Somewhere in the hinterland of California, at the beginning of the 20th century, Cole Hupp lives secluded from the world and waits for his end. But it's not the Grim Reaper who knocks on his door, but a young librarian named Vivienne. She is interested in the true Wild West, the reality behind the myth, and she knows Cole's true name: Red Dust, a legend whose saga was written with blood in the dust of Wyoming. But Vivienne also has disturbing news, because Ranch 666, where Red performed his heroic deeds, is no longer accessible.