The Susquehanna River Basin Commission decides to study the feasibility of building a dam on the North Branch of the Susquehanna River near Hallstead. Lizbeth Scott, Chief Geologist who is sent to manage the studies, soon finds herself at the center of a political storm. Bob Botts, who engineered the storm, sees the economic development possibilities of such a project, and moves quickly to get the public to support it. The project unites diverse economic groups behind the project and numerous environmental and conservation groups against it. It also attracts the attention of Johnny Johnson, a bizarre character sometimes referred to as the "town drunk" or the "horny hermit." The murder of Lizbeth Scott, who was living with Kate and Ben, re-unites the Pierces with Brad Jackson, State Police Criminal Investigator. It also starts events that culminate in two other deaths and the climactic shoot out at the Pierces' country home.