Diplomacy of the Heart

By Mel Gough

This is a short story - Liberia, 2003 - The civil war is closing in on the hospital where aid worker Finn and his colleagues are continuing to give people the best care they can. One day, Carter Abbott arrives, on a diplomatic mission he can't talk about. While he waits for his assignment to start, Carter pitches in at the hospital, and Liam can't help being drawn to this gorgeous man and his kind spirit. But between a war, and a dangerous diplomatic mission, love can quickly become an unachievable goal.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mel Gough
• Release date: Aug 23, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463940211

Mel Gough

Mel was born in Germany, where she spent the first twenty-six years of her life (with a one-year stint in Los Angeles). She has always been fascinated by cultures and human interaction, and got a Masters in Social Anthropology. After finishing university she moved to London, where she has now lived for ten years. If you were to ask her parents what Mel enjoyed the most since the age of six, they would undoubtedly say “Reading!” She would take fifteen books on a three-week beach holiday, and then read all her mom’s books once she’d devoured her own midway through week two. Back home in her mom’s attic there’s a box full of journals with stories Mel wrote when she was in her early teens. None of the stories are finished, or any good. She has told herself bedtime stories as far back as she can remember. In her day job, Mel works as PA and office manager. No other city is quite like London, and Mel loves her city. The hustle and bustle still amaze and thrill her even after all these years. When not reading, writing or going to the theater, Mel spends her time with her long-time boyfriend, discussing science or poking fun at each other.

Book preview

Liberia, Montserrado province, July 2003

The first time he meets Carter, Finn has his arm inside a cow. He hasn’t noticed the stranger approach; his back is to the gate that leads from the hospital courtyard onto the unpaved country road. Hope Clinic gets folk from all over the country and many foreigners passing through, though his tailored clothes make this guy stand out right away. He’s carrying a small carryall, and a creased suit jacket is hanging over his arm.

The slightly queasy look on the stranger’s lean, strong-jawed face makes Finn laugh.

You a vet by any chance? he teases, squinting up from his crouched position at the figure towering high above him.

Uh, no… The stranger arches his elegant, dark brows. His unusual charcoal-grey eyes flick to Finn, then back to the cow, who is now writhing in the last throes of her labour pains. I…err…I’m looking for Hospital Administration? His accent is smooth and clipped. Finn isn’t an expert, but he’s guessing US East Coast. The guy sounds kind of posh, too.

Finn nods towards the three-story, tired-looking brick hospital building with the rusty tin roof. Up there, those stairs... Uh, hang on... He’s distracted by the cow suddenly going limp with exhaustion, and pats her behind sharply with his free hand, trying to get her to shift. Then he says in the direction of the curious kids clustering behind him, Benny, will you show the gentleman?

A wiry boy of about eight jumps to his feet. He looks briefly disappointed to be missing the finale of the birthing spectacle, but motions at the stranger to follow him. The man wrenches his gaze from the trembling ruminant and slowly sets off across the sun-drenched courtyard with Benny, who shifts his attention fully to the man and starts peppering him with questions.

Finn’s attention is drawn back to the task at hand as the cow bellows in distress. With a gush of amniotic fluid, the calf slips out, soaking Finn’s knees and trouser legs. He sighs, withdraws his arm and gets to his feet as the animal begins to right herself.

Otto, another boy in Finn’s spellbound audience, is still staring after the stranger.