The encounter alters all of their lives in different ways, but none of them will ever be the same. The novel follows the four: three white teenagers and a young Mojave Indian, as their lives spin off in different directions. A deputy sheriff, a liquor store owner and a woman living a marginalized life are part of the unfolding story. The narrative provides a look into small-town life in an isolated desert railroad town. A member of the Mojave Tribal Council, her wheelchair-bound son, a politically ambitious school superintendent, a lonely man grieving his wife, and a mysterious, wealthy family play prominent roles in the novel.

    Her family is gone and her own life hangs by a thread after a desperate season seeking work. By the time Lew and his kindly neighbors have nursed Clare back to health, he is hopelessly in love with the frail Irish girl. But though she will always care for Lew, another man comes between them. Martin Heywood, a rich, young farmer sweeps Clare off her feet; however, he cannot marry a mere servant girl, even if it breaks both their hearts.

    Did her parents kill their only child and hide the body? What other solution could there be?This is a modern police procedural. It's also a classical locked-room mystery that will keep you guessing right up until the end.All profits from the sale of this novella will be donated to charities that help find missing children.