In this sequel to Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove series, Texas Ranger Captain Woodrow F. Call, now retired from the Rangers, is a bounty hunter. He is hired by an eastern railroad baron to track down Joey Garza, a new breed of killer.

Call discovers that, not only must he find the teenage killer Joey Garza, he must hunt down the infamous "man-burner" Mox Mox and his gang as well.

Woodrow breaks off from his posse to pursue Mox Mox while his men try to capture or kill Joey Garza. Meanwhile, Lorena searches for Pea and Joey's mother Maria tries to help her son elude the law.