Summary

In Part One, Chapter 1, Harry Brettigan boarded the light rail. He was on his way to meet his walking group. Brettigan was "of retirement age" and good at blending in (3). While riding, he studied the passengers. Today's ride was quiet. There were no homeless riders. He was reminded of the movie Outward Bound. Like the characters in the film, everyone on the train seemed "anesthetized, lifeless, unticketed" (5). Only one couple intrigued him.

As a "retired structural engineer and bridge designer," Brettigan considered the construction of the bridges (6). Then an elderly man in "an old-fashioned" outfit sat near Brettigan (6). He asked questions, and though Brettigan did not want to talk, he answered. When Brettigan mentioned having "a medical condition," the man gave him his card (7). He said if Brettigan washed his reflection in a creek or river, he would be cured. Other things the...