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     The next morning there's a knock on the door.  It's Saturday so we don't have to go to school.  Paula answers the door and there's this skinny man in tan pants and a white shirt standing there with a salesman smile.  He has a jacket slung over his shoulder.

     "Hello," he says.  "My name's Christopher Sherrod.  Is this the Kendall residence?"

     "Uh, yes.  What do you want?"

     "To help.  May I speak with a Cora Lubbock, please?"

     "I guess."  Paula opens the door enough for him to step inside and he doesn't waste any time.  I'm sitting on the stairs watching him.  He nods and smiles at me while Paula goes to get Aunt Cora.  There's something wrong with him.  He looks okay, it's just something I feel about him.  I don't know what it is.

     Aunt Cora comes in and Sherrod tells her his name and hands her a card.  She glances at it and drops it on the floor.  She never did like salesmen.  I look at the card.  It says in fancy letters:

CHRISTOPHER SHERROD

PARANORMAL INVESTIGATOR

555-2873

     "What is this?" Aunt Cora asks.

     "I sensed that you could use my services."

     "I don't understand."

     "There are restless spirits in the world, Ms. Lubbock, and it seems that a particularly violent one resides here."

     "Mr. Sherrod--"

     "Chris."

     Aunt Cora takes a deep breath and puts on her tired voice.  "Mr. Sherrod, I don't believe in the supernatural."

     "Neither do I."  He isn't smiling now.

     "So what is this 'Paranormal Investigator' garbage?  I thought Oral Roberts was a con artist, but you, sir, take the prize.  If you'll kindly depart, I can get back to my cooking."

     Sherrod half smiles.  "It smells good, Ms. Lubbock.  However, I don't believe I mentioned a fee."

     "Ah, but you were getting to it."  She reaches for the doorknob.

     "I don't charge for my services," he says.  "I have all the money I need.  If you change your mind, give me a call."

     "I won't."

     "I sense energy concentrating here--"

     "I'll bet you do," she says, trying to push him out the door.

     "Once it gets focused there will be more pain.  I can do nothing toward ending or preventing further pain unless you ask."

     "No one's asking.  Get out."

     He steps outside and looks back.  "I apologize if I've bothered you.  Have a nice day."

     Aunt Cora closes the door and shakes her head.  "Some people," she says and heads back to the kitchen.

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