Old Mac Waverly is a carefree, somewhat absent-minded, science-obsessed inventor. He has an uncanny knack for putting himself in harm's way whenever he plunges into creative mode. The people of his hometown of Sunflower, in order to prevent Old Mac from potential danger, have set up a scheduled system to keep an eye on him - the Old Mac Watch. When this most beloved citizen disappears, twelve-year-old Ben Lewis and his deputy-sheriff father lead the baffling, week-long search to find him. For Ben, this offers an opportunity to spend precious time bonding with his father. In the process of investigating Old Mac's disappearance, Ben learns some valuable lessons about responsibility, friendship, and respect.