Two alternating narrators tell this story set in the Appalachian Mountains. The first, Les, is the sheriff, a mere three weeks from retirement. He contends with the spreading scourge of meth, complicated relationships with the citizens, and his own questionable tactics in keeping the peace.

The second, Becky, is a state park ranger who finds more to connect with in nature than any human, despite her budding relationship with Les. Her reasons for distrust are revealed in the course of the story.

When a resort for wealthy tourists suffers a fish kill in their stocked river, a long-time local resident with a history of conflict appears the likely suspect. Becky doesn’t believe the accusations and Les tries to handle things in his own way, but tensions mount between the resort and the town.