Retired army sergeant Dan Ryan came to Deadwood to stake his claim on the gold to be found in the Black Hills. Unfortunately, his labors have borne him little fruit, and he finds himself spending more time drinking up what little profit he makes in the company of such infamous characters as Calamity Jane.
 
Then General George Crook’s army arrives in town, fresh from their campaign against the Sioux. Among the soldiers are three men Ryan served with, men he hoped never to see again. Privy to a secret he prayed would never be discovered, they’re greedy enough and foolish enough to draft Ryan into stealing from Deadwood’s deadliest resident—saloon owner Al Swearengen.