THE FIRST RULE OF PSYCHIATRY�YOU CAN ALWAYS HURT WORSE�SLAMS INTO JACK THORTON 'S LIFE
Jack loses his cushy job in the oil industry. With no education Jack relies on odd jobs. Driving through the stark yet alluring Antelope Hills, Jack Thorton and his son Will are on their way to Lester Jenks' ranch to build fence. Jack learns Will wants to forego a basketball scholarship and marry. Jack is desperate to prevent his son from making the same mistake he did.
Next, his fifteen year old daughter Tanya is arrested for drugs and assaulting a police officer. She earns a court date, but escapes with Lester Jenks' s son Billy Ray, who smashes his Porsche into a power pole. Her face is one big gash. Billy Ray has head injuries. Jack is devastated.
NOW, IN THIS HUMAN DRAMA, THE SUSPENSE AND TORMENT SKYROCKET TO EXCRUCIATING LEVELS.
After the wreck, drugs are found in her purse. She is going to reform school. Jack is shattered, but Dr. Martin drops another bombshell�Tanya is pregnant and hooked on cocaine, Billy Ray the father.
Because she is pregnant, she goes to drug treatment. When she returns home, she attends AA. When Billy Ray recovers and comes home, Will wants to shoot him. Lester Jenks blames Tanya for Billy Ray's drug problem. When Billy Ray starts coming around, the anger builds, setting up a deadly showdown Jack doesn't want. He knows he can't hurt worse.
HE DOES. NOW, JACK GRABS THE BACK OF A FREIGHT TRAIN AND HANGS ON FOR DEAR LIFE.
