because we need to make sure you never tell anyone about this . tears were a woman 's best weapon , as he 'd discovered early on . how long have you been on the road , my dear ? i can go watch television or something . sparrow indicated the seat opposite himself . i stopped in front of another door and paused to listen . had he been out to see if she 'd come clean , or ... ? i just had no intention of telling him what it was like . he clutched his side and fell to his knees . 