this is n't a fool 's paradise , is it ? yes , he was what they called an alpha male . we just watched those guys get beat to death , lady . and mean it and give her time . '' you'l have a little while yet to regret that decision , wo n't you ? '' `` i 'm thinking maybe we do n't want to touch anything else , if we can help it , '' i say with a hint of a smile . and they 're important to me . '' 