The Palos Verdes Peninsula, hidden away on a spectacular coastline just outside the confines of Los Angeles proper, is a sedate and quiet community, and one of the wealthiest in America. Its denizens call it "THE HILL". The Judge, asked to investigate the death of teenage girl, didn't expect to find himself caught up in a web of greed, corruption, drugs and illicit sex reaching to the very pillars of Peninsula Society. What started as a favor for the girl's mother quickly becomes a duel with powerful forces which threaten his reputation, his freedom, and even his life. In this same crucible the Judge finds new purpose, burning away his comfortable solitary existence and forging an extraordinary relationship with a younger woman also put at risk by his investigation.