The novel begins with the introduction of the main character, Mark Sway. He is an 11-year-old boy who lives in Memphis, Tennessee. Mark's father is a lawyer and his mother is a stay-at-home mom. Mark has a close relationship with his parents and his younger sister, Jessica.
One day, Mark is walking home from school when he sees a man being chased by two other men. Mark follows the man to a pay phone, where he overhears the man talking to someone about a crime. The man is about to give away important information when he sees Mark and hangs up the phone.
Mark follows the man to his law office and tells him that he knows about his crime. The man, Roy Foltrigg, is a corrupt lawyer who is working for the mafia. Foltrigg threatens Mark, but Mark is not afraid. He tells Foltrigg that he is going to turn him in to the police.
Rising Action
Foltrigg tries to stop Mark from going to the police, but Mark is determined. He goes to the police station and tells them everything he knows about Foltrigg. The police arrest Foltrigg and charge him with murder.
Foltrigg's arrest sets off a chain of events that leads to Mark and his family being put in danger. The mafia is after Mark, and they will stop at nothing to get him. Mark and his family must go into hiding, and they must constantly look over their shoulders.
Falling Action
The mafia eventually finds Mark and his family, but Mark is able to escape. He goes on the run, and he is eventually found by a group of federal agents. The agents take Mark to a safe place, and they promise to protect him.
Conclusion
The novel ends with Mark and his family being safe. Foltrigg is convicted of murder and sent to prison. Mark learns that it is important to stand up for what is right, even if it is dangerous. He also learns that there are good people in the world who are willing to help those who are in need.