"You're a verypretty lady."I smiled. This was obviously not the time to discuss gender identityissues with an eight year old. Looking up I thanked the...Green Man. With afriendly wave, Mandy and I left the glade.++++++++++++++++++++Deputy Sheriff Dan Summers took off his hat and wiped his head. Policework was difficult enough without the thought of having to explain to aparent that their child was not going to return home.Behind him sat Cindy, the forces only female Deputy and a Mrs. Laura. "Naw, them's mine," he said finally."Can I borrow 'em then?" Billie pleaded."I don't know. They cost me plenty."Billie-Ann knew his weakness and knew how to play on it. Twice in the past year he'd tried to kiss her and she had strongly refused. She didn't plan to give in to him now, but there were ways... "Please, Jed," she said, scooting over until her bare thigh was nestled tight against his overalls. Then she slunk her slender body against his side and wrapped a small hand over his bare,. He looks at the person, gets to know them and their operation, be it a farm, a restaurant, or their family. He looks closely into their background; are they good solid people, do they pay their debts, can they really afford the loan, or is it a last ditch effort before they sink. If he feels deep down in his gut that they are good people and can do as they say, then he will really look at their situation and see if he can help make things better."He told me about a farmer who needed a new. Vellendira nodded."Friend," she continued as she hugged the somewhat startled woman. Vellendira recovered quickly and seemed to understand."Vellendira," she said. "Friend. Belad, Yorkarn, yerkis."She giggled and Jorgarn stuck his tongue out at her."She said Ronac and I are beasts," Jorgarn said."Beastly," Belad put in. "She said we are beastly. I'm not sure if it is better or worse. We're off! I would tell you to have a nice evening but, well, I just won't."Leyota laughed and started tugging.