I think James is right. My father wouldappreciate hearing this face to face."Alex still looked doubtful and I said, "Alex, I wouldn't do this if Ididn...t think it was a good idea. I promise I will be back tonight."She bit her lip and nodded. "OK, but call me with your flight so that Ican meet you at the airport."I kissed her and then Areeya and got going. I called Kritsada's officeon the way to the airport and managed by the skin of my teeth to get thenext plane out to Bangkok. Three hours later. Debbie would most likely be at the party with John, so visiting her was out of the question. What the heck, I thought. I might as well break down and attend instead of having to hear about what a party pooper I was for the rest of my life.Joyce was nice enough to help me with the choice of costume. She happened to have a cousin or something who was a Catholic priest and was able to get me a priest robe complete with white collar for the evening. I know, who would believe Joyce had relatives who. But I feel I have a... a moral obligation to give you the reason." That's all right," Ray said bitterly, "I'm aware of the reasons--no cash, no backing--no loan." It wasn't that Ray. You stand very high in the opinions of people in this town. You're a hard worker and a good manager... a fine credit risk. And I'm sure that you don't understand, or even suspect, why the Board wouldn't go along. I--well, damn it, this is kind of out of my line--" What Lee is trying to say," John Blodgett broke in. His printer ink ribbon extends into a sash around his chest proclaiming him to the world as Miss Teen Florida.Sadly, while quite feminine with long hair and a firm if small bosom, the newly remodeled Raven still looks much like his male self and looses the beauty portion of the contest. As to the talent portion, well, lawyering and storytelling may be important talents but they are rather hard to display on the stage for the viewing public. Raven perked up after winning Miss Congeniality. .