`` like hell , '' said mona , trying to sound very calm , very controlled , very much the woman . the ladies , although puzzled again , followed the direction given , got on board and tried to offer the driver money , but he said none was necessary , and that he would let them know when he arrived at their street . `` he 's a low level office assistant for a big shot lawyer . `` i think you damn well better , '' he huffed , slouching into the chair across from me . 