When he was nine years old, Kip McFarland murdered another child. He set him on fire. After living for over four years in a ward with hardened juvenile offenders, Kip is declared rehabilitated. Beginning a new life as a freshman in Indiana, Kip changes his name to Wade and starts with a clean slate. Popular, attractive and the star of the swimming team, Wade seems to have the perfect life. But the ghosts of his past won't let him rest, and in a weak moment, Wade spills the shameful secret of who he really is - or was - a murderer. Exiled by friends and the community, Wade and his family start over once again in Texas. Wade finally meets someone he can trust: Sam, the pretty girl next door who might just have some demons of her own. Now Wade must decide if telling Sam his secret will set him free once and for all...or ruin everything once again.