“Does anyone else know?” she asked.

Joe sighed heavily. “The only other person who was in a position to have seen what happened wasn’t home that afternoon.”

“So I’m not going to jail or prison?”

“I’m not law enforcement anymore.”

He looked toward the house and saw Marybeth at the window, her hand again covering her mouth. Joe feared he’d asked of Marybeth too much.

“Your dad is giving up everything for you,” Joe said. “His freedom, his reputation, and his future. You need to keep your promise to him and make him proud.”

“I will, I will,” she wailed.

—

JOE STAYED WITH HANNAH until she regained control of herself, then said, “Go back to the house now.”

“Thank you,” she said.

“He’s a good dad,” Joe said.

“He’s the best.”

Joe watched her slowly walk back, her shoulders still heaving. Marybeth met her at the door.

Then he dug out his cell phone. It was time to return a call to Governor Rulon.

He needed a job.

AFTERWORD AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The premise of this book is based on a true story.

The author thanks Mike and Chantelle Sackett of Nordman, Idaho, not only for their courage in their battle with the EPA in a situation similar to the one portrayed in the book but also for graciously sharing their story. Readers outraged by the abuse of authority may consider a donation to the Pacific Legal Foundation (http://www.pacificlegal.org), who defended the Sacketts and won a remarkable landmark 9–0 U.S. Supreme Court Decision in 2012.

Special thanks also to Bob Krauter, Hugh Hewitt, Jake Budd, Mark and Suzi Dunning, and Mark Nelson, all of whom provided insight, contacts, settings, and assistance.

My sincere appreciation to Laurie Box, Becky Reif, Molly Donnell, Roxanne Box, Jennifer Fonnesbeck, and Don Hajicek for their support at home; Ivan Held, Michael Barson, and Tom Colgan, and the legendary Neil Nyren (who wisely dialed me back) at Putnam; and the amazing Ann Rittenberg in New York.

FEDERAL LANDOWNERSHIP (TOP 12 STATES)

STATE

TOTAL SQUARE MILES

% OWNED BY FEDERAL GOV.

1. Nevada

61,548

87.6

2. Utah

35,723

68

3. Alaska

244,627

67

4. Idaho

34,520

65.2

5. Oregon

34,084

55.5

6. California

49,842

49.9

7. Wyoming

30,902

49.7

8. Arizona

32,228

44.3

9. Colorado

25,851

38.9

10. New Mexico

28,143

36.2

11. Washington

13,984

32.8

12. Montana

29,718

31.9

Source: National Wilderness Institute

ALSO BY C. J. BOX

THE JOE PICKETT NOVELS

Force of Nature

Cold Wind

Nowhere to Run

Below Zero

Blood Trail

Free Fire

In Plain Sight

Out of Range

Trophy Hunt

Winterkill

Savage Run

Open Season

THE STAND-ALONE NOVELS

Back of Beyond

Three Weeks to Say Goodbye

Blue Heaven