New York PI Giacomo Berg and missing-persons expert Bonita Boyd desperately search for old friend Peter Proust before he disappears from the face of the earth. Their quest leads deep into the vulnerable underbelly of America, populated by survivalists, untethered hippies, people fearing falling space debris, and chemical plant poisoning. Their tortuous search is mirrored by the meandering relationship between Berg and Boyd as they navigate the swamps, deserts, and mountains of the Southwest.