Returning to his hometown of Salvation after 15 years, homicide detective Rusty Joplin is elected sheriff, despite the opposition of wealthy Randall Ryder. After examining the horse-dragged body of Ryder's daughter Carla--sister of Rusty's old flame Elena--Rusty finds evidence of foul play. But as this baffling investigation heats up, so does Rusty's smoldering attraction for Elena.