Accused of an unspeakable crime, respected high school teacher Mike Chadwick retreats to the lonely isolation of the north woods, where he attempts to salvage his career, reputation and sanity. But there is no rest for the weary. Relentless detective, Pat Donegal, locates and questions Chadwick after a series of murders occur in the area. Chadwick believes himself the victim of bad luck, the result of an accusation that was never proved. Detective Donegal believes he is on the trail of a madman.