"Kelly Hastings could retire. The Chief Detective for the Averton Police Department is preparing for a second career as a college instructor, anticipating a quiet and loving existence with his new wife, Mollie. His record has been stellar, characterized by unyielding ethics and professionalism. His only fault has been a wekaness for a woman's touch. His orderly transition to leisure is shattered by a violent night of explosions an death, unleashing a series of events that causes his life to spiral out of control. Most of all, he is unaware that his town is the staging grounds for an attempt to force the disintegration of the United States government and bring about a breakaway heartland nation. "--Jacket.