and as far as that chair is concerned , you can test it against my swing if you like , '' clay says , holding his bat in front of his body with both hands wrapped tight around the handle . `` you will help me save her . '' or , of course , if he lost patience . maybe she was asking for money . she could hear it pounding in her ears , but she 'd gone dead inside . as i gulp in a deep breath , i hear the doors near me slide open . 