Free Ark by K.B. Kofoed Page A

from his work.
    John Wilcox helped himself to coffee and sat down next to Lou, opposite Gene.
    Jim was still thinking about the bulb in the ark. Some people would call it a desecration, and in a way he was inclined to agree. Still, it seemed silly to raise any objections, since the ark was such a mystery. All he would probably accomplish would be to piss off his host. And, in the dark, the light that shone from the ark did add realism to the scene.
    “So, Jim,” said John. “Tell me what you think of the model. Any thoughts?”
    Aaron started placing plates on the table. He looked at Jim knowingly and smiled.
    “I have to compliment you on the model work and the excellent and faithful interpretation of my drawings,” said Jim, winking at Aaron.
    “Aaron made the ark and all the furniture in the tabernacle,” said John. “He’s a jeweler, you know, and volunteered his work.”
    “You did a fine job, Aaron,” said Jim.
    Jim was about to comment further on Aaron’s handiwork when Kas and Claire entered the kitchen wrapped in luxurious robes.
    John rose to greet them. “Please, help yourself,” he said. “How’s the jacuzzi? Warm enough?
    “Perfect,” said Claire as she sat down. “You should try it, Lou.”
    Lou nodded and smiled as he reached for more bacon. “Maybe later.”
    “Anything to add? Anything bother you about the models, Jim?” asked John.
    “Maybe the special effects are superfluous. Like the bulb in the ark. Not really necessary, if you don’t mind my saying so. But it does add some realism to it.”
    John smiled broadly. “Not at all, Jim,” he said. “It was my idea to put the light in it. You know, to give it some authenticity and to give an idea of what it might have looked like.”
    Jim thought for a moment. “Well, a puritan might object to the bulb,” he said carefully, “but, since no one really knows what the thing looked like, it’s a moot point. It was interesting to see what happened to the smoke when the tent was around the ark. To me it underscores the necessity to have nothing over the ark, as the Bible says.”
    “What if it rained?” asked Kas. “Wouldn’t the priests get wet?”
    “Did it rain?” asked Claire. “I thought they were in a desert.”
    “It must have rained at some time,” offered Kas. “They were marching around with it for 40 years.”
    “The priests only went into the tabernacle,” injected Gene. “They never entered the place where the ark was kept, except to place it there. It was called the Holy of Holies and was separated from the rest of the tabernacle by a curtain. Perhaps we should have the tent cover only the part where the priest went.”
    Lou looked up from his plate. “And let it rain on the ark?” he said. “Kinda rude, don’t you think?”
    “Not if it’s the will of God,” said Jim. “If that’s the way He wants it...”
    “Okay,” said John Wilcox. “Let’s ignore that detail for a while. Anything else bother you, Jim?”
    “Not really,” Jim replied, sipping his coffee thoughtfully.
    “Then you’d say we did a good job following your drawings?”
    “Definitely,”
    “That’s great,” said John, beaming like a child on Christmas morning.
    “Of course I didn’t take a tape measure to it, but it looks like you got all the proportions correct. Still, I ought to check the model if it’s going to be used as a guide for the builders.”
    Wilcox seemed to wince. “Okay, Jim,” he said, “but if there’s to be changes we should do it soon. I’m eager to start the actual construction.”
    “Then you’ve ordered the gold?” Gene said, looking surprised.
    “Not exactly,” said John. “What I have in mind is borrowing the gold, then giving it back when we’ve done the experiment. My accountant thinks I should borrow it and insure it. That way if anything happens I’m not out all that money.”
    “How much gold are we talking about?” asked Lou.
    “Well,” said Jim. “It’s tallied in the