Henry Cimoli and Spenser have been friends for years, yet the old boxing trainer has never asked the private eye for a favour. Until now. A heavy-handed developer is trying to buy up Henry's condo on Revere Beach and sends thugs to move the process along. Soon Spenser and his apprentice, Zebulon Sixkill, find a trail leading to a mysterious and beautiful woman, a megalomaniacal Las Vegas kingpin and plans to turn to a chunk of land north of Boston into a sprawling casino. Bitter rivals emerge and alliances turn.