[ It wouldn't be as fast, going street side. He's timed it, how quickly she can make it somewhere and back, when she uses the rooftops. Astonishing quickness, not only cutting out the foot traffic but also in just how assured she is in leaping to the next spot. If he didn't know better, he'd think she could fly.

At any rate, he could really use that walk, long way or not. A welcome stretch for his leg and a way to burn some of the energy under his skin. He waves off her hand, using his cane to help lever himself back to standing. Her balance is near impeccable so he isn't worried about tugging her off it.

More that he just doesn't want to touch. Gloves or not. A familiar wariness that warns him away unless absolutely necessary. ]

We'll take a different route. There's one that cuts behind the dress shop.

[ Because he's slowly teaching her the map of Ketterdam, something she didn't get with Heleen. It didn't hurt to know several ways to get to the same place.

When they get down from the roof and the three flights of stairs, he notes that Haskell's office door is closed—lucky them. He'll deal with that after dinner. ]

You should have something to protect yourself. [ He says, once they're headed in the direction of the waffle place. ]