They've spent enough time together that Joan's comfortable tucking her hand into his arm while they walk and using his height as a shield against the occasional gust of wind. It's nothing like the comfort she has with Arthur or Auggie, and she is very aware of his guardedness and the occasional harsh look from someone passing by. She's increasingly aware of the feeling of being observed, but if they're are being tailed, their tail is extremely well-trained. Joan has used every trick in the book while they wandered the city, but she's been unable to flush whomever it is, or to lose them.

John's question draws her back to the moment and she nods once, briefly, before answering, "I'm fortunate, I'm told, not to be completely alone. Two of my occasional colleagues are here. They're young and more than a bit taken with each other, but I'm fond of them both." She cocks her head up to tip him a slightly warmer than polite smile. "And yourself? I realize we've not spoken much of personal things, even though you've been so kind."