Secrets, lies, intimidation, threats, and pure greed were pitted against Dan Brandon as he investigated the death of Henry Brandon, his father. To freely make inquiries in Bounty, Dan assumed the alias of Drake Brinkman. Bart Jeeter's insatiable hunger for Henry's gold and its location caused a deep aggravation within him. Bart crippled the town with fear of his black-handled whip, because it spoke a language of hatred and intimidation. Businesses in Bounty went up in flames because of this one man's evil greed and stubbornness. Henry Brandon left a leather case in the care of the Saxon Bank president six months before his death, and it held very important papers. Henry's cabin and possessions now belonged to Dan. However, Dan had an unexpected surprise when he read his father's letter and crude map within the case. Totally shocked and unaware of the contents, he read about his hidden legacy from his beloved father. Will the inhabitants of Bounty rise as victors from the ashes, or will they remain defeated by Bart Jeeters and his black-handled whip?