His best friend Anthony is dead. Shot down while trying to break up a fight at a house party during the summer. His other friend Chris, a violence addicted gang member is on the war path. For Damien Gram (known by everybody as D) 2005 has been the worst year of his life so far. Now school is back in and he's never been less excited. Life outside of Seattle was never really on his mind like that. All he knows is the drug dealing and petty crimes all of his friends are involved in. His mentor, a dangerous and streetwise man named Money Mike has plans for D. But only if D declares his allegiance to Money Mike's gang. With a strong but confusing lust for money and out to prove himself to Money Mike, D plunges headfirst into a shady world or drugs, rivalries, violence and greed. But what D thought he was ready for turns out to be far worse then anything he ever expected. The only thing keeping him from losing all trace of himself is his friendship with a damaged young house wife. But will their mutual need for stability be enough to keep them from the dangers closing in on them?