Chapter 5 - Page 56 - Building A Village

   Jim looked back to the young black man and thanked him. He placed the equivalent of twenty dollars in the man’s hand. The young man thanked him as he stuffed the money into his pocket and went back to work.

   Jim and Jackie walked to Jackie’s car, and Jackie slipped into the driver’s seat as Jim went into the trailer to get some money. Moments later they were turning right onto the main road.

   Little did Jim know that the lumber company was seventy-five miles away. When he found out how far it was, he stuffed money into Jackie’s shirt pocket to cover gas.

He hoped Jackie wouldn’t argue, but Jackie said, “Jim, I’m not going to take that,” and dropped the money into Jim’s lap.

   “Jackie, I’m a wealthy man, so let me give you something to show my appreciation.”

   “If I can’t help a friend without getting paid for it, what kind of a friend would I be?” Jackie countered.

   “I’m using your gas and I want to pay you for your time and trouble.”

   “Look at it this way, Jim,” Jackie argued. “I well overcharged you for your land and made my client a wealthy man.”

   Jim laughed. “Jackie, you got me a good deal on that land and you know it.”

   Jackie laughed too. “Yes, Jim, I got you a good deal on the land, and now I want to take my friend to buy a car.”