By the time mid-September came around, Nick felt like he'd finally settled into Small Rapids enough to fit in comfortably. On the occasion he went into the local bar for a beer, the men would shoot the breeze, relaying tall-tales about fishing and hunting. He'd been accepted by the families as one of their own.

Wayne Radcliff was making plans to retire after Christmas, and for Nick to officially take his place as sheriff-which suited him just fine. Small Rapids had turned ...