hysteria now, screaming at the top of his vibrating lungs. Her foot slammed down even harder on the pedal, and the truck surged forward at a rapid pacethe chain definitely becoming taut! Jessica heard a loud
snap
as the chain broke, catapulting the truck straight toward the barn at very nearly the speed of sound.
Oh, my God,
Jessica thought as she fought frantically to bring the truck under control. She put up a valiant fight, but the truck won. She felt the front end plow through the side of the barn as easily as a hot knife slicing through butter.
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She glanced around sheepishly for a moment, then nonchalantly pulled the gear shift into reverse and backed slowly out of the yawning chasm. She hazarded a glance in the rearview mirror at Jason. He was standing up on his tractor, astonishment written clearly on his face. Coming out of his state of shock, he leaped off the tractor, running toward the truck, shouting, ''Are you hurt?" with real concern in his voice.
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By this time Jessica was shaking like a leaf and feeling like an utter fool again. "No," she said in a shaky voice, "I don't think so."
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He let out a long breath and sagged against the truck. He took off his hat and wiped his forehead on the arm of his shirt sleeve. Knocking the dust from his hat on his jean-clad leg, he put it back on his head. "I know where we can make a fast buck, Angel," he said. "I can rent you out as a one-woman demolition squad."
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Well, that did it! She was as mad as a wet hen now. Tears sprang to her eyes, and her temper flared. "
I told you I couldn't do it,
" she railed, "but,
no,
you had to make me try itscreaming at me, 'Faster, Jessie, keep the chain taut, Jessie.' By then you had me so nervous I could have died! Now you have the audacity to stand there and insinuate that it was my fault!" She jerked her door open and nearly fell out onto the ground. "Well," she said haughtily, her back stiffening in pride, "I don't have to stand here and take this." With the air of a queen going to hold court,
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