by high school , everyone was afraid of him , including his teachers . the big cat was scrambling to a stop in the next driveway , its claws drawing a spine-chilling screech from the asphalt . `` this , '' he said , his voice rugged , `` is a simpler procedure , and far less painful . there , they wont be able to hear us . her hand was small and warm . `` and besides , i search your last name and nothing came up . '' but the need was great indeed . 