Anthony can hear conversation in the other room as he wakes. At first he cannot make out the voices—one is Guy, but the other? Elliot perhaps, or Russo?

He still can’t hear what’s being said, but slowly it dawns on him that one of the voices is decidedly Irish.

He almost laughs as the night before comes back to him. Of course.

Should he rescue Gabriel as quickly as possible, before Guy says something truly dreadful? That would be the kinder thing to do, and it’s tempting. But Anthony isn’t inclined to venture into the world (even the world of his own apartment outside his bedroom) without looking perfectly put together. And besides, if Gabriel cannot handle Guy now, he won’t do very well in the long run.

Anthony gets out of bed and slips into the shower first, letting the water run over him, wondering, more than once, what the hell have I gotten myself into? He gets dressed—shirt, tie, and sweater—and combs his hair. And then, finally, he goes into the living room to find out what damage has been done.

“It’s a little early to be talking politics, don’t you think?” he observes dryly, overhearing the last of their conversation.