Virgil Renchler owns most of the town, providing a thriving economy. When his men go too far and kill one of his migrant workmen, the sheriff goes after him, even if it means his job and everyone else's.

In effect, modern cow town Spurline is run by Virgil Renchler, owner of the Golden Empire Ranch. One night, two of Virgil's henchmen go a little too far and beat a "bracero" ranch hand to death. Faced with an obvious cover-up and opposition on every hand, sheriff Ben Sadler is goaded into investigating. His unlikely ally: Renchler's lovely, self-willed and overprotected daughter. Will Ben survive Renchler's wrath?—Rod Crawford <[email protected]>