Toph, unfortunately, is still sure of what to make of Mike. First impressions are hard to change, and Toph is nothing else if not stubborn. While she's not afraid of him by any means, he still hasn't left the category of "probably creepy dim bulb."

Respectful Distance™ is therefore good. And advisable.

"So do you actually have a lead?" Her response is Toph-direct, not worrying about the fripperies of social convention. "Because if you don't, that's going to make this a whole lot harder."

And longer.