Sean Ireland, the first gay presidential candidate in US history, is guaranteed the election-until he's found dead at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Stunned by her friend's murder, private investigator Darcy McClain is determined to hunt down Sean's killer. In shock, she returns home to find someone has broken into her home, assaulted her sister, and stolen Bullet, her giant schnauzer.

While frantically searching for Bullet, Darcy's worst fears are realized. She finds a tranquilizer dart, shot from a crossbow, lying in her backyard. Only one person she knows uses such a weapon-Solis, a rogue CIA agent who years earlier tried to kill Darcy.

After Sean's death, more grisly murders follow, leading the police to suspect a serial killer. Darcy isn't convinced. But before she can pursue her hunch, she is framed for Sean's death. On the run from the law, she's forced to go underground to solve the murders and to get Bullet back.

In the course of her investigation, she's astounded to discover evidence of a high-level government conspiracy to exterminate gays and lesbians. Thousands are already dying horrible deaths. Is Solis part of the conspiracy? Is he the murderer? Taunted by Solis, who threatens to kill her dog, Darcy vows to track down her adversary, save Bullet, and discover the truth.