Rosa, a waitress, folds up the ad she's torn from a newspaper,clears off the table where her new computer willsit and leaves her apartment.

At the electronics store, as Rosa hovers over the latestdesktop model from Megahype, a young salesman noticesthe ad in her hand and wanders over to her. He unbuttonshis jacket, spreads his hands out, palms up, and looks herin the eye. "I see you found it already," he says with asmile. "Hi, my name's Tony."For the next 10 minutes, a relaxed and sincere Tony talksto Rosa. He faces her with his hands exposed and leans forwardfrom time to time as they discuss the features of thecomputer. Rosa listens with interest, her head tilted to oneside and her hand on her cheek, as Tony offers to "throwin" $95 of extras and even agrees to "eat the tax."Finally, stroking her chin as she forms a decision, Rosanods. "Yes," she says, "this is the model for me.""Great," says Tony, eagerly rubbing his palms together.

"It will take about five minutes to take it down and findsome boxes."Rosa looks sideways at him and frowns. "You don't havea new one in a box?""That might be hard to find right now." Tony's handsbecome fists, and he pops them into his pockets. -*56"They're such an unbelievable deal—they've just been flyingout of the store." He buttons up his jacket, shrugs hisshoulders and laughs nervously.

"So this is a demonstration model?" Rosa tilts her head,inquiring.

"Just came on the floor this morning," Tony shoots backwith an insincere smile. He folds his arms in front of hischest and turns himself sideways to her, pretending to bedistracted by something going on in the TV departmentnearby. His voice falters and weakens as he says, "It has thesame warranty as a new one."Rosa rubs the side of her nose in doubt. "Came on thefloor this morning? Fine. Can I have that in writing?"Tony's back is turned to her as he leans ove............