but he was beginning to wonder if joe would ever take his turn . she swallowed back regret and reached up . it 's as good a lie as any . `` i was afraid you were going to say that , '' he said , after pumping a few shots through the doorway , aiming at nothing , just for the effect . she wished she had n't said anything . he had to work to keep from losing his temper . now , try pushing threads along this groove . 