An 8-year-old orphan is the last person the four squatters John, Sammy, Mickey and Kathy need in their hellhole. Because of his black eye they call him “violet” and try everything to get rid of him. But the boy clings to them, and while out organising drugs and on the occasional fishing spree along the East River they get to know his name: Eddie.

Life in the warehouse under the Williamsburg Bridge, Brooklyn, is far from luxurious, but with Kathy, a street walking junkie, Sammy, an old, wise fisherman, and the other squatters Eddie not only finds some sort of home but also a little love.