Sailors tell sea stories to brag, to lie, to instruct and always to entertain; but Will Perkins has never told his own story from 20 years before. Now, a 'shipmate' returns to his life and reminds him of his part in a conspiracy to destroy a ship and the debts he has to pay. Will his comfortable and quiet life as a teacher survive his past? Before the end of this story, he must choose among friendship, courage, debts owed, and his marriage.