Houston private investigator Mitchell King is drawn into a gruesome homicide, the murder committed by a serial killer, former policeman George Burgess, aka the Slicer. Blaming Mitch for the suicide of his younger brother, Burgess is dedicating victims to Mitch, leaving taunting notes and messages for the PI. Knowledge of this and guilt for perhaps triggering these vicious murders has led Mitch into bouts of alcohol-induced self-anesthesia and rampant anguish. Two of Mitch’s pals, Homicide Detective David Meierhoff (Mitch’s best friend) and David’s boss Homicide Captain Joe Duggan, sympathize with Mitch and enlist his help in searching for leads to find Burgess, knowing that Burgess’ fixation on Mitch may cause him to slip up and be caught. Mitch reluctantly agrees, understanding that any reminders of these terrible crimes will create more internal turmoil for himself. Mitch had earlier befriended a wild teenage girl, Cheryl Stern. Cheryl is the daughter of Hispanic crime boss Julio Cardozo, or Julie Cards. Cardozo imposes upon Mitch for insider information from cop pals about a rival gang, Barrio Colombia (BC). Although Mitch feels fatherly affection for Cheryl, he’s affronted by Cardozo’s attempt to work him for tips. He defers any cooperation but due to a slipup in the Cardozo gang, BC has issued a vendetta on him. There are now two enemies who have Mitch in their sights. As Mitch continues to work the Slicer case, he’s still plagued by the feeling that he’s responsible for the murders. Mitch searches his soul for strength and struggles to regain his self-esteem. He then undertakes a self-imposed mission to find George Burgess and enact justice.