"Haunted by the memory of the SULTANA riverboat disaster, where he witnessed countless lives perish, Deputy US Marshal Lucas Cain reunites with his old friend, Jim Barnes, now living as a small rancher. When Jim's livelihood is shattered by the ruthless theft of 200 cows, Lucas pledges to recover the stolen herd. When a stagecoach arrives in town with all its passengers dead on arrival, whispers of Rufus Marley, outlaw leader, spread fear throughout the community. Forced to confront his own demons, Lucas stands against a nemesis who stops at nothing and no one. With a showdown looming on the horizon, the courage of this rambling man is about to be tested once again."--Back cover.