The barrier island that protects the Texas Coast is the site of many shipwrecks from storms dating back to the Spanish galleons of the 1500s. The Gulf Stream washes hugh riches on the shores of this desolate island. Padre Island is a novel about antiquities smuggling. There is a market for antiquities, though collecting thim is unlawful. It is up to the National Park Rangers to interdict the smuggling fomr both Padre Island and Mexico.