The saga continues. At the compound in Junction, life settles into a peaceful routine. Tom Haskins is regarded as a local hero for his role in killing the Garza gang and for putting their bodies on display as a warning to other marauders. He's asked by the Kerrville City Council to accept the role of Kerr County Sheriff. In nearby San Antonio, the plague continues to wreak havoc, even in its waning days. Scott Harter, nearing the end of his self-imposed exile, learns that Becky has been keeping a secret. But Becky's not the only one with secrets. First Tom, then young Zachary, disappear from the compound. Each of them has a very personal and very secret mission to attend to. The worst secret of all, though, is held by Robbie Benton, one of San Antonio's finest police officers. The end of the plague is expected to bring joy to all and unite many loved ones. But it will also give Robbie the opportunity to murder one of his closest friends.