Emerson Francis Whitman, whose parents were great admirers of philosophy - and philosophers - has the distinction of being the technical representative of Primary Pulse Energy Systems of Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. As a tech rep, Emerson travels to a variety of trade shows to assist distributors and dealers of the company's product line to learn the equipment and to sell more of the same. The work itself is pleasant and relatively undemanding. It allows him to travel across the country in a leisurely fashion, accompanied by his spouse and partner of many years, Priscilla Jeanette, aka PJ.

He also has an unfortunate propensity for becoming entangled in sticky situations through absolutely no fault of his own.

Dispatched to an outdoor equipment show in the ranch country of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Emerson inadvertently embarrasses an egotistical ranch hand of questionable skills and even more questionable character. He awakes from the encounter to find himself stretched out on the venerable mahogany bar of the vaunted Long Drink Saloon & Dining Emporium.

Things proceed rapidly downhill from there. He will need a concerted application of both intelligence and troubleshooting skills to survive this ride.