Based in Washington D.C., Joni Pinter is in serious trouble. After being told by everyone that her boyfriend's sister, Rumor Mason, is getting released from prison, she is nervous about the future of her long-term relationship with Egan Russ. No matter where she goes, everyone warns her about the trouble Rumor brings if she's allowed to intrude on the lives of anyone she comes near. In the beginning Joni does her best to maintain a positive attitude, but after being bullied into letting Rumor live in her home by her man, Joni discovers that the stories are all true. Maintaining control of her relationship and her home become the least of her worries. In the end she is concerned for her life.