Special agent, Steve Randolf was sent to the small border station of Quigley to investigate a suspected increase in drug trafficking. His arrival was not welcomed by the local staff who resented his independent ways and abrasive nature. Steve met his first wetback on his very first night when he appropriated the station's desert cottage outpost. His meeting was eventful because the wetback, Jessica Martinez, not only bested him but subsequently became his entree to the boys, Mingo and Mano. His acquaintance with Mingo flourished when he ushered him and his tomatoes, the product of choice in trade between the poor villagers of San Pascual and the richer anglos, across the border. However he soon discovered the trade in tomatoes was merely a cover for a more lucrative trade in marijuana. It was Randolph's determination to protect Mingo that led him to the final trip to San Pascual where he witnessed first hand that Jessica was not only able to take care of herself but also came close to losing all their lives to the real drug traffickers. Finally Randolph admits to himself that Jessica is more important to his than remaining in the service. Only then did he learn who she actually worked for.