There are in every society, in virtually every family, secrets so toxic that they cannot be exposed.
Buddy Ryan lives in Lake Charles, Louisiana. It is that bleak period between World War I and World War II. The secrets he must unravel to determine who killed Jack Spivey, and why, are wrapped in the enigma of a South where land, timber, chemicals, and oil fortunes are being made at the cost of unmitigated human suffering.
Buddy resides on a single little street that manifests all the flaws of a social and political system built on lies. Sheriff Gilbow Brown trades the power of his office for political, financial, and sexual favors. Poley Breaux, Jack’s best friend and the keeper of his secret, is equal to Gilbow Brown’s level of violence, but bound by a code of honor that denies him the liberties that Gilbow freely takes.
Lilith Baines uses beauty and guile to manipulate men to her advantage, including Sheriff Brown, and two innocent little boys, the unintended products of her nefarious schemes.
Those two lost boys, Jackie Spivey and Jefferson Lee, were spawned from a web of intrigue and suffering, the result of Lilith’s pursuit of wealth and respect. Even the wisdom of Georgia Desha cannot save the boys.
Can Buddy Ryan unravel the secrets of Lake Charles, and reach the other side of tomorrow?