Set against the backdrop of New Orleans and offshore oil fields during the late 1970s and early 1980s oil boom, Keys to the "V" Door follows the coming-of-age journey of a privileged young man. Instead of benefiting from his social advantages, Randall Cunningham finds himself forced to atone for a past mistake while trying to clear his father's name from an IRS accusation of fraud. As he embarks on this quest, Randall goes from financial ruin-following his father's arrest-to track down an elusive invoice he believes will prove his father's innocence. Along the way, he discovers inner strengths that were once hidden by conformity, seeks redemption for a wrong he committed, finds love, gains respect for women, and becomes involved in founding a rape crisis center. He battles the mafia, learns to value the people he once ignored, and comes to appreciate the hard work of roustabouts and roughnecks as he acquires new, unexpected skills in his search for the crucial document. Ultimately, a young man from privilege transforms into a hardworking, self-reliant individual, proud of his journey.