Hearing her call from the house, Mac hurriedly puffed the remaining cigarette. He had the impression it was best to not piss this one off. Again, he wondered, how did I get myself into this? Of all the places in this giant country, I end up with the Beverly Hillbillies, before they got rich! And without Ellie Mae. He always had a thing for the buxom blond. Any buxom blond, really. Hell, she didn't even have to be blond.<br/><br/>Sensing the patience inside Sukey could snap at any moment, the minister snuffed the butt and entered the door, muttering a silent prayer. Please Lord, he begged, keep an eye out for me here.<br/><br/>Walking slowly into the den, Mac felt 'the condemned man' in every one of this 180 pounds. He could hear Sukey speaking, could even comprehend her probing words, but suddenly the surreal events of the day were closing in on him rapidly. It took nearly all his will to guide each step to a seat, where his body seemed to fall like a sack of potatoes. Again that weird feeling deep inside was present, as if something was trying to get his attention.<br/><br/>Clearing his throat, Mac decided to be as truthful as he could possibly be. "Well, to be honest, I didn't start life with the 'Call of God', as you may have guessed. No, for me it came far later." That was true. It came in a the form of two federal agents who basically handed him a folder with his new identity and life. He was able to, for some reason, keep his name. Mac was furious at first, knowing the agents were totally messing with him.<br/><br/>"I am certified and official in my position as minister. I achieved my title and learning at the 'Brooklyn Theological Seminary'. Back at the church, my papers are all framed in the office. You can even call them if you want. Father Antonio Marciano is the headmaster and can answer any questions." Including the fact that Mac still owes him fifty bucks from their last poker game.<br/><br/>Leaning forward, Mac levelled even more with his interrogator, after draining his glass. "Thank you for the water. Yes, I did have a hangover this morning. To that, I have two things to say. First, it's not against the 'rules' for me to drink. Did I indulge a bit too highly? Yes. But I also decided this morning, I'm through with drinking. Not because of you or.. that.. umm Clara.. or Dukey. Myself. In a manner of speaking, I had a moment of clarity that I can't help but feel was from God himself. And if that sounds crazy.. does it sound crazier than what I have seen and experienced today? I would say no."<br/><br/>With that, the minister leaned back, unable to read Sukey's face. With a deep sigh, feeling a wave of worry flood him like a swarm of<em>vampiric</em>wasps, he waited.