Dan quickly becomes obsessed with finding out what happened to his friend, even as his superiors urge him to focus on more pressing cases. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a network of secrets and lies that run deep in his small town.
The hermit, known only as Rooster, proves to be a difficult and unpredictable source of information. Despite their rocky relationship, Dan realizes that Rooster may hold the key to solving the mystery of his friend's death. As they form an uneasy alliance, Dan begins to understand the pain and trauma that Rooster has endured in his own life.
As the pieces of the puzzle start to come together, Dan realizes that his friend's death may have been part of a larger conspiracy involving powerful figures in the community. With his job and reputation on the line, Dan must decide how far he is willing to go to uncover the truth and bring justice to his friend.
In the end, Dan must confront his own shortcomings and confront the darkness within himself in order to find closure for his friend and for himself. The Rooster is a gripping and emotional thriller that explores the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and redemption in the face of tragedy.