Francis introduces himself to the reader, brutally describing the injuries he sustained during the war. He covers his face to avoid recognition and remain anonymous.

He returns to Frenchtown, a suburb of Monument, where he intends to commit murder with his gun. He arrives at Mrs Belander's lodging house where he lived as a boy. His new landlady doesn't recognise him.

He visits St Jude's Church where he prays for several important people in his life, including Enrico, his late mother and father, Nicole Renard and Larry LaSalle. Tension is created as he states his intention of killing Larry, but the reader does not yet know why.

Francis describes a flashback to the war. He has a Silver Star Medal, although he refuses to believe himself heroic – and reveals his eternal love for Nicole. They meet occasionally when Nicole visits her friend Marie who lives in the same apartment block.

Francis is haunted by the memory of his first meeting with Nicole Renard in 1939. He was immediately attracted to her and fell in love at first sight. He visits the place where she used to live, but discovers that the Renards were no longer there.

The reader discovers that Francis joined the army at 15, lying about his age.

Back in the present, Francis goes to bed and dream of his traumatic war time experiences. His description of the injury to his face is particular stark and brutal.

Francis thinks about the Rec Centre, a youth club which has played a significant part in his life. It is also known as the Wreck Centre.

Francis meets Arthur Rivier, an old school friend, who introduces Francis as a newcomer to the other war veterans at the St Jude's Club. They reminisce about their school days, but none of them recognise Francis. Unlike him, the other veterans are optimistic about the future.

Francis tries to glean information about Larry LaSalle. He is presented as a leader and teacher who becomes an inspirational figure to the young people of Frenchtown.

At the end of the conversation Francis heads for the Wreck Centre, despite having told himself that he will not go there. He finds it boarded up and run down. He reminiscences about the tragic story that caused the Centre to close down, giving it the reputation of being a 'bad luck place'. However, Larry LaSalle soon revived the infamous building by creating a youth club for the local children.

Francis' description of Larry so far comes as a surprise to the reader as it is hard to believe that he he would want to kill such an inspirational character. Nonetheless, Cormier's foreshadowing hints at Larry's dark past.

Francis has not been in his hometown for a month, looking for Larry. At the St Jude Club, he asks the other war veterans about his enemy. The reader discovers that Larry was given a Silver Star award for his bravery in war.

Arthur Rivier recognises Francis' voice and cannot understand why he would want to hide his identity. He declares him as a hero for his actions in the war. Arthur agrees to keep his identity hidden from the other veterans.

The men then discuss Francis' talent in table tennis. Francis remembers his title as the table tennis champion at the Wreck Centre, but his memory is tainted by Larry's contribution to his success.

In a flashback, Francis recalls Larry's encouragement of his ability as a table tennis player. He allows Francis to win a competition, and tells him that he and Nicole are 'special'. Nicole is delighted to see Francis win and they appear to be becoming closer. The reader finds out that the following day was the historic attack on Pearl Harbor.

The weather is sombre. Francis finds Arthur drunk; he comments that no one will talk about the war. Arthur claims that there were no heroes, just scared, homesick boys.

Larry Lasalle was one of the first men to enlist in the war. This again creates conflict in the reader's mind as he is once again described in glowing terms. With Larry gone, the Wreck Centre is closed and preparations for the war are stepped up.

Francis becomes closer to Nicole. At the cinema together they see a newsreel with Larry celebrated as a war hero.

In the present, Francis explains why he started hiding his face. He now wears a scarf, bandage and cap to shield his identity. He doesn't care about healing, but isn't comfortable with the horror his injuries cause those around him when they see him. His only concern now is to track down Larry.

Finally, the reader learns of Enrico and Francis' plans to commit suicide. Francis then hints at Larry's homecoming and how it changed their lives forever.

The flashback to wartime Frenchtown continues. Larry is celebrated as he returns home for his first leave. He wishes to spend time with his 'Wreck Centre gang', and plays table tennis with them. He soon wishes to have one last dance with Nicole. He dismisses Francis who hides close by, and sexually assaults Nicole. Francis overhears the rape, but is too frightened to intervene.

Francis visits Nicole. He is tortured by guilt because of his failure to help her. Nicole appears to regard him with contempt for his weakness, as she feels he betrayed her by leaving the room.

Later Francis goes to church contemplates suicide by leaping from the steeple. He soon decides against this and instead lies about his age and enlists in the army.

In 1945 again, Francis finally discovers that Larry has returned to Frenchtown by eavesdropping into a conversation between Mrs Belander and a neighbour. He visits Larry in his lodgings, intending to kill him in revenge for what he did to Nicole.

Larry admits his failings and tries to explain his actions, but Francis finds his explanations repugnant. Larry wipes out any chance to redeem his heroic status by remaining unrepentant – he thinks that his many good points outweigh his sickening actions: “Does that one sin of mine wipe away all the good things?”.

Larry tells Francis he has already made plans to kill himself. As Francis departs, Larry commits suicide.

Back in the present, Francis attempts to discover Nicole's whereabouts by asking at the convent he attended as a child. He lies about the severity of his injuries to a nun who gives him her address.

Francis finds Nicole, and while he hopes their relationship can resume, it is clear this will not happen. She apologises to him for the way she treated him on the day she was raped. Francis reassures her that Larry is dead.

Nicole has not confided in about the rape, and she appears damaged and traumatised by her experience.

Nicole declares Francis a hero, although he again denies it. She urges him to write about his experiences. The past lovers part and he knows that they will not meet again.

Francis contemplates his future and the options available to him. He is at a railway station, reminiscing about his old platoon. He considers that many of them who received no honours were the real heroes.

Carrying his bag containing the gun, he boards the train. The novel ends on a positive note as Francis considers the possibilities of recovery and of a future life.