Introducing Buddy Steel, LAPD homicide detective whose father, Burton Steel, sheriff in the town of Freedom, a nearby privileged community falls ill with Lou Gehrig's disease. Returning home, Buddy learns that a world-renowed broadcast minister's wife has gone missing. Following leads, Buddy finds a link to complex web of twisted families, con artists, corrupt public officials, violent enforcers, and a femme fatale.

"When San Remo County Acting Sheriff Buddy Steel is deputized by the California Coastal Commission to investigate a reclusive Russian billionaire who has repeatedly violated state law by obstructing public access to his vast beachfront property, he makes a shocking discovery. And learns that the politicos, some with a history of corruption, some just chicken, will not back up enforcement. This makes Buddy, a former LAPD cop dragged home by his Sheriff...