During the first day’s work we removed most of the rubble that wedged the large boulders in place. By midafternoon it was clear the admiral was pushing the edge of his physical limits. Frank called a halt to work for the day and paid the laborers, securing promises they would return tomorrow. Given that he had paid at least double the normal day-rate, their return was all but assured.
“Ugh,” Chris said. “I suppose we have to haul the chains, cables and tools back to the monastery.”
Captain Croitoru said, “No, that won’t be necessary.” When he whistled the two MPs emerged from a truck parked on the other side of the creek.
Admiral Cortell shot the captain a questioning look, “What’s this all about?”
“Admiral,” Croitoru began seriously, “I am sure we can trust our workers. But they are g
