The noise of Midtown Manhattan hit them the second they stepped out the cab.
The shrill screech of a taxi braking hard echoed off the concrete canyons. The air tasted of roasted nuts from a nearby vendor cart, mixed with the heavy, metallic exhaust of crawling traffic.
The wind carried a sharp, biting chill that sliced straight through the fabric of Ryan's coat.
He didn't hail a cab. He walked.
Sophie kept pace beside him, her heels clicking a rapid, rhythmic tempo against the pavement. She pulled her blazer tighter across her chest, shooting him sideways glances as he navigated the crowded sidewalks with a heavy, purposeful stride.
"We passed the subway entrance three blocks ago," she pointed out, side-stepping a tourist holding a massive paper map.
"We aren't taking the subway," Ryan replied.
They crossed 5th Avenue, weaving through the dense throngs of suits and shoppers.
