap. “I suppose you think I’m horrid.” Jade said nothing, giving the woman time to speak. “The truth is, I don’t know how I can face anything now that Graham is gone. I did . . . I still do love him.” She pulled a handkerchief from a pocket and dabbed at her eyes. “Making this picture seemed to be the most fitting tribute I could give.”
“You don’t have to prove anything to me, Miss, er, Cynthia. But if there’s anything I can do, let me know.”
“Just listening and believing me are enough,” said Cynthia. “I know I couldn’t say any of this to Bebe.” She closed her eyes and shook her head. “I knew he was having an affair with her. He did have them, but he always came back to me.” She opened her eyes, moist with tears, and turned to Jade. “I’ll leave you alone now. Thank you.”
Cynthia returned to her seat just as the sun set and the train turned north on its last leg to Moshi. It was as if a magician had covered his stage props with a black cloth, building the suspense before his final trick was revealed. The last Jade saw was forest and garden. What would be revealed when the cloth was pulled away? The expected? Or this time, would the magician amaze his audience with something new and startling? Whatever the outcome, this trick would demand her patience, for Ngai, the Maker, had no intention of revealing it before dawn.
The train stopped at Moshi, and everyone exited the car. Harry’s headman, Nakuru, and their cook met them. Harry immediately secured the help of several natives to unload the gear while Jade gathered the movie crew onto the platform. Her efforts were interrupted by Harry’s sharp swear, followed by his call.
“Jade! Seems we have a couple of stowaways.”
CHAPTER 5
Kilimanjaro often reveals itself to distant
Frankie Blue
john thompson
Alaina Stanford
Alexandra Ivy, Laura Wright
C.W. Gortner
Helena Newbury
Jessica Jarman
Shanna Clayton
Barbara Elsborg
James Howard Kunstler