Jonathon Wart and the Risk Factor

  Emma sighed. “One intelligent financial risk every month, Jonathon. And Mr. Thumbs is going to be hanging around to make sure you do. Look, you’re a smart kid but I know that you’re not naturally a risk-taker, so that part’s going to be a challenge. Just don’t give up before you start. The reason that your uncle didn’t will all that money to Felicia was that he knew she would never take risks with it because she would be so afraid of losing it. She would just spend as much of it as she could on various luxuries and toys and then sit on the rest.”

  “But Uncle Wart barely knew me,” protested Jonathon. “Lizzie and I have only lived here a few months. How did he know that I’d be willing to take risks?”

  “I don’t know, Jonathan. I guess he was just hoping for the best. But look…you’re not alone here. I’m here. Mr. Thumbs is here. He’ll give you financial advice and I’ll help with everything else. Besides you’ve got your little sister.”

  “Lizzie’s going to help me? You’ve got to be kidding.”

  “OK, maybe not ‘help’ in the normal sense of the term but…”

  “Lizzie is the black hole of my universe, Emma. I can’t even talk to her.”

  “Well, she’s your sister and you’ve got to try. Besides, I hear that she’s gotten a great gift for you for your birthday next week.

  Jonathon sighed. “I’ll believe that when I see it.”

  Chapter 3: The Plot Thickens

  Felicia signaled for Mr. Thumbs to follow her into the study. “This’ll be a good time to meet,” she told him as she frizzled her already curly blond hair with her forefinger. “Jonathon’s not around anywhere and that pesky Emma is off shopping.”

  “How about the sister?” asked the bald-headed, somewhat portly Mr. Thumbs, whipping his head from side to side as if he expected someone to be hiding nearby.

  “No,” said Felicia. “She’s never around. That’s the thing I like best about her.”

  “Well, Felicia,” said Mr. Thumbs with a smile. “No one’s every accused you of being overly warm and fuzzy.”

  “And why should I be?” demanded Felicia. “That upstart boy has been handed my money—the fortune that should have gone to me—just like that. What did he do to earn it? Nothing!”

  “True, Felicia my dear,” replied Mr. Thumbs, “but not to put too fine a point on it, you’ve never done anything to earn it either.”

  “Now that’s terribly untrue,” said Alicia, trying to look hurt but failing miserably. “When my father was alive, I did everything I could to keep up his spirits.”

  “Well, you did spend a lot of his money.”

  “Exactly. There was nothing my Daddy wanted more than to keep me happy. So by spending his money, I was keeping myself happy. Everybody wins!”

  Mr. Thumb slipped into the most comfortable armchair in the room. “I’m afraid old Dad didn’t see it that way. He saw you as lacking in initiative. For some reason, he saw this kid Jonathon as someone who could better carry on the family’s tradition.”

  “Well,” said Felicia, a sly smile spreading over her face. “We’ll see about that. With your help, Mr. Thumbs, we can get that money away from little Jonathon in record time. He’ll never be able to take ‘intelligent risks,’ especially with you always giving him bad advice. And when he fails, Dad’s fortune will come to me. That’s in the will, right?”

  “Indeed it is, Felicia. If Jonathon fails to uphold the family tradition of intelligent risk-taking, then the money goes to you,” said Mr. Thumbs. “And I assume the rest of our agreement will then go into effect?”

  “Absolutely, Thumbsy. You help me get the child wonder disqualified and you and I split the loot—right down the middle.”

  “Felicia,” said Mr. Thumbs with an oily smile, “I like the way you think.”

  Chapter 4: Happy Birthday to You!

  “Well, I suppose I’ve had worse birthdays,” said Jonathon, lifting a forkful of chocolate birthday cake to his mouth.

  “Of course you have,” Emma said cheerfully. “I mean, nobody ever has a really happy thirteenth birthday. It’s almost unconstitutional.”

  “At least you’re rich now!” Lizzie chimed in between gulps of lemonade.

  “Hey, Cassie!” she bellowed enthusiastically to her friend sitting across the table from her. “Have some more cake. Jonathon doesn’t even really like it.”

  “What!” exclaimed the freckle-faced Cassie. She gaped at Jonathon. “You don’t even like your own birthday cake? You were right, Lizzie. Your brother is weird.”

  Jonathan sighed. “And I’m very happy to see you, too, Cassie. Any friend of my sister’s has got to be…”

  “And how do you like your present from Lizzie,” Emma interrupted quickly. “It’s not every thirteen-year old who has a yearly subscription to The Maggot Monthly.

  Jonathon sighed. “Well, maggots are more Lizzie’s thing really. I can only take so many pictures of …”

  “That’s gratitude for you,” Lizzie piped up indignantly. “I work my fingers to the bone, I…”

  “You got an advance on your allowance from Emma to buy yourself a magazine subscription,” replied Jonathon coolly.

  “What a horrible thing to say! I completely resent that!” Lizzie blustered.

  “Now kids,” interjected Emma. “This is a big day. Let’s all be upbeat.”

  “What’s so big about turning thirteen?” asked Cassie.

  Emma smiled and looked proudly at Jonathon. “In this case, it means that today Jonathon takes control of his uncle’s fortune.”

  “At least until he blows it,” snapped Lizzie.

  “I’m sure that won’t happen,” Emma said quietly. “I’m sure Jonathon has great plans for the future. Right, Jonathon?”

  “As a matter of fact, I do” said Jonathon, placing his fork on the plate and clearing his throat slightly. “I even know what my first risky business venture is going to be.”

  “Really?” asked Emma, her face brightening. “So what’s the big plan?”

  “A diamond mine,” said Jonathon, reaching down for a folder of papers. “In South Africa, in the Kingdom of Lesotho. We’re going to buy it.”

  “A diamond mine?” Lizzie exclaimed dramatically. “Is that a joke? I thought that was sort of like buying the Brooklyn Bridge.”

  “Wow,” said Emma breathlessly. “That certainly falls into the risky category.”

  “Well…yes and no.” Jonathon said casually. “I’ve been doing quite a bit of research on this. The mine I’m looking at was once extremely productive. It produced some huge diamonds several years ago.”

  “But won’t that be incredibly expensive?” asked Emma, beginning to drum her fingers nervously on a nearby table. “I mean, diamond mines cost millions, don’t they?”

  “Sometimes,” replied Jonathon, “but I’m pretty sure I can get this one very cheap.”

  Lizzie snickered. “If it’s that cheap, it’s probably because it’s worthless.”

  “No,” said Jonathon calmly. “There’s a reason for this mine being so cheap, but it’s not a good one. Here, Emma, take a look at these.” Jonathan handed Emma the folder of papers and photographs.

  Emma flipped quickly through the photos. “It’s a diamond mine all right. Either that or a hole in the ground.”

  “Actually,” said Jonathon, pointing to one of the photographs, “it’s both. But that’s not why it’s cheap. It’s cheap because there’s a curse on it.”

  “A curse?” said Emma, raising her eyebrows.

  “A curse?” echoed Lizzie, her eyes lighting up.

  “Things are finally getting interesting!” said Cassie, dropping her fork loudly on her plate.

  “Let me explain,” said Jonathon. “I can get this mine at a bargain basement price because years ago the local mineworkers became convinced that the mine was cursed. The owners couldn’t find anyone to work it, so they had to close the mine.”

  “Why did the workers think it was cursed?” asked Lizzie.

  ?
??Because a number of workers disappeared mysteriously while on the job,” said Jonathon. “One minute they were there and then— poof! They were gone. Or at least so the legends say.”

  “Listen, Jonathon…are you sure this is something you want to…” began Emma.

  “Yes, Emma, I’m sure of it. I’ve already begun negotiations with the owners. I can get the mine for a few thousand dollars and I’ll bet anything we’ll be able to squeeze enough diamonds out of it to make a profit.”

  “Really?” said Emma doubtfully. “And what does our dear Mr. Thumbs think about this investment?”

  “He’s dead set against it. Said it would never pay off. That’s one reason why I’ve decided to go for it.”

  “Because he’s against it?” asked Emma.

  “That’s right. You know he doesn’t want me to succeed, Emma,” said Jonathon.

  Lizzie gasped. “So you’re really doing this! I can’t believe it.”

  “I’ve already got the tickets,” said Jonathon, a big smile crossing his face. “We leave for the Kingdom of Lesotho in South Africa tomorrow morning.”

  “All of us?” asked Emma, dropping the folder to the table.

  “All three of us. I’ve even got a ticket for you, Lizzie, and passports for everybody. So start packing. The fun starts tomorrow!”

  Chapter 5: Problems Ahead

  “I can’t believe that stupid kid,” sneered Felicia between stuffing handfuls of pretzels into her mouth. “He’s going to buy a diamond mine?”

  “Needless to say,” Mr. Thumbs said pompously, “I advised against it.”

  “But isn’t that just crazy?” asked Felicia.

  “He said he wanted to get off and running with this risk business,” said Mr. Thumbs. “I told him it was one of the dumbest things I’d ever heard of.”

  “And that didn’t stop him?”

  “Seemed to make him more enthusiastic about the idea.”

  Felicia seemed puzzled. “Is this a good thing for us, or a bad thing?”

  Mr. Thumbs relaxed into his easy chair, putting his hands behind his head. “It’s a very good thing, Felicia, because it’s sure to fail. He’ll be spending money on a worthless hole in the ground…one that I advised him against buying. And that’ll be the first strike against him.”

  “That’s right!” exclaimed Felicia, clapping her hands together joyfully. “The more stupid things he does, the sooner we’ll be able to take the control of those millions away from him!”

  “No doubt about it,” said Thumbs, smirking broadly. “A couple of more huge mistakes like this one and— bong! I go before a judge and have you declared the rightful executor of Dad’s billions.”

  Felicia’s face suddenly turned sour. “But what if something goes wrong in South Africa?”

  “What could possibly go wrong? It’s surely a worthless mine. Jonathon will be spending thousands of dollars to buy a useless hole in the ground.”

  “But what if…”

  “Listen, Felicia. Just put your mind at ease. I’ll make sure that nothing goes wrong.”

  “But how?”

  “They don’t know it yet, but I’ll be watching every step they take. I’m booked for the same flight they are.”

  Chapter 6: The Adventure Begins

  “I don’t know about you, but I’m nervous,” said Lizzie, chewing her fingernails furiously as she used her other hand to tug at her large suitcase.

  Jonathon looked around. “Where did Emma go?”

  Lizzie moaned. “We’re lost already! We’re not even on the plane and we’re lost already!”

  “Lizzie, we’re ten feet from the entrance. We’re barely in the airport. How can we be lost?”

  “We’re lost because Emma’s gone and you don’t know where she went. We’re already doomed. I told that this diamond mine was a horrible idea.”

  “Oh, wait! I remember,” said Jonathon, brightening visably. “Emma’s going to check which counter we have to report to…you know, to check our luggage.”

  “Somebody call my name?” said Emma perkily, advancing quickly toward them. “Well, here I am. Just follow me now. I know right where we’re supposed to go. Stay close.”

  Within minutes, Emma, Jonathon and Lizzie were waiting in line to go through the security screening.

  “Now, kids,” said Emma warily, “did you double check your carry-ons and your pockets to make sure there’s nothing that will set off the buzzer when we go through this thing?”

  “Of course, Emma,” said Jonathon. “We’re not children…we’re…”

  Just then a bell began to ring furiously as Lizzie stepped into the security gates.

  “Good grief, Lizzie! Whatever did you leave in your pockets?” demanded Emma.

  Lizzie shrugged. “Nothing! Not a thing! There’s absolutely nothing in my pockets.”

  “Will you please check?” asked Emma plaintively.

  Meanwhile, a uniformed security guard had stepped forward and placed her hand on Lizzie’s shoulder. “We’re going to have to do a pat-down, young lady. If you’ll step this way, please.”

  As Lizzie protested her innocence, two security guards gently escorted her over to the side and started searching her clothing. Seconds later, one of them pulled out a small metallic box from Lizzie’s pocket. She quickly turned to her associate and sputtered, “We’ve got a 12-42 here. And I think it’s serious.”

  At that, the other security guard grabbed Lizzie and pinned her arms behind her. Emma immediately stepped forward to help Lizzie, but a third security guard held her back. “We’ll take care of this, miss,” he said sternly.

  Within seconds, Lizzie was hustled off to a small room off to the side with both Lizzie and Emma protesting loudly. “What’s going on?” demanded Emma. “She’s done nothing wrong! She’s just a kid!”

  But it was no use. Lizzie and the guards disappeared into the small room, leaving Emma sputtering indignantly about human rights and police brutality.

  Jonathan, the slightest of smiles on his face, put his arm on Emma’s shoulder to comfort her. “Oh, I’m sure it’s nothing. They’ll have her back in a minute or two.”

  And they did. One of the guards escorted Lizzie back to the security line mumbling something under his breath. Lizzie looked unusually sheepish.

  “I guess I did have something in my pockets,” she said quietly.

  “What on earth was it that could have caused such an uproar?” asked Emma, her eyes wide with amazement.

  “Oh, it was nothing much,” replied Lizzie casually.

  “‘Nothing much’ almost just started World War III,” said Jonathon, a smile beginning to spread over his face.

  “What was it? Show me!” demanded Emma.

  “I can’t. The security office took them. They were just playing cards.”

  “Playing cards?” asked Emma, her eyes narrowing.

  “Yeah. My magnetic playing cards.”

  “Magnetic playing cards?” Emma began to shake her head. “I have never heard of such a thing.”

  “Oh sure,” Lizzie answered brightly. “They’re great. You know how people are always dropping cards all over the place and…”

  Jonathon was now smiling broadly. “But your magnetic cards always stick together so none of them ever get lost, right Lizzie?”

  “Of course,” replied Lizzie airily. “One of my best eBay purchases ever. I thought I’d play some solitaire on the plane.”

  Emma sighed deeply. “And it never occurred to you that metallic playing cards might just set off a metal detector at an airport?”

  Lizzie shrugged. “They’re just playing cards. How could playing cards ever hurt anyone?”

  Emma just shook her head. “OK, I guess travel trauma number one is now officially over. But now we’ve got to hurry. The plane leaves in just five minutes.”

  ***

  “We may be experiencing a little turbulence for a while, so please make sure you’re buckled in,” came the voice from the speakers.

>   “I wish he wouldn’t say that,” moaned Emma, a miserable look on her face.

  “I think the captain’s just trying to be helpful,” said Jonathan, stiffening a little in his seat.

  “Yes, I know,” said Emma, “but it’s the worst thing about flying. My stomach starts doing flips as soon as they start talking about turbulence. Then, when it really comes, it just gets worse.”

  “I think it’s fun!” Lizzie announced happily. “I’ve never been on a plane before. It’s just like a roller coaster ride.”

  “Oh, don’t say that,” pleaded Emma. “I hate roller coasters!”

  “I love them,” squealed Lizzie. “And this is almost as much fun.” She bounced happily up and down in her seat as the plane shuddered slightly.

  “Try not to think about it,” suggested Jonathan, patting Emma on the shoulder gently.

  “And what else am I supposed to be thinking about?” asked Emma, her face turning a little greener.

  “The diamond mine of course,” Jonathan replied calmly.

  “Yes!” exclaimed Lizzie. “Tell us how diamonds grow!”

  “Oh, Lizzie! As your tutor, I can only pretend that I didn’t hear that,” said Emma.

  “I know they don’t grow on trees, silly,” said Lizzie. “They grow in the ground, right?”

  “Absolutely,” said Jonathan. “A diamond results when carbon is exposed to incredible heat and pressure deep in the earth for millions of years. That’s why they’re considered precious. You’ve got to wait a long time for a diamond to form and the circumstances have to be just right.”

  “So how do you get them out of the earth?” asked Lizzie.

  “Usually they’re brought up through volcanic activity. Sometimes they hitch a ride to the surface on volcanic magma,” explained Jonathon.

  “You mean that you can pick them up right off the ground?” said Lizzie.

  “Well, that doesn’t happen very often. Not anymore. Usually you have to dig them out by creating a huge pit. Sometimes you can just tunnel into the natural volcanic pipes that bring up the magma. But our diamond mine—the one in the Kingdom of Lesotho that we’re going to buy—that’s one of the pit mines.