A West Texas deputy sheriff is slowly unmasked as a psychotic killer.

Lou Ford: I got a foot on both sides of the fence. They were put there early, and they stayed put. I can't move. I can't jump. All I can do is wait until I split, right down the middle.
Billy Boy Walker: A weed is a plant out of place. I find a hollyhock in my cornfield, and it's a weed. I find it in my yard, and it's a flower. You're in my yard
Billy Boy Walker: You said you didn't want anyone else to get hurt. You meant it?
Lou Ford: I meant it. Can't somebody who's already dead.
Sheriff Bob Maples: It's always lightest just before the dark.
[last lines]
Lou Ford: I love you too.
[he stabs her]
[first lines]
Sheriff Bob Maples: Name of Joyce Lakeland. Lives about four or five miles out on Derrick Road past the old Branch place.
Lou Ford: Oh, I know the old Branch place. She a hustling lady, Bob?
Sheriff Bob Maples: Well, I guess so, but she's - she's been pretty decent about it.