An open window. A bullet to the forehead. A beloved Rio Rancho citizen is dead. Thus begins a news story accurately describing the violent event which draws the Hamiltons into a quest to expose a murderer and clear their friend Harvey from suspicion. The Hamiltons are not alone. Freddy Herrera, the smiling plumber, and other private citizens assist them in the dangerous investigation. Witnesses in a hot air balloon may be the key. Bill, Freddie and the police interview the witnesses but learn little. An unstable stranger seems bent on killing Harvey. Harvey is stalked and hounded and the others are endangered. More shootings bring danger closer and closer to the group. Harvey becomes a target on a deer hunt and other murders occur as Bill and Freddie begin to learn the truth. Seemingly unrelated events become woven together in a stunning climax. Who is the real murderer and how was the murder accomplished? Bill almost finds the truth before a confrontation with the killer in the high desert. When the killer gets the upper hand, will anyone in the group survive?