In the gritty urban landscape of 1980s New York City, a struggling artist and his street-smart hustler friend must navigate the cutthroat art world and confront a shocking betrayal when the artist's work is stolen by the hustler's long-lost brother.
Protagonist: A struggling artist trying to make it in the competitive art scene of New York City in the 1980s; Deuteragonist: A street-smart hustler who helps the protagonist navigate the gritty urban landscape and find opportunities.
The protagonist's artwork is stolen by a rival artist, leading to a desperate search for justice and the realization of the cutthroat nature of the art world in New York City in the 1980s.
The protagonist and his hustler friend uncover evidence of the rival artist's theft, leading to a public confrontation and the exposure of the rival's shady dealings. The protagonist's stolen artwork is returned, and he finally receives recognition in the art world, while the hustler finds a legitimate business opportunity. The novel ends with the two friends celebrating their hard-earned success in a bustling New York City art gallery.
Twist: The protagonist discovers that the rival artist who stole his work is actually the hustler's long-lost brother, leading to a heart-wrenching dilemma between seeking justice and protecting their newfound bond.