Unable to come to terms with a family tragedy in Virginia, Caleb drifts westward, seeking anonymity or death. He fears nothing since he has already lost everything he held dear. He learns to fight and kill and is untouched by the result. For Caleb, there is no retribution, no penalty, no tomorrow, only today. He avoids any binding human contact, owing nothing to others, expecting nothing from others except to be left alone.

He begins gold dredging in the Stanley Basin in central Idaho. He has no interest in success, only occupation. Then his life takes a dramatic change. He rescues Mei...