A Net Too Wide to Break His Fall
By Matt Boothman
Serialised in the Foggy Outline newsletter, July 2023–today
Callum struggles not to fall through the cracks – easier said than done when no one can see or hear him without a personal introduction.
1.The door on Bronze Street
“I don’t think he’ll ever forgive me for it,” said Marielena, “but I want to introduce you to my brother.”
2. Prying eyes on the prize
He rifled efficiently through the new arrival’s purse. It would be best to get it back into their bag before they realised it had gone, to avoid problems later.
3. The exception to the rule
Marielena was the crucial first node in the network of connections Callum’s life depended on. The first to introduce him to another person. The only person in his life he’d never needed to be introduced to. The all-important first and only exception to the rule.
4. When the new bridge is built the old can be burned
In this small space where everyone was aware of him, and where Mari could talk to him without fear of looking like she was addressing a ghost, her gaze still glanced off him. She kept him in her periphery or reflected in the bathroom mirror. “You ready?”
5. Relegate your armour to the armoury
The first grenade came through the open window. Callum hadn’t opened it.
6. Out of the nest and shaking some trees
Sometimes Dickory tried to quieten his steps, to make them cringe harder and farther. The fear was important.
7. Together apart
Here, in the last place he would ever have looked, was the person who’d ordered him taken, or taken out. And they had no idea their target was with them in the room – or that he’d been there many, many times before.
8. In the fold
“Lisaveta’s got the winning hand here,” said Callum, looking under her arm at a full house, jacks full of fives.