Matthew S Cox

Out of Sight Matthew S Cox

Most Citizens hold Outcasts in dim regard, but Sima never expected they'd throw her off the planet. In 2411, overpopulation has spread a plaque of filthy, congested city to the corners of the Earth. Government has raised corruption to an art form, and no one hears the cries of those left to die in the dark passageways of civilization. Following the End of Nations, people cling to the only division left: social status. Since running away from home four years ago, she's managed to stay a step ahead of death?or worse. At sixteen, she's getting too old to survive from begging, despite her best effort to pretend she's younger. Worse, the sidewalks teem with little kids edging in on her turf, monopolizing Citizens' charity with their wide, pleading eyes and genuine innocence. A chance meeting with suspiciously nice cops leaves her more confused than ever. Between deadly gangs, unforgiving security forces, and a terrifying madam eager to exploit a girl her age, merely getting older is the biggest threat to her life. With no good choice to make, she risks the least of three evils. Sima thought her life on Earth had been dangerous... She hasn't seen anything yet.