A backpack full of money, a connection with an aging studio cowboy, and more than enough danger to suit her. Julia, at 65, weary, bitter, and toughened from years of battles with her adopted nephew over drugs, alcohol, and money is finally relieved of the burden when he is hit by a car and dies. But when the attending doctor tells her he died from blows to the head after the hit and run, implying murder, and the police deny it all, Julia is suspicious and torn between peace at last or peace at any price. As well, when Julia realizes that she might have been able to help him that night and didn't, she feels she has no choice but to "look into it." What she turns up goes well beyond murder.