the valley was a beautiful sight , one that she returned to in her mind many times during the most stressful situations over the past several years . always the professional ; it reminded me of the sex , all just part of the job . `` let me guess , '' he said , continuing to work with her on the cleaning . mrs. mercer was still hiding her face in her hands , weeping silently . i could tell he 'd been your lover , and i admit to being jealous , but still , i had to feel for the guy . 