Fifteen-year-old Squib is running goods down the river when he witnesses Regence Hooke, a crooked cop who already has it out for him, murder someone and is rescued by a dragon named Vern. Vern was content to drink vodka and watch TV, but when his friend convinces him to let Squib live and give him a job, he develops a soft spot for the boy, and they just might have a lifelong friendship---if they...