Ark by K.B. Kofoed Page A

started. I think we should put some time between this weekend and our actually doing the reconstruction. Give it a bit more thought. Right?”
    John Wilcox nodded.
    “I’ve known Claire a long time,” added Jim. “She’s likely to talk.”
    “Then I guess we’ll just have to kill her,” said John.
    Jim looked at his host in shock. “What?” he said.
    “Joke,” said John, grinning broadly. “It was a joke. Relax, Jim.”

    #

    The ark project had acquired a momentum of its own, and Jim felt like he was being swept along with it toward an uncertain fate. Years of calling himself a Christian, yet never attending church, were weighing on him as he considered the project that had Gene hooked. He felt drained.
    John Wilcox noticed that Jim was quiet. “I’ll bet Aaron has some fresh juice,” he said, nudging his guest. “You look like you could use it, Jim. Did that bumpy road get to you? Don’t worry. I’m going to have it paved soon.”
    When they arrived Aaron was standing under a spruce tree near the door. He snuffed out a cigarette when the Rover pulled up and trotted over to the car to open the door for his boss. John stepped out and looked with disdain at the smoldering butt on the gravel at his feet. His eyes rose to meet his servant’s. “I thought we quit those,” John said.
    It was a brief, civilized exchange, and Aaron didn’t cower before his boss as one might expect, but it made an impression on Jim. Did he really want to answer to this man? Did he really want to get involved at all? He remembered Dan Slater and decided that perhaps some discussion with his former roomie might clarify things.
    John invited Jim and Gene into his living room. With the dappled light shining in through the large windows, shaded by the trees outside, Jim felt like he was in a mountain cabin. The effect was enhanced by the view of the canyon beyond the pines in the distance. John Wilcox touched a wall switch and soft track lighting came on, making the room seem less gloomy. Jim settled into the sofa and stared at the view. Kas and Claire, carrying drinks, soon joined the men.
    “Drinking already?” asked Jim.
    “Screw off, Jim. I’m on vacation,” said Kas defensively.
    “Ease up, pooks,” said Jim. “It’s okay. I wouldn’t mind one of them myself. A drink would do me some good.”
    Aaron handed Jim a drink of his own. “I assume you wanted a vodka collins like your wife.”
    “Suits me. Thanks,” said Jim, taking a large gulp.
    Claire sat down across from Jim and the room became quiet for a moment. She looked up and cleared her throat, as if she wanted to say something. Shyly, her eyes moved from person to person and ended up focused on Lou. “I …,” she began. She closed her mouth and slumped back in her chair. “Nothing important,” she said. “Never mind.”
    “What?” asked John Wilcox. “I’m interested in everyone’s opinions here. Feel free, Claire. Speak up, if you want to.”
    Claire seemed emboldened. She sat up straight again. “I’m sorry, but I just don’t get all this. I mean, what the hell are you guys doing? What’s the point?”
    Gene raised an eyebrow. “I thought we’d been all through this, Claire. What’s wrong with a little scientific inquiry? Why is that so hard to understand?”
    “Well, Gene, for one thing none of you are scientists, or Biblical scholars, or clergy,” said Lou, defending his wife. “I think Claire’s question is reasonable.”
    “I’m in it out of curiosity,” said Wilcox, seemingly unperturbed. “This thing, the ark, has never been proven to be a physical object with destructive power, as the Bible states. I think it’s exciting to think that we might be the ones to prove its true potential.”
    “Prove what?” said Claire. “Who’s going to take you seriously? The story’s been around for over a thousand years. Mainstream science hasn’t looked into it by now. Why not? There’s nothing to prevent it. But they haven’t. Nor