" The Pacific Ocean is angry, rolling over in an emerald coral foam, as he walks the grainy salt and pepper beach. He feels abandoned by both time and light. He had attempted to escape, only to travel to Vancouver after the unexpected passing of a friend. The Globe and Mail obit was just a few scribbled lines about his friend, a man identified by his profession and the opportunities and dreams that he had left behind. Kazan wanted to avoid a similar fate. He knew it was a desperate move. He should have given it more thought. Now, he blames Briar for the move. She is the cause of his fractured life. He struggles to even partially recall how they met. "

― Steve Hamilton , A Scandal of the Particular