On a remote outpost of the Navajo Nation in 1971, Lt. Joe Leaphorn of the Tribal Police and new Deputy Jim Chee are besieged by a series of seemingly unrelated crimes. Together, the two men face the trauma of their pasts as they search for clues.
Navajo Tribal Policeman Joe Leaphorn investigates the death of a man involved in a mysterious cult, while Jim Chee, moonlighting as a PI, works a case of his own; when their investigations collide, Leaphorn and Chee find themselves in grave danger.
Leaphorn explores personal ties to an increasingly mysterious case; Chee is questioned by a reluctant Sgt. Manuelito; the discovery of a body sends Leaphorn and Manuelito in pursuit of a child in danger.
After facing off with a dangerous man, Chee strikes out on his own. Leaphorn and Manuelito partner with the sheriff’s department, leading Leaphorn to identify a vital clue.
Leaphorn risks his life in pursuit of a suspect. Manuelito stands up to the sheriff in a bid to rescue her boss. Seeking answers on a case, Chee considers a dangerous proposition.
With his suspect in custody, Leaphorn races against the clock to get a confession, while Chee goes under cover at the cult that ties their investigations together. Manuelito counsels a teenager nervous about the draft.
Leaphorn and Chee discover evidence that connects their cases, only for Leaphorn to realize justice won’t be easily served. Manuelito prepares for a big life change.