As the night grew darker, Jack stood looking over the guard rail toward the old power plant. Long ago the site was a burial ground for Native American tribes, then a battleground. The hill on which the power plant sat was sacred ground.
"Sacrum Terram," Jack murmured as he watched each one enter the building. "I do hope they will trust one another."
After a moment he heard someone behind him clear his throat. He turned his attention to the young man who stood on the other side of pool. The warm mist blurred the edges of his profile.
"Hello, Elwood, I was hoping you'd come up and enjoy the view and the waters. The plants are exceptional. They were recommended by a resident here at the Foxberry. Rose, do you know Rose?"
Jack smiled and Elwood, still a bit bewildered how he ended-up on the rooftop pool deck, nodded. He, in fact, had met her. "Yes. Yes. She's very nice."
"Yes." Jack paused then walk over to a table and picked up the box.
"I am sure you are familiar with this style of box." Elwood walk around the pool deck and smiled.
"Why, yes. It's a sakake-bako box."
Jack smiled at Elwood's response. "Of course." He paused then looked at Elwood. "There are so many questions that are, well, infesting our town. Perhaps you can find some answers for us. This box was delivered today by Bea. You know Bea, our mail person?"
"Yes, she's very helpful." Elwood looked at the box. It was an old one. Not the cheap, tourist-brand. He looked up at Jack.
"Yes, perhaps, Mr. Stars. Maybe I can help."
"This cat has turned me into a criminal, although now that I'm thinking about it Stars probably shares some of the blame. Socks and Stars. They're probably in cahoots. When I set out this morning all I intended to find was something new to complain about for a change. Hell, if this had happened a month ago, I wouldn't have gone at all, I would've taken those tickets, slipped under my door with a note saying "And one for your cat - Jack Stars"..."
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