Aja and Gamba continued to talk about the incident. Korzan breathed deeply, gnawing a hole inside his cheek. Never mind the individual who threatened to break out his wife to have his own personal slave. Tapiwa had hurt Melanie, and he had allowed it to happen. Twisting his hands, he imagined Tapiwa’s neck within his grasp.
Chapter Forty-Two
The following week, Hannah avoided him. Rory was at a loss for what to do. Of course, she wanted to immediately turn around and give the rescue business another try. Even he wanted that. The sooner Melanie and her herd were saved, the sooner he could go on with his life.
At the moment, he wasn’t sure what that would involve. It could be just he and the monks for the rest of eternity. Because of recent transgressions, it would take that long to atone for all his sins. Or it could be something more. A future with the woman he loved.
As he waited and thought about what to do, Gabe rode into town and returned with some disturbing news.
Loaded with supplies, Gabe slammed them onto the table. “Melanie Sekibo suffered for our little stunt.”
Rory sighed. He’d worried about reprisal. Where madmen were concerned, anything was possible.
Gabe continued, not noticing his expression. “She’s still alive, but they say she’ll have a scar for life.”
Rory gulped. “You haven’t told Hannah, have you?”
Gabe shook his head. “No. What good would it do? The girl is already hurting.”
Rory searched for her. The bench beside the fountain, buried deep in the flower garden, had become her favorite spot. The trickling waters soothed her.
As he approached, the smell of fresh flora wafted around him. Times spent with his mother, working in her garden, came rushing back.
“You look a million miles away,” he said to alert Hannah to his presence.
“Sorry.” She stood, set to walk away.
Rory stepped in front of her. “Don’t leave.”
“Okay. Do you have news?”
Rory hesitated. “I was just thinking about when we met.”
“Oh,” she said, and lifted her brow.
“The day you literally fell into my lap.”
“Rory—”
He placed his hand upon her jaw. His thumb outlined her cheekbone. Closer he moved, his lips brushing across hers.
Wetting her lips, she said, “This is not a good time.”
“Why not? We’ve not talked about us since we arrived. We’ve had no time to discuss anything.”
“I don’t know what you’re—”
“Talking about? Of course you do. Love was mentioned. I asked you to wait for another time to discuss it. Have you decided to conveniently forget?”
Hannah attempted to pull away, but Rory stopped her.
“Rory, can’t we talk about this later? There is no way I can focus on anything right now but Melanie and her safety.”
“Okay, so we don’t speak of love or a future, but what about what we have right now.”
Hannah’s lips moved as she edged closer. He placed his hands on her waist. The feel of her flushed skin warmed him.
“Oh, did you tell her?” Gabe’s unexpected voice sent her back a step.
“Tell me what?” she said, her eyes widening.
“About what that slimeball did to Melanie?” asked Gabe.
Hannah’s brows knitted together. Gabe finished the tale, and her hand covered her open mouth as she ran away.
The punch popped. Gabe rubbed his reddening arm. “What did you do that for?”
“Why did you do that? Now she’s upset.”
“She needed to know. Besides, weren’t you going to tell her?”
“I thought we just discussed not telling her. And besides, I was easing into it.”
“I saw that. A few kisses first and then bam, you lay it on her.”
“Not exactly.”
Gabe smiled.
“Why are you here anyway?” asked Rory, controlling his rising temper.
“I thought you might like to know that everyone has arrived.”
“Already?”
He placed a reassuring hand on Rory’s arm. “Listen, we need to act. If Biashara thinks Melanie is unsalvageable, I don’t know what he might do.”
“Time?”
“I’m not sure. Your little Chinese friend in town said the rumor was The Butcher was due within the week.”
“Okay, let’s go.”
****
The team assembled underneath a large ornamental tree beside a picnic table. They spread out and studied each other with long lingering stares.
Rory fidgeted and worked to ignore Hannah. The heat from her gaze seared his flesh. Would he ever have time to explain his actions?
“Thanks for coming. Before we get started, let me introduce everyone.” Gabe pointed to a little man around five foot four, with black hair, and large wire-rimmed glasses. “This is Olin Jones, he’s my tech guy. If it needs jamming, he can do it.”
Olin saluted and nodded.
Next he pointed to a muscular man with bulging arms, blond hair, and blue eyes. He leaned against the picnic table, his sheer weight threatening to topple it. “Hank Hannagan is our muscle.”
Gruffly, he said, “Nice to meet you.”
“And last, but not least, is Tina Gelis.” Gabe grinned, and the corner of his eye twitched. “Miss Tina is the key to our plan. She is the distraction.” Before he could say more, the blond-haired woman slinked forward. Bracelets jangled with every step. From her red high heel pumps to her purple lacquered nails, she stood out.
The lady swooped her hair into place and pursed her full lips. “When you said primitive, you weren’t kidding. I didn’t realize I would have to wear tennis shoes.”
Gabe smiled and lifted his shoulder in a lazy shrug.
The group remained silent for a second before Hank said, “Okay, we are all here. And not to sound impatient, but if someone doesn’t tell me why, then I’m gone.”
Gabe pointed to Rory and he gave them the details — the flesh market, the diamond mines, the children being held, the men who were taken from the local town and forced to work as slaves. Several times cracking knuckles interrupted, but he kept talking.
“Okay so there is some crappy stuff going on in this town. I still don’t get what that has to do with us,” said Hank, crossing his arms over his barrel-sized chest.
“We’re mounting a rescue,” said Rory, matter-of-factly.
“So we aren’t breaking in to steal diamonds?” asked Tina, studying her long lacquered nails with disdain.
“No. We are breaking into Tapiwa’s camp and busting out everyone inside,” said Rory.
Hank’s brow drew into a thin line. “We’re rescuing people?”
Gabe sighed. “Yes.”
“Are you crazy?” asked Olin, his eyes widening. “Tapiwa works for Biashara Githinji — The Butcher.” He shook his head. “Gabe, when you called us here I thought you had a place we could actually break into.”
“But we can,” said Gabe.
The team laughed. Olin said with sarcasm dripping from his tone, “Oh, sure we can. The place is decked out with enough manpower to fight an army. There has to be a way to break in.”
Gabe shrugged. “Sure, you’re right. There has to be a way.”
Olin rolled his eyes.
Hank ignored Olin and said, “Sure, there is always a way. But sometimes it’s not worth it. Besides that, I need to know why we’re doing it. Hank’s neck doesn’t go on the line for just anyone.”
Rory gazed at Hannah. She moved from the shadows; her hands trembled.
“You won’t be risking your neck for just anyone. You’ll be risking it for a woman who has dedicated her life to others.” Sobs racked her body, and Father Thomas patted her back.
Clearing her throat, she swiped away the tears and continued, “For a woman and her children who will all die if you don’t help them.”
Hank frowned. “I was wrong. Olin is correct. There i
s no way. Breaking in to rescue a woman and children is too dangerous.”
Gabe said, “That’s why we’re here to work out a plan.”
Hank turned to stalk away but Olin stopped him. Hushed tones followed. The suspense of whether her friend was doomed must have gotten to Hannah because she used this moment to slip away.
“I’ll go after her,” said Father Thomas.
Rory nodded. “Thank you.”
Robes fluttered behind him as he hurried away. Rory turned back to the conversation.
“Hank, we have to get these people out,” pleaded Gabe.
“Why? Why are they there?”
“It’s complicated.”
“Gabe—”
Gabe explained. When he finished, Hank held a new attitude. Gabe unfurled maps upon the table. Rory listened but struggled to understand.
“If we send Tina in—” said Olin.
“She’ll be searched,” said Gabe.
“What if she’s taken as future merchandise?” asked Hank.
“Yup, still searched.”
“Okay then, since you know what you want us to do, don’t keep us guessing. Just spill it,” said Olin.
Gabe laid out the plan. Rory held his breath.
Olin scratched his head. “Are you sure?”
“It’s the only way,” replied Gabe.
“We might need more help,” injected Hank.
Tina winked. A grin spread across her face. “Leave that to me.”
Chapter Forty-Three
Ten steps. That’s all it took to go from one side of the garden to the other. And Hannah should know because she had walked this same path over and over since a few days ago when Gabe had accidently shared the news of Melanie’s abuse.
Horrible thoughts raced through Hannah’s head. Were they too late? Had it taken too long for the team to devise a workable plan? Would they enter the compound only to find those they searched for sold and gone?
“Hannah?”
She spun. Her foot caught on an uneven paver, causing her to land in Rory’s arms. Palm flat against his chest, she tried to push away, but he held tight.
“Please don’t.”
The pleading tone stopped her. Relaxing, she allowed him to pull her into an embrace. With her head upon his chest, she wrapped her arms around his neck. His hands encompassed her waist. Through her thin shirt, rough calluses scratched her tender flesh. His fresh scent surrounded her.
Muttering against his neck, she said, “You smell good.”
His chest rumbled with laughter. “Thanks.”
His pulse beat wildly and she covered it with her lips, feeling him tense. He gulped and relaxed his hold. Heat infused her cheeks as she moved out of his arms and moved to sit on the bench. Mortified, she attempted to hide behind a veil of her hair.
Rory froze and Hannah worried her lip, enjoying the salty taste on her tongue.
Closing her eyes, she tried to calm her rapid heart rate. Would she ever get him out of her system?
How he acted, what he liked, how he looked, every facet of his being. Her every waking moment revolved around him. At times she would daydream about his reactions. What would he do in this situation? How would he prepare for this event? He was her world and had been for eight long, lonely years. Nothing had changed for her when he left, except his physical presence.
Okay, so she was a little obsessed. She admitted it. Her OCD was what fueled her and made her and her writing unique. In the past, her singular focus had been a good thing, but now she wasn’t so sure. If he left her again, she would never be the—
“Hannah?”
She looked up. Restrained tears made her throat burn. Choking back sobs, she answered, “Yeah?”
“I came to tell you Gabe and the others are ready. The plan is set. Now we just have to do it.”
Hannah nodded. She dropped her head. Shadows danced upon the ground as Rory walked away without another word.
****
The book slapped the wall. “I’m such a jerk.”
The bed creaked under his weight as Rory threw himself down. Cradling his head, he muttered, “Why didn’t I just tell her? Why didn’t I admit I still love her and that I don’t want to ever be apart? Why did I push her away?”
“Good question.” Rory lifted his head at Father Thomas’ voice. “Why do you continue to torture yourself and the young lady? You both freely announced your love, yet still you resist the next step.”
“It’s not that.”
“Modern romances baffle me. In the past man and woman found love, married, and spent their lives together. But now it is so complicated.”
“I can’t leave the monastery. There is still so much I have to do. I honestly wish it wasn’t so complicated but—”
“No buts! It doesn’t have to be. You make it this way. Listen, you aren’t fit for the priesthood.”
“What?”
“I know you are not shocked by this, my son. However, you must realize you can’t truly work off your sins.”
Rory frowned. “I don’t understand. What about moving the tree and all the other chores you assigned me?”
“Haven’t you seen Karate Kid?”
“What?” Rory shook his head.
“Oh, never mind. What I’m trying to say is that you can’t make things right through work. No amount of projects will ever make your sins go away. Absolution is given freely but you must ask.” Father Thomas placed his hands in his robe. A serious expression covered his face. “And since you most definitely aren’t fit for this lifestyle, you might as well find a woman.”
Rory restrained his snicker. It wouldn’t do to offend his friend. In his heart he knew Father Thomas was right.
Attempting to rise, his prosthetic drew his attention, and he sighed. “This is why. How can I be the man she needs? You know some men say she fantasizes about me all the time because they want to think so. But in this instance I know it’s true. She’s been giving me life for years. In her head, she’s built me into something I can never be.”
Father Thomas shrugged. “I don’t know. I found most of her depictions of you very realistic.”
Rory lifted his brow.
“Oh, don’t be so surprised. I enjoy a good tale every now and then. And Ms. Baker is a master storyteller.”
“But you’re a—”
“A human. I’m also older and I know Hannah doesn’t love you for your physical abilities. First John 4:19, We love because he first loved us.”
Rory released a heavy breath, and his chest ached. Steepling his fingers, he rested his elbows on his knees. “I understand, but what if she resents me later.”
“And why would this occur? Do you plan on lying aside while she provides for the entire household? Do you plan to let her face difficulties alone? Will you leave her when times are tough?”
“Of course not.”
“Then you have no worries.”
“Yes, I do. She’ll be saddled with a cripple. What if something happens to my other leg or—”
“Why must youngsters borrow trouble? Worry not, for tomorrow will take care of itself.”
“Father, I—”
“You are making up excuses. Excuses, which will ultimately affect your entire life. You’ve fought these feelings for too long. Military service, the relationship with Monica, coming here — they were just ways to escape your true feelings.
“You’ve known Hannah’s location for some time. I dare say more than once you’ve flown to America and turned around before seeking her out.”
Rory’s pulse raced. If the father could see his eyes, he would know the truthfulness of his words. How many trips had he made to America? How many times had he stood outside her apartment and stared at her door? He couldn’t begin to remember the hours he’d spent in his car watching her go in and out. He’d wanted desperately to approach but something held him back. But that was all before losing his leg.
Daggers stabbed at his heart with every proceeding word from the father
.
“This mission is dangerous and one of you may not make it. Don’t you owe it to each other to express your love now before it is too late?”
Rory rubbed the top of his thighs. The click of the door caused him to look up. Father Thomas was gone, but the haunting memories of his words left him with a lot to think about.
Chapter Forty-Four
The first step, gathering intelligence, commenced today, and she wasn’t allowed to help.
Hannah would have little involvement in the rescue, and this knowledge was killing her. She was a woman of action, not waiting. Well at least her heroines were. They wouldn’t be caught dead sitting on the sidelines. A gun strapped around their shoulder, they would bravely stand beside their hero. They would walk into the compound and in a lilting yet commanding voice demand release of all prisoners. When they were denied, some serious butt-kicking would ensue. Bullets would fly, walls would be mowed down, all in the pursuit of—
“Hannah?” asked Rory.
“Hmm?” she answered, her eyes glazed with the new story.
“We’re leaving. You’ll stay here, right?”
“Yes.”
“You’ve promised. So I don’t want to come back and find you gone.”
“I said I wouldn’t leave.”
“Yeah, I know it’s just—”
“Stop, okay. You’re the one who likes to leave without saying goodbye, so don’t turn your faults around on me.”
Rory paled. Instant guilt flooded her but she squelched it. He deserved it. He’d avoided her since their meeting in the garden. If Gabe hadn’t explained the rescue mission, she’d still be in the dark.
Crossing her arms over her chest, she waited for Rory to speak. When he turned on his heel and walked away, Hannah’s arms dropped. The haughty stance, the false bravado crumbled as she ran to catch him.
She grabbed his arm, not sure if he would throw her off. When he faced her, his chin pointed up and away.
“Rory, I’m sorry. I had no right to say what I did. I’m scared and I took it out on you. I promise I won’t leave.”
His head lowered.
Heat infused her face. “Will you forgive me?”
Diamond Mine Page 19
