Recently widowed Derek is directing The Merchant of Venice with his class in the stifling atmosphere of a private school on the South coast. He takes Max, an unhappy new boy under his wing, but a treacherous act during the play's performance separates them and he is both forced from his post and to rethink his life. A chance meeting leads him to Glasgow where he joins forces with Ken, the plain speaking and charismatic leader of an inner-city boys' club. Derek has made a fresh start: he befriends fourteen-year-old Billy and his gang. Before long, he finds himself once again embroiled in some complicated young lives. Meanwhile, his recent past is on his tail.

A contemporary story of contrasts, of friendship, grief, danger... but above all of hope.