Kane Mercer was once the Ledger’s top-ranked killer. Three years ago, he retired, hid his identity in the American Southwest, and became a quiet freight driver for the Firethorn Outfit. When crime boss Victor Crowe massacres Firethorn to control the border routes, Kane is entrusted with protecting Tessa Cross, the leader’s daughter—and is forced back into his old life. A helicopter ambush fails to kill him. Kane tears through the ambush and declares war on Crowe. Crowe raises Kane’s bounty to $3 million and draws in assassins: Deadeye Logan, the Twin Reapers, Sweet Mary, and Pelosi. As Kane defeats each pursuer, his true identity unravels. He and Tessa cross the Deadlands, surviving breakdowns, shortages, and attacks. Tessa grows from a helpless fugitive into a capable partner. They fall in love. After escaping the wasteland, they ally with the Free Riders and attack the Viper stronghold. Briffen, the former Ledger number one, kills Elias and takes Tessa and Mara hostage. Kane defeats Briffen, catches Crowe’s fleeing helicopter, and ends the manhunt. Everyone believes Kane died in the explosion—but Tessa waits in the rain until he returns. The story ends with their wedding: from lone killer to a man who chooses family.