"This city, it's advisable to be able to run fast," Alan remarked, finally straightening up. "I'm not from here, obviously, just took a job a while back and it happened to be here. You touring, or here on business?"

It sounded as if he was here on business, if what he claimed about the First Couple was true, however.

"And if it's business, why at this time of the year, if you don't mind my asking."

Normally, he wouldn't be prying into anyone's business (especially a stranger), but there was something comforting in spending a few minutes talking to someone from home. He even missed talking to Maria.

He'd probably be put in an asylum once she left for college.