Sheriff Wayne Cooper has maintained law and order in Platte County, Wyoming, for five years. On the same day he learns that his old nemesis—John Smith, has moved to town, and FBI Special Agent Tom Jones arrives, asking probing questions about Smith, a series of stolen tractors, and top-secret government Project Glowing Waters.

Trouble follows when two men in the agricultural community are attacked and hospitalized. Then the murders begin. As Cooper and Jones pursue clues to the thefts and murders, John Smith appears to be their primary suspect, but he continues to elude them.

Cooper’s oldest daughter, Jade, a sophomore at the University of Wyoming, still battles demons from the night of her senior prom. While home for Thanksgiving break, she runs into high school friend Luke McAllen—the boy who had both saved her—and ruined her. Amber, Cooper’s youngest daughter, has a crush on popular football captain Chad LeGrand. Blinded by teenage angst and emotions, Amber ignores the warnings to stay away from LeGrand, who some say is a worthless predator.

Cooper tries to navigate the puzzling world of teenage daughters, while also focusing on his own love life—procuring the affections of Nurse Holly Pacemaker. Adding to the frustration, it appears that Agent Jones may be more interested in spending time with Holly at the hospital than interviewing the injured crime victims.

As Cooper and Jones dig deeper into the peculiar mystery of the stolen tractors, rumors swirl that a Chicago crime family is probing the area. They aren’t happy with Cooper’s refusal to look the other way in matters concerning Smith. Why is the mafia so intent on protecting him?

Smith attacks Cooper, wounding him, and then kidnaps Jade. LeGrand assaults Amber, but she still hopes for young love. Completely naïve about what he’s capable of, she willingly puts herself in harm’s way.

Fuming with hatred for Smith, Cooper stands with teeth bared and one foot on the other side of the law, unafraid to lay down his badge. He knows how to play dirty, and there’s nothing he won’t do to save the people he loves.