“One more time, Mister Jackson,” she said. “I am not a delicate little flower. I married you, for God’s sake. I know you’re not perfect. Nei...her am I. I know there are probably things in your history that I don’t know about, that might be, shall we say, interesting. But this is me and you and right now, today. I want to KNOW. I didn’t run tonight because I wasn’t going to leave your side. You’re my stupid HUSBAND! I was going to DEFEND you! And then you hit the ground. I thought I missed ‘em. He, too, took a seat, but,unlike their previous encounters, he sat in one of the stuffed chairsnearer Tommi. "Would you like something to drink? Coffee? Tea?Perhaps a soft drink or water?"Tommi felt uncomfortable and suspicious. "No, thank you," she answered,trying not to sound nervous.The Dean bit his lip. He looked down at the floor for a few seconds,then back up at Tommi. "I need to say," he started, but his voicesounded like it was about to break, "that I'm very sorry for how. After she had me put on a pair of bright red gaudy ear rings, with a matching necklace that hung down between my cleavages. Once she was satisfied with my appearance, we put on our top coats and left for Gail and Amber’s house. On the way there, Renee told me I was in for a new experience. That it would be better if I was not to speak, unless I was spoken to directly, and always be polite. I was puzzled by this, but didn’t say anything. I felt I was naturally a very polite person, and would. She frowned at me and said,"There's got to be over three hundreddollars in here. Where'd you get that kind of money from? Did you stealit?" Uhh... no," I replied. "It's mine. I saved it." Nonsense. You don't have that big of an allowance to save up as much asthis. Now tell mommy the truth. Tell me where you got the money," shedemanded.I felt that awful guilt feeling come over me again, telling me that if Ididn't tell her right now that I'd be getting another awful tummy ache."Well... it IS mine.