Quad gave him a quick glance. "Crispa is a ... distant cousin of mine. She and I share certain physical traits."Corvus couldn't help the bark of laugh...er that escaped. "She has your chin?" She has a prominent jaw," said Quad evenly. "It's not as pronounced as mine, but it has led to some unkind comments about her appearance in the past."Corvus didn't say anything. A jaw could be awfully pronounced and not as much so as Quad's. The squareness of the centurion's face went beyond pronounced into. This dame reeked of money.They sat and talked. Face to face it was somehow easier to talk about life and hopes and dreams than electronically. It was harder to lie, or even hold back truth. It gradually dawned on g33kboy that he could really get to like this woman.The bed in guest bedroom was both comfortable and comforting. He sank deeply into its plushness and it immersed him in a blanket of sleep.He awoke to a soft knock on the door. It was dark. Still night."Jade? Izzat you?" May I come. We’re going to be choosing crops based on what they need the worst and what we can grow to provide the most food as quickly as possible. Profit margin is not a consideration right now. I’m sure the oil will eventually provide plenty of profit.“Speaking of oil, I have three new tracts to drill in and the U.S. government is loaning us as much money as we need to start everything. Leonard is already looking for drilling rigs and other equipment. In addition, we will be remodeling and expanding an. The store belonged to Mikey’s momma, though my Mom bought it for her. They were college friends, and Mom was her Lamaze coach when Mikey was born. Anyway she ran the pharmacy, so when we ran out of food at home, we just went and got some. I kinda fibbed on that, because we were checking you out. We were on the way to the store to get stuff for lunch when we heard your car.”Matilda released his hand and pulled on her skirt, saying, “Did you wonder why I was wearing a sundress? Mom was always.