When reporter Rachel Armstrong writes a story that reveals the identity of a covert CIA operative, the government demands that Rachel reveal her source. She defies the special prosecutor and is thrown in jail. Meanwhile, her attorney, Albert Burnside argues her case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

After a family is murdered near a remote western town, a US Federal Marshall is sent to investigate. He discovers that the town and surrounding farms is emptying, due in part to the threat of a psychopath having been let loose on the residents. The Marshall has to discover not only who is the killer and how to stop him; but also who let him loose and why.