Summary

In Chapter 1, the Arm and Horseshoe, two production assistants on the film adaptation of Patrick Hamlin's book, Elsinore Lane, show him a video of the actress Cassidy Carter. In the video, Cassidy steals tampons from a drugstore. When she gets caught, she attacks the clerk. The men think the video is evidence that Cassidy will make a perfect lead for the film. Patrick is unsure. He finds Cassidy's beautiful face turning angry in the video unnerving. Watching this transformation reminds him of his wife, Alison, and daughter, Nora. Patrick drinks the WAT-R the waitress brings over.

In the car, Patrick listens to the men talk about the film and the film industry. He thinks about Alison and Nora, worried particularly about Alison's wellbeing. As the Arm and Horseshoe discuss traffic, altruism, and change, Patrick feels a sudden need "to get out of the...