When an arson fire claims the life of the wife of a Navajo Councilmember who spearheaded gun control measures, tensions flare throughout the Rez. Navajo Police Special Investigator Ella Clah's search for the killers is hampered by what happened to her a few days earlier.

That day, Ella had acted quickly when an underground explosion triggered the collapse of an abandoned mineshaft. Seeing a child sliding into an exposed tunnel, Ella saved his life but was trapped underground for several frightening, airless minutes.

Ella's brother Clifford, a Navajo medicine man, believes that Ella died and that his hataalii abilities showed her wandering wind spirit the way back to her body. Traditionalist Navajo are reluctant to speak to Ella, fearing that she has been contaminated with chindi and become evil. Even some of her fellow police officers are uncomfortable in Ella's presence.

Undaunted, Ella continues her quest for justice. But she knows that her experiences underground have changed her permanently. Perhaps she will find a new way to walk in beauty . . . .