"No charge," he soothes, free hand rising in a placating gesture. "I simply thought to suggest that you might begin with an apology. From what I have heard, you ended the conversation--and perhaps the relationship--rather abruptly."

"A short walk and a taste of the Sumaru air is little trouble, Sergeant Suou." Schön hasn't fallen out of step, yet, nor asked protection. If he feels he needs it, perhaps he'll call in one of those favors. "Nor would you be the first man to suffer a certain myopia in matters of the heart."