Book excerpt: Lydia Johansen is teetering between a collapsing marriage and self-destruction when a new man arrives on her doorstep. This stranger is her husband's long distant brother and a self proclaimed professional drifter. He claims to be passing through on his way to Alaska. Charmed by his self-deprecating humor and easy-going existence, Lydia attempts to seduce him. Within a twenty four hour period, the bonds of marriage, family and friendship are challenged to the breaking point while secrets better left buried are revealed.