the noise in the bar meant it was probably too loud for anyone to hear if i screamed . the needle jumped , then settled back to +7 or 8 . `` well , how did that all work out , then ? alan felt drops of rain upon his face as he took another drink of his beer . it took a lot of nerve and a lot of self-control . she 'd been the most beautiful woman he 'd ever seen . to draw blood on the first blow was a stroke of luck i had never expected . 