there was no `` simply '' about it . i ask , fighting to keep balance in my voice . i was biting my lip when he looked away , glancing at his watch . his tie was loose and his sleeves rolled up and his rather straight sandy colored hair looked as if it was about a month over due for a haircut . her voice was as soft as a whisper . `` it would have been kinder to have killed her . '' she did n't intend to ever burn it again , if she could help it . 