It was best to think of this as an intellectual exercise of the dynamics of trajectory, speed and the play of the elements on the bullet on its way to...its own violent death.I eased gently on the hair trigger, images of the startled leap of an antelope made when hit with a high-power rifle. In another world now, I barely heard the shot or the quick kick of the recoil. I'd held steady and had a quick flash of something falling back, streaks of red coating the clump of grass he'd been behind.I. It is, I see it now: Chloe!She was just a girl of sixteen, quite immature for her age, all braces, puppy fat, and glasses. She was the daughter of my agent, Araminta, who had brought her along to meet me at the launch of my first and only published book. Chloe had found a proof copy of my novel on her mother's desk and, attracted by the gory cover, had taken it to her room and read it in one sitting, become obsessed. Obsessed in that intense, all-consuming way that only teenage girls can be. Okay, what I’d actually asked for was to get fitter, but you can see where I’m going, can’t you?Now, I hear you thinking, this could all be chance. After all, these aren’t exactly life-changing events.So, last year I really tested the waters by asking for a new job. Something to improve my quality of life and make me smile again.And guess what?Yep. Fabulous new job with a bunch of really cool people who were open and genuine.I don’t ask for much; not really. I don’t need a private jet. Nor do I. I knew he had been at college and figured that he was home for the summer. He had always been a nice kid, doing odd jobs around the neighborhood, a bit shy and quiet, and a little pudgy. However, as he entered the pool I could tell that he had changed some while away. "Hi Ms. Jen" he said when he saw me, "this is my friend Malcolm." "Hi guys, home from college?" I asked. They came over and put their towels on some chairs just down from where I was sitting. "Yes, it let out a few days ago;.