i place the items on the counter . he scanned the horizon , picking out the specks of the others slipping through the night sky . `` it really is a shame to do this , but your circumstances have changed . '' automatically , he gave the garage another quick survey . and he asked the judge who the best criminal lawyer in the area was . finally he took a deep breath and stood , turning to regard the rest of them with sad-but firm-eyes . he came forward , scooping up her staff and handing it to her . 