The story takes place during June and July 1893. Clay Jameson a private detective, is hired by Morgan Williams, a cantankerous and vengeful shipping and cattle baron to find his daughter, Megan, who has run off with and married Zach, a local farm boy. Williams also wants Zach either killed or driven away.
Jameson learns that Zach and Megan have loaded their worldly possessions in Zach's wagon and have headed from Martinez, California to Bodie, where they plan to join Zach's uncle in running a store supplying the local miners and other population of Bodie with needed supplies. Jameson refused to agree to kill Zach and offers only to find his daughter and help her on her terms, to either escort her home or assist she and Zach in settling where they want. Unbeknown to Jameson, Williams has two of his ranch hands follow Jameson for the purpose of killing Zach and Jameson, once Megan is located, and in bringing Megan home.
There is enough action, colorful characters, and romance as Jameson finds unexpected help along the way and Megan finds her true character.