five of them were still in their black wrapping . `` i do n't ... '' she shook her head , trying to clear her thoughts , trying to clear the fog that was clinging to her . the streets were quiet , not much traffic of any kind , and no sign of billy ray or his buddy , sammy . the footman stands next to the step ladder . and the truth was , it had n't been easy to begin with . the taste was horrible and also wonderful . one side of my mouth lifts into a smile . 