While desperately trying to think of a way out, she told him.
In other words, they're still desperately trying to buy time.
She tried desperately to keep the fear out of her voice.
I tried desperately to understand David's need to see me.
But I was desperately trying to figure out what to do.
He tried desperately to reach the wall with his hands.
She tried desperately to keep her sister on the phone.
Thomas knew he was trying desperately to figure out what to do.
I've been trying desperately to learn something about them before we get there.
I tried desperately to think of a defense, but couldn't.