CHAPTER FORTY SIX – THE DASHING FIREFIGHTER

His eyes were closed as he swayed back and forth, chanting in some unknown tongue that raised goosebumps on Jasmine's arms. Smoke from pungent incense clouded the air. "Uh...Gary?" Jasmine ventured cautiously. "What...what's going on out here?" Gary's eyes flew open, the green irises seeming to glitter manically in the candlelight. "Aha, excellent - you're just in time to bear witness! This is my nightly ritual to cleanse the apartment's energy of any errant or intrusive forces that may have slipped through during the day." He gestured expansively at the bizarre scene around him. "Positive vibes and spiritual harmony are of the utmost importance, you see. I won't abide any chaotic influences disrupting my meticulously cultivated environment." Jasmine's jaw worked soundlessly as she processed this new insanity. Of course he was a certifiable nutcase - why was she even surprised at this point? "Uh...right. Yeah, cool, cool. I'll just...get back to sleep then. Enjoy your...vibes?" S