This compelling story begins on June 6, 1944 when Corporal Paul Pinski of the 101st Airborne Division is killed in action after he covers a hand grenade with his body during the D-Day Invasion. At the same time in Highlandtown, the blue-collar section of east Baltimore, Paul's wife Lucy gives birth to their first child who learns at an early age the benefits associated with limited competition. Drama is found on every page of this story as the Dexter-type anti-hero follows his natural instincts that lead him down a road to success paved with the bodies of his rivals.