she tried to give a feeble smile , but she didnt have much excitement left in her . her mother was subtle as usual . many times they had talked together while cleaning the barn , repairing machinery , or doing other chores around the farm . `` yeah , a couple of weeks before she ... before she died . joe had no choice but to walk with him . if they gave the account to derrick , or worse , to her sister , tamara , shed have a fit . in a moment , that call would connect . 