Breaking Point

Marybeth too much.
    “Your dad is giving up everything for you,” Joe said. “His freedom, his reputation, and his future. You need to keep your promise to him and make him proud.”
    “I will, I will,” she wailed.
    —
    J OE STAYED WITH H ANNAH until she regained control of herself, then said, “Go back to the house now.”
    “Thank you,” she said.
    “He’s a good dad,” Joe said.
    “He’s the
best
.”
    Joe watched her slowly walk back, her shoulders still heaving. Marybeth met her at the door.
    Then he dug out his cell phone. It was time to return a call to Governor Rulon.
    He needed a job.

AFTERWORD AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
    The premise of this book is based on a true story.

    The author thanks Mike and Chantelle Sackett of Nordman, Idaho, not only for their courage in their battle with the EPA in a situation similar to the one portrayed in the book but also for graciously sharing their story. Readers outraged by the abuse of authority may consider a donation to the Pacific Legal Foundation (http://www.pacificlegal.org), who defended the Sacketts and won a remarkable landmark 9–0 U.S. Supreme Court Decision in 2012.
    Special thanks also to Bob Krauter, Hugh Hewitt, Jake Budd, Mark and Suzi Dunning, and Mark Nelson, all of whom provided insight, contacts, settings, and assistance.
    My sincere appreciation to Laurie Box, Becky Reif, Molly Donnell, Roxanne Box, Jennifer Fonnesbeck, and Don Hajicek for their support at home; Ivan Held, Michael Barson, and Tom Colgan, and the legendary Neil Nyren (who wisely dialed me back) at Putnam; and the amazing Ann Rittenberg in New York.

FEDERAL LANDOWNERSHIP (TOP 12 STATES)
S TATE
T OTAL S QUARE M ILES
% O WNED BY F EDERAL G OV.
1. Nevada
61,548
87.6
2. Utah
35,723
68
3. Alaska
244,627
67
4. Idaho
34,520
65.2
5. Oregon
34,084
55.5
6. California
49,842
49.9
7. Wyoming
30,902
49.7
8. Arizona
32,228
44.3
9. Colorado
25,851
38.9
10. New Mexico
28,143
36.2
11. Washington
13,984
32.8
12. Montana
29,718
31.9
    Source: National Wilderness Institute

ALSO BY C. J. BOX
    T HE J OE P ICKETT N OVELS
    Force of Nature
    Cold Wind
    Nowhere to Run
    Below Zero
    Blood Trail
    Free Fire
    In Plain Sight
    Out of Range
    Trophy Hunt
    Winterkill
    Savage Run
    Open Season
    T HE S TAND -A LONE N OVELS
    Back of Beyond
    Three Weeks to Say Goodbye
    Blue Heaven