she was as close to heaven as a man like him was ever going to get . i had to see all of her . she stared at it , and it stared right back . my mother says she knows nothing . i didnt want her to get hurt , although , i knew she could handle herself . clay also did n't seem in any hurry to get to the end of the road , either . rush paused at the door , his hand on the knob , but he did n't turn around to look at her . 