Lyra's alethiometer was safe at the base, actually. She was already waiting at the pizza parlour although she hadn't ordered yet. Pantalaimon was, as usual, concealed behind an illusion as Lyra carefully watched the door.

Despite the man's protests otherwise, Lyra was fairly certain he was some kind of seer, or else was working with her father. Although why the man was so enthusiastic about meeting her, she couldn't guess.