STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIREBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER FIVE(Con...

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER FIVE(Con...: STONES OF FIRE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER FIVE (Continued) The mockery in the man's eyes served to galvanise Angel. ...

STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER FIVE

(Continued)

The mockery in the man's eyes served to galvanise Angel. She felt her fear receding and faith flared and grew. "Jesus is Lord. We will make it. It's not God's will for this child to die." The statement held in the air as Angel slumped into unconsciousness.

Some time later she heard her mother calling her softly. "Mum," she murmured. Gabe and Jean were close to her as were Thomas and Geoff. "My baby. Is it safe?"

There were delighted nods. "You were just in time. The doctor is coming to explain. Please stay still dear," whispered Thomas.

The doctor walked in and explained Angel had had medication to settle everything down. Now Angel had to rest for a few days, then could return home providing she did nothing strenuous.

"What caused so much pain, doctor?" queried Angel. "We are not absolutely sure," was the answer, "but we wanted to monitor you closely. Keep in close touch with your family doctor. And," he added, "I hear you are a Christian. Pray. Prayer is powerful, my dear. Never forget that."

Angel had tears in her eyes as she nodded, resolved to pray as much as she could, believing and reading her Bible.

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIREBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER FIVE(C...

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey




CHAPTER FIVE(C...: STONES OF FIRE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER FIVE (Continued) Maya said "Mum, look what Wes has done." Jean ...

STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER FIVE

(Continued)

Maya said "Mum, look what Wes has done." Jean dutifully followed her daughter. "Look!" 

The child pointed. There on the toilet roll were a set of small perfectly shaped teeth marks.

Leaf knew better than to ask Wes, why. Instead she said "Wes, what did you do?" He grinned, very slightly embarrassed. "I bited the toilet roll!" 

Leaf gave her son a long look. He was saved by her phone ringing. "Yes, yes. Definitely," she answered. "I will do that."

It was a call to pray for Angel from Pastor John. He had already contacted the rest of the families.

Angel hadn't been sure of what was happening. Once in the ambulance, fear started to cripple her. "Oh God, help! Jean's help," she cried, anguished. She opened her eyes to see the ambulance attendant rolling his eyes.

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIREBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER FIVE...

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey




CHAPTER FIVE

...: STONES OF FIRE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER FIVE Once more, John Fitzgerald felt himself speeding down the rugby field,...

STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER FIVE

Once more, John Fitzgerald felt himself speeding down the rugby field, the crowd cheering and growing wild. No opposition - good. He flung himself forward in he felt later was one of his best rugby tackles ever.

The fleeing robber stood no chance. He was flung to the ground. Desperately, he struggled, but it was hopeless and he soon realised it. Help came in the form of a couple of burly male passersby only too willing to help, once appraised of the situation.

Very gingerly, John picked himself up and brushed his clothes. Someone called the police.

The young man was searched and some rings and pendants were found, making his guilt obvious.

John was going to slip away, but Thomas came out of the shop. He was white with shock. "Thanks John, but we need you. Angel has gone to hospital! Could you come? Please!"

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIREBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER FOUR(Con...

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER FOUR(Con...: STONES OF FIRE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER FOUR (Continued) "Thanks," Gabe said. "I didn't know whet...

STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER FOUR

(Continued)

"Thanks," Gabe said. "I didn't know whether to cross over for a meal or not. I was a bit nervous." 

They crossed without incident. The café was noisy, warm and welcoming.

Over a meal, the two friends chattered and John was invited to stay over for a few days as he had leave. The food was simple - fish and chips - but tasty and hot. They finished their drinks, left a tip and went back along the road to Gabe's home.

Unobtrusively, John read the Bible to Gabe (who now sported glasses) and they discussed different passages. Like a coal or wood that had fallen from the fire and placed back in the flames, Gabe's love for God and Jesus was re-kindled, took flame and steadied into a lifelong love for the Creator, Redeemer God. The depression was driven back. Gabe felt he could live again, but realised he needed to stay connected to people who felt as he did.

Next day, John was passing the jewellers when a young man raced out to the accompaniment of yells from within the shop.

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIREBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER FOUR(Con...

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER FOUR(Con...: STONES OF FIRE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER FOUR (Continued) TWO WEEKS LATER: Gabe scowled as the doctor called him....

STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER FOUR

(Continued)

TWO WEEKS LATER:

Gabe scowled as the doctor called him. He had been waiting over an hour. The doctor apologised "some sort of virus seems to be taking over."

"Well, Gabe, you still have multiple sclerosis, but it is hardly progressing!" He raised an arm to forestall Gabe's protests. "Your balance problem is due to a middle ear infection, which antibiotics will soon deal with, and your eye problem is purely ocular."

Gabe stared at him, astounded. "I shouldn't say it, but fear has been having a bit of a field day in your life, Gabe. In a short while, your balance will be vastly improved and think your eyesight will benefit from seeing an optometrist. There is no reason you cannot get out and about a bit more, young man, providing you are careful."

The young man in question thanked him , more than a little embarrassed and left, feeling much more cheerful and positive.

Hearing the doorbell, Thomas opened the door one Saturday afternoon to find John Fitzgerald on the doorstep. He invited him in and Angel was pleased to see him.

After a biscuit and drink catching up on each other's news, John asked where Gabe was as he had wanted to visit him. "He is getting out and about much more as the doctor was very helpful," Thomas explained.

"Would you allow me to pray for you both?" queried the pastor. Thomas hesitated, glanced at Angel, then acquiesced. 

Later, strengthened, they waved farewell and John, guessing Gabe was walking around or near the hills or river, went looking for him.

He found him, poised on the river bridge and went to join him.

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIREBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER FOURDi...

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER FOUR

Di...: STONES OF FIRE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER FOUR Diane typed away in a corner of the office. She was responsible for a small...

STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER FOUR

Diane typed away in a corner of the office. She was responsible for a small piece in the newspaper designed to encourage or cheer readers in some way. she dug out a poem written some time ago, carefully balancing her coffee and taking small gulps as she did so:-

                                      Winter Mornings On The Lake

Snow hung heavy on the bracken

In the silence of the mornings; nothing stirred,

Green fern drooped, trailing

Mirror'd in the trickling water

Of the shallow grey-rocked stream.

Across the grass the dark firs slept

In tangled day-glooming, tall and strong

Wraithed in mist...

             It hangs silent

             dream-wrapped, intense

             Over the obscure lake.....

The morning light flickers in beauty 

Dances on the crested snow-crags

Breaks minutely on the clear-ice pool 

Reflecting the sky.....

            By the lake

            Ol small silver birch

            Tiptoes still, held in frost-snow.

Dawn

          cascades and falls

                    into living light.

                   --------------------------------------------

A day later Gabe noticed the little poem and suddenly remembered the tarn or pool nestled in one of the small valleys close to the summit of a steep crag. So peaceful.

Then he recalled the clinging, creeping mist, obscuring sounds and all vision, shrouding him in near-panic and fear, and how the light had come as he asked for help and had led him to safety.

Not long after, he was ushered in to see the doctor.

"Ah Gabe!" the friendly man welcomed him, smiling. "How are you doing? I haven't seen you for a while." He examined Gabe carefully, then sent him for more tests.

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIREBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER THRE...

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey






CHAPTER THRE...: STONES OF FIRE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER THREE (Continued) Jean shivered slightly and went to close the window....

STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER THREE

(Continued)

Jean shivered slightly and went to close the window. The day was turning showery, blustery and cold. For some reason, she was thinking of the wedding a year ago now. The day had been cold, but clear, sunny and calm. The bride had been radiant in her beautiful dress, Thomas had stood slightly nervous but clearly delighted to see how his lovely bride looked.

The little bridesmaid, Mandy, no Maya, had looked so pretty, and the little boy, Wesley had done very well. She had seen him tucking into his chocolate prize in a corner outside the church. He had given her a big grin and a thumbs up.

Four months later, Angel had announced quietly she was expecting a baby and she was so happy. But then, she lost the baby and since that time had been desolate and lost for weeks. For a few weeks now, she had looked better, but for some reason Jean felt to go and see her.

Rummaging in her freezer she found a meat and veggie casserole. then a delicious bright cheesecake. It was not long before she was knocking at Angel's door, with the beautiful coloured glass door panels of kookaburras perching and singing in leafy trees.

Slowly Angel opened the door. Hiding her shock at Angel's dishevelled appearance, Jean came in, placed the casserole on the kitchen bench to defrost and the cheesecake in the freezer. Then she drew Angel into her arms and held her soothingly as Angel sobbed.

Jean steered her away from the blue lounge suite, to the little flowery heritage two-seater. "Have you had a row with Thomas, dear?"

Angel shook her head. "Is it that time of month?" This time the young woman began sobbing again. "I...I'm pregnant."

The motherly older woman thought she understood. "You are afraid." Angel nodded, tears streaming down her pretty face.

Without hesitating, Jean began to pray. Her prayer was for healing for both Thomas and Angel. She knew her son too had been deeply upset. It was also a prayer of health and protection for both mother and child.

At the end she reminded Angel that she was a woman of courage as shown by her behaviour when the men (now in prison) had tried to rob the jewellery shop.

Jean rose to attend to the fire. It had smouldered down to a thick crust. As she poked it, flames again danced high in lovely colours. Pondering, she said: "We sometimes need a good poke to reveal our true natures, our true worth. I have no idea why you lost your first baby, but let that trial not be wasted. Keep in close touch with your doctor and do what he or she advises. There is no need to fear. You will have another child." 

Soon she left, leaving a more cheerful young lady to fix a warm meal and a warm welcome for her husband.

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIREBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER THREE...

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER THREE


...: STONES OF FIRE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER THREE Gabe heard the sirens. It wasn't a usual sound in Paradise. At the s...

STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER THREE

Gabe heard the sirens. It wasn't a usual sound in Paradise. At the shops he heard that Thomas had also ducked down behind the counter and held on tight to Angel, so neither could be taken as hostages.

Mack and Jim had not been armed, so sure it would be such an easy "job" for them to rob the store.

Gabe didn't know Robert. He didn't really know very many people in the town. He began to wonder if he was becoming very isolated and self-absorbed.

Everyone had troubles, after all. No one was immune to pain. Perhaps he should become more involved.

So it was he offered to host Pastor John Fitzgerald, who had been invited to officiate at Angel and Thomas' wedding.

John Fitzgerald was a very interesting, outward-looking, cheerful man and Gabe's heart warmed towards him. He began to see beyond himself. His friend, Jim had died a few years ago and left the house to Gabe. His illness had turned him away from others and his once vibrant faith in God.

                       -----------------------------------------------

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIREBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER TWO(Cont...

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER TWO(Cont...: STONES OF FIRE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER TWO (Continued) Robert tiptoed away from the jeweller's, then ran like t...

STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER TWO

(Continued)

Robert tiptoed away from the jeweller's, then ran like the wind to see if Leaf was home. He knew she did home schooling, he knew she would not be angry he wasn't as school, also he knew she would be calm and know what to do.

When he arrived, he was so winded, he bent over double, panting.

Maya and Wes were outside playing, having a break. They stared at poor Robert gasping and Maya yelled "Mam! Mam! Come here!"

She came, took one look, guided Robert into the kitchen, sat him down, and gave him a glass of water.

He gulped it down, as if he had been dying of thirst. Then he managed to tell Leaf what was happening. She rang the police , but thanks to Angel, they already knew.

Then she rang Neville to explain. After that she fed Robert some home-made cookies and reassured him he was a hero and would no doubt one day be welcomed warmly into the police force - providing of course, that he tried hard not to play truant.

Then Leaf sent Robert to school with a note explaining how brave he had been and gave him some money for lunch. Yes, she would have to tell his mother, but she also would say what a brave lad he was, possibly a life-saver.

Neville came home early, reassured them all and went to the Lewis' shop to see if he could help. He could hear all the sirens as indeed could all Paradise.

At school, the skinny, freckled, tufty-haired boy was hailed as a hero. Kids now wanted to talk to Robert.

The teachers, all as one, encouraged him to work hard. He had a future. He began to believe them.

Leaf and Neville had talked very nicely and unassumingly to Diane, Robert's mother, who was still waiting for her husband, Walt, to return after leaving several years ago to look for a job.

Thy came to an agreement that Robert could come to Leaf and Neville's house for breakfast and afternoon snacks. After all, they lived nearby and should have offered before. Diane worked such long hours in her office job.

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIREBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER TWO(Cont...

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER TWO(Cont...: STONES OF FIRE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER TWO (Continued) Thomas looked up gladly as Angel entered the shop, but looke...

STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER TWO

(Continued)

Thomas looked up gladly as Angel entered the shop, but looked askance at the two men following her. She hurried over to him and took up position around the counter next to Thomas. For the first time she recognised the two men.

"Mack and Jim!"

Suddenly she remembered them from school. They had made her life miserable for a while until they had moved away.

"Hands on the counter, " Mack called. Maybe he thought there may have been an alarm button. "We just want a few of your beautiful stones."

"Yeah!" Jim put in. "It's good to share."

At that moment Angel slumped down in a faint at Thomas' feet.

"Don't move" snapped Mack to Thomas who was bending to check Angel. He was very annoyed.

They had planned to take Angel to delay any pursuit.

"Okay, load up some stones and money for us."

Thomas felt a tiny tweak on his sock. With a sigh of relief, he realised that Angel had staged the faint. He sensed she was going to press the silent alarm button to the police station and stepped away from her to divert attention.

"I'll get some bags," Thomas shakily offered.

He glanced out of the window and saw young Robert Jones watching carefully, not far from the window. 

The boy gave him a thumbs up and silently scurried away.

He must be playing truant again, thought Thomas distractedly.

                           --------------------------------------

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIREBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER 2...

STONES OF FIRE:
STONES OF FIRE



By Tessa Harvey




CHAPTER 2

...: STONES OF FIRE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER 2 The setting sun lit up the Lewis jewellers shop. The light fell on t...

STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER 2

The setting sun lit up the Lewis jewellers shop. The light fell on the jewels - opals, diamonds, sapphires, gold, silver - and they shone, glowed, sparkled and flashed multi-tiered fire. Mack and Jim were mesmerised.
 "Just a brick - that's all," murmured Jim. "In this town, everyone goes home early." "No," countered Mack. We can do it easy. There's a much better way," he chuckled nastily. "We just need an angel."

The sun set, shadows fell, the men walked away, the stones of fire were subdued and still.

A voice yelled "Robert Jones, come 'ere this minute. Tea's ready!"

A shadow detached itself from a shop doorway opposite. "Okay, keep yer 'air on!" Then louder, "Coming mum. Sorry." Detective Sergeant Robert Jones ran home for tea.


                             ------------------------------------------


Angel felt like dancing to her job at the jewellers. Her birthday had been lovely and soon there would be the wedding.

Some people were blocking her path. She glanced up, but the sun was in her eyes, so she moved to step past them. They also moved to the same side. This was silly. She moved the other way. They did too. This was getting to be like a strange sort of film.

"Hello Angel" said a man's voice. "Remember us?"

Angel looked, trying to see against the sun. "Look, I'm going to work."
"That's fine, Angel. We can come with you. Escort you if you like.

Angel was getting annoyed and a little afraid. She tried to storm determinedly past the men.

They allowed her to do that, then followed close behind.

Angel shrugged. She didn't have far to go.

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIREBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER ONE(Conti...

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER ONE(Conti...: STONES OF FIRE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER ONE (Continued) Gabe was chatting with Jason Lewis, Thomas' fathe...

STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER ONE

(Continued)

Gabe was chatting with Jason Lewis, Thomas' father. They had become more friendly over the years.

Chloe was happy to discuss her daughter's wedding with Jason's wife, Jean. They got on really well. Geoff was giving his daughter away.

They had originally thought of Gabe as best man, but Gabe had been a little nervous. His balance was sometimes not too reliable. Also he thought it may have been a little hard for Angel. He was aware that Angel had wanted to go out with him a few years ago. Gabe had discouraged her gently, feeling the age difference was a factor, also not sure how much the multiple sclerosis would affect him.

At present, he was very depressed and felt far away from God. He knew the old saying "If you feel far away from God, guess who moved?" but it was of little comfort. The depression had come and settled like mist on a mountain. No matter what he did or said, it seemed to be always there, darkening around him.

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIREBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER ONE(Contin...

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey
CHAPTER ONE(Contin...: STONES OF FIRE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER ONE (Continued) Maya skipped happily around ...

STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER ONE

(Continued)

Maya skipped happily around her mother. "My first wedding, mum!"

She had been asked to be the sole bridesmaid at Angel's wedding. Her dress was light pink, gaily festooned with lace and ribbons. Maya felt like a princess.

Her brother, Wes, was not so happy. He was to be ring-bearer and couldn't imagine anything worse. He ignored Maya, tapping his ipad with sticky fingers, jam toast crumbs smeared around his mouth. "Ring-bearer! Ring-bearer!" teased his sister. "Quiet!" he groaned. "Blah blah blah!" His mother laughed.

When he had been born, his face had been wrinkled with rage, fists clenched. "Storm," she had thought, but then would never have named him that.

Maya whispered something in Wes's ear. "Chocolate!" he breathed. "Really!"

If chocolate was his reward, he didn't mind this sissy stuff and turned back to his ipad.

The birthday celebrations were going well . There were balloons and streamers and adults and children gathered , chatting, playing.

Angel was having a lovely day. The cake was carried out to cries of "Ooh!" and "Agh."

Angel was banished until all the candles were lit, then ushered back in, smiling.

Everyone sang, then clapped and cheered.

A few games were organised for the children. The adults were happy to watch and clear away. Nothing marred the beautiful day.

                        -------------------------------------------------

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIREBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER ONE(C...

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIRE




By Tessa Harvey


CHAPTER ONE(C...: STONES OF FIRE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER ONE (Continued) Leaf bustled around her kitchen happily. Her given...

STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER ONE

(Continued)

Leaf bustled around her kitchen happily. Her given name was Phyllis, but she had been called Leaf or Phyll by her friends and family for a long time, partly because she loved to dress in reds, oranges, greens and brown "like leaves" her friend May had once giggled.

There was a sudden loud knocking on the door. Dropping her spatula, Leaf opened the door, hoping it wasn't the children playing tricks again. They sometimes leaned over the small porch roof linked to the wall next door and banged with a broom pretending someone was there!!

But when she opened the door, her smile faltered. The men waiting there were not the kind you wanted to greet very warmly.

"Hello madam. We are looking for a B&B. Can you recommend one anywhere? The older man leaned forward , peering around her into her home. The younger one just stared at her assessingly.

Leaf recovered her poise. She had just seen her husband Neville turn into the street before calling out to him rather louder than necessary, then giving the men details of accommodation.

Nev glanced at his wife, sized up the situation and frowned at the men as they sauntered cockily past. Just then her children came tearing home and she forgot the strange men until the middle of the night. She woke up briefly, thought of them unwittingly, murmured a prayer and went back to sleep, glad she did not live alone.    


                         -------------------------------------------------                         

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIREBy Tessa HarveyCHAPTER ONEAnge...

STONES OF FIRE: STONES OF FIRE
By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER ONE


Ange...: STONES OF FIRE By Tessa Harvey CHAPTER ONE Angel twirled in front of the mirror. She laughed happily. Twenty two years old ...

STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER ONE

Angel twirled in front of the mirror. She laughed happily. Twenty two years old tomorrow and joy of joys - married next week!!
Her dress was beautiful, exquisite, a lovely creamy lacy-sided white. The flowers were all  organised roses, soft pink and white. Angel breathed in. 'My cup runs over', she thought and then frowned. Where did that come from?

She dismissed the thought. her mother would be here today. All the way from her seaside home in the south. So exciting!

She thought of Thomas, her lovely husband-t0-be. Life could not get better!

Not far away, Thomas rose from his chair and walked around. "You are pacing, Thomas!" smiled his mother Jean. "Never mind. Married next week!"

Thomas sighed. He loved Angel, but he was nervous. What if he did this marriage thing all wrong? The doubts kept coming like unwelcome ants, crawling over his shoes.

Better get back to work, he thought. He worked for his father, Jason Lewis, one of the councillors. Unlike most places, the councillors had had a lot of power and control over the town of Paradise.

That had changed over the years as too many young people had been leaving for other towns and cities.

Jason loved his work as a jeweller - polishing, cutting, matching his wonderful stones to varied and intricate settings. He was too absorbed wondering how to celebrate Angel's birthday tomorrow to notice two strangers watching him across the street as he entered his father's shop. 

The doorbell rang cheerily and the men were gone before he had time to turn around and change the shop sign to OPEN.