Dark secrets lurk in the old gray house unbeknownst to the outside world. The unexpected entry of gregarious Harley Cooper into a grieving family's life brings the promise of stability and joy following a year fraught with tragedy. Introduced to newly widowed Trudy Howard and her stepchildren-Gary, Tanya, and Tim, including young biological daughters, Jeanie and Toni-at a Labor Day festival, Harley proves to be the life of any party. Harley wastes no time installing himself in the household as he and Trudy's romance blossoms. The littlest children and Tim adore him, Tanya has a crush on him, and Gary rejects him. As the novelty of Harley's presence wears off and the wedding day looms, a turbulent atmosphere creeps in. Disturbing details of his lurid past come to light, casting him in an ominous shadow, and hope for redeeming happiness is shattered as his behavior turns dangerously violent to bizarre. When he sets his lecherous sights on the children in Trudy's absence, a downward spiral follows. After a rowdy wedding, Harley's perversion only intensifies. The siblings find themselves trapped in a paralyzing web of fear, outside help impossible for dread of deadly consequences, until they reach the crucible of a daring move that may cost them their lives.