Why Averton? Who would bring death and destruction to such a place? Kelly Hastings was looking forward to a quiet retirement after a stellar career with the Averton Police Department. The Chief of Detectives was enjoying his recent remarriage, having put his wandering eye to rest. He has found that the elementary school principal he married was eager and willing to ensure that his libido was well taken care of. If only she were not haunted by self -doubts regarding her own levels of passion. Their lives are shaken when Averton, Ohio becomes the target of bombings and murder. Kelly must deal...

Walter Long avoids the pain of loss by closing himself off from all others. To escape unpleasant memories, he fills each waking moment with work or reading. Marjorie Evans is his younger sister, a schoolteacher who copes with life's trials through optimism and faith. After her marriage ends in an annulment, she returns to the family home for the summer and endeavors to bring her brother back into the world. In contrast with the cautious Marjorie is Paula Morgan, Marjorie's friend and coworker. Paula lives for the moment, and revels in her own sensuality. These lives converge one evening at...