For Pete Franklin, it no longer mattered who he represented as the had of the acquisitions group for one of the largest investment banks. He only cared about making the next big deal to feed his already inflated ego. While it may not be flattering to most, Pete relished his Wall Street reputation as a cut-throat corporate commando who could perform the impossible.
We first see Pete in the back of a stretch limo, alternatively using his cell phone to bark orders to lowly underlings working late at his office or pounding away at his laptop, sending a string of biting e-mails to whoever happened to piss him off that day.
Pete is so late to a charity function that he offers the limo driver a $100 bonus if could maneuver his way through a typical traffic bottleneck to the Waldorf in less than 15 minutes.
Upon his arrival at the dinner, Pete casually walks into the ornate grand ballroom, hoping other attendees would think he was returning from the men's room. He receives a cold reception from his wife Kathy, who is steaming as she is finishing dessert.
On the stage is a nervous-looking teenager named Rocky with the executive director of the charity. Since Pete arrived late, he did not hear the story about the boy, but only knew that he suffers from a life-threatening condition. The director says that it is Rocky's to visit San Francisco. Pete naturally assumes that the director is seeking a volunteer to finance the kid's trip.
Because the director is clearly becoming uncomfortable that no one has raised a hand to volunteer, Pete quickly spots an opportunity. By serving as the "white night," he can simultaneously make amends with Kathy as well as become a publicized charitable hero. He would again save the day by raising his hand.
After Kathy laughs at his gesture, Pete realizes that he has committed a rare blunder. He later discovers that he not only agreed to sponsor the trip, but he has also volunteered to take Rocky to San Francisco.
What starts out as a brief trip to San Francisco turns into a two-week journey during which Pete and Rocky encounter colorful characters and thought-provoking experiences. We learn that Pete is a smoldering volcano whose true emotions begin to surface during the journey. But after completion of the trip, Pete quicky reverts to his typical patters at home and at work until a tragic event cracks his already fragile emotional state.
Divided Roads is all about the strength of relationships and the power of reconciliation.
