he 's barefoot and i can hear the sound of his toes cracking against the tile floor . oh , never mind that ; i can take care of myself . sam watched the woman catch the gun-her hands small but quick-then immediately ease herself forward . he closes his eyes momentarily , savoring my words . the others nodded as well and didnt say anything more . she had to be seventy if she was a day , and her skin had the dark , nut brown look of someone who 'd spent her entire life outdoors , working under the burning sun . 