The third-person narrator relates that Colman has cut off his friends despite their attempts to contact him. Colman reflects on his career as a motorbike courier, something he enjoyed because of the impression it left on others: He can see others without them seeing him. Because of the circumstances of his father’s death, the name Colman Moody will mark him for the rest of his life—so he considers changing it back to his birth name, William Dunsmore.

The next morning, Colman meets Sophie to discuss traveling to Glasgow. They review what they want to accomplish and what information they will need. Colman thinks this discussion is a waste of time, and imagines that Sophie feels attracted to him. Sophie explains the purpose of their trip. Colman shows no interest in having her tag along, while she believes her guidance will secure the book’s success. She surprises Colman by saying that Joss’s mother is still alive.

The narrator tells the story of Big Red McCall, the drummer who played with Joss for the last 10 years and became his best friend. He became Joss’s protector, threatening anyone who criticized him. Big Red remains unconcerned about the controversy over Joss’s gender.