6Influenced by each other, a close-knit community and a tightly coupled band of high school classmates evolve under the beclouding effect of an unsolved murder. Where race, wealth, and privilege can be determining factors in the prosperity of its inhabitants, a small town struggles with this event. Amongst this drama, two former home-town athletes emerge and progress with a sense of entitlement that most of their classmates lack. Brought together by fate and athletic competition, Jackson's and Bo's divergent paths create conflict in what was once an unshakeable friendship. Yet their fondness of each other and the baseball team that nourished their youth ushers them through their turmoil and the unforeseen destiny of each. Throughout this story, both ponder whether home and history affect their identities and what other factors may cause individual personalities to alter. The question is, what causes us to relent or overcome our past? Regardless of their assumptions, these two souls find that their youthful connection is forever held intact by their love for each other and a small community, miles from nowhere. Born the oldest of three sons to a middle-class family in Russell, Kansas, George Hopkins was reared by loving parents and two supportive communities. He first dreamed of being an educator and a coach like his father but decided instead to pursue a career in healthcare. George studied at Garden City Community College and Oral Roberts University with a major emphasis in chemistry. George married Lori Bradfield in 1980 after being accepted into the University of Houston College of Optometry. Upon George's graduation, the couple moved back to their hometown of Garden City, Kansas where they live today and George is a practicing optometrist. They have two sons and three grandchildren.