A story of passion, risk and the extreme price of friendship. After losing a high-stakes card game, Mike gives up gambling for law school and a fresh start with his girlfriend. But then his best buddy gets out of prison and in over his head with a ruthless card shark. From there, Mike's strong sense of loyalty, and the lure of the game, draws him back to the tables in a game he cannot afford to lose.

A frustrated teacher in a southern town, whose education is being underutilized, finds his own purpose in helping bring meaning to the last days of a young man due to be executed. In teaching one person to die with dignity, he redeems himself.