Growing up in the near-chaos of the sixties, Patrick Summers comes to accept that he is different from his peers. He learns self-discipline, and he learns to work with others. As he matures, he feels compelled to grapple with problems whose solutions seem elusive. Even if he cannot make a huge difference, he will make what difference he can.
As a deputy prosecutor, he quickly finds himself at odds with the local police. Prosecuting two officers, without permanently losing the entire department's cooperation, will take all of his skill.
Good fortune and hard work bring him some successes. He strives for more. Just when he begins to feel as though he is doing his part, he meets an intelligent, thoughtful woman. She challenges him to do even more, even if it means taking the big risks.
He sees the impact of social injustice in a very personal way. His approach to a solution is just as personal.
