a few of the guys at the firm had cast their lines in her direction , but em had never bitten . he was as helpless as a bird under the claws of a lean and expert cat . and as before , he found nothing , the room was completely sealed , except for the hole in the floor which the top of the ladder extended from into the room . `` i would n't have to call your dad if you 'd responded to my e-mails . 