Jack Meter’s hard-won peace is about to be shattered again. Two fugitives have descended on his apartment and are demanding help. They’re Phoenixes, a species that start as babies in the morning, age through the day and vanish after sunset, only to be reborn the next day.

Then there’s the Kayzar. The aliens want the Phoenixes back and are willing to kill anyone to recapture them, including Jack.

The Phoenixes’ story doesn’t ring true to Jack, but what’s a PI to do when his home is invaded, his friends feel sorry for the refugees, and he has a dead Kayzar stinking up his apartment?