Kovacs, investigating murder of Lawrence Bancroft, walks into Bancroft's reception and is immediately struck by contrast between rich and arrogant guests and one person who seems to be truly enjoying herself: young woman. She is different from rest, with something that he can't quite put his finger on. She is mystery he is determined to solve. He sees her as potential ally, or perhaps even potential suspect. Either way, he can't resist temptation to approach her and find out more about who she