The action of the play takes place in 1885 in Sunset Valley, Texas where Tyrus Cole, a crusty, ill-tempered horse trainer lives on a ranch with his invalid sister, Mary. Because he is unable to watch her during the day, Mary is confined to a root cellar. Enter Dwight Foley, a young stranger seeking help with his horse. His arrival soon upsets the delicate balance between brother and sister, and the three find themselves trapped in a complex web of intrigue, greed and secrets.