Megan Sullivan is leaving Chicago, forced out by the stalker who won't leave her alone. She seeks temporary shelter in Sweetwater, North Carolina, hometown to the only detective in Chicago who seems to want to help her.

Lou Conall, sheriff in Sweetwater, doesn't relish the fact that his cousin in Chicago is sending a woman for him to safeguard. His cousin, Wesley, knows he can't say no if a woman or child is in danger but still . . . He has a lot of responsibilities, surely one lone woman won't take up too much time.

Until they meet and the realities both have always lived with shatter beyond all recognition.