Leaphorn and Chee interview the surviving witness to the Big Rock Motel murders. Chee meets with the coroner-- the cause of death remains a mystery. Meanwhile, Sgt. Manuelito makes a chilling discovery of her own.

With a major suspect in custody, Leaphorn discovers that there is more to this crime than he would have ever imagined. Manuelito faces her worst fears. Chee must make a choice between his career and his people.