"No," he nodded, leaning forward, elbows on his thighs, hands linking together. "No, we don't. But that don't mean you gotta help 'em along."

He leaned a fraction closer still, blue eyes intent on Howard's dark ones.

"I ain't afraid to meet my maker, Howard. I have done the best that I can, and I'll do my penitence for the rest. What I don't want, what does worry me... is ya'll doin' it for me."