In April, 1973, among the beautiful Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, a community is plagued by a deadly menace that strikes without warning and without mercy. Who or what could murder grown men and livestock so viciously and disappear without notice? But this lethal force is not the only threat that lurks among them. The so-called "golden years" are often simply fool's gold, but Jake Jackson proves that even an old man can have a dream for the future. What he doesn't realize is there are many foes intent on crushing his dreams and snatching them away. Instead of relaxing and enjoying life, there are the very real horrors of financial problems, greedy relatives, and declining health as well as the fear of losing everything and being sent to places where no one in their right mind would want to go. On the other hand, Joe Hayes, Jake's half-brother and best friend, guards a powerful secret that holds his dream for the future. Joe wants to face his secret but fears the repercussions to those he loves if it is revealed. Not many men have been entrusted with the truth, but what will result when the mystery is unveiled?