Yes, you're probably right; I wouldn't be surprised at all if some stuff fell off the shelves in your office. The way you..."Geez, there's nothing mor... relentless then a wife half a continent away on yet another book signing tour. Once the kids were grown up and out, my wife Janet redirected her "focus of concern" on to me. Suddenly, I was barely able to care for myself. Although, even I could appreciate her concern this time - a 6.3 earthquake with a nearby epicenter was nothing to laugh. . I dunno..." I..." Yes or no, Patty!" he snapped.She was taken aback. "Is that a threat, Jack?"His face softened, and he dropped his eyes. "No. Sorry." He started to wrap up the implements. "I'm just tired and frustrated at our situation. I didn't mean to take it out on you. We'll find some other way." Wait. This isn't easy for me, you know." I know. Frankly, I'm not sure if I'd go through with it if our roles were reversed."The thought of him... being... She burst out. Hope ... he's the most wonderful man in the world. One of these days, you're going to realize that, and feel really bad about the way you're treating him now." But I don't mean to," Hope got out. "It must have started with what went on in the motel room. Jennie, Daddy and that man were arguing over what Daddy was trying to charge for me. Daddy wanted more money than that man was willing to pay. Daddy was selling me, not just renting me out, but selling me. He was selling me to that odd-looking. He starts to buck, trying to tip or move the chair, he manages to hold his head still long enough to see her. She is cooing, as if flirting, as she brings the whip around again. Again he screams, except this time she pauses and his screams trails off into a sob that runs through the length of his body. He feels her hand on his cheek again. She studies his face a moment and nods as if telling him it will be okay. He looks down at his thighs and sees them striped with red welts that are just.