Blade hesitated for a moment, but only for a moment.
Katerina's cry made Blade hesitate for a second.
Blade hesitated, then fired the decisive question.
Blade hesitated, not wanting to reveal information that was not yet in general circulation.
Blade hesitated, then tried another tack.
For a moment Blade hesitated, then shook his head.
Blade hesitated, still wary, and for the first time the voice spoke to him.
Blade hesitated, chiding himself for his stupidity.
Blade hesitated, debating whether to risk exposure by moving closer, and at that moment he heard the peculiar sound overhead, a distinct flap-flap-flap.
Blade hesitated for just a moment, then strode over to the chair and sat down.