Quinn's Arc

Chapter 1 of 2

Quinn adjusted the mannequin's collar for the third time, stepping back to check the angle. The window display had to be perfect. Every fold, every shadow, every piece had its place. He wanted people to stop and stare. He wanted them to press their faces against the glass. More than anything, he wanted to be the best window display artist in the city. His transparent fingers caught the morning light as he reached for a scarf, the blue glow trailing behind his hand like smoke. He tilted his head, studying the arrangement. The department store windows were good for practice, but they weren't enough. Real display artists worked for multiple stores. They had clients. They had a reputation beyond one building. Quinn needed to prove himself somewhere new. He wheeled five mannequins through the front entrance and onto the sidewalk. Each one wore a different outdoor outfit—jackets, boots, hats arranged just right. Quinn positioned them in a line, then changed his mind. He moved them into a triangle. Better. He adjusted sleeves and straightened hemlines until the Fashion Mannequin Ensemble looked ready for a magazine. Passersby could see his work now, out in the open. This was how real artists got noticed. This was how they built their name. Quinn stepped back one final time, his ghostly form flickering with satisfaction. The displays were perfect.