Shaken and mentally fragile after surviving Hurricane Katrina, fifty-something Michael Christopher abandons New Orleans and returns to his old home in Northern California. There, surrounded by redwoods and with his beloved cat for company, Michael attempts to heal the deep wounds left by the hurricane.

At first, Michael's life seems to be on the mend. He renews old friendships and reestablishes his art object restoration business. Then Alex appears, bringing with him an ancient T'ang dynasty horse for restoration-and then vanishing before Michael's eyes.

The experience makes Michael...