It was knock or go home and die. Rase knocked. tThe door opened with such alacrity that Rase wondered whether Gabriel had been standing on the other side, drawn to the door by the same uncanny instinct that had inspired him to torment Rase. t"You said anytime," Rase said, before Gabriel could say anything. t"I did." Gabriel seemed unperturbed at having his employer show up at his door. He stepped back to let Rase in. tRase had been expecting something in keeping with the rest of the building. Instead, Gabriel's apartment was shabby but spotless. It was one main room with a niche for the kitchen and a tiny bathroom that Rase could see through a narrow door that stood ajar. He walked to the center of the room and found himself only feet from Gabriel's bed, a sizable bed with a heavy iron frame. That stopped him in his tracks, and he stood there, wondering what to do with himself. t"Beer?" Gabriel was so close that Rase could feel Gabriel's breath on his hair. t"This isn't a social call," Rase said, not even trying to keep his voice steady. t"Then why are your clothes still on?
