The Adversary

In early European settlements on the Newfoundland Coast, life is precarious and harsh. Townsfolk depend on the local gentry for work. Abe Strapp and the Widow Caines have been enemies all their lives. They operate competing businesses. They belong to different churches. Abe is illiterate while Mrs. Caines is well read. Abe is volatile while Mrs. Caines is cold and calculating. Both are laser-focused on their own success at any cost. After the death of Mr. Caines, Abe is appointed Justice of the Peace. He abuses his power, enforcing his edicts with two hired henchmen. He builds a brothel populated with imported girls, promoting drinking and gambling while mistreating those who object. Mrs. Caines, coldly observing it all, and aware of the danger to her own intents and aims, does not take the change to her world lightly, and events begin to spin out of control.