Chapter 1, Doc Luther Summary

Pat Cosgrove, a convicted bank robber, is serving an indeterminate prison sentence well beyond his parole date. Ineligible for parole because he lacks a sponsor, Pat is overjoyed to finally receive a job offer and sponsorship from Doc Luther. Within just a few hours of his release, however, Pat begins to realize that things are not as straightforward as could be desired. Over the next several weeks Doc Luther introduces Pat to powerful senators, shady business associates, and beautiful women.

Doc Luther also provides Pat with housing, ready cash, a job which does not require working, automobiles, and fine clothing. A worried Pat wonders who he can trust even as he develops relationships and attempts to discover what he must eventually do to repay Doc Luther's apparent kindness. Pat eventually discovers he is trapped in a web of deceit...