To avoid discovery, The Watch Man - Wade Durance, has fled Iowa and found a new home far away.
As he settles in, a vicious attack by bandits takes place and a naive young heiress is carried off. The roots of the problem are found in a threatening ransom note that Wade must decipher to discover the perpetrators. The girl's wealthy father is involved in some dubious activity and up against the notorious Black Hand Gang that rule the city. The links are obvious, but the bandits hold the girl at an unknown location that Wade must find and overcome.
Meanwhile his secretive employer, Emily Black, uncovers more connections at the highest level and Wade meets up with an old friend in order to overcome some overwhelming odds.
But time waits for no man and as the girl's life hangs by a thread The Watch Man must move quickly before the final minutes tick away.