Official introductions complete, Taya released William’s hand with a nod.
	“I’d [i]prefer[/i] to have done this at the office,” Eli answered William’s questions through an almost growling sigh. “Fewer civilians.” His gaze followed a few oblivious passersby, eyes narrowing slightly.
	Taya spared her partner a glance.
	“But,” she drew out the word as she looked back to William, “I know a good diner near here. Usually not too busy this time of day,” she added, looking to Eli, “with a back room they’d probably let us use, so we could talk in private.” She turned her head back to William. “And good food, if you’re hungry.”
	Eli sighed. “Very well.” He gestured with a gloved hand for her to lead the way.
	Taya nodded, then headed toward a side road leading from the square. She walked quickly through the streets, eager to get out of the chill of the day. Eli followed, his posture and dour expression a ward against small talk.
	Various shops lined the street. Displays in storefront windows added an extra splash of color between winter’s monochromes and the rust-colored bricks of the building strip. 
	She paused just long enough to open a door beneath a weathered sign reading, “The Flying Cow.” A bell decked in holly jingled as she entered.
	Behind her, Eli eyed the sign’s cartoon of a winged purple cow crammed between sandwich fixings and burger buns. Frowning and brows raised skeptically, he followed Taya inside.
	The aroma of fries and cooking meat filled the warm blast of air inside the diner. Taya took a deep breath, enjoying the smell she hoped would drown out Archer's herbal scent for a while. As she had promised, only a handful of people occupied the mismatched chairs and purple upholstered booths. A few paintings drawn by local artists hung from the beige walls. 
	A man in his early twenties stepped out from the kitchen, his shock of hair so red it had to be dyed. A waitress with a tray piled with drinks and plates of food balanced in her hands followed him out.
	“Taya!” The man’s face lit up with a smile as he looked to her. “It’s been a while, doll—” his term of endearment cut off, turning into an awkward clearing of his throat as he noticed Eli behind her. “Er…”
	“Hey, Alex,” she answered, unphased as she stepped toward the counter. “Think we could use your party room for a while?” She nodded to where one of the back walls gave way to a folding door.
	He blinked and looked back to Taya. “Yeah. Yeah, sure!” His smile returned a bit tentatively. He quickly gathered three menus from behind the counter.
	Alex cast Taya a curious, knowing glance, but said nothing as he led the way into the back room. He placed the menus on the table in front of three of the nearest chairs.
	“Luce’ll be in shortly to take your order.” With a last glance to Taya, silently warning her to expect questions the next time he saw her, Alex left, sliding the door shut behind himself.