These stories, about fate, mortality, luck, and the folds in reality where anything can happen, are both weighty in theme and a huge pleasure to read. "Two Talented Bastids" explores the long-hidden secret of how the eponymous gentlemen got their skills. In "Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream," a psychic flash upends dozens of lives. In "Rattlesnakes," a grieving widower receives an unexpected inheritance--with major strings attached. "The Answer Man" reminds us that a life marked by unbearable tragedy can still be meaningful. Each of these stories holds its own thrills, joys, and mysteries.

Two talented bastids -- The fifth step -- Willie the weirdo -- Danny Coughlin's bad dream -- Finn -- On Slide Inn Road -- Red screen -- The turbulence expert -- Laurie -- Rattlesnakes -- The dreamers -- The answer man.