1969, and the Vietnam War is raging. A difficult period for most young people. Either you work hard to continue your studies, or you flee to Canada, because otherwise Uncle Sam will knock on your door and before you know it, you might find yourself crawling through some swampy rice field trying not to think about the body bags that are being shipped home daily.

For Ray and Tim, things aren't like that.

They've dodged it. They're neither college kids nor "rats." But Ray and Tim have their own problems.

A murder, for example. A murder that Ray committed four years ago, just because he felt like it. A murder in which Tim and Jennifer, Ray's ex, are accomplices. A murder that a life-weary cop doesn't intend to let go unpunished. He knows Ray did it, but he can't prove it. Now, on the brink of retirement, with nothing to lose, he decides to try one last time to provoke Ray's arrogant composure and lead him to make a mistake. A mistake that will expose him.

Situations converge. Something will erupt. Something that will lead to violence and blood.
When the dust settles, who will be the written-off ones?

"Ketchum has become something of a hero to those of us who write horror and suspense stories. Simply put, he is one of the best in the field"
(Stephen King)