Patti, a college student at the University of Texas in the summer of 1966, is sitting in the Student Union. Sam, a handsome ex-student, asks if he can join her. Moments later, a man runs into the dining room, pulls the plug from the jukebox, tells the diners someone is shooting from the Tower, and warns them not to go outside. Patti and Sam, her new acquaintance, rush to the windows. They see Brenda, a red-headed, mentally challenged girl who works in the cafeteria, walking across the patio. She falls when a bullet hits her. When no one goes to her aid, Patti rushes to her side. Patti hears a bullet ping near her and sprawls on the concrete beside Brenda. The brave coed stops the bleeding from Brenda's leg with her sweater and keeps her calm until the shooting ceases. After Patti accompanies Brenda to the hospital, Sam drives Patti home.The following day, Andy, a cub reporter for the local newspaper, interviews Patti. He questions if the Tower shooter could see Brenda on the Union patio. Both Patti and Andy consider the possibility of a second shooter who shot Brenda and attempted to frighten Patti away. Following the interview, Andy visits the University campus and confirms his premise that the sniper could not have seen Brenda from the Tower. When Andy tells Patti, they decide someone intentionally targeted Brenda and might strike again.Patti continues to date Sam while enjoying Andy's company as they seek to discover who shot Brenda. A mischievous kitten and Patti's fun-loving and free-spirited roommate add humor to the story. Patti, who never considered herself brave, must find the inner strength to face the dangers ahead as she and Andy try to protect Brenda from a potential murderer. Brenda tells Patti she believes she is pregnant and that Robby, Sam's friend, is the baby's father. One evening, while she is on a date with Sam, Patti overhears Robby telling Sam he plans to get rid of the "pesky redhead." Sam warns him to be careful. Patti realizes Robby has sinister motives regarding Brenda. When she tells Andy what she overheard, he shares this knowledge with a police detective.As Patti and Andy seek to determine who shot Brenda and prevent her from further harm, they become more than acquaintances. This romantic mystery is for young adults, history buffs, and anyone who attends or has attended the University of Texas at Austin.
