Trust matters. At the moment, it matters to Tim because he's still trying this kinder, gentler, more open thing -- and because if they work together for more than a few weeks at most, she's going to figure out who he is. Being one black-haired kid in Gotham City is one thing. Being one black-haired Gothamite on New Moore... a little more conspicuous. But he doesn't want to share with her until he's sure.

"It's hard to operate as a free agent here," he says, instead, stalling. Thinking. "This kind of thing is meant to have a more substantial budget than we can handle. I know someone who might be able to help with that, at least a little... but they're going to want an evaluation. To know you're worth the security risk. Anything you can think of that would hyelp me convince them?"