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Show 7fi "Don't chicken out now," she said, flashing that smile of hers, -- t h i n l i p s curved in a challenge, n o s t r i ls flared. "Not now when we're so close to solving a l l the problems of the universe!" I fell back against the velvet easy chair smiling weakly. Dierdre smirked. She liked having her way, and perhaps her willingness t o ' t a l k was a good sign. Perhaps I could help her find some understanding for my family and my father. Then Danny would not seem so far away and threatening, and she would be freed from her corner of self-indulgent opinions. I stayed until i t was time for Becky to return from school. I didn't go to see my father- Tuesday morning, Clare, my a r c h i t e c t - f r i e n d , came early. We put Janelle between us on the front seat of the car and drove toward the new house. "How many wives does your father have?" she asked timidly. "You don't have to say if you don't want t o . . ." " I . . I 'm not s u r e , " I said flushing. "There were seven when I was growing up, and another who l e f t him when she found he meant to l i v e p l u r a l marriage. But since I grew up. there have been others - though none of the recent marriages have produced children. " "You have how many brothers and s i s t e r s ?" "Forty-eight." Clare gasped and her eyes bulged. "I'm sorry," she said quickly. "It's just ... unbelievable." "I know." ••Does he...does your father ever think ahout the consequences of his life? I mean... I've always wanted a child, hut the shape |