When private investigator James Gardiner is hired to find a young woman long thought dead, the case takes him to the South Bay and Hermosa Beach, the site of some glorious partying days of his youth. But the investigation not only rekindles memories, both good and bad, of his time there, but it also unravels a devious plot involving gangs, drugs, and murder. And, once again, James must pursue his quest while avoiding interfering with a federal case.