Terry McCreedy greeted them as they came in through his front door. Drinks are in the kitchen, food is on the counter, and the last thirty-five years of my life are… He stopped here, looked dramatically behind him, and then shrugged. Well, I dont know where the fuck they went!

Terry did not look thirty-five. He looked closer to twenty-five, the type of guy who looked like he might be on his way out the door to go surfing in Maui or cliff diving in South America. Tonight, his long blond hair was pulled back in a ponytail, as if to ward off the northern end of the thirties, keeping forty as far away as possible.

Terry had been Peters college roommate during their freshman and sophomore years. Theyd stayed in touch after graduation, both remaining around the Richmond area, and tended to hang out at least once a month, either catching a movie or getting together on a hiking trail. Rachel liked Terry quite a bit because he was goofy beyond measure and she was pretty sure it was where the small and barely-still-remaining childish side of Peter came from.

As they stepped inside the apartment, Rachel found that it was exactly the sort of thing shed needed. She could already hear boisterous laughter, the soft thumping of 90s hip-hop, and the clinking of glass bottles. Rachel and Peter made their way through the party, which looked to be small but energetic. There were four couples (three married and one just dating) and a few singles (including Terry himself) scattered around. The Gifts made the rounds with drinks in hand and were instantly stopped by the Youngs. Married for three years now, they were the sort of couple who thought they had marriage figured out because the first few years still felt magical.

Holy crap, Mark Young said. Rachel Gift makes an appearance!

I know, Peter said. I polished her up really nice and figured Id bring her out for a ride around the block.

Ooh, you may be making that ride back home alone with talk like that, Rachel said.

Hows the job? Mark asked.

Great. Killing bad guys every day, and tapping so many phones. You know how it goes.