Mick Hardin a combat veteran now working as an Army CID agent is home on a leave that is almost done. His wife is about to give birth but they aren't getting along. His sister newly risen to sheriff has just landed her first murder case and local politicians are pushing for city police or the FBI to take the case. Are they convinced she can't handle it or is there something else at work? She calls on Mick who with his homicide investigation experience and familiarity with the terrain is well-suited to staying under the radar. As he delves into the investigation he dodges his commanding officer's increasingly urgent calls while attempting to head off further murders. And he needs to talk to his wife.

Part of the Mick Hardin series.