“I guess I’ll have to get patted down.”“It’s no big deal, Mom. They just rub along looking for anything that might be hidden in your clothes... They’re just checking for bumps, is all.”“I’ve got lots of lumps,” Mom said, sounding depressed.“Oh, you do not.” I stepped forward and put my arms around her and gave her a big squeeze. I patted Mom on the back and let her go, turning to leave to let Dad know about dinner.“Mark?”“Yeah?” I looked back.“Is it really that simple, the way you did it with. . if you know what I mean,"he winked."You can't do that to them!" screamed Tim."Of course I can," grinned the devilish sprite. "I've just done it.Weren't you even watching?" That's not what I meant," snapped Tim. "You shouldn't go arounddoing that to anyone." Why not? It's very simple. I can do it, so I did it." Mxyzptlkcontinued grinning. "Where's the problem in that? How could I everhave any fun not doing what I do best?" But it's all wrong. You're simply incorrigible." So I've been told,". "I will, Daddy."He knew that. Fear of getting a splinter would keep Alyson alert. His remark was really aimed at the winner three years past of the Braeden-Seaforth Award for Botanical Research.The winner gave him her usual sidelong "I know what I'm doing" look."I'm open to suggestions," he said, looking into the thick tropical forest fanning one hundred eighty degrees before him."Up."Doug and Alyson turned to Mary, who was shading her eyes and peering at the canopy above. She looked at Alyson. How best to do that was the key question. Pam walked from the bedroom and said, ‘Good morning sweetheart.’ ‘Hey, young lady. The coffee’s ready.’ ‘I smelled it. Thanks.’ She walked to the kitchen and returned with her cup to sit beside me in front of the roaring fire. We kissed and she laid her hand on my leg. Pam wore a new housecoat I hadn’t seen. It was a deep burgundy with black trim that complemented her natural beauty and long blonde hair. ‘That’s a lovely housecoat. Is this another of.