The entire novel takes place within and very close by the Northeastern American city of Boston. Home to skyscrapers, confusing streets, and millions of people, the novel's version of the city consists of a seemingly safe and healthy elite while much of the rest of the city suffers in poverty and crime. Charlie encounters many homeless people and is endangered by them several times while he searches for Bonz. Organized crime also has a very large presence in this city, which Charlie and Bonz being sought after by a large number of mafia hitmen. To make matters worse, corruption is apparently rampant, with the most powerful and important federal prosecutor having very deep ties to the mob. The leaders of this mob mingle freely with other members of the upper-class, as evidenced by Carmen Siracuse's presence at the charity ball attended by Charlie and Jessica. This hints at...