Maelstrom

Ordinarily, the small Connecticut town of Stonefield offers few law enforcement challenges to Sheriff Ian Henderson. Now, however, when local lowlife Rudy Cox is found with two .22 caliber bullets in his head. Ian is convinced the killing is connected to the ancient Native American artifacts that Rudy recently "discovered" at a site he never talked about. Soon after Rudy's death Soaring Eagle, a self-professed tribal representative, appears in town looking for Rudy. He claims his tribe is going to build a museum honoring all the Native American tribes of New England. Perhaps Rudy will help acquire more artifacts for the museum. Henderson is correctly suspicious. because Soaring Eagle is Michael Cassidy, a smooth talking con man sent to Stonefield by mobster Frank D'Amato to find counterfeit bills stolen from D'Amato. When Cassidy learns Rudy is dead, he sees the artifact trail is cold and decides to work on his own. He cons two respected town citizens into creating a foundation and trust fund for the recognition of New England Native American tribes. Because of the status of the two citizens, money rolls in. and Cassidy sees it as his golden nest egg. Ian knows this is a scam, but no one listens to his warnings. Fund raising is lots of fun.Ian's problems worsen when Giovanni Morelli comes to town. Rumored to be connected to organized crime figures, Morelli denies it, and begin a peaceful retirement, but Ian wonders if the mob is planning to move into town. As the days pass with no arrests, Ian grows more frustrated and angry. When Carla Simone, a good looking FBI agent, comes into his office she smiles and says she won't interfere with him but warns he'd better not get in her way. By the time Henderson, State Police Sergeant George Pulio, and FBI Agent Carla Simone wrap up their intertwining cases, they will know they've been caught in a Maelstrom of crime.