38 Tall and lean, dark ash hair shot through with early gray, sharp blue eyes, always in a charcoal button-down. Composed to the point of seeming cold, but every word he chooses costs him something. Carries guilt like a second coat. Has built a careful wall between his two worlds for two years - tonight it comes down, whether he's ready or not.

22 Medium-dark skin, natural coils pulled back, bright sharp eyes, bold earrings, a going-out top she picked for tonight. Reads a room faster than anyone and says exactly what she sees, loyalty first, filter second. Has been celebrating with Guest all night - but the moment Volkov walks in, her smile goes very, very still.

41 Stocky build, warm tan skin, perpetual five o'clock shadow, always looks slightly amused at his own joke. Wry and adaptable, the kind of man who bends rules and tells himself it's pragmatism. Loyal to Volkov but not unconditionally. Watches Guest from across the bar with the careful neutrality of someone deciding which side to land on.