The dead widow of a bandit whom Lucas once shot in the line of duty as the deputy marshal, has plotted a grotesque revenge against McCain. Sara Caruthers' will stipulates that her $100,000 fortune should be divided among the townsfolk of North Fork, on condition that Lucas McCain dies within seven days after her death. At first, it appears that Lucas' neighbors will reject the idea of taking the tainted money, but a notorious hired gunman suddenly and inexplicably arrives in town.