The summer of 1968 was a turbulent time in the US, yet for two cousins, ages thirteen and twelve, their primary thoughts focused on enjoying their summer vacation by playing baseball and swimming at the neighborhood pool. But their carefree summer plans changed dramatically one day while exploring near a tree fort in a nearby forest when the boys stumbled upon a shady, gun-wielding character who threatens them to stay away. This threat only spurs the curiosity of Elbert Justice as he and his reluctant younger cousin Jackson O'Malley unearth a counterfeit operation that puts both boys' lives in jeopardy.