Dutch Verlander's life was winding down and drastically changing. Retirement was only a step away, and old age had snuck up on him and was smiling at him with the grin of a child molester. Like a man falling from a great height and the sudden change of direction at the end, he saw his life taking on a new direction, one he did not like or want: his father was dying; his girl was dumping him; and his friends were being murdered one by one; and he suddenly found himself saying his last goodbyes.