A hitchhiker is caught in a murderous web

His whole life, William Banks has been trying to escape his mother, who wants desperately for him to become a lawyer. Banks wants to paint, and when he gets the opportunity to attend art school in the next county, he jumps at the chance. It's only forty miles, but it's a start. Getting to class, however, will be a deadly proposition.

On his way there, Banks is picked up by Alf, a down-on-his-luck crook who has dreamed up a plan involving a fire, a burned body, and a dead hitchhiker. By all rights, Banks shouldn't live to see morning, but a stroke of luck — and a very helpful village girl — help him escape death without his ever knowing he was in danger. Caught up in a bizarre case of missing identity, Banks must think quickly to save his own life — once he finally realizes someone is trying to kill him.