Free The Fall and Rise of Kade Hart: A Hart Brothers Novel by A.M. Hargrove Page A

the
convent. We don’t even have a computer. They have them at the
school and Father Anthony has one, but his secretary handles
everything. However, I use my skills at the Animal Shelter. And
then I volunteer at the Children’s Home and I put them to good use
there. So they’re not completely wasted. But I have to be careful
that I don’t let my volunteering get in the way of Sister Helena’s
requirements.”
    “I think I’m frustrated for you. And what’s
this bit about no cell phone?”
    “I don’t have the money for one.”
    “Don’t you earn any money at all?”
    “Yes, a little bit, but it goes back to the
convent for my room and board.”
    I notice how she fidgets so I press on.
    “I can help if you’re short on money. At
least it would give me peace of mind.”
    “No! I won’t take your money. And please
don’t worry. I’m fine.”
    It’s so odd that she’s this resistant to a
damn phone. It’s not like I’m asking her to put a tracking device
on. Then an idea, bright as a light bulb, pops up in my head.
    “Does Father Anthony know you walk around
like this, without a phone?”
    She shrugs. “I don’t know. I don’t speak to
him of these things.”
    “I’m going to talk to him about this. In
this day and age, it’s simply unsafe.”
    “Fine, but Sister Helena won’t be happy. Now
can we change the subject because you’re beating the proverbial
dead horse?”
    It’s my turn to laugh. “Right. Want to watch
a movie then?”
    “Sure. What did you have in mind?”
    “My brothers and I are addicted to the old
Star Wars Trilogy. You up for that?”
    “Sounds good to me. I love Star Wars. I’m a
sci-fi fan. I’ve always fancied that aliens exist anyway.”
    “Seriously?”
    “Why not? It’s a possibility.”
    “I suppose. I guess it’s rather small minded
of humans to think we are the only intelligent life out here in
this vast universe. But doesn’t that go against all Bible
teachings?”
    She takes her lower lip into her mouth and
her upper teeth perch on it, much like a rabbit’s would. I’m
beginning to realize it’s a trademark habit of hers when she’s deep
in thought.
    “I’ll admit I’m a bit conflicted on this
subject. I believe in the scientific theory of evolution. But don’t
tell Sister Helena,” she whispers.
    Her remark makes me laugh. “I already told
you I’m an excellent keeper of confidences. You know I must be if
I’m an NA counselor.”
    She has a puzzled look on her face.
Translation: her mouth is all screwed up. That’s another habit of
hers that I’ve identified. She’s not that difficult to read.
    “Remember? NA stands for Narcotics
Anonymous. Most people tell me tons of things they don’t tell
anyone else. I don’t share those things with anyone.”
    “Right. You’re kind of like Father Anthony
in the confessional.”
    “In a matter of speaking. But I’m not
qualified to give absolution. I guess that’s what he does,
right?”
    “Yes, he does. He acts as God’s
representative in the confessional and forgives sinners for their
transgressions.”
    “Yeah, I don’t do that. But what I am
qualified to do is to make the drug addict understand the path to
recovery. We don’t look at addiction as a sin, though Father
Anthony and Sister Helena probably do. We look at it as a weakness,
as a means to cope. Not the proper means, mind you. But most people
are ill equipped to understand how to handle their problems, and
some get caught up in drugs without understanding the consequences.
Like teens for instance. Most of them haven’t a clue how addicting
heroin is. They think that, oh, they’ll smoke it up a time or two
and that’ll be it. It just isn’t that simple or easy to walk away
from.”
    What she does next is completely unexpected.
She comes up to me and wraps her arms around my waist and hugs me
tightly. This rarely happens, so it takes me by surprise.
    “You’re a special man, Kade. The world needs
more people like you.” She