Denny Van Zant was Wil Hardesty's best friend. Together they surfed, drank, and brawled their youth away. Then came the day Denny was accused of murder. Some said he did it. Some said he didn't. He was never quite charged. Then came Vietnam, and years later Wil saw what had been identified as his best friend buried at a military funeral.

Now, decades later, Wil receives a call from Denny's mother, a voice that brings painful memories flooding back. She thinks Denny is still alive. Her evidence is sketchy, but it's a place to start. And once started, Wil won't be able to stop until he's sure Denny is alive. Or both of them are dead.