Julian noticed the silence first.
Lucian had been quiet since they left the building. Not the usual quiet that came from patience or control, but the kind that meant he was thinking about something specific.
Julian had learned to recognize the difference.
They walked side by side for a while before Lucian finally spoke.
"You went out earlier today."
It was not a question.
Julian glanced at him.
"Yes."
Lucian's pace did not change.
"Where."
"A supermarket," Julian answered.
Lucian nodded once.
Julian waited for the next question.
It came a moment later.
"Anything unusual happen?"
Julian almost smiled at how simple the question sounded.
Almost.
Instead he shrugged slightly.
"Depends on what you consider unusual."
Lucian looked at him briefly.
"That answer suggests something did."
Julian kept walking.
"A man talked to me in the parking lot."
Lucian did not interrupt.
Julian continued.
"He asked questions. Nothing dramatic."
Lucian's voice remained calm.
