the old woman spat on the ground and staggered over to the bus . so bill hired me on the cheap with the understanding he 'd only keep me if i made good on dad 's claims . '' * * * while the men tended the horses , cora smiled at abigail . `` no , and you are not going to tell her , either . '' it was clear that something bad had happened . i take another sip of the hot chocolate . 