“Well, it wouldn’t do to have you fret over me.” Shay replied with a smile. He reached into his suit pocket and counted the notes that remained. “Two-hundred and sixteen pounds… good lord.” He said, surprised at the amount he’d been carrying on his person all of this time. He operated off of the pretense that money lent wasn’t his, and if he didn’t count it, he didn’t think about it. The suit, shoes, and Vera’s dress all were business expenditures, and he had not given a mind to the remainder since then. He felt he should return what’s left, but tonight… tonight he’d make it a night to remember. 

“Let’s just say you noticed that restaurant for a reason. Besides, it would be a bloody shame to muck this pristine abode up so soon.” Shay said, heading back to the door to put his shoes back on. “I’ve nothing pressing I can’t live without for the next while, and truth be told, I am so glad you offered for me to stay with you. I admit I am not fond of driving in this kind of weather. Besides, I like the idea of someone serving our interests for a change.” Shay waited for Vera to return to the door, holding it open for her to exit with an extended hand. “Come, it’ll be good to take a walk in the street light. All this rushing about makes a man want to take it slow and appreciate what he has.” He said warmly, shutting the door behind them and letting Vera lock up. A part of him felt naked without his Webly on his person, but he hadn’t an occasion to need it in weeks. A block or two would hardly make the difference, even if it were night.

The snow crunched lightly underfoot and the snow danced whimsically through the incandescent light that gave the otherwise pitch streets a sense of warmth and illumination. There were a few people walking through the street at this hour, and Shay offered his arm to Vera to walk, both as an affectionate gesture and to keep her from slipping if ice was hiding among the sidewalk. 

“To think, when we first met it was raining.” Shay said with a chuckle, watching as the heavy flakes covered his coat with large flecks, giving it a polka dot appearance. Vera was similarly besieged by the winter precipitation, which clung to her coat and dark hair just as stubbornly. It made her look almost playful, and Shay had to admit, he was greatly enjoying himself in a way he thought he forgot how. 

Before long, the pair came up to the restaurant at Vera’s guidance, an Italian place called [I]The Spirit of Tuscany[/I]. It was a nice enough place, a family-friendly restaurant where the staff still wore dress shirts and bow ties along with well-ironed dress pants, although the shoes were consistent only in their black colour. A man with a shaved sandy blonde head and blue eyes, along with a clean shaven face, greeted them at the door, his name tag said Frank. 

“Good evening, Signore and Signora, welcome to The Spirit of Tuscany. A seat for two?” he asked, his infliction friendly and courteous. “Aye, that would be wonderful, lad. Maybe a window seat?” Shay replied.

Leading them off with a pair of hand cloths, Frank lead the pair through the half-full restaurant, its white painted brickwork showing some cracks in the paint, the effect deliberate, and the lamps overhead had white, red, and green stained glass, reminiscent of the Italian Tricolour. The high table they were seated at was stained in black varnish, and the high backed chairs matched, with a crimson seat cushion. After both were seated, the cloths laid on the table before them, they ordered their drinks, Shay a simple whiskey. 

After the waiter departed, Shay looked to Vera. “So, how are you doing? Be truthful, you’ve had a hell of a week, and I’m sure it’s strange being in the company of a many you’ve barely spoken with until your brother put us together.” He asked, a look of concern creasing his features. “I know you are thankful for my intervention that night, but I can’t help but wonder if both my tailing you has bothered you, and if those men are still haunting you. I know what it’s like, what you went through. I just want you to know I’m here, Vera. As long as you need me.”