he steps forward , his toes almost touching mine . the bundle was secured with a gold tasseled cord , like you 'd use to tie back a curtain . and you all are planning on escaping ! he took her glass and placed it on the floor next to his . `` still , it 's like a half-hour drive into the city . '' `` i have to go to work now , '' she said as they came up to the staircase . `` well , there are a couple of things . 