She smiled as she looked around the room; various characters from film, comics and television were dotted around trying to work out both who they were and who they were meant to be looking for. Batman and Robin seemed to have already found each other and were laughing into a beer together. A large man in a full gorilla costume caught her attention, waving frantically at her.

As she neared, the gorilla removed its head, revealing a very sweaty Vince Korsak.

”Good evening Vince.” Maura smiled warmly. ”Who are you meant to be?”

Vince didn’t reply, only stared on, open mouthed. ”You look… I mean doc…” his eyes travelled over the woman before him, a true vision in pink. ”Wow!”

Maura felt the blush before Vince saw it, her cheeks flushing almost as pink as her gown. ”Thank you.”

He nodded appreciatively.

”Hey monkey man!” Frost appeared at their sides silently, drawing out a long whistle as he took in the full effect of Maura’s costume.

”Good evening Barry.” She smiled warmly as she shifted under his lingering stare.

”You look beautiful Doc.” Frost smiled warmly. ”Nice spinning wheel ya got there.” He added before turning and regarding Korsak with a genuinely confused grin. ”Why are you an ape?” he asked.

”I have no damned idea.” Korsak replied as he looked Frost up and down. ”But I shoulda got your costume.” He huffed, reaching for the bottle of water he’d set on the table behind him and drinking deeply.

”So, Barry.” Maura inserted herself deftly back into the conversation, suddenly all too aware of the lingering, hopeful gazes that befell her. ”Are you…” she cocked her head, taking in the simple black suit and tie, fedora and sunglasses. ”An inappropriately attired undertaker?”

Korsak snorted, his hairy hand immediately covering his mouth as he wiped water from his chin.

”I’m either a Man in Black.” Frost began, delighting in the tormented groan that rumbled from the other detective. ”Or.” He paused, watching as Vince shook his head. ”A Blues Brother.”

The large ballroom filled quickly, raucous laughter punctuating the air as friends and colleagues caught the first glimpses of each other. Both Korsak and Frost had wandered off in search of their ’other half’ leaving Maura to stand on the side-lines, suddenly self-conscious.