Rory had no objections to trading his grasp of Pippa's hand for an arm around her shoulders. The feel of her tucked up against his side, the scent of her next to him seemed so right after so long apart. He too had to take a moment to remind himself that he and the woman beside him had plenty of issues to work through. If they could.

Better for now, maybe, to focus on the pleasures of the walk and the company, the beauty of both the surrounding city and Pippa's smile.

Rory did indeed wonder about Maestro Evangelisti's location, but since Pippa didn't bring up the subject, he decided not to ask. "Tiberus?" he asked instead. "You mean the owner of the claws?"