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.

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.