Rip Taylor is a successful Colorado Springs defense attorney. He loves opera but hates the abusive voices and disembodied faces that constantly haunt him: schizophrenia has been part of his life for years. Medications help, but at a cost-a tradeoff his psychiatrist refuses to understand. Rip's only allies are Mara and Kala, a mysterious pair of jays who visit Rip and provide information about his cases. Other people see and hear the birds, but only Rip understands what Mara and Kala are saying. When Rip loses access to their advice, he strays into an ethical dilemma. He must decide whether to act as his profession demands or to defend what he believes is a greater good. His choice kindles an unlikely partnership and a new direction for his life.