Someone grabs his hand, and Alec tries to pull it away, even after he knows that it's Richard. He's had enough touch.

But then run and Alec can see people coming out of their building. He runs and quicker than that, he's grateful for the hand on his. It's not harder to run faster than Alec - the most exercise he gets is a brisk walk on a cold day, but the hand forces him to keep up or risk being towed behind.

Richard, Alec thinks, would drag him along the street if he had to.

The first street Alec tries to turn them onto has helmets in the distance, almost too far away to see as the narrow street narrows in the distance and dark.

The second street, they're closer.

The third, closer still, but their backs are turned. Alec skids to a halt, tugging at Richard's hand and jerking his thumb to the tiny alley that lies only ten feet down this road. It smells like piss on a good day and is where the "merchants" selling Delight and other concoctions like to set up shop.

They're still being pursued. If Richard hesitates, they lose any chance at hiding in the alley.