When an aging biblical scholar is fatally shot after revealing his possession of a unique parchment believed to have been written by Jesus, Father Aiden O'Brien investigates the victim's suspicions that a close friend was responsible, a case that is complicated by circumstances implicating the man's Alzheimer's victim wife.

Ken Casey has a secret. His real name is Ded Axton, known as Death's Acolyte for his speed with a pistol. He's an ordained Episcopal priest who lost his way, and maybe his soul, during the Civil War. When Casey takes a job as a cook in the small, peaceful town of Wardell, Texas, Angus Pugh and his gang ride in and take the town hostage while they wait for a shipment of gold. Soon innocent blood is shed, and it becomes clear that only one person can...