Since the end of the War of Rebellion, Eric Stratemeier thought he had put his past behind him for good. He came to the Arizona high country as the new owner of the embattled Hatchet outfit, boss to a dozen men and ten thousand cattle. But there his past was waiting for him, along with a passel of angry men who wanted the rich Hatchet spread for themselves. Stratemeier stood alone, with no law to back him, no secrets to shield him—with sudden death breathing down his neck.