Chapter One Summary

The narrator, David Hayden, is the son of Wesley and Gail Hayden. They live in Brentrock, Montana, the county seat of Mercer County where Wesley serves as sheriff. The county is largely rural and includes a section of the Fort Warren Indian Reservation. The war has passed and life is, according to David, "mundane." David describes his father as being different from most Montana men. The sheriff isn't often in dangerous situations and this seems to be somewhat disappointing to David. Wesley seldom carries his gun, even when he leaves the house on police business, and is usually called on to help settle minor disputes. David and his mother, Gail, both wish things were different. David is disappointed that his father's job isn't more exciting. Gail cites Wesley's law degree from North Dakota Law School and his membership to both North...