Diamond Mine Read Free Page A

Rory wished he had a way to bottle it and sell it. Then everyone in the country would have a chance at happiness.
    Rory’s gait was awkward, but the longer he walked, the more comfortable he became. Ignoring the strange feel of the prosthetic as it settled against his skin, he pushed himself to keep up.
    The garden, on the southern side of the monastery compound, provided not only food for the residents but also pleasure. On this fine morning, several elderly men stood around a tree. Their fingers tapped their chins in thought.
    Rory stopped beside Father Thomas and mimicked their pose. When they neglected to notice, he dropped his hands to his side and asked, “What is so important you need me right now?”
    Without glancing at Rory, Father Thomas said, “We must move this tree.”
    Rory arched his brow. “Move this tree?”
    â€œYes, this tree.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œBecause the shade it creates is blocking my roses.”
    â€œWell, of course, we can’t have that, now can we?” muttered Rory.
    Father Thomas frowned. Rory cringed. Perhaps he wasn’t getting off to the best start. He really did wish to atone for his sins.
    â€œSorry, Father. I’ll be glad to move the tree. Do you have the tools to cut it down?” he asked.
    â€œNo, no, Rory. You misunderstand. I do not wish for you to destroy the tree. I wish for my rosebushes to have more sun.”
    â€œSo you want more sun on the bushes but I can’t destroy the tree?”
    â€œYes, yes.”
    â€œDo you want me to trim the limbs?”
    â€œOh, no. You mustn’t do that.”
    â€œThen you want me to move a twenty-foot tree?”
    â€œIf that is what it takes, then yes.”
    Rory threw his hands into the air. “That is impossible.”
    â€œAll things are possible—”
    â€œNot moving this tree. You ask too much.”
    ****
    Thomas watched as Rory stalked away. Moaning and groaning about the assigned task floated back on the nonexistent breeze.
    â€œIs he always so thickheaded?” asked Brother James.
    Father Thomas nodded. “I’m afraid so. He is determined to work off his sins.”
    â€œYou have explained…”
    â€œOf course, I have explained. He refuses to believe it is a gift. He is determined to earn his own way.”
    The two brothers walked together, their hands encased in the folds of their robes. Brother James clucked his tongue. Thomas understood the sentiment. Maybe one day Rory would understand as well.

Chapter Three

    The pages shot one at a time from the printer.
    Hannah skimmed the words. Angrily she wadded them into a ball and threw it in the wastebasket. Distancing herself from the desk, she paced the room and ranted out loud.
    â€œThe agent will send this back in a heartbeat.” Her voice deepened with mimicry. “ It is a good story but where are the ‘ ayes ’ and ‘ nays ’ ? Whe n is your time period? Where are your commas? You need to try again, Hannah .” Back to her normal tone, she continued, “I’ve had successes. Why can’t I do it again? Why does it have to be so hard every time?”
    Sighing, she looked out the window. Beads of water formed a line on the screen. “Maybe Rory falls in love with the non-complaining Kahlea and they marry, and he stays with her and they have tons of babies.” She threw her arms skyward. “This is hopeless.”
    Hannah picked up the phone, held it to her ear, and listened to the dial tone. Courage to take the next step finally found her as she dialed the number.
    On the other end a man answered. “Hello?”
    â€œHi, Mike. Is Tonya there?”
    Michael Thomson, or Mike, worked for the government. Sometimes she fantasized about his job…

    Ropes dangled from tall trees as he swung from limb to limb. Feet landing securely on a branch, he would wrap his arms around Tonya, whisper in her ear and whisk her away to his house