Ned Newman a potentially retired real estate agent and frustrated writer is an insignificant character in this tale of intrigue which thrives on the devious and life threatening actions of a select band of ruthless individuals inspired by greed. Unknowingly Ned has become the thorn in the side of one of New Zealand's richest men, Eric Dunsheath, who by his own admission will stop at nothing to fulfil his goals and dreams. Eric is a vertically challenged male from the wrong side of the tracks; a dwarf with an IQ of 191. At an early age as an unwanted child he chose to leave the orphanage where his superfluous being was deposited at birth, for life on the streets. He lived rough until his cunning led him to fortune. Riches are his; millions! Eric is aware his life expectancy is short and is ready to make the world pay for the manner in which it has treated him. Unfortunately Ned Newman is in his way. Ned's weakness for the opposite sex serves only to lead him deeper into a web of premeditated deception designed to systematically destroy the neighbourhood in which he lives and bring his hopes of a peaceful retirement crashing to the ground. Anyone who dares to offer an impediment to Eric Dunsheath's master plan, either knowingly or unknowingly, will suffer the same fate as the beautiful Amanda and the ruthless gay guy Alex whose devilish counter plot spirals to an unimaginable finale. But Eric himself is a target. Is it possible to capture a person's identity, relieve them of all worldly goods without raising suspicion, or give a hint to an outside world of any wrong doing? There are those who know it can be done and make it look scaringly easy. Devious characters with unscrupulous actions are ready to move on Eric with an infallible scheme of seizure and extortion. Where will Ned Newman feature in the process and what surprises doe Eric have for everyone concerned. There could be big winners in this battle for Shallows Lane; but it is conceivable that nobody will win.