the column started early the following morning , riding again along a frosty track beneath a deep blue sky . ed did n't have to read his mind to guess his thoughts . marcus did n't wait for her to ask about how he 'd spent his day in salt lake city . he 'd get rid of her , just like the others . looking back at me , he smiled . `` scared at first , but growing more comfortable . she pushed underneath his robe until her arms flowed around his back . 