“We never know the quality of someone else's life, though we seldom resist the temptation to assume and pass judgement.”

“We do the best we can," she said softly, looking inward. "And punish ourselves for it. I've tried to make my choices with the idea that I've made those choices for the greatest good. Sometimes someone suffers in the process, but I made the decision for the right reason. That should count for something, shouldn't it?”

“Never show your fear or your weaknesses, doll. Someone will spin you around and knock you flat with it when you least expect it.”

“i have no desire to spend my life dancing backward.”

“Annie winced. "Ooooh, you know, it's remarks like that that lead people to draw unflattering conclusions about your sanity.”

“Perps didn't always get their just deserts in this life. That was one of the reasons she kept believing in God, the hope that he would kick ass in the afterlife.”

“Sure, why not?" she said. "You know, you read about a crime in the paper and you think how terrible for the victims, and then you turn the page and move on.”