Embittered Ashton Chenault returns from serving in Vietnam to an ungrateful country and an emotionally distant family. Seeking meaning in his vapid life, he takes a monotonous job in an eastern Massachusetts mill. There, he meets Evangeline, a mesmerizing girl from the restrictive local Greek community. Sensitive, loyal Ashton pursues and marries the girl of his dreams, but his culture collides with that of Evangelineas family. He uncovers sinister dealings involving prominent community leaders: an orthodox Greek priest; Evangelineas father, a respected businessman; and a prominent Greek doctor. All flout the law and threaten his life. To survive and protect his marriage, Ashton learns to fight againanow against a shadow enemy. He and Evangeline suffer grievous personal losses; a plot to disinherit them engulfs them in espionage, collusion, and legal maneuvers. Eventually, in a bizarre twist, a climactic showdown in a highly publicized court action exposes both the familyas and the communityas unspeakable secrets.