Page 53

Bed Of Leaves
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Chapter 5 - Page 53 - Building A Village

   “Jackie, I’m glad you asked. I need a good friend, one that would also find pleasure in helping people.”

   They continued toward church without any problems, even though Jackie’s car sounded like it was going to blow up.

   “Jackie,” Jim asked after a few minutes, “are you busy tomorrow?”

   “Not really. I thought I would come out to see all the work going on.” “I’d like that. While you’re here, could you take me to buy a car?”

   “Sure, that wouldn’t be a problem.”

   “Good,” Jim said. “And after I buy a car, we can put your car in the shop. You can drive my car until you get yours fixed.”

   Jackie nodded. “I have the commission I made from selling you the land.”

   “No Jackie,” Jim insisted, “let me pay for it.”

   Just as Jackie was getting ready to argue with Jim, his car backfired and smoke rolled out from under the hood. The motor began knocking and suddenly locked up. Jim and Jackie immediately heard the now-familiar humming sound. It progressed from soft to loud, then began to pulsate before fading away a few seconds later. The sky became dim, and everything seemed to go into slow motion. Sparks began popping all around the car, like sparklers on the Fourth of July. Blue lights trailed outward from each spark. They trailed from the hood of the car and along the sides. The car was vibrating all over.

   Jackie pressed on the brake to stop the car. His brakes worked in slow motion. The car finally came to a stop. Jackie and Jim jumped out of the car. The fireworks around the car

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