“As the clap, Lloyd. There’s one right outside. It’s not brand new, mind you. It’s got a few miles on it, but it’s clean and runs like a dream. It even has a camper shell you can put over the back so your tight pants won’t get wet.”

“Wait a minute,” said Jerry. “That sounds like my truck. You can’t give away my truck.”

Steve took Jerry’s arm and steered him over to a far corner of the room.

“I know it’s your truck, but don’t forget. The Apocalypse is coming. The end of days. When Caleximus gets here and turns this world into burnt toast on a hot road, where you going to drive the thing? Give the baby what he wants. Until we summon Caleximus, you can borrow your mom’s car.”

Jerry looked over at the men and back at his father. A note of desperation crept into his voice. “I can’t drive around town in that little shoebox. It’s yellow. And why my truck? Why not yours or Jorge’s?”

“Jorge didn’t lose the boar and try to feed our Lord corn chips. This is your chance to step up for the cause.”

Jerry sighed and looked at his father, feeling utterly defeated. There was no talking him out of anything when he was in Crusade mode. “Okay. Let him have it.”

“Good boy.”

“But you’re never going to bring up the corn chips again, okay?”

“Cross my heart and hope to die.”

“Okay.”

Steve went back to the table with his arm around Jerry’s shoulder. “The boy has something to tell you, Lloyd.”

Jerry mumbled, “You can have my truck. It’s the F-150 by the gate.” He pulled his key ring from his pocket slowly, like he was hauling a body out of a swamp with a fishing hook on a piece of string. He handed the keys to Lloyd. “The registration is in the glove compartment.”

Lloyd smiled and took the keys. “The band’s going to love you for this, man,” said Tommy.

“This is so cool. Thanks,” said Lloyd.

Steve folded up the floor plans and put them in his back pocket. “It’s a pleasure doing business with you.” He held out his hand and the two men shook.

“Let’s go have a look at your new truck,” said Tommy.

Before they left the office, Lloyd said, “Don’t lose those flyers. We’re playing a show this Saturday night. You ought to come. The flyers will get you half off the cover charge.”

“That sounds swell. Looking forward to it,” said Steve.

After they left Jerry said, “We’re not really going to see Lloyd’s band, are we?”

“Hell no,” said his father. “If things go like we planned them, by Saturday the world will be one big ball of fire and we’ll take our place with the other chosen ones.”