how do i add a field to checkout page after the cart before the payment

hi, what is the process for adding fields to the checkout cart page. i tried putting the views in my template/html folder but that didnt work. can you give me a simple outline of the process which does not involve hacking the core files?

also, just downloaded the new version. the multi-store works well!! i am testing it now. i will have a bug report at some point but for now could i also request captcha integration??

thanks and GOOD WORK
liz