The cross

Jake took the cross out of his pocket, and held it out to Mani.

"Will this do?" he asked.

Mani looked at the cross for a moment. His face went red and blotchy, and he started to tremble.

"GET THAT OUT OF MY SIGHT!" he suddenly yelled.

Jake jumped out of his chair, dropping the cross in the meantime. He backed away from Mani. The man acted wild, throwing anything within arms' reach across the room. Then he paced around table, growling to himself. Jake slowly walked towards the door back to the hallway.

Suddenly, Mani reached out, and grabbed Jake by the throat. He pulled Jake up so that they were face to face, and yelled again. This time, it was a primal scream, wild and unchecked. Jake struggled weakly, but knew he couldn't pull free. Mani shook Jake a few times, then threw him across the room. Jake crashed through the door. He lay on the floor at the door slammed behind him.