Scruffs

The telephone call from his sister, Mary, announcing the murder of her daughter at a high school mass shooting signals Gene Benton's emersion into a world he never imagined, the cyber world of chatrooms, half-truths, and rage. The couple analyzes the chatrooms and news photographs, uncovering sinister connections and hints as murders continue in small towns throughout the country. Mary introduces Karen Leach, who joins the investigative team. Grassroots populism washes across the land under the banner of S. A. F. E. (Secure America For Everyone). A Middle East war for oil temporarily diverts the attention of the citizenry but the slaughters continue. Mary dies mysteriously and Karen moves into Gene's life. Paranoia engulfs Gene and Karen as they uncover names and disturbing facts. Are they being watched? Are they safe?