Plagued by a childhood of loss and sadness a Bronx boy of epic brilliance evolves into a loner and becomes obsessed with running as a means of escaping his emotional anguish. Mentored by an Olympic class swimmer and a highly trained combat soldier he develops an arsenal of life saving skills. An act of heroism forges a bond and friendship with the most powerful gangster in America. Deeply in love and faced with induction into the Vietnam War the young Danny Corvo reaches the crossroad of his lifetime.