In 1952, El Paso, Diego Ramirez torches the barn where his abusive stepfather is working. Believing he has killed him, he flees the ranch, taking with him his mother's paltry life savings, dimes and nickels, and hitchhikes through Texas accepting rides from anyone who offers, a bigoted truck driver, a woman who only gives rides to children of crippled spirit, a salesman who feeds Diego's dreams of success, and a lonely widow, who takes him in only to let him go. It is through these drivers and others, some kind, some villainous, that Diego is able to unravel his crimes and the crimes against him.