*** in his room he sat on his bed and tried to slow his breathing and heart . there 'd been no changes the night before . she did n't need him for that . how long would pat stay with him ? god is a number you know , '' tony said . his head was wrapped like a mummy , and a breathing tube ran from his mouth . once again , he did n't make any noise as he walked , not a single sound , not even when he went over the squeaky step at the bottom of the staircase . 