Abstract At the center of this story are people who have found an illegal but attractive way to make money. The angelic-looking man John Partlow and the swindler Ginger LaFrance are the worst examples of this type of people. Having united into a criminal team, they temporarily abandon smaller schemes in order to try to work out a scheme for obtaining ransom for a kidnapping in New Orleans. In another part of the city, Curtis Mayhew - a young black youth working as a porter at the Union Station - is rightfully proud of the reputation of a man capable of resolving any misunderstanding among his friends. His friends don't know that Curtis has a special gift for listening... and sometimes he is able to hear even things that are not spoken out loud. One fine day, Curtis's special talent allows him to hear a child's cry for help. THIS MAN IS IN THE CAR, HE HAS A GUN! - screams the frightened child. This call draws Curtis into the dangerous world of Partlow and LaFrance...