Gabriel McQueen has just arrived home on holiday leave from the service when his county-sheriff father sends him back out again with new marching orders. A brewing ice storm and a distant neighbour whos fallen out of contact have the local lawman concerned. So he enlists Gabriel to trek to the middle of nowhere to ensure Lolly Helton is safe and sound. Its a trip the younger McQueen would rather not make given the bitter winter weather - and the icy conditions that have always existed between him and Lolly - but theres no talking back when your dads the towns top cop.