Chad would have skipped getting a cup of coffee, but he simply wantedsomething to drink too badly. Besides, it might look odd if hesuddenly didn't ta...e one like he usually did. But he was finally doingbetter at holding back now, so he allowed himself the small - luxury?He hated to think of it like that, as a luxury, because every bit ofliquid he put into his system still had to come out the other end.He was sitting at the table sipping at his coffee, listening with oneear as the women talked. Now they had two televisions, two computers, a video recorder, stereos, a DVD player, and an answering machine.It wasn’t just the quantity of items and their individual cost that was killing him financially. He was lucky if something lasted for more than four years. Every year he had to replace a quarter of the things in the house. It was impossible to repair them since they were solid state. It wasn’t even possible to fix your own car anymore. The money drain was never ending.Of course, not. He'd be?" In case you haven't realized by now, mother, I am not my olderbrother. He's off at college and I'm the only one here who can standyou!" he growled, turning his back on her. "Look, I'm sorry for turningthis place into a hotel all of a sudden, but this is important! We haveto discuss this stuff and I only ask that you give me that muchcourtesy to allow me and Althea to take care of our friend. You wouldhave let Cloud have at least that much leeway!" he added, making hismother's face. "She didn't ask me to stop," I replied. I knew I was pushing the rules, but I wanted -- no, needed -- to know if I was right. Some things can't be negotiated up front. I made my play. "You want me to do this, though. Don't you, Mark?"His eyes jerked up to my face then. I cocked an eybrow, and looked him in the eyes. I kept petting his wife's neck as something warred behind his eyes. His gaze flickered to her, and then back. "Well?" I pushed.A shudder went through him then, followed by a flash.