Rusty Joplin has returned to his hometown several years after being driven away by the father of his true love, Elena Ryder.  Rusty is now the sheriff even though Mr. Ryder did everything in his power to prevent him from winning the election.  When Elena's sister is found dead at her horse ranch, Rusty doesn't believe that it was an accident.  He starts his investigation but is determined to keep his distance if he runs into Elena. 

Elena Ryder has never felt for any man what she felt for Rusty Joplin.  Now that he is investigating her sister's death, this may be her chance to have him in her life again.  Of course that is only until her father realizes that Rusty is doing the investigating, then he does whatever he can to stonewall Rusty's progress. 

Elena and Rusty start seeing each other in secret even though Rusty knows that it could never work out because of her father.  His investigation hits many dead ends because there is virtually no evidence and too many suspects.  Will Rusty get the break he needs both professionally and romantically?