 Malley is caring for his dying mother, and his stress is exacerbated by a series of threatening phone calls and written notes he receives.He is certain Dobbs is the source, but his caustic personality prevents him from winning any sympathy or support.Into the fray comes Paul Reese, a former student who has been hired to teach PE, and he soon finds his loyalty torn between the friendly Dobbs and Malley, as he becomes increasingly aware of the latter's personal torments.