Jillian Green and her best friend, Savannah Cantrell, visit their favorite teacher, Miss Rita Carter, a ninety-one-year-old local legend. Facing a terminal illness, Miss Rita is getting her affairs in order, including giving Savannah the 1972 Buick Riviera that once belonged to her son, Ryan, a troubled young man who hit the road shortly after returning from serving in Vietnam. The mystery of his disappearance continues to weigh on Miss Rita. The questions surrounding Ryan's departure take an even darker turn when Savannah finds a lockbox filled with jewels and cash while inspecting her new car. Will Miss Rita get the answers she so desperately seeks? Will anyone claim the treasure hidden in the back seat of the cherry-red coupe? And what really happened to Ryan Carter?