Framed in the wilds of New Mexico, with herds of feral horses and other wildlife and natural wonders, a small community is traumatized by violence and mysterious disappearances. Corrupt authorities and a strange religious cult match wits with local ranchers and a kindly Apache historian and community factotum named Ben. Young people must face the unsettling challenge that shadows the more usual trials and joys of growing up. Matters finally come to a head when Billy and Amy take a drive in the country for what they think will be a pleasant interlude of sightseeing and picnicking....