at least he seemed to be taking this at face value . since they 'd gotten to the zoo she 'd attracted a fair amount of second looks . was the ladder in front of him or behind ? he stressed that the citizens themselves could mount a legal challenge and local government officers must then judge whether to support such causes or indeed lead them . taking a hearty belt , he sat there glumly staring at nothing , until he felt her long fingers begin to knead the back of his neck . and i refuse to let you forget it . '' 