With his suspect in custody, Leaphorn races against the clock to get a confession, while Chee goes under cover at the cult that ties their investigations together. Meanwhile, Manuelito counsels a teenager nervous about the draft.
Leaphorn explores personal ties to an increasingly mysterious case, while Chee is questioned by a reluctant Sgt. Manuelito. The discovery of a body sends Leaphorn and Manuelito in pursuit of a child in danger.