Carrie Ann Benton loves Rodney Buchard. But because of his Mexican heritage, they must keep their romance a secret. Horace Benton, a racist, power-hungry Arizona judge, is desperate to end his daughter's relationship and secure the political and financial backing necessary to make him governor.

In face of extreme prejudice and murderous intentions, can Carrie and Rodney keep the flame alive? Will clever US Marshal Max Greystone be too late to untangle the corrupt and twisted plot against them, or will others die in the complicated maze of power, passion, suspicion and deceit?