Undercover cop Pete Cochrane smiled at his friends. They were at Julie's apartment celebrating an early Christmas. A light rain fell on the windows and everyone was glowing except him.
The apartment smelled of pine and pumpkin. Julie had made a pumpkin pie; her small tree had flicking colored lights and a few paper ornaments. Perry Como was singing "White Christmas" played softly in the background. It was a Kodak moment, Pete thought.
"Man, Pete are you sure you don't want to come home with me. My mama makes a mean pumpkin pie." Link said and grinned. This was his third time to convince Pete to spend Christmas with his overcrowded family.
Pete shook his head and blushed. He shifted uncomfortably on the couch, Christmas just wasn't his thing. Every year he would try to talk to his parents and every year they ended up fighting. The whole day had turned out to be a big drag and let down.
"Man its okay Linc, really." Pete snorted. "I'm cool." He held up his hands, begging for mercy from Linc.
"You could come with me." Julie smiled as she pushed her long blonde hair behind her ear. "I'm sure my mother wouldn't mind." Her smile infectious, Pete returned the smile.
"No man." Pete shook his head. "Three's a crowd. Really I'll be okay." He tried to reassure his friends, no they were family.
Julie and Linc looked at each other, giving that look Pete hated.
"Like I said I'm cool, really." Pete grinned, but played with the ring on his left hand.
"Solid." Linc said. "I'm hungry. Where's the captain?"
The doorbell rang and Julie sprang up.
"I know. Ask who they are before opening the door." Julie stood in front of the door.
"Who's there?"
"Who's there? Who's there? It's me who else do you expect." Adam Greer groused.