The story focuses on the journey of three boys. They are all minor criminals and have an ambition to really step up their status. This results in multiple violent burglaries of rivalling drug distributors. This allows for the boys to acquire the necessary product that is needed to start making name for themsleves as criminals, as well as getting rid of competition along the way. Things begin to look up for the three as they begin distribution on a massive scale, that is until the sins from their past catch up to them as they are captured by a crime syndicate who they had previously stolen the drugs and money from. The three are placed at the mercy of a sadistic criminal who has them captured and tortured for days on end. After being broken down the three may only find solace in working to repay their debt where they will participate in a number of increasingly morally questioning crimes that may place their lives and humanity on the line.
The narrative begins at the end of the story, within the confines of a police interrogation room. The story is pieced together from the memories and research of Williams character who has a personal connection to the events that have taken place. William had ruthlessly pursued the crimes of the three boys, collecting evidence that could put them away for the rest of their lives. This raises questions of how William is connected to the boys and how he ultimately becomes entangled within the shroud of mystery that take place throughout the case ultimately resulting in him being interviewed by police.
We are introduced to three boys who are minor criminals who struggle to make any real money. They want more out of life and begin robbing different drug stashes ultimately resulting in the theft and killing of someone who has ties to a higher organisation. As the boys begin selling the drugs and spending the money they begin to paint a bigger target on their back. The boys are kidnapped during a poker game and are dragged into an abandoned house for interrogation. This lasts until the boys agree to sacrifice their lives in order to pay back their debt. They are forced to do the high risk jobs that no one else wishes to take as they rob and murder out of fear. The boys begin to grasp the moral weight of what they are doing as death occurs around them.
The boys struggle to bare the weight of the crimes and responsibility that is given to them, they begin to lose their minds, slowly breaking down after so much death and destruction. They attempt to rebel against their manipulators which ultimately results in their capture once more. Determined to escape this life, they hatch a plan which will either result in their deaths or their salvation. The result is death on both sides, leaving only two people remaining, William and George. With a good conscience, George frees William from his captors. As the two make their way to the exit, Will's true intentions are revealed as he shoots George. The result ends with Will being called in for questioning while George remains in critical condition, leaving Will's secret up to fate.
