The year is 2003. The setting is the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where Marvin Barnett is a 53-year-old federal agent. A dear friend, Abner Ladner, was just elected sheriff in a South Louisiana parish, and he wants Marvin to be his chief deputy. Marvin accepts, and retires from the Feds. Now Marvin is in a position to hunt all kinds of criminals.<br><br>

January 1st begins the new life for Marvin and his wife. He quickly learns that local law enforcement is up close and personal with the public, because every problem is a local problem first. The Feds can pick and choose their battles and they do. All the leftovers belong to the sheriff's office.<br><br>